Livin’.
Explaining racism and protests to children is a difficult yet necessary responsibility of a parent. With images of protests over the most recent murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor displayed on television screens to street corners, children are watching and listening. We’ve selected 10 books that can help children ages 3 to 10 years old understand the reality of being seen as different and that their Black life matters.
By Krystal O.
The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton
“The well-known author retells 24 black American folk tales in sure storytelling voice: animal tales, supernatural tales, fanciful and cautionary tales, and slave tales of freedom. All are beautifully readable. With the added attraction of 40 wonderfully expressive paintings by the Dillons, this collection should be snapped up.”
– School Library Journal.
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
“This bestselling ABC book is written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for.”
– Penguin Random House
I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes
“Langston Hughes was a courageous voice of his time, and his authentic call for equality still rings true today. Beautiful paintings from Barack Obama illustrator Bryan Collier accompany and reinvent the celebrated lines of the poem "I, Too," creating a breathtaking reminder to all Americans that we are united despite our differences.”
– Simon & Schuster
Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins
”This lyrical, empowering poem celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals.”
– Amazon.com
Malcolm Little by Ilyasah Shabazz
“Together with acclaimed illustrator AG Ford, Ilyasah Shabazz gives us a unique glimpse into the childhood of her father, Malcolm X, with a lyrical story that carries a message that resonates still today—that we must all strive to live to our highest potential.”
– Simon & Schuster
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
“Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael López’s dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.”
– Penguin Random House
I Am Enough by Grace Byers
“This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.”
– Harper Collins
We’re Different, We’re the Same by Bobbi Kates
“Who better than Sesame Street to teach us that we may all look different on the outside—but it’s important to remember that deep down, we are all very much alike.”
– Penguin Random House
Something Happened In Our Town by
Marriane Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard
This story “follows two families — one White, one Black — as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives.
Includes an extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers with guidelines for discussing race and racism with children, child-friendly definitions, and sample dialogues.”
– Amazon.com
The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson
”Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this moving picture book that proves you’re never too little to make a difference.”
– Simon & Schuster