Books About Race

The Best Race Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about race? 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 9 Favorite Books About Race

The Land
Sale price
$1049
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2001

The Land

By Mildred D. Taylor · Logan Family Saga series

A boy of mixed heritage seeks his own land in a divided post-Civil War world.

Coretta Scott King Award (2002)Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2002)
416 pages· 118,586 words· Est. 13 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 7,808 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In post-Civil War Georgia, Paul-Edward Logan, born to a white landowner and a former slave, faces a world that sees him as neither black nor white. Distrusted by both communities and betrayed by family, he embarks on a quest at fourteen to claim land as rich as his father's. Can he overcome the barriers of race and heritage to fulfill his dream? Discover a powerful tale of identity and resilience in a divided world.
Locomotion
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 11–16 · 2003

Locomotion

By Jacqueline Woodson · Book #1 in the Locomotion series

An orphaned boy uses poetry to cope and reunite with his sister.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2003)Coretta Scott King Honor (2004)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2003)
144 pages· 11,491 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 7,516 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Lonnie, an eleven-year-old orphan, channels his grief into poetry, longing to reunite with his sister, Lili, separated by foster care. As he navigates life with his caring foster mother, Miss Edna, and supportive teacher, Ms. Marcus, Lonnie's words reveal his heartache and hope. Can his poetic journey mend his broken family?
The Deep Sea Race
Sale price
$899
Board Book · Ages 0–3 · 2024

The Deep Sea Race

By Virginia Dashwood, Thais Mesquita (Illustrator)

An interactive undersea adventure where little readers help the racers swim, cheer, and win!

28 pages
5.3/7 Bookroo
Board book
Summary: Join an exhilarating underwater race where you guide your favorite swimmer through the ocean's depths. Will your quick decisions and strategic moves lead them to triumph? Dive in and find out!
Like Vanessa
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2018

Like Vanessa

By Tami Charles, Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator)

A girl enters a pageant, discovering self-worth beyond crowns.

288 pages· 65,196 words· Est. 9 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 893 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1983 Newark, thirteen-year-old Vanessa Martin dreams of Miss America glory while grappling with family struggles and self-doubt. When a teacher encourages her to join a school pageant, Vanessa embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Can she find her true beauty beyond the stage lights and learn that her worth isn't defined by a crown? As Vanessa navigates challenges at home and within herself, she must decide what truly makes her shine. Will she embrace her unique identity and rise above her circumstances, or will the pressures of her world hold her back?
The Toothpaste Millionaire
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1972

The Toothpaste Millionaire

By Jean Merrill

Two kids create affordable toothpaste, facing math challenges and unexpected success.

129 pages· 17,960 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 2,325 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Rufus Mayflower, a sixth-grader, aims to make a gallon of toothpaste for the price of a single tube. With his friend Kate Mackinstrey, they tackle real-life math problems and unexpected business success. Can they handle the soaring demand for their product? This tale of perseverance and ingenuity explores the ups and downs of young entrepreneurship.
Barack
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

Barack

Discover the journey of a boy who became a president.

32 pages· 1,009 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
3.9 Goodreads · 200 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Follow the remarkable journey of a boy born in Hawaii, with roots in Kansas and Africa, as he navigates identity and belonging. From moonlit nights to moments of solitude, his path leads to an extraordinary destiny as America's first African-American president. What challenges and triumphs shaped his rise to become an inspirational icon? This captivating picture book unveils the story of Barack Obama, inviting readers to explore the questions that defined his life and legacy.
Eb & Flow
Sale price
$858
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Eb & Flow

By Kelly J. Baptist

Two tweens, one fight, ten days to rethink everything.

224 pages· 27,088 words· Est. 4 hour read
3.9 Goodreads · 1,044 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Ebony and De'Kari clash in a cafeteria scuffle, leading to a ten-day suspension. As they navigate single-parent homes and tight budgets, they must confront their differences and discover unexpected similarities. Can they find common ground before returning to school?
The Jacket
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2001

The Jacket

By Andrew Clements, McDavid Henderson (Illustrator)

A mistaken theft reveals unsettling truths about bias and identity.

96 pages· 9,554 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.6 Goodreads · 1,996 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Phil spots a boy wearing his brother's jacket and jumps to conclusions. When proven wrong, he confronts his own biases, questioning if race influenced his judgment. This revelation unravels deeper truths about his community, family, and self. As Phil navigates these complexities, he must face uncomfortable realities and challenge his perceptions. What will he discover about the world he thought he knew?
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy (Graphic Novel)
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2019

Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy (Graphic Novel)

By Rey Terciero, Bre Indigo (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Classic Graphic Remix series

Four sisters navigate life's challenges in NYC, seeking strength in family bonds.

256 pages· 14,295 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 10,081 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In NYC, four sisters face a tough year with their father overseas. Meg dreams of luxury, Jo seeks acceptance, Beth finds courage in music, and Amy hides vulnerability. Together, they must support each other through school woes, health issues, and personal struggles. Can they discover their true selves and strengthen their family bond?
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Books about competitionBooks about family historyBooks about identityBooks about prejudice and racismBooks about race relations