15 Books for Kids of All Ages About Diversity & Race That Every Family Needs
In a world where the need for us to march in the streets for equality still exists, it's more important than ever to teach our children to be better and to do better. It's time that we have the important conversations with our children about race, diversity, and human kindness. It's time we get uncomfortable in the name of the greater good.
Change starts at home, and it starts young. People of color know that they need to have these conversations with their children when they are young but all kids need to be raised with empathy and love. All children need to be taught to embrace diversity. Racism and prejudice are not something we are born with -- they're something children learn from watching the people around them.
These books are great tools for parents to start a conversation and guide their children on how to live in the world with all people -- not just those who look, sound, and think like them.
'What If We Were All The Same!'
What If We Were All The Same!: A Children's Book About Ethnic Diversity and Inclusion by C.M. Harris and Eric Everett teaches our children to embrace all of our differences. Those differences are what makes us all special and why would we want to be like anyone else?
'The Skin You Live In'
Written specifically for little kids, The Skin You Live In, is a great rhyming book about race for children. It celebrates all different skin colors from “butterscotch gold” to “cookie dough rolled.” The Skin You Live In reminds children that the person within is what matters, not how someone looks on the outside.
'This Book Is Anti-Racist'
In the voice of an educator, Tiffany Jewell discusses the concept of race and openly discusses the history of oppression of black and Indigenous people in our country. She then outlines clear actionable items we can all do to stop racism starting with ourselves and our children. This one is best to use as a read-aloud with older kids to foster important discussions.
'The Hate U Give'
This YA novel is timely and perfect for teaching your child to stand up for the right things and to get a better understanding what it feels like to be black in America. The Hate U Give tells the story of a young girl whose best friend is killed by police in an act of racial injustice -- a timely topic given current events.
'All American Boys'
All American Boys is the perspective of two teen boys, one white and one black, same situation. The novel is co-written by authors of both races so they can give the perspective of police brutality as it applies by each individual to give the reader insight into how differently two races are treated for the same crimes.
'The Colors of Us'
The Colors of Us is about a little girl named Lena who wants to paint a picture of herself using brown paint for her skin. As she and her mom walk the neighborhood, Lena sees all the different shades of brown and begins to feel a greater sense of belonging in the world. This book is a beautiful affirmation on the beauty of brown skin.
