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Books About the Refugee Experience
Thousands of refugees have entered America in the wake of the Afghanistan takeover by Taliban forces, with500 people likely to settle in Illinois. These big numbers and far-off places and situations are hard to understand (often, for adults as well as children!) without the empathy-building stories behind the statistics and news headlines. These books for children of all ages help bring refugee experiences - from all over the world - to light and life.
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Youth Services Librarian Allison -
15 Picture Books that Celebrate Black Joy
Earlier this year, we shared somebooks and resources to help your families unpack racism and the injustices that have deep roots in our society.These conversations are crucial in creating a more loving and compassionate world, and equally important are stories that amplify Black joy. It is not enough to share the pain and suffering that Black folks experience--we also need books that depict the beauty of Blackness. Not only do Black children need to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, but it's also necessary for all children, especially white children, to learn about the varied experiences and identities around them.
This idea can be explained by the term “mirrors and windows,” which was coined by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, Professor Emerita of Education at Ohio State University. Bishop describes this perfectly in her essay“Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors:”
“When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful message about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part. Our classrooms need to be places where all the children from all the cultures that make up the salad bowl of American society can find their mirrors.
Children from dominant social groups have always found their mirrors in books, but they, too, have suffered from the lack of availability of books about others. They need the books as windows onto reality, not just on imaginary worlds. They need books that will help them understand the multicultural nature of the world they live in, and their place as a member of just one group, as well as their connections to all other humans."
I hope that the following books provide some mirrors and/or windows for all of the beautiful children in your life.
Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration by Samara Cole Doyon, illustrated by Kaylani Juanita
An inspiring, poetic ode to many different shades of brown, full of gorgeous imagery evocative of autumn.
Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
A child is disheartened when it sinks in that Black is not a color associated with a rainbow, but they go on to find that Black is not just a color that describes everyday things such as a crayon, a feather, or a wheel on a bike. Black is so much more: it is rhythm and blues, it is a culture and history, it is community, and it is power and beauty. A must-read, this captivating book can be used as a primer to open up conversations about a myriad of movements and historical figures.
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
On the first day of school, a young girl’s name keeps getting stuck in her teacher’s mouth, and none of her classmates can pronounce it either. Feeling dismayed, her mother tries to cheer her up by teaching her that her name is a song, and that anyone’s name can be sung with a beautiful melody. She is strengthened by this knowledge, and works up the courage to share her song with her class. This book will have you singing your name and the names of your loved ones all day long!
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Gordon C. James
The newest picture book from the team who brought us the award-winningCrown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut. This radiant love letter affirms that Black boys are full of possibilities and that they are indeed “every good thing.”
My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera
Mackenzie has not had the best relationship with her hair growing up. Her classmates have also been pretty cruel and often tease her about it. One day, she finds refuge at her neighbor, Miss Tillie’s house. Miss Tillie teaches her that her hair is like a garden--if she nourishes it with love and care, and weeds out all the negative thoughts and insults, it will grow into something beautiful and bountiful. And be sure to check out Cabrera's newest book, Me & Mama, coming to the library soon!
No matter what kind of cool cut you rock, a high-top, curls, or lively locs (to name a few), this book will remind you that you were born to be awesome!
Brown Baby Lullaby by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by A. G. Ford
Journey through a day in the life of a sweet brown baby in this cozy, heartwarming book. A perfect bedtime story for all kinds of babies.
Hey Black Child by Useni Eugene Perkins, illustrated by Bryan Collier
Useni Eugene Perkins's classic poem has been brought to life by the incomparable Bryan Collier to create an uplifting love letter to every Black child.
Layla’s Happiness by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
Layla shares all of the things that make her happy, including dancing in the garden with a ladybug on her finger, feeding her chickens, and reading poetry with her mom. Layla will help you to see the bright side of life, and encourage you to think of all the things, little and big, that give you that warm, fuzzy feeling inside.
Going Down Home With Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons, illustrated by Daniel Minter
A gorgeously illustrated story about a family who travels south for a family reunion at their grandmother’s house, each of them preparing a unique and personal tribute to their family history.
M is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child by Tiffany Rose
An alphabet book full of affirming messages celebrating Blackness.
I Believe I Can by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
An empowering book full of beautiful affirmations around self-worth, making mistakes and trying again, and always believing in oneself.
Black Girl Magic by Mahogany L. Browne, illustrated by Jess X. Snow
Mahogany L. Browne’s famous poem that pushes back on stereotypical notions of Black girlhood, is now accompanied by striking illustrations and infused with magic on every page. Most appropriate for older elementary and teen readers.
Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Boy by Tony Medina
Dedicated to “Black and Brown children/whose every breath is affirmation,” this is a beautiful anthology of poems with accompanying illustrations representing the many varied experiences and ways of being a Black boy in this world.
Vibrant and illuminating, this book celebrates Black heroes, from Bessie Coleman, Harriet Tubman, and Madame C.J. Walker, to modern icons like Esperanza Spalding, Solange, and Ava Duvernay.
Youth Services Assistant Librarian Stefanie -
Let's Talk About Racism: e-Books and Online Resources for Families
Help your child better understand the injustices and violence in our society with these resources that address racism and activism.
The Breaking News by Sarah Lynne Reul
When devastating news rattles a young girl's community, her normally attentive parents and neighbors are suddenly exhausted and distracted. At school, her teacher tells the class to look for the helpers—the good people working to make things better in big and small ways. She wants more than anything to help in a big way. A picture book addressing the difficulties of community trauma, and the ways every person can make a difference. Good for sharing with ages 4-8.The author also has provided a read-along video.
The Day You Beginby Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López
“There will be times when you walk into a room / and no one there is quite like you.” There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it. A poignant picture book about diversity and connection, good for sharing with children ages 4-8.
Enough! 20 Protesters Who Changed Americaby Emily Easton and Ziyue Chen
Join Samuel Adams as he masterminds the Boston Tea Party, Ruby Bridges on her march to school, Colin Kaepernick as he takes a knee, and the multitude of other American activists whose peaceful protests have ushered in lasting change. A picture book highlighting America’s rich tradition of protesting, good for ages 6-10.
Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship by Irene Latham and Charles Waters
A collection of poems by two narrators, a black boy and a white girl, who are teamed up to be class partners and grow to learn about each others’ families, cultures, and identities. Good for ages 8-12.
New Kidby Jerry Craft
Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade in his new private school known for its academics. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself? Winner of both the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Author Award, this graphic novel is funny and thought-provoking, especially as Jordan deals with endless microaggressions from his mostly white classmates and teachers. Great for ages 9-14. HarperCollins also has a great author talk with Jerry Craft available.
A Good Kind of Troubleby Lisa Moore Ramée
Twelve-year-old Shayla is allergic to trouble. All she wants to do is to follow the rules. But after experiencing a powerful Black Lives Matter protest, Shay decides some rules are worth breaking. She starts wearing an armband to school in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Soon everyone is taking sides. And she is given an ultimatum. A lighthearted novel about standing up for what’s right, great for ages 9-14.
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, he observes the devastation that's been unleashed on his family and community in the wake of what they see as an unjust and brutal killing. Soon Jerome meets another ghost: Emmett Till, a boy from a very different time but similar circumstances. A powerful and timely novel, best for ages 9-14.
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
A timely reimagining for younger readers of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped From the Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and what young people can do moving forward. A powerful nonfiction choice for ages 11 and up.Find many more fiction and nonfiction options for all ages on our e-booklist.
Web Resources for Parents
“10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids about Race.” EmbraceRace.
Simple tips for parents of all backgrounds to help raise tolerant and socially engaged children.“How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids.” Common Sense Media.
Details practical and easy-to-use advice on fostering empathy and anti-racism in your children.Raising Race Conscious Children.
A web resource to support adults who are trying to talk about race with young children. Tons of great ideas on this website!“‘Raising White Kids’ Author on How White Parents Can Talk About Race.”NPR.
An interview with Jennifer Harvey, author of Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America, about how to talk with white kids about racially-charged events.“Talking Race with Young Children.” NPR.
A 20-minute podcast with great advice about talking about race even with very young children. The link offers a great list of other resources, as well.“They’re Not Too Young to Talk About Race.” The Children’s Community School.
This page includes a fantastic infographic on how children are already learning racial biases at a very young age. An extensive list of further resources is also included.“Too Few Parents Talk to their Kids About Race and Identity, Report Finds.” The Hechinger Report.
This article details why it’s important to discuss race with your child and offers suggestions.“The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf.” TEDx Talks.
Children’s author Grace Lin describes her own childhood experiences with mostly-white book characters, and illustrates how crucial it is for young readers to see both themselves and others in the pages of books. A must-watch TED talk.
Youth Services Librarian Allison
