Picture Books

The Colors of Us

The Colors of Us by Karen Katz

Katz is one of my favorite children’s authors. The Color of Us shows the beauty of diversity.

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Make a Change

Make a Change by Rhonda Lynn Rucker and James Rucker

In the 1960s black and white people were not allowed to eat or shop at the same places. This book is a fictional story about ways people took a stand to change these horrible rules.

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Mary Had a Little Glam

Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer

This picture book is adorable! Mary is a little girl who loves to look glamorous! When she starts school she discovers her classmates are less than glamorous. She decides to help them all out!

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Chapter Books and Graphic Novels

New Kid

New Kid by Jerry Craft

This book won the 2020 Newbery award (Award is for best writing in a children’s book). This is the first graphic novel to win this award. I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Jordan starts a new school and is one of the few POC in this school.

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Super Hero High

DC Super Hero High  series by Lisa Yee

I love this series! It stars the DC superhero girls! Each girl gets their very own book. The characters all come from different backgrounds. There are great lessons about friendships and working together. These books are also available as picture books, dvds, graphic novels and readers! (note: the author is different for these formats)

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A Good Kind of Trouble

A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa More Ramee

A very timely book that explains the Black Lives Matter Movement so kids can understand its importance. The book also touches on first crushes and friendship troubles.

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Readers

Ruby Bridges Goes to School

Ruby Bridges Goes to School by Ruby Bridges

Using real life pictures, this is the story of the brave Ruby Bridges who was the first African American child to attend a white school.

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Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama: First Lady Going Higher by Shana Corey

Michelle Obama is one of my heroes. This level 3 reader uses a mix of real pictures and cartoon pictures to detail her life.

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Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela by Barbara Kramer

Learn about the life of the amazing Nelson Mandela in this level 4 reader. Mandela was/is an important figure in South Africa, where he lived.

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Nonfiction Books

The Case for Loving

The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Alko

Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter were in love. But because Richard was white and Mildred was black, it was illegal for them to get married where they lived. They went to court to fight this unjust law and won!

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D is for Drinking Gourd

D is for Drinking Gourd by Nancy I. Sanders

Learn about African American history with this ABC picture book.

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Streetcar to Justice

Streetcar to Justice by Amy Hill Hearth

This book is about Elizabeth Jennings. In the 1800s people were using street cars. Jennings was refused entry to a streetcar because of the color of her skin. She persisted and climbed aboard the street car and was thrown off the car and injured. She took the case to court. Did she win? Borrow this book to find out!

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Movies

Remember the Titans

Remember the Titans

This is another movie that is based on a true story. Starring Denzel Washington, this is about an integrated football team and how they come together to form a winning team.

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Good Burger

Good Burger

This was one of my favorite movies as a kid! I recently introduced it to my 5 and 9-year-old niece and they loved it. It is a humorous movie with a terrific cast.

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Bonus Recommendation: The Color of Friendship

This was a made-for-TV Disney movie. It came out in 2000 and is based on a true story. Set in the 1970s, a black family decides to host a student for African for the student exchange program. They are shocked when the student turns out to be a white South African girl. Right now this movie is only available on Amazon Prime and Disney+.