The world has come together in a moment of adversity to stand and fight next to our Black brothers and sisters.
While I do not stand with the looting and riots, that have nothing to do with the cause. I do stand with those that actually have message. The ones trying to stand up to protest police brutality and racial profiling against the Black community.
Because I am a book nerd, a lot of people keep asking me about books to introduced children to race. Amazing! I loved this question. There are so many lists out there, and I will keep sharing them in my instagram.
And I wanted to share a list with you. So here we go, in no particular order.
A Kids Book about Racism by Jelani Memory
Yes, this really is a kids book about racism. Inside, you’ll find a clear description of what racism is, how it makes people feel when they experience it, and how to spot it when it happens. This is one conversation that’s never too early to start, and this book was written to be an introduction for kids on the topic.
Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o
It follows the story of a young girl who wishes for her dark skin to be lighter. The story is ultimately about colorism and learning to love oneself, no matter one’s skin tone.
Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
Brown Girl Dreaming is a 2014 adolescent novel told in verse by author Jacqueline Woodson. It discusses the author’s childhood as an African American growing up in the 1960s in South Carolina and New York.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison
This beautifully illustrated New York Times bestseller introduces readers of all ages to 40 women who changed the world.
Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine
A stirring, dramatic story of a slave who mails himself to freedom by a Jane Addams Peace Award-winning author and a Coretta Scott King Award-winning artist.Henry Brown doesn’t know how old he is. Nobody keeps records of slaves’ birthdays.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Based on the Oscar winning short film! It’s up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this story of self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters. Zuri knows her hair is beautiful, but it has a mind of its own!It kinks, coils, and curls every which way.
I Am Enough by Grace Byers
A New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner!This is a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another—from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.
Chocolate Me! by Taye Diggs
The boy is teased for looking different than the other kids. His skin is darker, his hair curlier. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else.
Don’t Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller
An entertaining picture book that teaches the importance of asking for permission first as a young girl attempts to escape the curious hands that want to touch her hair. It seems that wherever Aria goes, someone wants to touch her hair.
Skin Like Mine by Latashia M. Perry
From the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine, the second book in the Kids Like Mine Series, is a fun, easy-to- read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry.
This is just a short list of books that I love. But there’s tons more out there. All you have to do is a quick search.
Getting the conversation started at a young age reinforces that racism is not acceptable.
For more titles, check out this instagram:
Nerd & Lace 