How to talk to children about racism is uppermost in many educators’ minds because of the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and many more. While discussions about racism, prejudice, tolerance are difficult they need to be ongoing. A significant way to start conversations about race are with anti-racism books.

I spent my teaching career in international schools, teaching children from more nationalities than I could count. I realised there were limited opportunities to read books that represented all of my students. 

I researched where to find diverse books representing children of colour, particularly when I became a teacher-librarian. After the book list, you can find a lengthy list of publishers and organisations that I use to further my knowledge of diverse children’s books, authors and illustrators. I have also collated a list of resources you can use in the classroom or send home at Talking to Young Children About Race and Racism.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture has a detailed explanation of anti-racism, including videos and discussion points. This is information for yourself or something you can send home to parents and caregivers.