(This post is a part of an ongoing series dealing with the importance of talking about race and equity issues with young children. Click here to see the whole series.)
The resources mentioned in my previous post in this series are great for adult conversations, but how do you start the conversation with little kids? I’ve always found books to be a great resource. My girls and I can read a story and along the way ask questions about how the characters look, feel and act. When in doubt… find a book!
Books that Get the Conversation Started: Below are my favorite (child tested) books for kids ages 3-7:
The Colors of Us
Recommended Age: 3-7
Reading this book is a great way to start a conversation about skin color. I love the way the author talks about all the beautiful colors of brown skin: cinnamon, toffee, french toast… It’s so good, it’ll make you hungry!
Whoever You Are 
Recommended Age: 2-5
My girls couldn’t get over the intricate and beautiful illustrations of people all over the world. The book celebrate our differences, while reinforcing the ways our common human experience connects us all.
All the Colors of the Earth
Recommended Age: 1-4
This book celebrates different types of beauty by drawing connections to nature. Young children will especially enjoy acting out the comparisons in the book, (e.g. having hair that flows like water or bounces like lambs)
The Story Of Ruby Bridges
Recommended Age: 4-7
This amazing true story of a 6 yr. old African-American girl who integrates a New Orleans school in 1960. Sharing her story is a great way to begin conversations about equity with young children. Ruby is a role model for courage, forgiveness, and doing what’s right.
I Am Rosa Parks
Recommended Age: 5-7
A great “chapter book” told by Rosa Parks. Truely, inspiring!
Check out these Websites to find even more great books!
Books that Get the Conversation Started: More resources
- Teaching Tolerance – Though this Website is geared for teachers, it can also be a great resource for parents as well. Go to the main page to read blogs about equity and racial justice. Check out the Resources section of their Website and select the grade level you want to find great storybooks and books with activities for you to do with your child.
- The Multicultural Classroom – This site has a GREAT list of recommended books with links to Amazon so you can buy them right away (which I of course did!).
Do you have some great books you’d like to share? Please post the book titles and authors below.
“Let’s Talk About Race (Series) – Books that Get the Conversation Started” Related reads:
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