Books have always been an important part of my life. Growing up, books were a part of our conversations and were used as teaching tools. As a mom of four, a former public schoolteacher, and now as a university professor I have used, and continue to use, books as conversation starters and to launch opportunities for learning. Honestly, I have such a love for literature – and particularly children’s literature – that I often am searching for the perfect book to launch a lesson or to connect on a topic. Since I teach Children’s Literature, I even keep a little notebook (I know, it’s a bit “old school”) and also an app on my phone to tag books for specific topics.
I have been asked in the past week for book recommendations on the topic of prejudice, racism, and social justice, so I am sharing some of the books I’ve acquired in the past couple of years on this subject. This in NOT meant to be a comprehensive list, by any means. These just happen to be books I own and am familiar with. I’m certain there are other fantastic books on the topic – and I’ve seen some recommendations in the past week that I look forward to reading in the future.
For the record, this post in not about making your bookshelves more diverse. That is an important topic for another day … striving to have shelves full of books with diverse characters, living and playing together, and being portrayed in authentic, respectful ways. Instead, these books are meant to help facilitate specific conversations about prejudice, racism, and how to advocate for social justice.
Affiliate links are included to take a closer look at any one of these books. If you have access to a local book retailer, that’s a great place to purchase these. I would also encourage you to request that your local library include these books on their shelves.
On the Playground: Our First Talk About Prejudice written by Dr. Jillian Roberts and illustrated by Jane Heinrichs
As a part of The World Around Us series, this is a nonfiction book that uses illustrations and full-color photographs of diverse characters to address the topics of harassment, bullying, various forms of prejudice, and inclusivity. The text and photos are written with a young elementary audience in mind, with many sidebars that answer questions and offer additional details. Written by a child psychologist, the informational text is more “clinical” in nature – although very age-appropriate – and would be a great guide to help parents or teachers discuss this topic with kids.
Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice written by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard and illustrated by Jennifer Zivion
Kids are often aware of what is happening, even when we attempt to “shelter” them. Written by three psychologists who advocate for children’s behavioral health and social justice, this book is an age-appropriate retelling for an elementary audience. The book follows the story of two families, a Black family and a White family, as they process the tragic outcome after a Black man is shot by a White police officer. The youngest children in each family are in the same class at school, and in the storyline they are able to apply positive lessons they are learning from their parents when a new student arrives. This book takes a dive into what can be uncomfortable territory – including topics of stereotypes and aggression, but with processing and discussion are healthy when used appropriately. I would encourage family dialogue and discussion to learn and process this content together. Eight pages of notes to parents and caregivers are included, with helpful guidelines and information on addressing racism, vocabulary with child-friendly definitions, as well as sample questions and answers to facilitate a parent-child conversation.
The Undefeated written by Kwame Alexander and illustrated by Kadir Nelson
A book is special when it has been awarded a Caldecott or a Newbery Award. When a book is awarded BOTH – well, then you know it is spectacular. Winner of the 2020 Caldecott Medal, 2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and 2020 Newbery Honor, this poetic text was written by Kwame Alexander as a love letter to America. Kadir Nelson’s illustrations are phenomenal at supporting the lyrical cadence, often stealing the show. If White people truly want to listen, to really listen … they need to listen to the heart and soul of Black authors and illustrators. Honoring the perseverance and bravery of Black heroes, this book is a wonderful place to start.
Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
Kids need to know practical ways to pursue social justice. Say Something is a wonderful book that demonstrates the various ways kids can share their voice. We can say something with words, action, creativity … even peacefully. This book inspires readers to keep using their voices until the world listens.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López
Is this a book about prejudice, racism, and social justice? Not directly. This beautifully written and illustrated picture book is about walking into a new situation and not looking like anyone else. Or not speaking the same language. Or not being the kid who traveled to cool places over summer break. Or not having the same lunch. This book is written from the perspective of feeling like an outsider, but finding the inner strength to be brave – and discovering new friendships. Illustrated with many diverse characters, all kids should be able to see themselves in this book. This book demonstrates what it looks like to be anti-prejudice, anti-racist, and how to love and accept your neighbor. So, is this book about prejudice, racism, and social justice? Absolutely!
BONUS: I LOVE that this book comes in a beautiful Spanish language edition.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions about any of the books you see here. Feel free to email me at michelle@thedailyjoy.com
All reviews are completely my own and I only recommend books I truly believe are worthy of sharing with others. (Believe me, I read many books I do not recommend, which means you won’t see me writing about them!)
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