Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
UPDATED 10/5/20.
Last week I wrote a blog post on ‘How to Talk to Your Kids About Racism’. I noted how it was important to not stay silent on the subject, use age appropriate language, not being afraid to say I don’t know and to be a learner, and educate yourself on this issue. In this post I will share some resources to help you carry on this conversation with your kids. My hope in sharing books and resources for talking to kids about racism will help you to learn more about the issue of racism and racial injustice in our country and world.
There are so many books and resources out there to help you start conversations about race with your children, as well as resources to help you educate yourself about race issues. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start with it all.
Below, I have curated a list of resources for you and your children as you seek to continue this conversation with your family. It is by no means an exhaustive list but hopefully a good starting place for you and your family.
Websites for Parents
An Age-by-Age Guide to Talking To Your Kids About Racism by Mother.ly
Talking to Children About Racial Bias by HealthyChildren.org
The Children’s Community School of Philadelphia created this infographic showing children’s attitude towards race age by age.
Podcast for Parents
Listen in on these podcasts for both your own growth and to help you frame these conversations with your kids.
Episode 133 “Colorblindness & Racism”– 3 IN 30 Takeaways for Moms (Episode on Apple Podcasts) This particular podcast was so very good. I highly recommend you listen and then follow Dr. Lucretia Berry and Jasmine Bradshaw.
Talking Race With Young Children– NPR Podcast
People to Follow on Social Media
Be sure to diversify your social media feed. Who are you following? How many people are people of color? Here are just a few of the many people to follow on social media:
Osheta Moore– https://www.instagram.com/oshetamoore/
Brownicity- https://www.instagram.com/brownicity/
Dr. Lucretia Berry- https://www.instagram.com/lucretiaberry/
Jasmine Bradshaw from First Name Basis https://www.instagram.com/firstname.basis/
Lisa Sharon Harper- https://www.instagram.com/lisasharper/
Latasha Morrison- https://www.instagram.com/latashamorrison/
Toys*
As a starting point for your little one, here are a few toys that are a great way to normalize the differences in skin color. This is the way you talk to the youngest about racism, through play and inclusion. Make it a habit to diversify the dolls and toys your child plays with . It’s an important first step.
Basket of Babies Creative Minds Plush Dolls
My Family Builders Friends Edition Diversity Building Blocks with Magnets
Books for Kids*
From babies to teenagers there are hundreds of books that can be great tools for discussion or learning for kids. Here are a few that will help you talk to your kids about racism:
Read Aloud’s for Kids
God’s Dream by Bishop Desmond Tutu- Read by Pastor Dave from New Life Kids
A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory
Same Difference by Calida Rawles
Books for Adults*
Now these recommendations are for you moms, dads and caregivers. Take a look at the list of books below and pick up as many as you can. Continue to learn and grow.
Roadmap to Reconciliation by Brenda Salter-Mcneil
Divided by Faith by Emerson and Smith
How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria by Beverly Tatum
Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
More than Serving Tea: Asian American Women on Expectations, Relationships, Leadership and Faith by Nikki Toyama and Tracey Gee, editors
The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas (There are a few great chapters on racial justice and a life formed to go deep on issues such as these.)
I hope you find these resources helpful for you on your journey to growth and in talking with your kids about racism. It is my hope that you and your family will grow together and discover your part in bringing the love of Jesus, justice, and reconciliation to our world.
Since this isn’t an exhaustive list of resources, I’d love for you would share comments with books, websites, and social media follows you have found helpful on your journey. There is so much we can learn from each other. Let the change this world needs start with us.
*Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
What an amazing resource here Rosie. You rock!
Thanks James!