Books for Children about Skin Color

From Katie Kissinger

When I wrote my children’s book about skin color in 1994, it was hard to find any books on this topic.  Happily, that has changed significantly.  Today, children’s books that highlight topics of justice and inclusion are plentiful and finally include and recognize more authors and illustrators of color.  

This week the Threads of Justice Collective is launching our newest Justice and Inclusion Workshop: “Skin Color / Race”.  The series supports teaching and learning about social identity categories. (family structure, gender, culture/language, socio-economic status, able-ness, skin color/race)  In this blog, I want to share a few of the more recent children’s books focused on skin color identity and differences.

At Threads of Justice Collective, we hope you will join us in striving for a world where every child feels optimistic about their special color of skin, is able to resist and reject racism, and has friends and loved ones of many colors.

Infants/Toddlers

“Whose Knees Are These?”

Jabari Asim  Author

Leuyen Pham  Illustrator

From socialjusticebooks.org: “A vibrant, playful verse that celebrates a beautiful brown baby's sweet little knees, for fans of Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes.

‘I've searched the world and seven seas. Never have I seen such charming knees.’

Snuggle with a child on your lap with this companion title to the popular board book Whose Toes Are Those? With lush, adorable pictures from New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham, reminiscent of the beloved work of Ezra Jack Keats, this interactive rhyme full of toddler appeal is a perfect baby gift for parent-child playtime.”

Preschoolers

“The Last Two Crayons”

Leah Freeman-Haskin  Author

Shantala Robinson  Illustrator

From socialjusticebooks.org: “Sienna looks forward to drawing a picture for her school's spring art show until she ends up with the last two crayons ...

By the time Sienna arrives at the art table in her classroom, all the crayons are gone except dark brown and light brown. Now how can she make a special picture for the art show? Her friends remind her that chocolate ice cream is brown, and so is the grizzly bear at the zoo. Sienna draws both, with the help of her friends, but neither picture seems special enough. In the end, inspired by an early memory, Sienna comes up with her own idea for a drawing that's perfect for the art show. The Last Two Crayons looks at the beautiful world of brown, with a heartwarming and empowering ending that celebrates diversity, creativity, and family.”

“Brown is Beautiful: A Poem of Self-Love”

Supriya Kelkar  Author

Noor Sofi   Illustrator

From socialjusticebooks.org: “For fans of Hair Love and Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, here is an empowering picture book about recognizing the beauty around you and within you by award-winning author Supriya Kelkar and rising star illustrator Noor Sofi.   On a hike with her grandparents, a young Indian-American girl makes note of all the things in nature that are brown, too. From a nurturing mother bear to the steadiness of deep twisting roots, to the beauty of a wild mustang, brown is everywhere! On her way, the girl collects the beautiful brown things she encounters as mementos for a scrapbook to share with a very special new addition to her family--a baby brother!

Brown is you. Brown is me.”

Kindergarten and Primary Grades

“What We Believe: A Black Lives Matter Principles Activity Book”

Lalena Garcia Author

Caryn Davidson  Illustrator

From socialjusticebooks.org: “This powerful activity book will engage hands, hearts, and minds as it introduces children to the guiding principles of the Black Lives Matter movement. When the Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013, the three founders--Alicia Garza, Patrisse Khan-Cullors, and Opal Tometi--anchored its work in a list of guiding principles, developed through conversation with other activists. These principles commit the movement to empathy, loving engagement, and just action among its participants; affirm the importance of Black women, families, elders, and LGBTQ folk; and celebrate the strength and diversity of Black people in their communities and around the globe.

Created by two teachers, the book presents the guiding principles in down-to-earth, child-friendly language, with each principle accompanied by writing prompts, space for children or adults to create their own reflections and a coloring page. Supporting materials guide adults in sharing the principles with children and encourage kids to dream big and take action within their communities. An essential resource for anyone discussing racial equity with young people, What We Believe offers a beautiful and inspiring lens on the most important social justice movement of our time.”