I think most white kids would say—and genuinely believe—they’re not racist. Yet it's impossible in our society not to have absorbed racist and biased thinking. Admitting this is uncomfortable, and knowing what to do to become a better ally can be confusing. By addressing this systemic issue early in a person’s life, we set them up to be empathetic, good listeners who will speak up. A good place to start is to read Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi, & Sonja Cherry-Paul as well as recent novels by people from marginalized communities. There’s adventure, romance, mystery, humor, fantasy, sci-fi—something for everyone! I’ve also highlighted books that demonstrate good allyship.
By Rebecca Petruck
Will didn’t plan to eat a stinkbug. But when his friend Darryl used a racial slur with new kid Eloy Herrera, Will did it as a diversion. Now, Will is Bug Boy, and everyone is cracking up inventing insect meals for him, like French flies, bee-ritoes, and maggot-aroni and fleas. But insects are the least of his problems. When things with Darryl and Eloy heat up, Will wrestles with questions of loyalty, honor—and which friendships are worth fighting for.
"Petruck successfully weaves such important themes as bias, solidarity, and coming to recognize one's own privilege and prejudice together, delivering them in a plot that is so very middle school (bugs! sports!) that it will hopefully appeal to a broad audience who might not otherwise choose to read about these crucial topics. An admirable feat that entertains even as it instructs." (Kirkus Reviews)
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By Saadia Faruqi, Laura Shovan
A timely, accessible story exploring themes of food, friendship, family, and what it means to belong, featuring sixth-graders Sara, a Pakistani American, and Elizabeth, a white, Jewish girl taking a South Asian cooking class taught by Sara's mom. I loved watching these two very different girls develop into friends. Beautifully written—and delicious!
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By Lisa Moore Ramée
I appreciated how generous and kind this novel is while not flinching from difficult truths–and still managing to end with hope.
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By Kelly Yang
I love when an author can make me cry and cheer in equal measure.
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By Alex Gino
When Jilly’s sister Emma is born deaf, she realizes the world is going to treat Jilly, who is white and hearing, differently from Emma, and Jilly’s new friend Derek, who is a Deaf, Black ASL user. Within a world where kids like Derek and Emma aren't assured the same freedom or safety as kids like Jilly, Jilly starts to learn all the things she doesn't know–and works to discover how to support her family and friends. Gino uses their trademark humor, heart, and humanity to show readers how being open to difference can make you a better person, and how being open to change can make you change in the best possible ways.
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By Jerry Craft
Seventh-grader Jordan Banks loves drawing cartoons, but instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics. A timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real. I loved this so much, I immediately bought five more copies to give away.
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