Children’s literature has a wealth of insightful, educational, and appealing books to help educate children about race and racial injustice in the United States. Including everything from picture books to novels, covering both historical and contemporary struggles, this list of children’s books can help parents better inform their children about the realities of race and racial injustice in the United States.

Click on the covers to link to Overdrive, and in some cases Hoopla, to check-out or place holds on items of interest.

We have also included videos to check out, as well as links to a few helpful websites.

For Pre-K & Kindergarten and Older:

Also on audiobook

Also on Hoopla audiobook

Only available on Hoopla

For 1st Grade & Older:

Only available on Hoopla

For 3rd & 4th Grade & Older:

Also available on Hoopla

Only available on Hoopla

Also available on Hoopla

For 4th Grade & Older:

Only available on Hoopla

Also available on Hoopla

For 5th Grade & Older:

Also available on Hoopla

Only available on Hoopla

Books made into VIDEOS

WEBSITES & VIDEO LINKS TO VISIT FOR MORE INFORMATION AND HELP:

The Power of We

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, will address racism - and model how children can stand up to it - in "The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special."

Designed as a co-viewing experience for children and families, the special features Elmo and Abby Cadabby, who are joined by 6-year-old Muppet Gabrielle and her cousin, 8-year-old Tamir, as they learn how to become "upstanders" to unfair treatment based on skin - or fur - color.

Standing Up to Racism

This special, "Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism. A CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall for Kids and Families" will talk to kids about racism, the recent nationwide protest, embracing diversity, and being more empathetic and understanding.

Big Bird joins CC commentator Van Jones and CNN anchor & national correspondent Erica Hill to moderate the event. They will be joined by Sesame Street characters--including Elmo, Abby Cadabby, & Rosita--and other experts answering questions submitted by families.

Hair Love, an Oscar winning Short Film, directed by the author of the original book, tells the heartwarming story of a Black father learning how to style his daughter's hair for the first time.

With only a YouTube video tutorial as the main dialogue, we see Stephen stepping up for daughter Zuri while her mother, voiced by Issa Rae, is away.

Hair Love focuses on the importance of embracing natural hair, and it also places a spotlight on a sweet father-daughter relationship.

BBC Women's Hour - How to Talk to Your Children about Race and Racism

This article is a condensed extract of a podcast discussion on BBC's Woman's Hour with entrepreneur, blogger, & mum-of-one Freddie Harrel and behavioral scientist and diversity consultant Dr. Pragya Agarwal - who has three daughters. They share their personal experiences and tips on discussing race and racism.

National Geographic: Talking to Kids About Race

Drawing from a range of experts, writers, and social commentators, this National Geographic article skillfully weaves advice and examples on how to begin talking about race.

embracerace.org

"Let's Raise a Generation of Children Who Are Thoughtful, Informed, and Brave About Race."

Baby Centre: How to Talk to Your Child About Race

This article is aimed at parents of pre-schoolers and provides some insight in to how to consider racial perceptions from a young child's point of view. It also helps provide some responses and encourages parents of this age group to literally answer children's questions directly and honestly, as they are asked.