Books are mirrors and windows for kids. While it’s important for Black kids to see themselves in books, it’s equally important for white families to read books with characters of all colors who are just kids being kids, as well as stories of empowered, successful Black people. Here are a few of our favorites. Look here for kids’ books about activism.
Jackson, Linda Williams author.
After the murder of Emmett Till, thirteen-year-old Rose is struggling with her decision to stay in Mississippi. Torn between the opinions of Shorty, a boy who wants to meet violence with violence, and Hallelujah, her best friend who believes in the power of peaceful protests, Rose is scared of the mounting racial tension and is starting to lose hope. But when Rose helps Aunt Ruthie start her own business, she begins to see how she can make a difference in her community.
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Joy, Angela, 1975- author.
A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on.
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Woodson, Jacqueline
Jacqueline Woodson, one of today's finest writers, tells the moving story of her childhood in mesmerizing verse. Raised in South Carolina and New York, Woodson always felt halfway home in each place. In vivid poems, she shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement.
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Barnes, Derrick D. author.
Write a detailed description of an everyday experience that is important to you and include as many sensory details as you can remember: how do things look, sound and smell? How do you feel during the activity? Do your emotions change as things progress? Suggested topics: family dinner, starting a school day, recess, sports practice, playdate with friend, trip to the library, or trip to the grocery store.
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Byers, Grace, author.
Shares a story of loving who you are, respecting others and being kind to one another.
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Mora, Oge author, illustrator.
When all of their special Saturday plans go awry, Ava and her mother still find a way to appreciate one another and their time together.
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Nyong'o, Lupita author.
When five-year-old Sulwe's classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade.
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