Book Smart
Special Edition on Race and Racism
YOUR KIDS ARE NOT TOO YOUNG TO DISCUSS RACE
Are kids too young to talk about race? No. I don’t always have the right words or know where to begin, so I usually turn to books and encourage you to do the same. Here are a few I have in our school library and a few new ones I’ve ordered to read so I’ll be better equipped to talk about race no matter the age; there’s a book for everyone from pre-k to high school in the image below. Don’t let your fear of having the right words get in the way. Books can start conversations and dialogue about race, so that your silence doesn’t reinforce racism.
BOOKS WITH BIPOC PROTAGONISTS & HEROES
I also think it’s important to stock our school and classroom library shelves with books featuring BIPOC - particularly as protagonists and heroes; they can act as both the mirrors and windows our students need now more than ever. Some suggested titles are included in the images below.
PICTURE BOOKS
Books as mirrors and windows for young people. They need to see themselves reflected in books, and they need to be able to peek into the lives of those who are different from themselves.
EARLY CHAPTER BOOKS
Early chapter books with characters who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
BOOKS FOR UPPER ELEMENTARY OR MIDDLE
These books are great for grades, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
How to Talk to Kids About Race
A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory
Magination Press Story Time - Celano, Collins and Hazzard Read Something Happened in Our Town
WHAT RACISM LOOKS LIKE: INFOGRAPHIC
Michael Rawls
School Librarian
Email: Michael.Rawls@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Website: https://onlyguyintheclass.wixsite.com/morningsidelmc
Location: 1053 East Rock Springs Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, USA
Phone: 404.802.8979
Twitter: @thebookwrangler