Books About Racism · 91 titles considered

The Best Racism Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about racism? 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 Racism

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

$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2017

The Hate U Give

By Angie Thomas · Book #1 in the The Hate U Give series

A teen witnesses a friend's shooting, facing a choice that could change her community and risk her life.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2017)Coretta Scott King Honor (2018)

454 pages· 95,550 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,036,078 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Summary: Starr Carter navigates life between her poor neighborhood and elite prep school. Her world shatters when she witnesses her unarmed friend Khalil's fatal shooting by a police officer. As Khalil's death becomes a national headline, Starr faces pressure from all sides. What she reveals about that night could ignite change or put her in danger. Will she speak out or stay silent?

Sale price

$1710

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 1969

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

By Maya Angelou · Book #1 in the Maya Angelou's Autobiography series

A young girl faces abandonment and prejudice, seeking freedom through resilience and the power of words.

Coretta Scott King Honor (1971)

288 pages· 81,714 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 594,326 ratings

$18.00Save 5%

Summary: In a small Southern town, Maya and her brother face abandonment and racial prejudice. After a traumatic event in St. Louis, Maya struggles with its lifelong impact. In San Francisco, she discovers self-love, kindness, and the transformative power of literature. Can Maya find freedom in a world that seeks to cage her spirit? This poignant memoir explores the resilience of a young girl navigating a world of pain and wonder.

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2020

Black Brother, Black Brother

By Jewell Parker Rhodes

A boy battles racism and injustice through fencing, seeking redemption and belonging.

240 pages· 29,078 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 7,903 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: Twelve-year-old Donte, dubbed "Black Brother" at Middlefield Prep, faces bullying and racism. Framed and arrested, he finds hope in fencing with former Olympian Arden Jones. As he trains to defeat his tormentor, Donte confronts systemic injustice and discovers his own strength. Can he reclaim his identity and find justice?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2019

Genesis Begins Again

By Alicia D. Williams

A girl battles self-doubt and family turmoil to find self-love.

Newbery Honor (2020)Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)

370 pages· 76,058 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 9,033 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Thirteen-year-old Genesis struggles with self-hatred and a chaotic home life. Her father's gambling leads to eviction, and her family's harsh words deepen her insecurities. At a new school, Genesis discovers her singing talent, but can she overcome her doubts and embrace her true self? As she nears the end of her list of self-loathing, Genesis must decide if she can rewrite her story and find the courage to love herself.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015

Stella by Starlight

By Sharon M. Draper

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%

Summary: In 1932 Bumblebee, North Carolina, young Stella witnesses a terrifying act by the Ku Klux Klan. As her segregated town is engulfed in fear, she must find the courage to challenge the prejudice threatening her community. With her world turned upside down, Stella learns that standing up for change is the only way forward. Can she ignite hope amidst the ashes of fear and hatred?

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1994

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2007

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

By Sherman Alexie

A Native American teen seeks a new future at an all-white high school.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2008)

320 pages· 44,681 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 288,034 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Summary: Junior, a young cartoonist from the Spokane Indian Reservation, defies expectations by transferring to an all-white high school. As he navigates this new world, he faces cultural clashes and personal challenges. Will he find his place or be torn between two worlds? With humor and heart, Junior's journey explores identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1995

The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963

By Christopher Paul Curtis

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

Newbery Honor (1996)Coretta Scott King Honor (1996)

210 pages· 50,367 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 71,738 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Join ten-year-old Kenny and the Watson family on a road trip from Flint, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama. As they journey south, they unknowingly approach a turning point in the civil rights movement. Amidst the laughter and challenges, the Watsons face a world-changing event that tests their resilience and unity. Will their bond be enough to navigate the darkness ahead? Discover how humor and family ties can illuminate even the darkest paths.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 7–12 · 1969

Sounder

By James Barkley (Illustrator)

A boy's world shatters when his father is arrested, leaving him to find hope through his loyal dog, Sounder.

Newbery Medal (1970)

116 pages· 22,582 words· Est. 3 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 31,706 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: In the harsh 19th-century South, a young boy's life is upended when his father, a struggling sharecropper, is arrested after a rare feast appears on their table. With his father gone, the boy must navigate a world of injustice, clinging to hope and the companionship of their loyal dog, Sounder. As he faces the challenges of growing up too soon, will the boy find the strength to endure and keep his family together? Discover a poignant tale of resilience and faith in this Newbery Medal-winning classic.

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 12–15 · 2004

Kira-Kira

By Cynthia Kadohata

A sister's illness challenges Katie to find hope in a world that seems to dim without her light.

Newbery Medal (2005)

291 pages· 44,276 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 28,460 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Katie Takeshima's world is illuminated by her sister Lynn's unique perspective, making everything seem glittering. But when Lynn falls gravely ill, Katie must navigate the challenges of their new life in Georgia and hold her family together. Can she find the kira-kira, the sparkle, in a future that seems uncertain? As Katie learns to see beyond the immediate struggles, she discovers the enduring power of hope and resilience. Will she succeed in reminding her family of the beauty that still exists, even in the darkest times?

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Racism Picture Books

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

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader

Sale price

$499

Martin Luther King Jr.: A Peaceful Leader

Ages 4–8 · 2018

Discover how peaceful protest changed history.

Sale price

$1599

Maya Angelou

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Discover how Maya Angelou found her voice and became a beloved writer and activist.

Sale price

$899

The Story of Ruby Bridges

Ages 4–8 · 1995

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

Sale price

$1599

Rosa Parks

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A brave act on a bus ignites a movement for equality.

Sale price

$799

White Socks Only

Ages 4–8 · 1996

A girl defies segregation by drinking from a 'Whites Only' fountain, sparking unexpected consequences.

Sale price

$799

Freedom on the Menu

Ages 4–8 · 2004

A young girl witnesses a pivotal stand for equality, sparking hope for change.

Sale price

$1899

That Flag

Ages 6–10 · 2023

Two friends face a test when a Confederate flag challenges their bond.

Sale price

$1899

I Am Ruby Bridges

Ages 4–8 · 2022

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

Sale price

$1799

Unspeakable

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A thriving community faces devastation in a forgotten tragedy of racial violence.

Sale price

$1899

When Marian Sang

Ages 7–10 · 2002

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

Sale price

$1899

Freedom Summer

Ages 4–8 · 2001

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

Sale price

$899

Goin' Someplace Special

Ages 4–8 · 2001

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

View all racism picture books

Browse by age

Racism Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about racism for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$899

Maniac Magee

Ages 9–13 · 1990

A boy's legendary runs challenge a racially divided town's boundaries.

Sale price

$799

Clean Getaway

Ages 8–12 · 2020

An unexpected road trip reveals hidden family secrets and a history of racial struggle.

Sale price

$1899

The Lions of Little Rock

Ages 10–+ · 2012

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

Sale price

$1999

Choosing Brave

Ages 8–11 · 2022

A mother's grief ignites a civil rights movement.

Sale price

$1799

Promises to Keep

Ages 9–12 · 2004

A daughter's intimate look at Jackie Robinson's groundbreaking legacy on and off the field.

Sale price

$1799

Linked

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A school is shaken by hate symbols. Can students uncover the truth and heal the divide?

Sale price

$699

Who Was Muhammad Ali?

Ages 8–12 · 2014

The life story of a famous boxer who became a champion and a symbol of resistance against racism and war.

Sale price

$1699

Finding Junie Kim

Ages 9–12 · 2021

Middle school racism challenges Junie to find her voice and courage through her grandparents' wartime stories.

Sale price

$1699

Ophie's Ghosts

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A girl discovers she can see ghosts and uncovers secrets in a haunted manor.

Sale price

$1699

Prairie Lotus

Ages 10–12 · 2020

A girl faces prejudice while pursuing her dreams in 1880s America.

Sale price

$1699

The Only Black Girls in Town

Ages 10–13 · 2020

Two girls uncover hidden journals, revealing secrets that challenge their understanding of the past.

View all racism chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about prejudice and racism Books about race relations Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about segregation Books about self-acceptance Books about violence Books about abuse Books about bullying

Our 10 Favorite Books About Racism

Great books, picked for their age.

Racism Picture Books

Racism Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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