Worldwide injustices and discrimination are always frustrating, upsetting, and discouraging, and we have reached our boiling point with the murder of George Floyd in the United States. This has sparked a greater conversation on social justice and even a call for more intersectional movements. For example, the persistent injustices experienced by Black trans people has created more visibility and support around the growing Black Trans Lives Matter movement.
Amid this movement across communities nationwide, you may find some of the younger generations don’t understand what’s happening, let alone understand what racism is in the context of America. The current events and climate can be scary, uncertain, and confusing for youth to navigate, which can lead to increased mental health concerns, trauma, and stress. To help you start a conversation with your young one and help teach them about intersectional racism and discrimination, we’ve gathered a selection of children’s literature and other multimedia focused on LGBTQ and Racial Justice.
Children’s Books on Race
Racism isn’t innate: it is from those around us and our ingrained in our systems, structures, and institutions. You might think otherwise because babies get upset or anxious around people they don’t recognize, but that’s because they’re not familiar. Babies are proven to be naturally biased toward those they’re around more, so crying around new faces isn’t prejudice, but it could support later negative attitudes.
The key is to educate your little one and expose them to all kinds of families and faces. Intentionally purchasing children’s books about race is an excellent place to start this journey.
For kids under 5
Hats of Faith by Medeia Cohan-Petrolino.
- This short, sweet book which talks about head coverings from around the world. It’s bright and colourful and perfect for ages 0-2.
Rapunzel (Once Upon a World) by Chloe Perkins.
- This book is part of a series which transport classic fairy tales to new, vibrant worldwide locations. It’s a great alternative to the traditional tale and is ideal for ages 2-4.
Saturday, by Oge Mora
- Plans go out the window on this mother-daughter day out – a scenario familiar to many parents. It’s fun, heartfelt and great reading for ages 4-8.
For older kids up to age 13
The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
- Exploring caste systems, prejudices and magic, this fantasy novel for ages 8-13 is a story of acceptance and good over evil with lessons that can be applied to the modern-day.
Chinglish by Sue Cheung
- A coming-of-age book dealing with language barriers, generational divides and schoolyard issues of 1980’s Coventry. There’s plenty of things that today’s teenagers can relate too.
All these books are aimed at helping children understand and accept people – they’re all about equality and you can ask your school to get involved too. There are a number of multi-cultural and societal book collections on offer for schools to invest in. For example, these diversity packs and LGBTQIA books.
Children’s Books on LGBTQIA
People across the sexuality and gender spectrum face discrimination almost daily.
Encouraging younger children to learn about these kinds of issues is a great step towards equality and acceptance. Especially when you consider that anti-LBGTQIA bullying is very prominent in primary schools – providing them with some books on the subject is a good starting point. Stonewall has put together a great selection. but here are a few more:
For kids under 5
Baby’s First Words by Stella Blackstone
- Journey with this bouncing baby and her dads as you learn new words, sounds, and things to do.
Auntie Uncle by Ellie Royce
- This story of fabulous drag and wonderful family is great for those aged 3-7.
For older kids up to age 13
Stella Brings the Family by Darienne Stewart
- A cute picture book about a girl with two dads on Mothers’ day. Children aged 5 and over will journey with her as she works out what can she do.
Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World by Ashley Herring Blake
- Join Ivy as she learns to accept herself and her sexuality in this sweet mystery novel for kids aged 8-13.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
- This award-winning story explores self-acceptance and the bravery of being yourself through the eyes of a young gay teenager.
More ways to help children understand
Films and tv shows are also great ways to introduce racial justice topics to kids. There was the recently aired ‘The school that tried to end racism.’ which explored how young people see race. And there’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power on Netflix too which has a diverse, LGBTQIA cast – it’s been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. There are more LGBTQIA shows and Anti-racism shows out there too if you look for them!
These books are just a startpoint–a great way to help your young ones understand the recent protests in response to racism, while also learning about acceptance and love.
These books are just a startpoint--a great way to help your young ones understand the recent protests in response to racism, while also learning about acceptance and love. Click To Tweet
