Throughout history, my white-person story has been the default in mainstream culture. I don’t have to try very hard to find a book or TV show with a white-centric perspective, especially because, most likely, they’re going to be the most numerous. But I believe one of the easiest and most impactful actions I can take for myself and (especially) for my children is to seek out stories that share a perspective and/or voice that is different than mine.
I’m a big believer in the #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement. Fundamentally, the movement aims to increase representation of POC in literature, because POC (especially children) need to see themselves reflected in the stories they read; that’s often how you connect, learn, and grow with books. But personally, as a white parent, I feel it’s my responsibility to do my research and actively work to change that white default in our lives. My kids need to see a world reflected in literature (and all media) that is different than theirs…and not just one that features stereotypical representations such as Civil Rights struggles or sports. It matters to see a diverse world rooted in the commonalities of everyday life.
The easiest place to start is with youngest readers who are mesmerized by picture books and require a high degree of parent engagement. This is the age group most relevant to my current home life and likely to many of my IRL friends who are starting to have children, as well. I’m a middle school librarian, not an elementary one, so picture books are probably the level I’m least knowledgeable about, but here are some stories featuring Black main characters that I’ve found to be great as read-alouds. (Because trust me, not all picture books are good for story-time! 😆)
Disclaimer: This is *NOT* a an #ownvoices list of books by Black authors. I chose these books because I own them either in my home or school library, meaning I can recommend them firsthand (especially right now when my public library access is non-existent because of COVID). I urge you to spend some time researching the many, many more lists and suggestions available online, especially those #ownvoices titles that are by authors of color.
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats – A boy wants to learn to whistle to surprise his dog Willie; especially fun to get toddlers involved with the blowing and attempts to whistle. Keats has many other well-known books I can recommend as well (The Snowy Day, Louie, Peter’s Chair, Hi Cat!). Keats was white but broke the color barrier in children’s lit in the 1960s by featuring multiracial characters, believing all children should see themselves on the pages of books.
Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty – A rhyming story of curious young Ada as her mind develops into that of a budding scientist. Check out the author’s other similarly-styled feminist titles, too.
I Just Want to Say Good Night by Rachel Isadora – One of our most recent acquisitions from the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (which, if you live in the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, or Australia and haven’t already signed your kids up for this free-book-a-month-by-mail program, do it immediately). Lala stalls from going to bed by insisting she tell every animal imaginable “good night.” (Too familiar.)
Corduroy by Don Freeman – A stuffed bear is overlooked in a department store because of his missing button, but he’s the perfect friend for one young girl. (I’m not crying, you’re crying.)
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña – CJ and his Nana take a trip on the bus after church, and CJ is reminded of the beauty that can be found in the places you’d least expect.
The New Small Person by Lauren Child – Elmore Green’s perfect life is interrupted when a new small person arrives on the scene. A good one for introducing the terrifying idea of…dun, dun, dun….a sibling on the way.
One Word from Sophia by Jim Averbeck – Sophia works to convince her family she needs a pet giraffe and learns the art of negotiation. Loads of big vocabulary words here!
The Library Book by Tom Chapin and Michael Mark – One girl’s rainy day adventures at the library featuring many familiar characters from children’s stories. Told in a sing-song rhythm with a repeating refrain, which is actually a song by the author you can find on YouTube.
Hands Up! by Breanna J. McDaniel – Celebrates all the positive instances in which one Black girl throws her “hands up” in everyday life. According to the author, she aimed to “disrupt ideas about who Black children are and who they’re allowed to be” by recasting the phrase “hands up.”
Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold – A girl’s imagination takes her flying up and off her building’s “tar beach” roof and through a dream-version of her city. Set in 1930s NYC with nods to the unequal treatment her father receives as a worker because of his skin color.
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall – Jabari heads to the public pool, determined to jump off the high diving board, but it proves more intimidating than expected.
Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer – A girl’s foray into fabulous, glamorous style, told in the same rhyming pattern as “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn – Lola and her mommy take a trip to the local library. There are several other Lola books that follow similar everyday learning adventures common to young children.
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson – Clover is curious about the house and white girl that live on the other side of the fence, and the girls strike up a friendship despite their parents’ warnings. This one’s definitely more obvious as a launchpad for conversation about race.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson – A motivational speech for every kid who has ever felt different in any way, and a reminder that we all have pieces that connect to each other. Great discussion for slightly older kids and basically an illustration of the #WeNeedDiverseBooks mission!