Picture Books
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
Katz is one of my favorite children’s authors. The Color of Us shows the beauty of diversity.
Availability:
Make a Change by Rhonda Lynn Rucker and James Rucker
In the 1960s black and white people were not allowed to eat or shop at the same places. This book is a fictional story about ways people took a stand to change these horrible rules.
Availability:
Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer
This picture book is adorable! Mary is a little girl who loves to look glamorous! When she starts school she discovers her classmates are less than glamorous. She decides to help them all out!
Availability:
Chapter Books and Graphic Novels
New Kid by Jerry Craft
This book won the 2020 Newbery award (Award is for best writing in a children’s book). This is the first graphic novel to win this award. I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Jordan starts a new school and is one of the few POC in this school.
Availability:
DC Super Hero High series by Lisa Yee
I love this series! It stars the DC superhero girls! Each girl gets their very own book. The characters all come from different backgrounds. There are great lessons about friendships and working together. These books are also available as picture books, dvds, graphic novels and readers! (note: the author is different for these formats)
Availability:
A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa More Ramee
A very timely book that explains the Black Lives Matter Movement so kids can understand its importance. The book also touches on first crushes and friendship troubles.
Availability:
Readers
Ruby Bridges Goes to School by Ruby Bridges
Using real life pictures, this is the story of the brave Ruby Bridges who was the first African American child to attend a white school.
Availability:
Michelle Obama: First Lady Going Higher by Shana Corey
Michelle Obama is one of my heroes. This level 3 reader uses a mix of real pictures and cartoon pictures to detail her life.
Availability:
Nelson Mandela by Barbara Kramer
Learn about the life of the amazing Nelson Mandela in this level 4 reader. Mandela was/is an important figure in South Africa, where he lived.
Availability:
Nonfiction Books
The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Alko
Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter were in love. But because Richard was white and Mildred was black, it was illegal for them to get married where they lived. They went to court to fight this unjust law and won!
Availability:
D is for Drinking Gourd by Nancy I. Sanders
Learn about African American history with this ABC picture book.
Availability:
Streetcar to Justice by Amy Hill Hearth
This book is about Elizabeth Jennings. In the 1800s people were using street cars. Jennings was refused entry to a streetcar because of the color of her skin. She persisted and climbed aboard the street car and was thrown off the car and injured. She took the case to court. Did she win? Borrow this book to find out!
Availability:
Movies
Remember the Titans
This is another movie that is based on a true story. Starring Denzel Washington, this is about an integrated football team and how they come together to form a winning team.
Availability:
Good Burger
This was one of my favorite movies as a kid! I recently introduced it to my 5 and 9-year-old niece and they loved it. It is a humorous movie with a terrific cast.
Availability:
Bonus Recommendation: The Color of Friendship
This was a made-for-TV Disney movie. It came out in 2000 and is based on a true story. Set in the 1970s, a black family decides to host a student for African for the student exchange program. They are shocked when the student turns out to be a white South African girl. Right now this movie is only available on Amazon Prime and Disney+.
