Becoming an anti-racism ally takes time, takes work. It can start in early childhood when children as young as three already begin to see differences. Very young children can learn about how we are the same but also about how we are different and begin the process of valuing those differences. They can learn about our histories, their histories, and learn to appreciate all that we each bring to our humanity.

As we grow, our understanding expands. We can understand our past in greater depth, see how the past impacts the present, and discern our role in what is happening today. We can learn how to become activists, to work to change the future for the betterment of all.

To aid you in your anti-racism journey, the Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren Anti-Racism Working Group has purchased some books, tools to help all ages learn and grow. Some are new titles, some are classics. Some are banned in other places, but not here. These are available to borrow and are located in the Memorial Lobby. You can now sign them out. More will be purchased as funds become available, so this list will grow. We welcome your suggestions and/or donations.

Click Here to Download a PDF List of These Books

A Life Like Mine: How Children Live Around the World

UNICEF

Ages 13+

After ten years of study and consultation, UNICEF, the premier organization devoted to the care and welfare of the world’s children, published the results of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. A Life Like Mine profiles children from all over the globe leading their lives in different and fascinating ways.

All Are Welcome

Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman

Ages 2-6

A modern and inclusive picture book that celebrates the many milestones of a child's life ranging from a school play to graduation with an emphasis on kindness and community. It has the loving and inspiring message: Wherever you go, whatever you do. I want you know I’m so proud of you.

An American Story

Kwame Alexander and Dare Coulter

Ages 6-8

From the fireside tales in an African village, through the unspeakable passage across the Atlantic, to the backbreaking work in the fields of the South. this is the story of American slavery, a story that needs to be told and understood by all of us. A testament to the resilience of the African American community, this book honors what has been and envisions what is to be.

Anti-Racism Starts with Me

Padeesha Bryant

Ages 3-12

Community educator Kadeesha Bryant has created a unique coloring book that mixes creative fun with powerful messages of hope and understanding. Every page contains hand-drawn illustrations to color as well words of wisdom on overcoming prejudice and bridging divides in our society.

Antiracist Baby

Ibram X. Kendi and Ashley Lukashevsky

Ages 0-3

With bold and thoughtful, yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers to antiracism. Provides the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest ages.

Asian Americans Who Inspire Us

Analiza Quiroz Wolf

Ages 2-9

This beautifully illustrated book brings to life the stories of Vietnam Memorial architect Maya Lin, Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi, musician Yo-Yo Ma, astronaut Ellison Onizuka, anchorwoman Lisa Ling, activists Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, and more! Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, discover role models, and meet ordinary people who did extraordinary things.

Change Sings

Amanda Gorman

Ages 4-8

As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey they learn that they have the power to make changes – big or small – in the world, and themselves. A call to action for everyone.

Children of God: Storybook Bible

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Ages 4-8

Through the stunning illustrations and Tutu’s delightful words, readers will experience the Bible stories as if they were there, with Adam and Eve in the garden, with Noah on the ark, with Abraham in the desert, and with Jesus on the mountaintop.

Dear Willie Rudd

Libba Moore Gray

Ages 8 years

Fifty years have passed since Miss Elizabeth was a girl, but she still remembers Willie Rudd, the black housekeeper who helped raise her. She remembers the feel of sitting in Willie Rudd’s lap while the housekeeper sang to her. And she remembers how Willie Rudd scrubbed the floor on her hands and knees. She decides to write her a letter telling her how things would be different now.

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners

Johanna Ho

Ages 4-8

This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes.

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

Kevin Noble Maillard

Ages 3-6

Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family.

God’s Dream Board Book

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams

Ages 0-3

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has a vision of God’s dream, which he shares here with the youngest of listeners. It involves people who reach out and hold each other’s hands, but sometimes get angry and hurt each other — and say they’re sorry and forgive. It’s a wish that everyone will see they are brothers and sisters, no matter their way of speaking to God, no matter the size of their nose or the shade of their skin.

Goodnight Racism

Ibram X. Kendi and Cbabi Bayoc

Ages 3-7

This book is an easy-to-follow guide for the child to reflect, ask questions, and learn more about this important topic.

Parents and caregivers will appreciate the note just for you as well as the sample questions and child-friendly definitions to assist with the lesson. Build empathy. Encourage dialogue. Empower your child.

Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighter

Nadia L. Hohn and Gustavo Mazali

Ages 4-8

Beginning readers will learn about the milestones in Harriet Tubman’s life in this Level Two, I Can Read biography. This biography includes a timeline and historical illustrations all about the life of this inspiring figure, as well as a rare historical photograph of her. Much mythology and conflicting lore exists about Harriet Tubman. This book was carefully vetted by noted Harriet Tubman expert Dr. Kate Larson.

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

Kadir Nelson

Ages 4-8

What began as spiritual has developed into one of America’s best-known songs, and now for the first time it appears as a picture book, masterfully created by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson. The world portrayed as a child might see it — vast and beautiful.

I Am Enough

Grace Byers

Ages 4-8

A lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others and being kind to one another.

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

Malala Yousafzai and Christian Lamb

Ages 10+

This is the tale of a family uprooted by global terrorism, and of the fight for girls’ education in a culture that only prizes males.

I Can Make a Difference: A Treasury to Inspire Our Children

Marian Wright Edelman

Ages 4-8

Marian Wright Edelman has drawn from a variety of cultures and peoples to compile these timeless stories, poems, songs, quotations, and folktales that speak to all children to let them know that they can make a difference in today’s world.

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom

Carole Boston Weatherford

Ages 4-8

Carole Boston Weatherford describes Tubman’s spiritual journey as she hears the voice of God guiding her north to freedom on that very first trip to escape the brutal practice of forced servitude. Tubman would make nineteen subsequent trips back south and was never caught.

Nuestra America: 30 inspiring Latinos/Latinas who have shaped the United States

Sabrina Vourvoulias and Gloria Felix

Ages 8-12

The stories in this book cover each figure’s cultural background, childhood, and the challenges and opportunities they met in pursuit of their goals. A glossary of terms and discussion question-filled reading guide, created by the Smithsonian Latino Center, encourage further research and

exploration. Twenty-three of the stories featured in this anthology will also be included in the future Molina Family Latino Gallery, the first national gallery dedicated to Latina/o/xs at the Smithsonian.

Our Skin: A first Conversation About Race

Meghan Madison, Jessica Ralli and Isabel Roxas

Ages 3-5

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven board book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.

Say Something!

Peter Reynolds

Ages 4-8

Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. Perfect for kid activists everywhere.

Sometimes People March

Tessa Allen

Ages 4-7

Throughout American history, one thing remains true: no matter how or why people march, they are powerful because

they march together.

Stamped (for kids): Racism, Antiracism and You

Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi, et al.

Ages 7 and up

Adapted from the groundbreaking bestseller Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, this book takes readers on a journey from present to past and back again. Kids will discover where racist ideas came from, identify how they impact America today, and meet those who have fought racism with antiracism. Along the way, they’ll learn how to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their own lives.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water

Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson, et.al.

Ages 7-10

The 1619 Project’s lyrical picture book in verse chronicles the consequences of slavery and the history of Black resistance in the United States.

The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights

Carole Boston Weatherford

Ages 8-12

Since the earliest days of slavery, African Americans have called on their religious faith in the struggle against oppression. In this book the Beatitudes — from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount — form the backdrop for Carole Boston Weatherford’s powerful free-verse poem that traces the African American journey from slavery to civil rights.

The Door of No Return

Kwame Alexander

Ages 10+

In his village in Upper Kwanta, 11-year-old Kofi loves his family, playing oware with his

grandfather and swimming in the river Offin. He’s warned though, to never go to the river at night. His brother tells him ”There are things about the water you do not know.“ Like what? Kofi asks. “The beasts.” His brother answers. This author will take you on an unforgettable adventure that will open your eyes and break your heart.

The Extraordinary Life of Mary Seacole

Naida Redgrave

Ages – 7-12

Mary Seacole is now known for her medical work in the Crimean war, and as a brilliant woman who combated the racial prejudice she experienced in her lifetime. But for a long time her story was lost. From growing up in Kingston, Jamaica as the daughter of a doctress to helping soldiers in the war, discover the details of the amazing life that Mary Seacole led in this beautifully illustrated book with real-life stories, timelines and facts.

The Extraordinary Life of Nelson Mandela

E.L. Nory

Ages – 7-12

Nelson Mandela is known for dedicating his life to fighting for equality in South Africa and overthrowing racial segregation. He grew up hearing the elders’ stories of his ancestors’ fighting in the wars of resistance, and he dreamed of fighting for the freedom of his people. His childhood wish was granted when he became the first black president of South Africa, and an icon for hope, change and equality.

The Most Beautiful Thing

Koa Kalia Yang

Ages 5-9

Drawn from author Kao Kalia Yang’s childhood experiences as a Hmong refugee, this moving picture book portrays a family with a great deal of love and little money. The book moves from the jungles of Laos to the family’s early years in the United States.

The Story of Malala Yousafzai: A Biography Book for New Readers

Jean Marie Galat

Ages 6-9

A story about standing up for education and civil rights. Malala Yousafzai became a brave activist while she was still a young girl. Before she fearlessly fought for girls’ right to education, she was a thoughtful kid who enjoyed school, sports, and daydreaming. Then Malala was told that girls would no longer be able to go to school. She didn’t let that stop her, though! Find out how Malala stood up for equal rights and became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Undefeated

Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson

Ages 5-12

Originally performed for ESPN’s The Undefeated, this poem is a love letter to black life in the United States. It highlights the unspeakable trauma of slavery, the faith and fire of the civil rights movement, and the grit, passion, and perseverance of some of the world’s greatest heroes. Winner of the 2020 Caldecott Medal. A 2020 Newbery Honor Book. Winner of the 2020 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award.

This Little Light of Mine: A Lift the Flap Children’s Book

Darcy Pattison

Ages 4-8

The magnificent light of Jesus can spark joy, hope, and peace in our neighborhoods, communities, and our entire world. In This Little Light of Mine, kids will follow along with this fun story inspired by the popular children’s song. Little ones will enjoy lifting flaps on each page to find hidden lights as well as unfolding the final spread to find an eye-popping surprise ending.

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre

Carole Boston Weatherford

Ages 8-12

The book traces the history of African Americans in Tulsa’s Greenwood district and chronicles the devastation that occurred in 1921 when a white mob attacked the Black community. This picture book sensitively introduces young readers to this tragedy and concludes with a call for a better future.

We Are Still Here: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know

Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac

Ages 7-10 years.

Told my Native American young people the book offers readers everything they never learned in school about Native American people’s past, present, and future. Precise, lyrical writing presents topics including: forced assimilation (such as boarding schools), land allotment and Native tribal reorganization, termination (the US government not recognizing tribes as nations), Native urban relocation (from reservations), self-determination (tribal self-empowerment), Native civil rights and much more.

We Are the Change: Words of Inspiration from Civil Rights Leaders

Harry Belafonte (Introduction)

Ages 10+

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.

What I See: Anti-Asian Racism from the Eyes of a Child

Christine T. Leung

Ages 4-7

This book is an easy-to-follow guide for the child to reflect, ask questions, and learn more about this important topic. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the note just for you as well as the sample questions and child-friendly definitions to assist with the lesson. Build empathy. Encourage dialogue. Empower your child.

What if the Zebras Lost Their Stripes?

John Reitano

Ages 4-7

Using humor, easy-to-read rhyme, and bold pictures, this hardcover book examines issues of racial and ethnic diversity. It inspires children to explore their own identities and extend compassion toward all.

Who is Kamala Harris?

Kirsten Anderson and Manuel Guitierrez

Ages 6-12

This exciting story details the defining moments of what led to her nomination and all the monumental ones since that have shaped her career and the future of America. On August 22, 2020, Kamala Harris, a senator from California, became the first African-American and South Asian-American woman to be selected as the vice presidential running mate on a major party’s ticket.