Books About Race And Ethnicity · 5,201 titles considered

The Best Race And Ethnicity Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about race and ethnicity? 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 Race And Ethnicity

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1960

To Kill a Mockingbird

By Harper Lee · Book #1 in the To Kill a Mockingbird series

A lawyer defends an innocent man in a town gripped by prejudice.

323 pages· 99,820 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 7,063,933 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Summary: In a Southern town seething with prejudice, a young girl witnesses her father's courageous stand as he defends a black man falsely accused of a heinous crime. As tensions rise, will justice prevail, or will hatred triumph? This poignant tale explores the depths of human morality and the innocence of youth amidst societal turmoil.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 2010

A Long Walk to Water

By Linda Sue Park

Two Sudanese children face perilous journeys for survival and hope.

128 pages· 20,925 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 107,590 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In Sudan, Nya walks hours daily for water in 2008, while Salva, a 'lost boy' in 1985, treks across Africa seeking safety. Their paths, fraught with danger from rebels and wildlife, eventually converge in a surprising, life-changing encounter. How will their stories of endurance and hope intertwine?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Orange for the Sunsets

By Tina Athaide

Two friends face a regime's ultimatum, testing their bond and redefining home.

336 pages· 49,862 words· Est. 7 hour read

6.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 962 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: In Uganda under Amin's rule, Asha and Yesofu's friendship transcends cultural divides. But when Indians are ordered to leave, their world shatters. As tensions rise and soldiers patrol, Asha clings to the familiar, while Yesofu is torn between loyalty and a hopeful future. With their friendship on the line, can they find the courage to let go?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds · Book #1 in the Track series

A young sprinter must outrun his past to achieve greatness on the track team.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2016)

208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 53,925 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw dreams of being the fastest sprinter on his middle school track team, but his troubled past threatens to derail him. Haunted by memories of fleeing his violent father, Ghost struggles to channel his raw talent under the guidance of a former Olympic coach. As he races toward the Junior Olympics, Ghost must confront his fears and prove to himself that he can overcome his history. Will he find the strength to stay on track, or will his past catch up to him? Discover the electrifying journey of a boy running for more than just victory.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

City Spies

By James Ponti · Book #1 in the City Spies series

A young hacker joins a secret spy team to stop a villain and save the world.

378 pages· 64,521 words· Est. 9 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 18,589 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Sara Martinez, a skilled hacker, faces juvenile detention until a British spy offers her a new life with a secret MI6 team. Now, part of the City Spies, Sara must navigate espionage, teamwork, and danger. As she heads to Paris, she must prevent a rival from winning a fortune and stop a looming threat. Can Sara and her diverse team of young spies outsmart the villains and save the day?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1976

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

By Mildred D. Taylor · Logan Family Saga series

A family's land is their lifeblood amidst racism and turmoil.

Newbery Medal (1977)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (1977)Coretta Scott King Honor (1977)

276 pages· 65,468 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 131,484 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In Depression-era Mississippi, young Cassie Logan learns the true value of her family's land amidst racial tensions and social injustice. As night riders threaten and humiliation looms, the Logans' land becomes their source of pride and resilience. Can Cassie find strength in her heritage and dignity in herself to face the challenges ahead? Discover the power of family and the unyielding spirit of independence in this gripping tale of courage and identity.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 1999

Bud, Not Buddy

By Christopher Paul Curtis

A boy's quest to find his father leads him on an unforgettable journey during the Great Depression.

Newbery Medal (2000)Coretta Scott King Award (2000)

245 pages· 52,497 words· Est. 6 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 116,544 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: In 1936 Michigan, ten-year-old Bud embarks on a daring journey to find his father, armed with a suitcase of treasures and a clue from his late mother. As he follows the trail of flyers for Herman E. Calloway and his band, Bud faces hunger, fear, and unexpected challenges. Will his determination and wit lead him to the truth about his family? Discover a heartwarming tale of resilience and adventure as Bud navigates the uncertainties of the Great Depression in search of belonging and identity.

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)

249 pages· 14,169 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,474 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

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.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1944

The Hundred Dresses

By Eleanor Estes, Louis Slobodkin (Illustrator)

A girl claims to own a hundred dresses, but classmates' ridicule leads to regret and a vow for change.

Newbery Honor (1945)

80 pages· 7,306 words· Est. 57 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 42,736 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl in a Connecticut school, is mocked for wearing the same dress daily. She insists she owns a hundred dresses, but no one believes her. When Wanda leaves school, her classmates, especially Maddie, are left with guilt and a powerful lesson. Maddie vows to never remain silent in the face of injustice again. This poignant tale explores the impact of bullying and the courage to stand up for what's right, leaving readers to ponder the cost of silence and the power of empathy.

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 94,538 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

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?

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Race And Ethnicity Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$799

This Little Trailblazer

Ages 3–5 · 2017

Discover ten women who changed history with their courage and vision.

Sale price

$999

I Love All of Me

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Celebrate self-love from head to toe in this joyful storybook.

Sale price

$799

This Little Explorer

Ages 3–5 · 2016

Discover the world's greatest explorers in a vibrant journey for young adventurers.

Sale price

$899

This Little Artist

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Discover artists who changed history in this vibrant board book for young creators.

Sale price

$1599

Big Words for Fearless Girls

Ages 3–6 · 2019

Empower young dreamers with 1,000 words and 100 female heroes to inspire change.

Sale price

$899

I Am So Brave!

Ages 1–3 · 2014

A toddler conquers fears, embracing new experiences with courage.

Sale price

$899

Ten Little Rabbits

Ages 2–4 · 1991

Count along with rabbits exploring Native American traditions.

Sale price

$799

Color Our World

Ages 3–5 · 2013

Discover vibrant colors from France to the Philippines.

Sale price

$1295

Little You

Ages 0–3 · 2013

Celebrate the boundless potential of every child in this tender board book.

Sale price

$899

How Do You Say I Love You?

Ages 1–4 · 2017

Discover 'I love you' in ten languages, uniting hearts worldwide.

Sale price

$899

Cinderella

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Cinderella's tale unfolds in Mexico with a magical twist.

Sale price

$799

The Thank You Book

Ages 2–5 · 2022

Discover the power of gratitude, from small gestures to big impacts.

View all race and ethnicity board books

Browse by age

Race And Ethnicity Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1700

A Wreath for Emmett Till

Ages 12–18 · 2005

A boy's tragic fate ignites a movement against injustice.

Sale price

$899

Meet Yasmin!

Ages 5–8 · 2018

A young girl named Yasmin navigates various challenges and adventures in her daily life, learning valuable lessons and growing as a person.

Sale price

$595

Yasmin the Builder

Ages 4–6 · 2018

A class of students work together to build a city using various materials.

Sale price

$599

I Want to Be a Doctor

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young boy visits the hospital with his family after his brother gets hurt.

Sale price

$899

Juana & Lucas

Ages 5–8 · 2016

A young girl navigates the challenges of learning a new language and growing up in Colombia

Sale price

$599

March of the Mini Beasts

Ages 5–9 · 2016

Toy animals come to life and grow. Can kids stop them before chaos ensues?

Sale price

$599

Don't Throw It to Mo!

Ages 6–8 · 2015

A young football player proves himself despite his small size

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Chews Your Destiny

Ages 7–11 · 2013

A young girl discovers she has the ability to turn into a human piece of gum, which she uses to help people in need, but struggles with keeping her new identity a secret from her mother and dealing with the consequences of her actions.