Creating diverse bookshelves for our children and engaging in frequent conversations around race, activism, and social justice is how we begin to work together to combat racism in America.
If you're looking for a Juneteenth book list for kids that will help answer questions you and your child may have about the holiday and topics related to slavery and racism, the following list of resources include some of the best kids books on the topic.
The books we've chosen answer questions like, "why is it called Juneteenth?" and "why is Juneteenth important?" With engaging stories that evoke emotion and empathy and beautiful illustrations to bring Juneteenth history to life, these books deserve a spot in your home library.
Books that introduce the topic of chattel slavery
Raising anti-racist children: Books to teach kindness and empathy
Global pandemic aside, CNN pointed out that 2020 was the year when, "No matter where you turned, you couldn't ignore reality. America was the epicenter of a racial reckoning."
That has spilled over into the books people are reading for themselves and buying for their children. According to Minneapolis-based children's bookstore manager, Katie McGinley, 95% of the store's book sales last spring were about race and social justice, as noted on the Marketplace website.
It's clear that teaching children kindness and empathy and how to be anti-racist is vital. These books can help parents start the conversation.
8. Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall encourages empathy and understanding as it helps children move beyond the expectations of others.
9. Mixed: A Colorful Story by Aree Chung is a whimsical story with deep meaning that embraces coming together and accepting and embracing one another despite differences.
10. A Kids Book About Racism by Jelani Memory clearly explains to children what racism is and how to recognize it. The book encourages empathy and understanding in a clear and concise way.
When choosing Juneteenth book options for your family, seek out authors' own voices; those who are part of the community, or members of the culture they're writing about.
Similarly, when introducing the topic of slavery to young children, take care not to start Black History lessons with the topic of slavery. Include books set in African countries on your bookshelves. Teach your child about African art, cultural traditions, and history before discussing slavery.
