Picture Books that Spark Conversation About Discrimination and Inequality

One of my favorite ways to begin conversations with children is by reading a picture book. Young children have a deep desire for life to be “fair”. Today we are exploring that concept of “fair” with a list of Picture Books that Spark Conversation about Discrimination and Equality. Enjoy the books and keep the lines of communication open between you and your children and students. Talking about discrimation and equality is one of the ways to create open-minded children.

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The Sneetches

This is by far my absolute favorite Dr. Seuss book. I love it so much I also included The Sneetches in my Books that Teach Acceptance and Empathy. The Sneetches explores the concept of the “haves” and the “have-nots”. Within a couple of pages Seuss breaks down the ridiculous nature of prejudice in any of its forms. This is a great starting point for conversations on discrimination and inequality.

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes

The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes is so much for than a story about Easter. In fact, whether or not you celebrate Easter you need to check this book out. It is hard to believe Du Bose Heyward wrote this tale of feminism in 1939. With some of the most breathtaking illustrations I have seen this story speaks with intelligence about the importance of a dream, a purpose, a plan and strength of mind, body and spirit. My all-time favorite book.

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace tells the story of an imaginative young girl who wants to be Peter Pan in the school play. Her classmates tell her she can’t because she is black and a girl. Grace goes home saddened by this news. Luckily she has two strong women at home, her mother and her grandmother, who teach her that Grace can be whoever she wants to be.

One

One is a book that should be read from preschool through high school. It should be read in every home and school. One explores the concept of a bully and what happens when everyone else stays silent and allows the bullying to continue. Silence fuels hatred and we need to learn to stand up to prejudice, discrimination and inequality.

Yoko

This is a great book to explore in preschool and early elementary school as I have seen children be made fun of because their food choices are perceived as “weird” or a child is self-conscious to eat what they love for fear of being made fun of. Yoko demonstrates the importance of creating opportunities for our differences to be celebrated and explored.

A Bad Case of the Stripes

A Bad Case of Stripes is a Kindergarten class favorite. Camilla Cream is afraid to eat her favorite food, lima beans, because the other kids make fun of her. This book explores what happens when we start caring so much about what other people think that we forget to be true to ourselves.

Skin Again

Skin Again is simple in words and illustrations, but full of meaning. Exploring the concept of race and racism, Skin Again shares the importance of looking within each person you meet.

Crow Boy

The story of Crow Boy depicts Chibi, the main character, as a shy boy who is made fun of by the other students. In a small Japananese village Chibi travels far to come to school each day only to feel sad and alone. Finally a teacher celebrates his talents. The children are genuinely sorry for their horrible actions and learn the importance of caring for each other.