Guest Article by: 
Lisa and Ishita
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Our conscientiousness has been once more awakened to the reality of racism and inequality in our country. This past week has been one of much personal and public reflection and the emotions stirred by that process of anger, sadness and helplessness. I think often about how children feel about what they are seeing and hearing right now and how difficult it is for parents, teachers and other adults to talk to our children about racism and the active opposition to it that is antiracism. One of the things that gives me hope are the words of Nelson Mandela, 

“ No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his religion. People must learn to hate, and they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” 
---Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

Think of the impact that a generation brought up with active antiracism, with the education and tools to change the way we see and treat each other could have in the world. There are so many beautiful and powerful voices in the authors of children’s and young adult books today that can be our resources to provide a path to opening hearts and minds to achieve a world of equality and love.

“If we understand how the tree works, how the trunk and roots are where the power lies, and how gravity is on our side, we can attack it, each of us with small axes, and change the face of the forest. So let’s learn all there is to know about the tree of racism. The root. The fruit. The sap and trunk. The nests built over time, the changing leaves. That way, your generation can finally, actively chop it down.” 
― Jason Reynolds, Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning

I am awed by the truth and beauty of this statement by author Jason Reynolds. This book is one of many that can and should be resources for all of us to help understand not just a history that may be different from the one we think we understand, but to look to a better future.  

We have collected a list of books that begin with our youngest children, and progresses to young adults, all of which contain the voices of those that can speak from their knowledge and experiences to hopefully help all of us to better understand and to inspire us to be agents of change. Here are just a few from that list.


            

Antiracist Baby Board Book

By Ibram X. Kendi, Ashley Lukashevsky (Illustrator)

Antiracist Baby Board Book By Ibram X. Kendi, Ashley Lukashevsky (Illustrator) Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780593110416
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Kokila - June 16th, 2020

Antiracist Baby Board Book By Ibram X. Kendi, Ashley Lukashevsky (Illustrator) Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780593110416
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Kokila - June 16th, 2020


            

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison)

By Vashti Harrison

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison) By Vashti Harrison Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780316475112
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - December 5th, 2017

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison) By Vashti Harrison Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780316475112
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - December 5th, 2017


            

Dream Big, Little One (Vashti Harrison)

By Vashti Harrison

Dream Big, Little One (Vashti Harrison) By Vashti Harrison Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780316475099
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: LB Kids - October 16th, 2018

Dream Big, Little One (Vashti Harrison) By Vashti Harrison Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780316475099
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: LB Kids - October 16th, 2018


            

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X

By Ilyasah Shabazz, AG Ford (Illustrator)

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X By Ilyasah Shabazz, AG Ford (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Ilyasah Shabazz, AG Ford (Illustrator)
$19.99
ISBN: 9781442412163
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Atheneum Books for Young Readers - January 7th, 2014

Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X By Ilyasah Shabazz, AG Ford (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Ilyasah Shabazz, AG Ford (Illustrator)
$19.99
ISBN: 9781442412163
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Atheneum Books for Young Readers - January 7th, 2014


            

The Undefeated

By Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

The Undefeated By Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781328780966
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Versify - April 2nd, 2019

The Undefeated By Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Kwame Alexander, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781328780966
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Versify - April 2nd, 2019


            

Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis

By Jabari Asim, E. B. Lewis (Illustrator)

Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis By Jabari Asim, E. B. Lewis (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jabari Asim, E. B. Lewis (Illustrator)
$17.99
Out of Stock Indefinitely
ISBN: 9780399168567
Published: Nancy Paulsen Books - October 11th, 2016

Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis By Jabari Asim, E. B. Lewis (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jabari Asim, E. B. Lewis (Illustrator)
$17.99
Out of Stock Indefinitely
ISBN: 9780399168567
Published: Nancy Paulsen Books - October 11th, 2016


            

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom (Caldecott Honor Book)

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator)

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom (Caldecott Honor Book) By Carole Boston Weatherford, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator) Cover Image
$15.99
ISBN: 9780786851751
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - September 1st, 2006

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom (Caldecott Honor Book) By Carole Boston Weatherford, Kadir Nelson (Illustrator) Cover Image
$15.99
ISBN: 9780786851751
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - September 1st, 2006


            

Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice

By Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazzard

Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice By Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazzard Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9781433828546
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Magination Press - March 1st, 2018

Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice By Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazzard Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9781433828546
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Magination Press - March 1st, 2018


            

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Ekua Holmes (Illustrator)

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement By Carole Boston Weatherford, Ekua Holmes (Illustrator) Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780763665319
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Candlewick - August 4th, 2015

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement By Carole Boston Weatherford, Ekua Holmes (Illustrator) Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780763665319
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Candlewick - August 4th, 2015


            

The Day You Begin

By Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael López (Illustrator)

The Day You Begin By Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael López (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael López (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780399246531
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Nancy Paulsen Books - August 28th, 2018

The Day You Begin By Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael López (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael López (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780399246531
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Nancy Paulsen Books - August 28th, 2018


            

Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters

By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Stephen Alcorn (Illustrator)

Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Stephen Alcorn (Illustrator) Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9780547906041
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Clarion Books - January 8th, 2013

Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters By Andrea Davis Pinkney, Stephen Alcorn (Illustrator) Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9780547906041
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Clarion Books - January 8th, 2013


            

Ruth and the Green Book

By Gwen Strauss, Calvin Alexander Ramsey, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator)

Ruth and the Green Book By Gwen Strauss, Calvin Alexander Ramsey, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator) Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780761352556
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Carolrhoda Books (R) - August 1st, 2010

Ruth and the Green Book By Gwen Strauss, Calvin Alexander Ramsey, Floyd Cooper (Illustrator) Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780761352556
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Carolrhoda Books (R) - August 1st, 2010


            

Not My Idea: A Book about Whiteness (Ordinary Terrible Things)

By Anastasia Higginbotham

Not My Idea: A Book about Whiteness (Ordinary Terrible Things) By Anastasia Higginbotham Cover Image
$18.95
ISBN: 9781948340007
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Dottir Press - September 4th, 2018

Not My Idea: A Book about Whiteness (Ordinary Terrible Things) By Anastasia Higginbotham Cover Image
$18.95
ISBN: 9781948340007
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Dottir Press - September 4th, 2018


            

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World

By Michael W. Waters, Keisha Morris (Illustrator)

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World By Michael W. Waters, Keisha Morris (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Michael W. Waters, Keisha Morris (Illustrator)
$18.00
ISBN: 9781947888081
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Flyaway Books - September 22nd, 2020

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World By Michael W. Waters, Keisha Morris (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Michael W. Waters, Keisha Morris (Illustrator)
$18.00
ISBN: 9781947888081
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Flyaway Books - September 22nd, 2020


            

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks

By Jason Reynolds, Alexander Nabaum (Illustrator)

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks By Jason Reynolds, Alexander Nabaum (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jason Reynolds, Alexander Nabaum (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781481438285
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - October 8th, 2019

Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks By Jason Reynolds, Alexander Nabaum (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jason Reynolds, Alexander Nabaum (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9781481438285
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - October 8th, 2019


            

Black Brother, Black Brother

By Jewell Parker Rhodes

Black Brother, Black Brother By Jewell Parker Rhodes Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780316493802
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - March 3rd, 2020

Black Brother, Black Brother By Jewell Parker Rhodes Cover Image
$16.99
ISBN: 9780316493802
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - March 3rd, 2020


            

Harbor Me

By Jacqueline Woodson

Harbor Me By Jacqueline Woodson Cover Image
$33.74
Out of Stock Indefinitely
ISBN: 9781432855901
Published: Thorndike Press Large Print - September 5th, 2018

Harbor Me By Jacqueline Woodson Cover Image
$33.74
Out of Stock Indefinitely
ISBN: 9781432855901
Published: Thorndike Press Large Print - September 5th, 2018


            

Ghost (Track #1)

By Jason Reynolds

Ghost (Track #1) By Jason Reynolds Cover Image
$7.99
ISBN: 9781481450164
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - August 29th, 2017

Ghost (Track #1) By Jason Reynolds Cover Image
$7.99
ISBN: 9781481450164
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - August 29th, 2017


            

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? (Who Was?)

By Bonnie Bader, Who HQ, Elizabeth Wolf (Illustrator)

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? (Who Was?) By Bonnie Bader, Who HQ, Elizabeth Wolf (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Bonnie Bader, Who HQ, Elizabeth Wolf (Illustrator)
$5.99
ISBN: 9780448447230
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Penguin Workshop - December 27th, 2007

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? (Who Was?) By Bonnie Bader, Who HQ, Elizabeth Wolf (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Bonnie Bader, Who HQ, Elizabeth Wolf (Illustrator)
$5.99
ISBN: 9780448447230
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Penguin Workshop - December 27th, 2007


            

Brown Girl Dreaming

By Jacqueline Woodson

Brown Girl Dreaming By Jacqueline Woodson Cover Image
$10.99
ISBN: 9780147515827
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Nancy Paulsen Books - October 11th, 2016

Brown Girl Dreaming By Jacqueline Woodson Cover Image
$10.99
ISBN: 9780147515827
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Nancy Paulsen Books - October 11th, 2016


            

Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice

By Mahogany L. Browne, Elizabeth Acevedo, Olivia Gatwood, Theodore Taylor, III (Illustrator) , Jason Reynolds

Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice By Mahogany L. Browne, Elizabeth Acevedo, Olivia Gatwood, Theodore Taylor, III (Illustrator), Jason Reynolds (Contributions by) Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9781250311207
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Roaring Brook Press - March 10th, 2020

Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice By Mahogany L. Browne, Elizabeth Acevedo, Olivia Gatwood, Theodore Taylor, III (Illustrator), Jason Reynolds (Contributions by) Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9781250311207
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Roaring Brook Press - March 10th, 2020


            

Let's Talk About Race

By Julius Lester, Karen Barbour (Illustrator)

Let's Talk About Race By Julius Lester, Karen Barbour (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Julius Lester, Karen Barbour (Illustrator)
$8.99
ISBN: 9780064462266
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: HarperCollins - December 23rd, 2008

Let's Talk About Race By Julius Lester, Karen Barbour (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Julius Lester, Karen Barbour (Illustrator)
$8.99
ISBN: 9780064462266
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: HarperCollins - December 23rd, 2008


            

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning

By Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning By Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780316453691
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - March 10th, 2020

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning By Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780316453691
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - March 10th, 2020


            

The Hate U Give: A Printz Honor Winner

By Angie Thomas, Amandla Stenberg

The Hate U Give: A Printz Honor Winner By Angie Thomas, Amandla Stenberg (Foreword by) Cover Image
By Angie Thomas, Amandla Stenberg (Foreword by)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780062498533
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Balzer + Bray - February 28th, 2017

The Hate U Give: A Printz Honor Winner By Angie Thomas, Amandla Stenberg (Foreword by) Cover Image
By Angie Thomas, Amandla Stenberg (Foreword by)
$18.99
ISBN: 9780062498533
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Balzer + Bray - February 28th, 2017


            

Long Way Down

By Jason Reynolds

Long Way Down By Jason Reynolds Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9781481438261
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - April 2nd, 2019

Long Way Down By Jason Reynolds Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9781481438261
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - April 2nd, 2019


            

All American Boys

By Jason Reynolds, Brendan Kiely

All American Boys By Jason Reynolds, Brendan Kiely Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9781481463348
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - August 29th, 2017

All American Boys By Jason Reynolds, Brendan Kiely Cover Image
$12.99
ISBN: 9781481463348
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - August 29th, 2017


            

On the Come Up

By Angie Thomas

On the Come Up By Angie Thomas Cover Image
$33.74
Out of Stock Indefinitely
ISBN: 9781432852849
Published: Thorndike Press Large Print - February 6th, 2019

On the Come Up By Angie Thomas Cover Image
$33.74
Out of Stock Indefinitely
ISBN: 9781432852849
Published: Thorndike Press Large Print - February 6th, 2019


            

Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration

By Rose Brock, Angie Thomas, Jason Reynolds, Nicola Yoon, Marie Lu

Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration By Rose Brock (Editor), Angie Thomas, Jason Reynolds, Nicola Yoon, Marie Lu Cover Image
$10.99
ISBN: 9781524741853
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Penguin Books - February 26th, 2019

Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration By Rose Brock (Editor), Angie Thomas, Jason Reynolds, Nicola Yoon, Marie Lu Cover Image
$10.99
ISBN: 9781524741853
Availability: NOT IN STOCK - Usually arrives in 7 - 14 business days
Published: Penguin Books - February 26th, 2019

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