We have been fielding many questions and concerns about how to talk to children about what is going on ? When is the right time and age to start this conversation? What is your organization doing to support our community during this time?
The simple answer is there is no time but the present! In fact, we are living in such a teachable moment. The movement is important and being open with your children about race, tolerance and social injustice is key, even if it is uncomfortable.
We have put together our top list of favorite books that address some tough topics about race, tolerance and social injustice curated by our incredible nannies. We empower you to seek out truth, question everything and explore our nanny curated list of children’s books that we think you will enjoy.
Don’t see what you are looking for on our recommend list and want to support? Check out 47 black owned bookstores across the country with many more curated selections for inquiring minds.
*Please note all summaries of books are directly from their linked LEARN MORE pages
Modern Minders unequivocally supports the fight for civil rights and the struggle for racial and social equality. Systemic racial discrimination, bias, and prejudice need immediate, substantive action, and we join our community in demanding justice for Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, and countless others. We stand in solidarity with protesters, activists, and people from all walks of life who are committed to combating racism in all its forms.
We are dedicated as an organization to addressing our own biases, listening to and learning from our community, and supporting the advancement of civil rights. Black lives matter. We hear you. We see you. we support you.
Antiracist Baby
With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.
A is for Activist
is an educational board book formatted around the letters of the alphabet written to inspire new generations of progressives. Teach your kids about the power of activism, the importance of environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything activists believe in and fight for.
A Kids Book About Racism
Yes, this really is a kids book about racism. Inside, you’ll find a clear description of what racism is, how it makes people feel when they experience it, and how to spot it when it happens. This is one conversation that’s never too early to start, and this book was written to be an introduction for kids on the topic.
I Can Change The World!
Part of any child’s development of healthy self-esteem is making a habit of giving back to others. I Can Change the World! is an uplifting personalized storybook that teaches your child that change can start with just one person—your child! This storybook empowers kids to believe in themselves and their ability to affect change in those around them. This book is personalized with your child’s name on the cover and throughout the book and illustrations. Written by award-winning children’s author Jennifer Dewing, illustrated by artist Marie Cardouat.
Skin Like Mine
From the Creators of Hair Like Mine, Skin Like Mine, the second book in the Kids Like Mine Series, is a fun, easy-to- read for beginners as well as advanced readers. An entertaining yet creative way to address and celebrate diversity among young children. Guaranteed to make you smile and a bit hungry.
I am Not A Number
When Irene is removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school, she is confused, frightened and terribly homesick. She tries to remember who she is and where she came from despite being told to do otherwise. When she goes home for summer holidays, her parents decide never to send her away again, but where will she hide and what will happen when her parents disobey the law? I Am Not A Number is a powerful story of resistance, resilience, family and identity. Ages 7–11.
Let’s Talk About Race
As Lester discusses how we all have a story, he brings up questions about why we think race is important and what it means to have a racial identity. This gorgeous book — great to read with kids of any age — allows for open-ended conversation and questions.
American Born Chinese
The first graphic novel to be a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, this 2006 book is really three cleverly interwoven tales: a classic Chinese folk tale of the Monkey King, the story of a Chinese-American boy named Danny, growing up in San Francisco, and the confessions of a white boy who tries to disavow his embarrassing Chinese cousin, but turns out to be the alter-ego of Danny himself as he struggles to accept his identity
