10 Books to Help You Talk to Your Kids About Racism

To help start these conversations about racism and equality, check out these 10 books for kids.

Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi and Ashley Lukashevsky

Follow this book’s nine easy steps for building a more equitable world to introduce the youngest readers to the concept of anti-racism. The picture book also includes discussion prompts for reflecting on bias in your own daily life. For ages baby-3.

We’re Different, We’re the Same by Bobbi Kates and Joe Mathieu

Told by the stars of “Sesame Street,” this book explores the idea that even though we may look different on the outside, we’re all the same deep down. For ages 3-7.

Happy in Our Skin by Fran Manushkin and Lauren Tobia

This cute illustrated book shows how human skin is different, but it is wonderful to celebrate those differences by being exactly who you are. For ages 4-6.

Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazzard and Jennifer Zivoin

Written by three doctors who worked together at the Emory University School of Medicine, two families discuss the police shooting of a Black man in their community. It also includes information for parents or guardians for discussing race and racism, child-friendly definitions and sample dialogues. For ages 4-8.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

This picture book celebrates diversity and inclusion by following a group of children
through their day at school. Each child gets to learn from and celebrate each other’s traditions. For ages 4-8.

The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson and Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Follow the story of 9-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks and her role in the Civil Rights Movement as she marched for freedom in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963. For ages 5-10.

A Ride to Remember: A Civil Rights Story by Sharon Langley, Amy Nathan and Floyd Cooper

Co-author Sharon Langley was the first African American child to ride the carousel at Gwynn Oak Amusement Park, and the book also chronicles other events from the Civil Rights Movement and includes historical photos and a timeline. For ages 6-9.

Resist: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice by Veronica Chambers and Paul Ryding

Help young readers get inspired to become leaders with this book about different activists including Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, John Lewis and more. Profiles include portraits and memorable quotes, encouraging readers to speak out and stand up. For ages 8-12.

This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell and Aurelia Durand

The chapters in this book are designed to encourage readers to examine themselves
as anti-racists and to learn more about racial oppression. Examine the concepts of social identity, race, ethnicity and racism, learn about historical figures and more. For ages 9-11.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This fictional story follows Starr Carter, who witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Check out the accompanying Readers’ Group Guide online. For ages 14 and older.

“Picture the Dream” at the High Museum of Art

Be sure to visit “Picture the Dream: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Children’s Books” at the High Museum of Art. The exhibit highlights beloved children’s picture book artists and authors, as well as talented newcomers, to encourage discussion and inspire kids to be agents of change. Through Nov. 8.