Opening the Dialog through Books

Books examining the themes of anti-racism, social justice, and supporting voices

Below is a partial list of books we recommend reading with your children to discuss race. More book suggestions can be found on our website: nolafamily.com.

Last Stop on Market Street

By Matt de la Peña. Illustrated by Christian Robinson. Picture book, 32 pages. Ages: 3-5. This book’s multiple honors include being named a New York Times #1 Bestseller and 2015 Notable Children’s Book, and winner of the 2016 Newbery Medal.

Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.

My Hair is a Garden

Written and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera. Picture book, 32 pages. Ages: 4-8

After a day of being taunted by classmates about her unruly hair, Mackenzie can’t take any more and she seeks guidance from her wise and comforting neighbor, Miss Tillie. Using the beautiful garden in the backyard as a metaphor, Miss Tillie shows Mackenzie that maintaining healthy hair is neither a chore nor is it something to fear. Most importantly, Mackenzie learns that natural Black hair is beautiful.

Black is a Rainbow Color

Written by Angela Joy. Illustrated by Ekua Holmes. 40 pages. Ages: 4-8

A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a favorite things, but it also evokes a deeper sentiment about the incredible people who helped change the world and a community that continues to grow and thrive.

Each Kindness

By Jacqueline Woodson. Illustrated by E. B. Lewis. 32 pages. Ages: 5-8

Chloe and her friends won’t play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe’s teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship, and thinks about how much better it could have been if she’d shown a little kindness toward Maya.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning

By Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. 320 pages. Ages: Teen-adult

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. This remarkable reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future. It takes you on a race journey from then to now, shows you why we feel how we feel, and why the poison of racism lingers. It also proves that while racist ideas have always been easy to fabricate and distribute, they can also be discredited.

Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative written by beloved award-winner Jason Reynolds, this book shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas–and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.

Trevor Wisdom is a native New Orleanian with a 26-year-old daughter who she raised as a single mom.