Books For Children

Often people say racism is not an issue for children. They do not see the differences we like to think. But early childhood experts say that children begin to participate in the race construct by the time they are two years old. Before children are able to cognitively understand the culture and society they are born into they have already internalized social views about race and racism. Our social institutions are not designed to counteract the effects of powerful socialization systems such as Education, Religion, Communications/Media, Arts and Entertainment. It is important that children begin to hear a different story about who we are as a people. We believe sharing with them the truth about our history begins to lay the foundation for a reconciled society and faith community.

Recommended Books for Children

Choi, Yangsook. The Name Jar. Knopf, 2001.
What's in a name? Plenty. Just ask Unhei, and her classmates, who learn about prejudice and pride when this little Korean girl is faced with teasing because of her name. While the text is a bit burdened by the weight of its mission to address bigotry and racism, it delivers on its mission of helping kids see benefits in difference, and reason for pride in heritage. Kindergarten to Grade 2.

Hoffman, Mary. Amazing Grace. Scott Foresman, 1991.
When a little black girl wants to be Peter Pan in the school play, the reaction by the other kids is predictable. But Grace, whose passion is drama, is only temporarily stymied by stereotypes. With her family's support and the inspiration of a talented dark-skinned ballerina, Grace auditions for the part and amazes even herself. Beautiful watercolors illustrate this book. Kindergarten to Grade 2.

Alvarez, Julia. The Secret Footprints. Knopf, 2000.
Based on an old legend, this book illuminates the world of the Ciguapas, a secret tribe of beautiful underwater people who carefully avoid contact with human beings. When curiosity gets the better of one of these underwater people, it almost costs the others their safety. When she strays too close to humans a second time, she discovers a surprisingly kind human family, which helps dispel her people's bias against humans. Ages 5 to 8.

Davis, J. and Faith Ringgold. Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky. Crown Publishers, 1995.
Present-day children take a ride with "Aunt Harriet" (Tubman), on that railroad to freedom in the sky on its 100-year anniversary run. Some jump on board - while others miss the train and then struggle to find each other. This compelling journey mixes fantasy and historical fact. Meanwhile, illustrations and spare text shape an enlightening literary adventure. Grades 2 and up.

Mochizuki, Ken, and Dom Lee. Baseball Saved Us. New York: Lee and Low Books, 1995.
This story's narrator "Shorty," describes the experience of being sent with his family to an internment camp for Japanese Americans during World War II, and how baseball helped him survive the experience. On the camp's improvised baseball diamond, weak-hitting Shorty learns to channel his anger over the way he is treated into his swing. Home runs result and Shorty finds he can be a winner in the face of injustice - even when the racism continues after his family is released. Grades 2 to 4.

Bruchac, Joseph. A Boy Called Slow. Scott Foresman, 1998.
When Lakota Sioux boys come of age, they encounter a special vision or manly deed that inspires their permanent, adult name. Slow has heard the tales of his own father's bravery, wisdom and leadership and longs to be a mighty warrior. But his own style of careful deliberation in leadership emerges to inspire his name. When the moment of his manhood arrives, Slow rides heroically against Crow warriors, earning the name Tatan'ka Iyota'ke (translated, on the final page, as Sitting Bull.) Ages 5 and up.

Grace, Catherine O'Neill, and Marge Bruchac. 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving. New York: NGS, 2001.
Here's a perspective on Thanksgiving that children (and their parents) may never have heard: a well-researched account of the Wampanoag side of the Thanksgiving story. It's a believable, if provocative view that helps explain while many modern Native peoples observe the holiday as a national day of mourning. Ages 6 to 12.

Flake, Sharon. The Skin I'm In. Jump at the Sun Publishers, 2000.
Seventh-grader Maleeka Madison has enough to worry about at home with a mother who is wracked with grief over her husband's death and at school with a clique that just won't give her a break. Then the new teacher, Miss Saunders, arrives and adds the challenge of expectations for excellence from bright, Maleeka. A writer, Maleeka pours herself into a creative piece, at Miss Saunders's insistence as she struggles to find herself in the midst of an unforgiving context. Grades 6 to 8.

Munoz Ryan, Pam. Esperanza Rising. Scholastic Trade, 2000.
From School Library Journal
Based on Ryan's Mexican grandmother's life, this story portrays honestly two major challenges for its main character, Esperanza: culture shock and social class issues. Esperanza (which translates: hope) has known privilege, but when her father is murdered and her cruel stepbrothers attempt to rule the family; she and her mother are faced with difficult decisions. They leave Mexico in the company of some of their household servants, and enter a world where Esperanza is no longer a princess but a worker. Esperanza Rising is an enlightening story of immigration and assimilation. Grades 6 to 9.