Books About Segregation · 81 titles considered

The Best Segregation Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about segregation? 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 Parker Inheritance
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Segregation

Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Parker Inheritance

By Varian Johnson

A hidden letter reveals a mystery and a fortune. Can Candice and Brandon solve it before it's lost forever?

Coretta Scott King Award (2019)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2018)
368 pages· 84,464 words· Est. 11 hour read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 9,331 ratings
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Stella by Starlight

A young girl confronts prejudice and fear as the Klan resurfaces in her town.

320 pages· 51,587 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 15,665 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

My Year in the Middle

In 1970 Alabama, Lu's running talent challenges racial divides and tests her friendships.

288 pages· 51,110 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 817 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1995

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963

A family's road trip leads them into a pivotal moment in history.

210 pages· 50,367 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 71,738 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1995

The Story of Ruby Bridges

By Robert Coles, George Ford (Illustrator)

A young girl integrates a white elementary school in New Orleans in the 1960s.

32 pages· 1,014 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 13,023 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2005

Grandmama's Pride

By Becky Birtha, Colin Bootman (Illustrator)

A young girl confronts segregation during a summer visit to the South.

32 pages· 1,575 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 125 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

A Ride to Remember

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 410 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2013

Who Was Nelson Mandela?

A biography of Nelson Mandela, from his childhood to his presidency of South Africa, highlighting his fight against apartheid and his efforts to bring about equality and justice to his country.

112 pages· 7,623 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 988 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Mixed

A world where colors live in harmony is disrupted when a Red, Yellow, and Blue have different opinions.

32 pages· 292 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,181 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 1999

Through My Eyes

A six-year-old girl becomes the first African American student to integrate a white school in New Orleans in 1960.

64 pages· 9,935 words· Est. 1.5 hour read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 6,218 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
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Browse by age

Segregation Picture Books

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

When Marian Sang

Ages 7–10 · 2002

A singer's voice defies barriers at a historic concert.

Freedom Summer

Ages 4–8 · 2001

Two friends face racism when a new law challenges old prejudices.

I Am Ruby Bridges

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A six-year-old girl bravely integrates a school, changing history forever.

Goin' Someplace Special

Ages 4–8 · 2001

A young girl confronts segregation on her journey to a special place.

Opening the Road

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A guide transforms travel for Black Americans during segregation, ensuring safety and freedom on the road.

Sit-In

Ages 7–10 · 2010

Four students defy segregation with a simple order, sparking a pivotal civil rights protest.

Martin's Big Words

Ages 4–8 · 2001

Discover the powerful journey of a leader who preached love over hate.

The First Step

Ages 6–9 · 2016

A young girl challenges school segregation, sparking a historic fight for equality.

Seeds of Freedom

Ages 5–8 · 2015

In Huntsville, Alabama, unity and creativity defy segregation peacefully.

Separate Is Never Equal

Ages 6–9 · 2014

A family challenges school segregation, changing history.

Uncle Jed's Barbershop

Ages 4–8 · 1993

A barber dreams of his own shop amidst 1920s segregation and setbacks.

Ruby Bridges Goes to School

Ages 4–8 · 2009

A brave girl faces a hostile crowd to change history forever.

View all segregation picture books
Browse by age

Segregation Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about segregation for developing and independent readers.

Root Magic

Ages 9–12 · 2021

In 1963, Jez faces supernatural threats and discovers her family's powerful magic legacy.

This Promise of Change

Ages 10–12 · 2019

Twelve students integrate a high school, facing escalating tensions and personal challenges.

Satch & Me

Ages 8–12 · 2006

Can time travel reveal the fastest pitch ever thrown?

Who Was Maya Angelou?

Ages 8–11 · 2016

From hardship to global acclaim, a woman's journey defies the odds.

The Colors of the Rain
Sale price
$1799

The Colors of the Rain

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A boy confronts family secrets and racial tensions in 1972 Houston.

The Lions of Little Rock

Ages 10–+ · 2012

In 1958 Little Rock, two friends defy segregation to reclaim their bond.

Armstrong & Charlie
Sale price
$1699

Armstrong & Charlie

Ages 10–12 · 2017

Two boys from different worlds face sixth grade's challenges, forging an unexpected bond amidst rivalry and change.

Chasing King's Killer
Sale price
$1999

Chasing King's Killer

Ages 12–17 · 2018

A civil rights leader's life ends in tragedy, revealing the impact of one man's actions on history.

Rosa Parks: My Story
Sale price
$899

Rosa Parks: My Story

Ages 8–12 · 1948

A single act of defiance ignites a movement, revealing a deeper story of courage.

Claudette Colvin

Ages 6–9 · 2021

A young girl defies segregation, sparking a fight for justice.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice
Sale price
$1299

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

Ages 13–18 · 2009

A teenager defies segregation, sparking a pivotal legal battle in the civil rights movement.

I Am Rosa Parks
Sale price
$499

I Am Rosa Parks

Ages 8–9 · 1997

A single act of defiance ignites a movement for justice and equality.

Keep exploring
Books about family historyBooks about prejudice and racismBooks about buried treasureBooks about communityBooks about race relationsBooks about standing up for othersBooks about track and fieldBooks about violence

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