Racism and Anti-Racism: Recommended reads for children and teens

Updated April 9, 2024
W
Winnipeg Public Library
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1

Frizzy
Ortega, Claribel A.
Paper Book
Winner of the Pura Belpré Award for Children's Text Winner of the Eisner for Best Publication for Kids Indie Bestseller New York Times-bestselling author Claribel A. Ortega and star debut artist Rose Bousamra's Frizzy is about Marlene, a...
Also available in eBook format.

2

Abuelita and me
Carranza, Leonarda
Paper Book
In this poignant, empowering picture book debut, a girl and her beloved abuelita lean on each other as they contend with racism while running errands in the city. Spending time at home with Abuelita means pancakes, puddle-jumping, and nail-painting. But venturing out into the city is not...

Canadian author.

3

Eyes that kiss in the corners
Ho, Joanna
Paper Book
A New York Times Bestseller and #1 Indie Bestseller · A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year · A School Library Journal Best Book of 2021 · Included in NPR's 2021 Books We Love List · Featured in Forbes, Oprah Daily, The Cut, and Book Riot · Golden Poppy Book Award...
Also available in eBook format.

4

Maizy Chen's last chance
Yee, Lisa
Paper Book
NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER . NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST . ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN AWARD FOR YOUTH LITERATURE Twelve year-old Maizy discovers her family's Chinese restaurant is full of secrets in this irresistible novel that celebrates food, fortune, and family. NAMED...
Also available in eBook and eAudiobook formats.

5

All because you matter
Charles, Tami
Paper Book
Instant New York Times bestseller! A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and brown children everywhere: reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will, from powerhouse rising star author Tami Charles and esteemed, award...

6

Victory. Stand! : raising my fist for justice
Smith, Tommie
Paper Book
On October 16, 1968, during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint, and John Carlos, the bronze medal winner, stood on the podium in black socks and raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice inflicted upon...
Also available in eBook format.

7

All because you matter
Charles, Tami
Paper Book
Instant New York Times bestseller! A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and brown children everywhere: reminding them how much they matter, that they have always mattered, and they always will, from powerhouse rising star author Tami Charles and esteemed, award...

8

Spanish is my superpower!
Correa, Maria
Paper Book
Sesame Street's Rosita learns how to respond when strangers at the supermarket tell her and her Mami not to speak Spanish--this illustrated paperback is based on the video of the same name on the Sesame Street in Communities website. Rosita and her Mami experience...

9

Borders
King, Thomas
Paper Book
A People Magazine Best Book ★ "The thematic and literary richness of this story is exhilarating."-- Horn Book, starred review ★ "An important and accessible modern tale."-- School Library Journal,<...
Also available in eBook format and as a Book Club Kit. Canadian author.

10

Goodnight racism
Kendi, Ibram X.
Paper Book
National Book Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Ibram X. Kendi (How to Be an Antiracist, Antiracist Baby) returns with a new picture book that serves as a modern bedtime classic. As children all over the world get ready for bed, the moon...
Also available in eBook format.

11

The proudest color!
Modir, Sheila
Paper Book
For me, brown is more than feeling proud.  It's the color I see when I see me. Zahra sees the world in vivid color. When she's happy, she feels a razzle-dazzle pink in her hands. When she's sad, she feels a deep blue behind her eyes. But she...

12

Uncomfortable conversations with a black boy
Acho, Emmanuel
Paper Book
Adapted from Emmanuel Acho's New York Times bestseller Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, comes an essential young readers edition aimed at opening a dialogue about systemic racism with our youngest generation. Young people have the power to affect...

13

Sugar in milk
Umrigar, Thrity N.
Paper Book
A timely and timeless picture book about immigration that demonstrates the power of diversity, acceptance, and tolerance from a gifted storyteller. An ALSC Notable Children's Book of 2021 A Kirkus Best Books of 2020 A School...

14

We rise, we resist, we raise our voices
Hudson, Wade
Paper Book
Fifty of the foremost diverse children's authors and illustrators--including Jason Reynolds, Jacqueline Woodson, and Kwame Alexander--share answers to the question, "In this divisive world, what shall we tell our children?" in this beautiful, full-color keepsake collection, published in...

15

The antiracist kid : a book about identity, justice, and activism
Jewell, Tiffany
Paper Book
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of This Book Is Anti-Racist, Tiffany Jewell, with art by Eisner-nominated illustrator Nicole Miles, The Antiracist Kid is the essential illustrated guide to antiracism for empowering the young readers in your life! What is racism...

16

We are here
Charles, Tami
Paper Book
An empowering follow-up to New York Times bestselling picture book All Because You Matter that celebrates the rich history of Black and brown men and women throughout history with soaring language and stunning illustration. Lyrical, affirmational, and bursting with love,...
Also available in eBook format.

17

Our skin : a first conversation about race
Madison, Megan
Paper Book
Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Now available as a hardcover picture...
Also available in eBook format.

18

Me and white supremacy : young readers' edition
Saad, Layla F.
Paper Book
How do we give young people the tools they need to actively dismantle racism and create a better world for everyone? From the author of the groundbreaking NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER, Me and White Supremacy, Layla Saad's young readers' edition is a timely, crucial, and empowering guide for today's...
Also available in eBook format.

19

Finding Junie Kim
Oh, Ellen.
Paper Book
For fans of Inside Out and Back Again and Amina's Voice comes a breathtaking story of family, hope, and survival from Ellen Oh, cofounder of We Need Diverse Books. When Junie Kim is faced with middle school racism, she learns of her grandparents' extraordinary strength and...
Also available in eBook format.

20

The tryout
Soontornvat, Christina
Paper Book
Could anything be more mortifying than trying out for cheerleader in front of your whole grade? This hilarious, highly relatable story will make you laugh, cry, and cheer! Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier. An Instant #1 Bestseller! "A captivating middle...
Also available in eBook format.

21

Fast pitch
Stone, Nic
Paper Book
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone comes a challenging and heartwarming coming-of-age story about a softball player looking to prove herself on and off the field. Shenice Lockwood, captain of the Fulton Firebirds, is hyper-focused when she steps up to the...

22

The black kids
Hammonds Reed, Christina
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller A William C. Morris Award Finalist "Should be required reading in every classroom." --Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin "A true love letter to Los Angeles." --Brandy Colbert, award...

Also available in eBook format.

23

Required Reading for the Disenfranchised Freshman
Lee, Kristen.
Paper Book
A striking debut novel about racism on elite college campuses. Fans of Dear White People will embrace this activist-centered contemporary novel about a college freshman grappling with the challenges of attending an elite university with a disturbing racist history, which may not be as...

24

You are more than magic : the black and brown girls' guide to finding your voice
Harts, Minda
Paper Book
"Every parent of a Black or brown girl should buy this book, read it to their child, and pass it along to the other parents in their circle."-Evette Dionne, National Book Award longlisted and Coretta Scott King honor-winning author of Lifting as We Climb Perfect for graduation...

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