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15 Anti-Racist Children's Books Perfect For You And Your Kid Because Nobody Is Born Racist

You don't even have to be a parent to read them.

Jennifer Kustanovich

Jun 04, 2020

The State University of New York at Stony Brook

1986

15 Anti-Racist Children's Books Perfect For You And Your Kid Because Nobody Is Born Racist

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My guilty pleasure is watching family vlog channels on YouTube and I'm so proud of each and every parent who makes an effort to read anti-racist books to their kids. The racial injustice spread across America and across the oceans is unbearable. It's about time we raise the following generations to be better.

We can't be silent or pretend it's not an issue. And, I'm thrilled to know that many anti-racist children's books are quickly selling out.

I'm not a parent just yet and I don't have any clue what it's like, but I plan on showing my kids how to spread love and kindness because that's what we all deserve. I want to support conversations about race and racism with everyone, including little kids who are eager and curious to learn.

Even babies as young as 6 months can recognize a difference in skin color and even before kids can talk, they learn the injustices of their parent's actions. If you've ever spent some time with a toddler, you know that they will say whatever is on their mind and they don't understand a snippet of sarcasm. They will also repeat everything you say, so it's important to first recognize your own mishaps.

Babies are not born racist, racism is taught and it's up to you, their guardian, to smash any stereotypes before they begin.

As parents, you must figure out when the best time to bring up this conservation is for your child, but know that there are many sources to help you. It's time to educate yourself and prepare for all the difficult conversations to come. Read all the grown-up books and children's books about racism and other topics because you can learn from them all.

Here are 16 children's books to read to your baby tonight or just for yourself to help shape the future of tomorrow:

"Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super Soaking Stream of Inventions" –Chris Barton

Amazon

Buy now for $12.99.

"The Day You Begin" – Jacqueline Woodson

Amazon

Grab it now for $11.39.

"Let's Talk About Race" – Julius Lester

Amazon

Buy it now for $9.44.

"Separate is Never Equal" – Sylvia Mendez & Her Family's Fight For Desegregation

Amazon

Get it now for $9.99.

"My Hair is a Garden" – Cozbi A. Cabrera

Amazon

Purchase it now for $9.99.

"Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History" – Vashti Harrison

Amazon

Buy now for $32.99.

"Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History" – Vashti Harrison

Amazon

Read it now for $32.99.

"The Colors of Us" – Karen Katz

Amazon

Buy it now for $10.88.

"Rosa" – Nikki Giovanni

Amazon

Grab it now for $6.54.

"Hair Love" – Matthew A. Cherry

Amazon

Purchase it now for $10.96.

"Something Happened In Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice" – Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard

Amazon

Buy it now for $10.40.

"AntiRacist Baby" – Ibram X. Kendi

Amazon

Purchase it now for $8.99.

"The Skin I'm In: A First Look at Racism" – Pat Thomas

Amazon

Read it now for $29.90.

"A is for Activist" – Innosanto Nagara

Amazon

Buy it now for $17.95.

"The Snowy Day" – Ezra Jack Keats

Amazon

Grab it now for $13.39.

As an Amazon Associate, Odyssey may earn a portion of qualifying sales.

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15 Anti-Racist Children's Books Perfect For You And Your Kid Because Nobody Is Born Racist

You don't even have to be a parent to read them.

We can't be silent or pretend it's not an issue. And, I'm thrilled to know that many anti-racist children's books are quickly selling out.

Babies are not born racist, racism is taught and it's up to you, their guardian, to smash any stereotypes before they begin.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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