Through beautiful storytelling and illustrations, this book shares the journey of a young Mexican American girl named Emma, living and working in harsh conditions in San Antonio in the 1920’s. That’s Not Fair! Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice by Carmen Tafolla and Sharyll Tenayuca, illustrated by Terry Ybáñez This book helps parents to answer questions from kids about what racism is, how to identify it, and what to do about it. Intended for kids as young as 4 years old, this incredibly important story follows one black family and one white family as they talk about a police shooting in their hometown. Something Happened in Our Town by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin It can be scary to be a kid who doesn’t look like the other kids- or who eats, dresses, or worships differently than the other kids- but that’s part of what makes each of us so special.

The book teaches preschool-aged kids how to be confident with who they are as they explore the world around them and meet new people who may be different from them. This #1 New York Times bestselling book has captured the hearts and minds of thousands of kids. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrate by Rafael López Through it, kids learn that skin color has nothing to do with a person’s potential. This modern children’s book celebrates Black history and starts an ongoing conversation about all of the achievements that people with brown skin have accomplished. Look What Brown Can Do! by T Marie Harris, illustrated by Neda Ivanova This book was named a 2020 Coretta Scott King Honor Book for its gorgeous illustrations and won a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children’s Literary Work.

Sulwe tells the story of a little girl who was “born the color of midnight.” She feels like she is treated differently than her family and friends, but when a star visits her and shares an epic tale of how day and night came to be, Sulwe learns a big lesson about feeling beautiful inside and out. Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison The following kids’ books help parents start those lifelong conversations about race, justice, and equality in a way that’s age-appropriate, compassionate, and inspiring. More importantly, though, books can help parents spark discussions about topics that might feel difficult to introduce. Books are a marvelous way to introduce big, complex ideas to young children.

Lovely by Jess Hong