The events of the past week [1] have made it clearer than ever that white Americans need to be stronger, more active, and more consistent allies in the fight for equality. White parents, in particular, are asking ourselves how we can raise children who will be part of the solution. Children perceive race before they're even a year old [2], so our work in raising anti-racist children needs to start at the very beginning. We need to introduce our children to the concepts of representation and inclusivity early and often, and one easy way to do this is by thoughtfully choosing the books we read to them.
The lack of representation and inclusivity has long been an issue in children's literature. A 2019 study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison showed that more children's books featured animals as main characters than depicted Black, Asian, Latinx, or Indigenous characters [3]. Unfortunately, it's much harder to find find children's books that are widely representative than it should be. We know that it's important for minorities to see themselves represented in media, but it's also important for white children to see characters unlike themselves, too.
Here is a list that we've compiled for books that we recommend parents read to their young kids, starting from birth. Some of these books are examples of the type of representation we want to see more of in children's books, and others teach valuable lessons of inclusion and equality. And we want to be clear — this is just one small step that parents can take. There are so many things that white parents can do to become better allies. We should read books and educate ourselves about race in America [4]. We should talk to our kids about race [5] and white privilege. We should model anti-racism for our kids [6] by thinking critically about everyday choices and actions we make. We should recognise that this is just the beginning of a long conversation, and that our efforts towards raising anti-racist children should be an integral part of our everyday lives.
Ages 0-2: Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes [7] (£6) is a playful and rhythmic book that celebrates babies from around the world.
Ages 0-2: Dream Big, Little One
Dream Big, Little One [8] (£13) celebrates 18 trailblazing Black women in American history, all in the perfect bedtime story.
Ages 0-2: A is for Activist
A is for Activist [9] (£6) is not your standard alphabet book. Teach your child the ABC's, alongside lessons about activism, justice, protest, and equality.
Ages 2-4: Ada Twist, Scientist
It's easy to celebrate a book that features a young Black girl who loves science. Plus, Ada Twist, Scientist [10] (£13) is very fun and playful to read.
Ages 2-4: One Word from Sophia
One Word from Sophia [11] (£14) is a great example of the type of families we'd love to see more of in children's books.
Ages 2-4: Where Are You From?
Where Are You From? [12] (£16) is a book for anyone who has ever been stumped by the question, "Where are you from?". It's a powerful book on self-acceptance and identity.
Ages 2-4: I Am Enough
I Am Enough [13] (£10) is all about loving and celebrating who you are.
Ages 2-4: Last Stop on Market Street
Last Stop on Market Street [14] (£12) follows a boy and his grandma as they travel to a soup kitchen by bus and meet interesting and unique people along the way.
Ages 4-6: The Day You Begin
The Day You Begin [15] (£14) teaches kids how to navigate a world when they don't feel like they fit it.
Ages 4-6: Sulwe
Sulwe [16] (£11) is a beautiful story that aims to teach Black girls — and everyone — that dark skin is beautiful.
Ages 4-6: This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World
Take your kids on a journey around the globe in This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World [17] (£7).
Ages 4-6: All Are Welcome
With both an educational element and colourful, inclusive illustrations, All Are Welcome [18] (£7) shares the caring message that every child has a place and a space at school.
Ages 4-6: One Family
One Family [19] (£7) is beautiful in its simplicity. The book celebrates how all families are a little bit different.
Ages 4-6: Let's Talk About Race
Let's Talk About Race [20] (£6) is another celebration of what makes us unique, while striving to spark conversation between you and your child.
Ages 4-6: Beautiful
Every girl should have Beautiful [21] (£9) on their bookshelf. It celebrates all the qualities that make ALL girls beautiful — independence, strength, uniqueness, and fun.
Ages 4-6: Little Leaders : Bold Women in Black History
Little Leaders : Bold Women in Black History [22] (£8) is an important book that tells the stories of black trailblazers in American history. Harrison has also written Little Leaders : Exceptional Men in Black History [23] (£8), that is worth picking up as well.
Ages 4-6: Mae Among the Stars
Learn about the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison with Mae Among the Stars [24] (£14).
Ages 4-6: I Am Human: A Book of Empathy
I Am Human: A Book of Empathy [25] (£9) celebrates acceptance and compassion. Like the other books in this series, the illustrations are inclusive.
Ages 4-6: A Kids Book About Racism
Author Jelani Memory wrote A Kids Book About Racism [26] ($10) because he knows that kids can handle more than we think. This book isn't meant to be read and then put away, but should be a conversation starter for you and your family.