Preschool to Early Elementary Children

{RL = Reading Level - approximate} 

A Rainbow of Friends by P. K. Hallinan

Preschool – Gr 1 (ages 3–5 RL)

Friends come in all colors and sizes; they can be funny or serious, musical or athletic, outgoing or quiet. This book reminds children to celebrate their differences because that is what makes each of us so special.

All the Colors We Are – The Story of How We Get Our Skin Color by Katie Kissinger

Ages 3 – 6 yrs

Celebrate the essence of one way we are all special and different from one another—our skin color! This bilingual (English/Spanish) book offers children a simple, scientifically accurate explanation about how our skin color is determined by our ancestors, the sun, and melanin. Author is an activist, educator for social justice, and an early childhood education college instructor. It’s filled with colorful photographs that capture the beautiful variety of skin tones and includes activity ideas to help extend the conversation with children.

Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi

Preschool – Gr 3 (ages 7 & up RL)

With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society. From the National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be an Antiracist.

Child of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton

Preschool – Gr 3 (ages 4–8 RL)

Written by the daughter of Andrew Young, this book resonates with young children without lying to or scaring them. Poignant, moving, and hopeful, this is an intimate look at the birth of the Civil Rights Movement.

The Crayon Box that Talked by Shane Derolf

Preschool – Gr 2 [Note: “Teaching Tolerance” has a lesson based on this book.]

"While walking through a toy store, the day before today, I overheard a crayon box with many things to say..." Once upon a time, Shane Derolf wrote simple poem that celebrates the creation of harmony through diversity. Illustrated in every color in the crayon box by Michael Letzig, the book conveys the sublimely simple message that when we all work together, the results are much more interesting and colorful.

Of Thee I Sing: A letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama

Preschool – Gr 3 (ages 4–8 yrs RL)

Although written for his daughters, this picture book is appropriate for all children. Contributions of 13 great Americans, varying in ethnicities and genders, are highlighted as well as the ideals that have shaped our nation.

The Shades of People by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly

Ages 2 – 5 yrs

A celebration of the diversity of everyday life, this exploration of one of our most noticeable physical traits pairs simple text with vibrant photographs that invite young readers both to take notice and to look beyond the obvious. [Also adapted as a board book for younger readers – All Kinds of People.]

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o

Preschool – 3rd (ages 4–8 RL)

From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colorism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.

When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner

Preschool – Gr 2 (ages 3–7 RL)

Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.

All Because You Matter by Tami Charles

Gr K – 3 (ages 4–8 yrs RL)

The author says “I wrote All Because You Matter to provide parents with a starting point for conversations about the racial climate in our country today. These are issues that should be discussed in all families, of all backgrounds, if we are to raise empathetic future leaders.”

The Beatitudes From Slavery to Civil Rights by Carole Boston Weatherford

Gr 1 – 4 (ages 8–12 RL)

In this book the Beatitudes -- from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount -- form the backdrop for a powerful free-verse poem that traces the African American journey from slavery to civil rights. Tim Ladwig's illustrations showcase the heroes in this struggle, It is a book of encouragement and inspiration.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

Gr K – 3 (ages 4–8 RL)

Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text and Rafael López's dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes—and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Preschool – Gr 3 (ages 4–8 RL)

It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison

I Am Enough by Grace Byers

Preschool – Gr 3 (ages 4–8 RL)

This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester

Gr 1 – 3 (ages 4–8 RL)

In this acclaimed book, the author of the Newbery Honor Book To Be a Slave shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. A strong choice for sharing at home or in the classroom.

Sing a Song: How “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Inspired Generations by Kelly Starling Lyons

Gr K – 3 (ages 5–8 RL)

Story and words of the Black National Anthem accurately tells 120 yrs of black history through five generations of a family, from the Great Migration to the opening of the National Museum of African History, who gained hope and strength from the song's inspiring words. 

Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Gr K – 3 (Ages 5–8)

One of a series of books about kids with serious professional ambitions.  This book, about a girl of color whose favorite words, are “why,” “how,” and “when,” is delivered in rhyme with entertaining illustrations.  This series will resonate with a child, or caregiver, with STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) interests.

All Because You Matter by Tami Charles

Gr K + (Ages 5+)

This book is a love letter to all children who ever wondered if their life really matters, with a clear message:  All children, no matter their race, religion, or color, matter.  Brian Collier, nine-time Coretta Scott King Award winner or honoree, beautifully illustrates Black and Brown children in water color and collage, further adding to the richness of the story.

Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris

Preschool - Gr 3 (Ages 4–8)

Harris seeks to embolden ambitious girls rather than making them fit into the stereotypical “boxes” still-too-frequently assigned them.  The use of rhyming words, and illustrations featuring girls (and women) of color making a difference while having fun, make this a delightful read.

Little E:  The Big Misunderstanding by Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr.

Ages 7+

Released in December of 2020, this book was written by an educator and national leader in Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity work. It tells a story about a boy who witnessed a crime and tried to help, but instead, was falsely accused.  Although the book features the mis-seen and wrongly accused Black child, truth prevails in the end.

One Today by Richard Blanco

Preschool - Gr 3 (Ages 4–8)

This poem was recited at the second inauguration of Barack Obama. It is a patriotic celebration of America from dawn to dusk, and from coast to coast.  The book is illustrated by Dav Pilkey.

She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

Preschool - Gr 3 (Ages 4–8)

A series of three books (She Persisted:  13 American Women Who Changed the World; She Persisted Around the World; She Persisted in Sports), showing readers that no matter what obstacles they face, never give up on your dreams.  Persistence is power!

I WONDER . . .

• how did the character in the story feel about (what happened in the book)?
• how you feel after reading this book?
• where you might be in this story?
• who would you like for a friend in this book?
• was there something confusing to you in this book?
• what was the most important thing you learned from this book?
• if there is something you would like to know more about after reading this book?