Books About Antiracism · 66 titles considered

The Best Antiracism Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Prejudice and Racism, featuring 14 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about antiracism? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Antiracism

New Kid
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2279
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

New Kid

By Jerry Craft · Book #1 in the New Kid series

A young artist navigates two worlds, struggling to fit in at a new school.

Newbery Medal (2020)Coretta Scott King Award (2020)Cybils Award (2019)
249 pages· 14,169 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,768 ratings
$23.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Seventh grader Jordan Banks dreams of art school, but his parents send him to a prestigious academy where he's one of the few kids of color. Torn between his diverse neighborhood and the elite school, Jordan must find a way to fit in without losing himself. Can he balance these worlds and stay true to his passion for drawing? Discover the challenges and triumphs of a young artist caught between two cultures in this compelling graphic novel.
Brown Girl Dreaming
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2014

Brown Girl Dreaming

By Jacqueline Woodson

A young girl finds her voice amidst the echoes of Jim Crow and Civil Rights awakening.

Coretta Scott King Award (2015)Newbery Honor (2015)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2015)Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2015)National Book Award for Young People's Literature (2014)The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2015)
366 pages· 30,215 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 95,006 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In the 1960s and 1970s, a young girl navigates life between South Carolina and New York, feeling caught between two worlds. Through evocative poetry, she captures the struggle of growing up African American during the Civil Rights era. Despite challenges with reading, her passion for storytelling ignites, leading her to discover her voice. Each poem offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery and resilience, as she seeks her place in a divided world. Will she find where she truly belongs?
What Is Given from the Heart
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

What Is Given from the Heart

By Patricia C. McKissack, April Harrison (Illustrator)

A young boy helps his mother put together a care package for a family in need, and finds a way to give something special to a girl his age.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)
32 pages· 1,095 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
6.4/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,194 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: James Otis faces a dilemma when his church collects donations for a family who lost everything in a fire. With little to give, he must find a way to contribute to the 'love box.' As he searches for something meaningful, James learns a powerful lesson about the true value of giving from the heart. Will he discover that even the smallest gesture can make a big difference? This touching tale of compassion and generosity will warm your heart and inspire you to see the beauty in selfless acts.
I Have a Dream
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1973

I Have a Dream

By Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

Discover the power of a dream that changed history.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2013)
40 pages· 585 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 3,770 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Step into history with Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic speech, brought to life through vivid illustrations. This picture book captures the essence of his dream for freedom and equality, inspiring young minds to carry the torch forward. Experience the unforgettable words that echoed from the Lincoln Memorial, paired with an audio CD, and explore the enduring impact of a vision that continues to shape our world.
The Old Truck
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2020

The Old Truck

By Jerome Pumphrey, Jarrett Pumphrey

An old truck and a girl's dreams revive a farm.

Ezra Jack Keats Honor (2021)
48 pages· 90 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,630 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: On a bustling farm, a young girl dreams big with her trusty old truck. As years pass and the truck rusts away, she grows up to run her own farm. Can she restore her childhood companion and fulfill her dreams? Discover the power of imagination and determination in this heartwarming tale.
Big Papa and the Time Machine
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Big Papa and the Time Machine

By Daniel Bernstrom, Shane W. Evans (Illustrator)

A boy and his grandpa journey through time to discover the essence of bravery.

40 pages· 743 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 410 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young boy, hesitant to face school, embarks on a time-traveling adventure with his grandfather in a 1952 Ford. As they revisit moments of fear and courage, Big Papa reveals the true meaning of bravery. Through magical realism and heartfelt dialogue, they explore their African American heritage, uncovering stories of strength and resilience. Will the boy find the courage to face his own challenges? This touching tale bridges generations, offering a poignant look at history and identity.
Let the Children March
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Let the Children March

By Monica Clark-Robinson, Frank Morrison (Illustrator)

Children march for civil rights, challenging segregation in 1963 Birmingham.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2019)
40 pages· 892 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.6/5 Goodreads · 2,110 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1963 Birmingham, young African Americans, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., bravely march against segregation. Facing hostility and danger, these children fight for equality, determined to change their world. Will their courage be enough to dismantle the barriers of hate and fear? Experience this pivotal moment in history through vivid storytelling and powerful imagery.
A Ride to Remember
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

A Ride to Remember

By Sharon Langley, Amy Nathan, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

A carousel ride becomes a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement.

40 pages· 1,745 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 413 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1963, young Sharon Langley made history as the first African American child to ride a desegregated carousel at Gwynn Oak Amusement Park. On the same day as Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic March on Washington, her ride symbolized a community's triumph over segregation. As protests and unity opened the park to all, Sharon's experience became a beacon of hope and change. Discover how one ride echoed the dreams of a nation striving for equality. What possibilities did this moment unlock for future generations?
Black Is a Rainbow Color
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Black Is a Rainbow Color

By Angela Joy, Ekua Holmes (Illustrator)

A child explores the profound meaning of Black beyond the rainbow's colors.

Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2021)
40 pages· 394 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,600 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: A child embarks on a reflective journey, discovering the profound significance of Black in a world of vibrant colors. From everyday objects to historical figures, Black is more than a hue—it's a testament to a rich legacy and thriving community. As they ponder the absence of Black in rainbows, they uncover stories of resilience and change, celebrating a culture that continues to inspire. This lyrical exploration invites readers to see beyond the spectrum and embrace the depth of Black's beauty and history.
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Antiracism Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about antiracism for the youngest readers and listeners.

Whoever You Are
Sale price
$799

Whoever You Are

Ages 0–3 · 1997

Discover the universal bond that unites children worldwide.

All Kinds of People
Sale price
$799

All Kinds of People

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover the vibrant diversity of skin shades in everyday life.

View all antiracism board books
Browse by age

Antiracism Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about antiracism for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Undefeated
Sale price
$1799

The Undefeated

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A tribute to the black individuals who paved the way for future generations in America.

Just Ask!
Sale price
$1799

Just Ask!

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A group of children with different abilities and health conditions share their experiences and how they adapt to their challenges.

Mr. Lincoln's Way
Sale price
$1899

Mr. Lincoln's Way

Ages 6–9 · 2001

A principal must reach a bully to reveal the beauty in differences.

Hosea Plays On
Sale price
$1695

Hosea Plays On

Ages 3–9 · 2020

A musician's daily bus ride reveals a heartwarming secret purpose behind his soulful tunes.

I Am Human
Series
Sale price
$1499

I Am Human

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young person navigates the complexities of being human.

What Is a Refugee?
Sale price
$1899

What Is a Refugee?

Ages 3–7 · 2019

Discover what it means to be a refugee through simple, bold illustrations.

All the Colors We Are
Sale price
$1795

All the Colors We Are

Ages 3–+ · 1994

Discover the science and beauty behind our diverse skin colors.

Honeysmoke
Sale price
$1899

Honeysmoke

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A biracial girl seeks her color, creating her own identity as honeysmoke.

Can I Touch Your Hair?
Sale price
$1799

Can I Touch Your Hair?

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Two poets navigate race and childhood through a school poetry project.

My People
Sale price
$1999

My People

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A visual journey through Langston Hughes's tribute to African American heritage.

Let's Talk About Race
Sale price
$799

Let's Talk About Race

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Explore what makes us unique in a world of shared stories.

View all antiracism picture books
Browse by age

Antiracism Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about antiracism for developing and independent readers.

Ghost Boys
Sale price
$1699

Ghost Boys

Ages 9–12 · 2018

A boy's ghost seeks justice and understanding after a tragic police shooting.

Harbor Me
Sale price
$899

Harbor Me

Ages 10–+ · 2018

Six kids find solace and courage in a secret room where they share their hidden fears.

What Lane?
Sale price
$1699

What Lane?

Ages 10–13 · 2020

Stephen navigates two worlds, questioning if he can truly fit in both.

Not My Idea
Series
Sale price
$1895

Not My Idea

Ages 6–10 · 2020

A child's journey to understand privilege and seek justice in a racially divided world.

Let It Shine
Sale price
$2000

Let It Shine

Ages 10–12 · 2000

Ten women defy oppression, igniting change and inspiring generations.

View all antiracism chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about prejudice and racismBooks about activismBooks about civil rights movementBooks about coming of ageBooks about drawingBooks about farm life and ranch lifeBooks about hard workBooks about Martin Luther King, Jr.