A recent article in the New York Times made a point about how “The conversation about race needs to start early and keep happening.”
We agree. After food, shelter and safety, reading stories aloud is the one most important things a parent, teacher or caregiver can do. To educate younger generations in anti-racism, kindness and peace –is to help create a better and more just world.
Below is a video of favorite picture books and stories selected by Colleen Kammer (co-owner of Book Beat). All contain useful ideas and are beautiful artworks in themselves. These can be used, enjoyed and discussed at home or in the classroom. All children need to learn and be aware of the diversity, beauty, and hope that exists in the world.
Let us know how you are using books and stories to bring about change. Books featured in the video and store are also available in our online Bookshop catalog: Anti-racism for Children.
Also view our suggested books on Anti-racism for Young Adults
and Anti-Racism for Adults. We appreciate your continued support.
Helping Children Cope with Crisis
As one of the only national organizations dedicated exclusively to the success and well-being of Black children, the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) and their National Affiliate Network have been a powerful and effective voice on issues related to the education, care, and health of Black children and their families.
The NBCDI has re-released their Activity Book For African American Families:Helping Children Cope with Crisis –a wonderful resource for families with children of all ages, and available as a free download.
Brilliant Detroit is an organization working “to provide a radically new approach to kindergarten readiness in neighborhoods.” Book Beat is working together with Brilliant Detroit to help deliver quality books and develop school-readiness to area children in need. Learn more about this HERE.
Kid Lit for Black Lives
An inspiring two hour rally with Award winning children’s authors and artists; Kwame Alexander, Jacqueline Woodson, Jason Reynolds, Raul the Third, Linda Sue Park and many others featuring inspiring words, music, and numerous calls to action in support of equity and justice. Sponsored by the Brown Bookshelf. View: #KidLIt4BlackLives
Colleen, This is wonderful. Thank you for your efforts to pull all of these resources together. I’m going to forward your lists and recommendations to everyone in the School of Education. I miss seeing you every day during July. I’m not doing the summer class and as a matter of fact, it is going virtual this summer. Here is the full 2020 RDG 5530 line-up:
• July 1: Nikki Grimes
• July 6 & 8: Jarrett Krosoczka
• July 13: Juana Martinez-Neal
• July 15: Vera Brosgol
• July 20: Lesa Cline-Ransome
• July 22: Cynthia Leitich Smith
I know you carry these authors’ books, and I hope our students start to purchase some of them.
Thanks again
Hello Linda,
Thank you for your comments on our post. We’ll be sure to check our inventory on your July authors, and will restock if necessary. Thank you for forwarding our post and letting the summer students know we’ll have these books available. It looks like a great lineup this summer! Stay well!
Best wishes,
Colleen