We have compiled the following book lists, websites and links with recommendations relating to Stoneham Reads 2021 theme of racial history, equity and social justice. This page of resources is not exhaustive, and we welcome suggestions of other current book titles and active sites that provide relevant information and diverse resource lists.
The categories below are Books for Children & Youth, Books for Adults and Other Resources with resource links including children, youth and adults.
Books for Children & Youth
Baby-3 Yrs Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi, Ashley Lukashevsky From the National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be an Antiracist comes a picture book that empowers parents and children to uproot racism in our society and in ourselves. Age 2-5 Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race byMegan Madison Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion. Grades PreK-2 The Colors of Us by Karen Katz A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Grades PreK-3 The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson Clover wonders why a fence separates the black side of town from the white side. When Annie, a white girl from the other side, begins to sit on the fence, Clover grows more curious as to why the fence is there. Grades PreK-3 Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester, Karen Barbour In this acclaimed book, the author of the Newbery Honor Book To Be a Slave shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. A strong choice for sharing at home or in the classroom. Grades 1-3 Racism and Intolerance by Louise Spilsbury Looks at questions like: "What does it mean to be a racist—or intolerant?" and "How can I help?" Children begin to understand the way others struggle with these issues and become empowered to make a difference. Grades 1-4 Stamped for Kids by Sonja Cherry-Paul (adapter), Jason Reynolds (author) and Ibram X. Kendi (author), with art by Rachelle Baker Adapted from the groundbreaking bestseller Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, this book takes younger readers on a journey from present to past and back again. Kids will discover where racist ideas came from, identify how they impact America today, and meet those who have fought racism with antiracism. Grades 3-7 Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga A gorgeously written, hopeful middle grade novel in verse about a young girl who must leave Syria to move to the United States. Grades 3-7 New Kid by Jerry Craft Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. 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, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. Grades 3-7 We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices by Wade Hudson What do we tell our children when the world seems bleak, and prejudice and racism run rampant? With 96 lavishly designed pages of original art and prose, fifty diverse creators lend voice to young activists. Grades 4-7 When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson A National Book Award Finalist, this remarkable graphic novel is about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a former Somali refugee to the Newbery Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl. Grades 5+ A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramee Funny and big-hearted middle grade novel about friendship, family, and standing up for what’s right. Grades 7+ March: Book One by John Lewis A graphic novel trilogy based on the life of civil rights leader and congressman John Lewis. Grades 7-9 Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson Acclaimed author Renee Watson offers a powerful story about a girl striving for success in a world that too often seems like it's trying to break her. Grades 7+ Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative written by beloved award-winner Jason Reynolds, this book shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas—and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.
Books for Adults
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents byIsabel Wilkerson, 2020
Mindful of Race: Transforming Racism from the Inside Out by Ruth King
My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi, 2016
The White Ally Toolkit: Their goal is to help white people have a more productive dialogue with other whites about racism: https://www.whiteallytoolkit.com/
Stoneham Public Library Book Lists Books recommended by our local librarians for kids. Topics such as: Asian American and Pacific Islander Book Bag, Black History Month, Autism Acceptance Month, Women Making History https://stonehamlibrary.org/youth-services/book-lists/
Giant Collection of Book Lists for Kids By Erica at “What Do We Do All Day” An excellent collection of book lists for children, grouped together by subjects such as: Multicultural and Diverse Picture Books, Picture Books about Social Issues, and Picture Books about Integrity & Emotions. https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/books-for-kids/
Resources for Race, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Inclusion By WNDB/We Need Diverse Books A wonderful collection of book lists and online resources for adults and children including topics: How to Talk to Kids About Race-Books and Resources That Can Help, Where to Find Black Owned Bookstores, and many Educational Resources https://diversebooks.org/resources-for-race-equity-and-inclusion/
Learning for Justice(previously called Teaching Tolerance) Learning for Justice seeks to uphold the mission of the Southern Poverty Law Center: to be a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people. Their work is with educators, schools, students and communities. https://www.learningforjustice.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjw2ZaGBhBoEiwA8pfP_h8-ELZ01TJboiJIBNMjqOJRAiOA8m2rzoPdyHo0Ox_FH52SIqDu1BoCwEMQAvD_BwE
PBS: Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism Children are never too young to learn about diversity. As young as 3 months old, they may look differently at people who look like or don’t look like their primary caregivers. As parents and caregivers, we must have confidence in ourselves and in our children — that we, and they, can handle tough topics and tough situations. https://www.pbs.org/parents/talking-about-racism
Netflix Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices is a live-action collection of twelve five minute episodes featuring prominent Black celebrities and artists reading children's books from Black authors that highlight the Black experience. Includes Recommended Reading Lists and other Resources https://www.netflixbookmarks.com
Kudos to the Stoneham Reads planning committee members who contributed to curating and editing this resource list page: Jill Blagsvedt, Betty Chu Pryor, Martha Oesch and Judy Bousquin.