Desmond and the Very Mean Word : A Story of Forgiveness
While riding his new bicycle Desmond is hurt by the mean word yelled at him by a group of boys, but he soon learns that hurting back will not make him feel any better.
Here to Help: Books about Racial Identity
By sharing stories together and having conversations about the books you read, you can help young children understand the world around them. Seeing diverse experiences represented in books helps children to explore their own identities and develop empathy for others.
These books for young children explore racial identity.
Not every book is available at all locations, but any title can be requested. The children’s librarian at your neighborhood library is also here to help, with suggestions for additional titles on topics of interest–or feel free to suggest some titles to us. New books are always being added to the collection. You can find more Here to Help booklists on different topics by clicking here.
Hey Black Child
A lyrical, empowering poem that celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young ones to dream big and achieve their goals. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.
Last Stop on Market Street
A young boy rides the bus across town with his grandmother and learns to appreciate the beauty in everyday things. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby, as eAudio on Hoopla, as video on Hoopla or as video with read along on Hoopla.
Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match
Marisol McDonald, a biracial, nonconformist, soccer-playing pirate-princess with brown skin and red hair, celebrates her uniqueness.
Mixed Me!
Told in rhyming text, Mike is a mixed-race boy, completely comfortable with his identity and his parents–and his wild, curly hair. You can also check out this title as eAudio on Hoopla.
Red: A Crayon's Story
Red’s factory-applied label clearly says that he is red, but despite the best efforts of his teacher, fellow crayons and art supplies, and family members, he cannot seem to do anything right until a new friend offers a fresh perspective. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla, as eAudio on Hoopla or as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.
Skin Again
This story about race and identity reveals that race matters, but only so much–it is what can be found beyond the skin that’s the most important treasure.
Sulwe
When five-year-old Sulwe’s classmates make fun of her dark skin, she tries lightening herself to no avail, but her encounter with a shooting star helps her understand there is beauty in every shade. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.