Books to Help Talk about Race, Racism, and Justice with Young Kids

"This collection of poems by women of color covers topics relating to social justice, activism, discrimination and empathy, focusing on the need to speak out and inspiring middle-graders." -Vogue

Woke: A Young Poet's Guide to Justice is a collection of poems to inspire kids to stay woke and become a new generation of activists.

The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. In Heart and Soul, Kadir Nelson's stirring paintings and words grace 100-plus pages of a gorgeous picture book—a beautiful gift for readers of all ages, a treasure to share across generations at home or in the classroom.

Counting on Community is Innosanto Nagara's follow-up to his hit ABC book, A is for Activist. Counting up from one stuffed piñata to ten hefty hens--and always counting on each other--children are encouraged to recognize the value of their community, the joys inherent in healthy eco-friendly activities, and the agency they posses to make change.

Sixteen award-winning children''s book artists illustrate the civil rights quotations that inspire them in this stirring and beautiful book. Featuring an introduction by Harry Belafonte, words from Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. among others, this inspirational collection sets a powerful example for generations of young leaders to come.

One of NPR's Top 100 Book for Young Readers 

“Reading it is almost like reading Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, but for two-year olds—full of pictures and rhymes and a little cat to find on every page that will delight the curious toddler and parents alike.”—Occupy Wall Street

"In We Say NO John and Jana's wee playful anarchists return with a lovely and refreshing memo to their mates: Every rebellious NO is also quite naturally an exquisite YES No to war is yes to peace; no to hatred, an embracing yes to love; no to being labeled, sorted, measured, ranked, and judged, an empowering yes to one's own distinctive humanity and potential agency."--Bill Ayers,

The companion book, Something Happened in Our Park: Standing Together After Gun Violence, is coming in 2021. Preorder now.

A NEW YORK TIMES AND #1 INDIEBOUND BEST SELLER

A Little Free Library Action Book Club Selection

National Parenting Product Award Winner (NAPPA)

This triumphant picture book recasts a charged phrase as part of a black girl's everyday life--hands up for a hug, hands up in class, hands up for a high five--before culminating in a moment of resistance at a protest march.

A timely book about how it feels to be teased and taunted, and how each of us is sweet and lovely and delicious on the inside, no matter how we look.

The boy is teased for looking different than the other kids. His skin is darker, his hair curlier. He tells his mother he wishes he could be more like everyone else. And she helps him to see how beautiful he really, truly is.

Six-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and four-time Caldecott Honor recipient Bryan Collier brings this classic, inspirational poem to life, written by poet Useni Eugene Perkins.

Hey black child,

Do you know who you are?

Who really are?Do you know you can be

What you want to be

If you try to be

A #1 New York Times Bestseller!
Featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices!
Featured on Good Morning America, NPR's Morning Edition, CBS This Morning, and more!