Diverse Reads - Our Favorite Children's Books

This week has been heavy. I have been overwhelmed with emotion and grief. I’ve cried many tears. But despite what it seems like on social media and the news, it hasn’t been all bad. Conversations have been started. Minds and hearts have been changed. Apologies have been said. Friends have been made. And as a result, little bit by little bit, my heartbreak is turning to hope.

There are so many fantastic resources being shared all over the internet for anyone who wants to educate themselves and/or their children on racism and anti-racism. I’ve been thinking all week about what I want to add to that conversation. I don’t have any academic expertise in this area, but I am a black woman, a black mother and an avid reader. So today and next week, I’ll be sharing books that have been read and loved in my home. These lists aren’t limited to books that feature black faces and voices only. Or books that I saw a bunch of influencers share. They’re books with interesting stories and valuable lessons, and most importantly, worn pages and permanent spots on our very messy bookshelf.

Today I wanted to start with children’s books because I believe that the most effective way to end racism in our country is to teach our children, our next generation, to love one another better. And we start by exposing our children to people, in real life and in books, of all different skin tones and cultures.

I'm including affiliate links here for two reasons: 1) to make it easier for you to shop these books if you’d like to (just click on the book to purchase) and 2) because I would like to donate any commission I receive to Every Mother Counts. You can read more about their mission, and the racial disparities in maternal care and childbirth in America, here.

Happy Reading!