This isn’t what I had planned on posting this month. But my heart has been heavy reading responses from friends on both sides of the aisle to the recent presidential election. There is fear of racism and persecution (and now actual occurrences of such). There are unfounded generalizations and accusations. There is lack of empathy for those with fears.
And since I don’t quite know how to encourage people to listen to each other better, I’m going to recommend something else. Read diverse books with your children. Guard their hearts from racism. Talk with them. Help them see life through another person’s eyes. That way, in another twenty years, when our country disagrees on politics (which is always will), perhaps we can have a discourse instead of a mud fight.
I wrote this poem about a month ago in honor of Sarah Mackenzie of the Read-Aloud Revival and all she does to encourage parents to read to their kids. It seemed appropriate to this post.
On a Personal Note
Those of us who are white may not get what a big deal racism is. I’ve had a small taste of it (an accusation made over the phone based on my last name), and while the experience left me feeling violated and ill, I new view it as a gift. I know what a tiny taste of racism feels like on the receiving end. And anything I can do to stop it, I will. That’s what makes books like the ones on the following list so important for our children.
If you are a Christian like me, these kinds of books are doubly important. We see in the Bible that all people are made in God’s image, that He loves the whole world, and that He longs for people of every tribe, tongue, and nation to follow Him. If our Lord views all people as equally worthy of love, we can do no less than to follow in his footsteps.
So, here a few of my favorite diverse books in various categories, as well as what’s next on my reading list.
Diverse Picture Books
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio
People by Peter Spier
Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox
A Weed Is a Flower by Aliki
One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul
10 Little Ninjas by Miranda Paul
Children Just Like Me: A New Celebration of Children Around the World
Diverse Early Reader/Chapter Books
Ling and Ting books by Grace Lin (Read my review HERE)
Anna Hibiscus book by Atinuke
Year of the Dog by Grace Lin
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanore Estes
All of a Kind Family by Sydney Taylor
Diverse Middle-Grade Novels
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin (Read my review HERE)
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
Ashtown Burials Series by N.D. Wilson
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare (Read my review HERE)
Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu (Read my review HERE)
Counting by 7’s by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Resource for Choosing Multi-Cultural Books
Give Your Child the World by Jamie C. Martin
What Diverse Books I’m Planning to Read Next
Here’s what’s on my reading list. What’s on yours? A Poem for Peter, A Single Shard, Rickshaw Girl, Brown Girl Dreaming
Thank you for these thoughtful, beautiful words–spot on. And we just happen to be heading to the library today 🙂
I hope you found some great, diverse books on your library visit!
Great message and a great list!
Thanks, Elaine!
Hello Carolyn. I appreciate and love your list! I tell everyone who will listen about “Chains”! What an excellent series. Talking about books is a varsity sport for me! I found your blog from INSTAGRAM. . .looking forward to reading more of your posts (and recommendations).
Leslie, I haven’t gotten to the rest of the Chains series yet (just the first), so I’m glad to hear someone recommend the whole thing. 🙂
Carolyn, Thank you for sharing so beautifully what is so necessary at this time. The recommended books look interesting and appropriate. Thanks for all the research that goes into the selection. The poem is beautiful. Thanks❤️
Thanks, Mom 🙂
Thank you for these thought provoking words and beautiful poem!
I’m so glad you liked it! I printed it out as bookmarks to include with my giveaways. 🙂
We have enjoyed Christopher Paul Curtis’ books. Great story telling, great characters, and events that make you care about other.
I have Bud, Not Buddy sitting on my shelf, but I haven’t gotten to it yet! Your recommendation is bumping it up on my list! 🙂
Thank you so much for this. Your words express many of my own thoughts from the past two weeks. What a beautiful and proactive direction to point us in. We have three small boys (who we’re planning to get established at your husband’s practice soon–that’s actually how I found out about your blog) and we love books and want to instill these important values in their lives. I am so excited to have your book recommendations. Thank you!
Thanks, Ashley! Your time reading with your boys is bound to make a positive impact in their lives! 🙂
Totally agree, books can do much to form our children’s thoughts, awareness and acceptance of others.
btw if you are after more diverse books I absolutely love and recommend The Colours of Us blog
http://coloursofus.com/
Thanks for the recommendation, Erin! 🙂
Through reading children can learn and gained knowledge. The more books they read,the more knowledge they collect. But watch your children closely not all books are good to read. Remember that parents!
Very true. A good reminder for us all.