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SJPL Recommends: Antiracist Books for Grades K-2

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SJPL_KidsPicks

San José Public Library

Staff-created list

Books recommended for students in Kindergarten through Second grade to help build empathy and understanding and support conversations about race, identity, racism, equality, and activism. Selected by SJPL Librarians.

By:

SJPL_KidsPicks

San José Public Library

1-25 of 43 items

1-25 of 43 items

Do You Even Know Me?

Do You Even Know Me?

by Faruqi, Reem

Book - 2024

Salma is Muslim, an identity she takes pride in. But not everyone understands Salma’s religion the way she does, including news reporters, and even a boy ...Show more Salma is Muslim, an identity she takes pride in. But not everyone understands Salma’s religion the way she does, including news reporters, and even a boy in her class, who bullies Salma for belonging to the culture and faith she loves. However, when things go too far, Salma says, “Enough is enough!” and finds the courage to defend herself while also spreading a message of peace. Show less

Salma is Muslim, an identity she takes pride in. But not everyone understands Salma’s religion the way she does, including news reporters, and even a boy ...Show more Salma is Muslim, an identity she takes pride in. But not everyone understands Salma’s religion the way she does, including news reporters, and even a boy in her class, who bullies Salma for belonging to the culture and faith she loves. However, when things go too far, Salma says, “Enough is enough!” and finds the courage to defend herself while also spreading a message of peace. Show less

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For Our Daughters

For Our Daughters

by Nyoko, Mel

Book - 2024

A Black mother replaces common misconceptions with empowering statements and lets her daughter know there are no limits to what she can achieve. A Black mother replaces common misconceptions with empowering statements and lets her daughter know there are no limits to what she can achieve. Show less

A Black mother replaces common misconceptions with empowering statements and lets her daughter know there are no limits to what she can achieve. A Black mother replaces common misconceptions with empowering statements and lets her daughter know there are no limits to what she can achieve. Show less

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My Powerful Hair

My Powerful Hair

by Lindstrom, Carole

Book - 2023

After generations of short hair in her family, a little girl celebrates growing her hair long to connect to her culture and honor the strength and resilience of those who came before her. After generations of short hair in her family, a little girl celebrates growing her hair long to connect to her culture and honor the strength and resilience of those who came before her. Show less

After generations of short hair in her family, a little girl celebrates growing her hair long to connect to her culture and honor the strength and resilience of those who came before her. After generations of short hair in her family, a little girl celebrates growing her hair long to connect to her culture and honor the strength and resilience of those who came before her. Show less

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A Crown for Corina

A Crown for Corina

by Kemp, Laekan Zea

Book - 2023

Corina's Abuela helps her select flowers that mean something to Corina from the garden for her Mexican flower crown that she will wear on her birthday, and explains the symbolic meaning of a birthday crown. Corina's Abuela helps her select flowers that mean something to Corina from the garden for her Mexican flower crown that she will wear on her birthday, and explains the symbolic meaning of a birthday crown. Show less

Corina's Abuela helps her select flowers that mean something to Corina from the garden for her Mexican flower crown that she will wear on her birthday, and explains the symbolic meaning of a birthday crown. Corina's Abuela helps her select flowers that mean something to Corina from the garden for her Mexican flower crown that she will wear on her birthday, and explains the symbolic meaning of a birthday crown. Show less

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The Masjid Kamal Loves

The Masjid Kamal Loves

by Franklin, Ashley

Book - 2023

Written in the cumulative style of "The House that Jack Built," this picture book builds a rhythmic list of reasons a young Muslim boy, Kamal, loves going to his masjid on Fridays for Jumu'ah prayer. Written in the cumulative style of "The House that Jack Built," this picture book builds a rhythmic list of reasons a young Muslim boy, Kamal, loves going to his masjid on Fridays for Jumu'ah prayer. Show less

Written in the cumulative style of "The House that Jack Built," this picture book builds a rhythmic list of reasons a young Muslim boy, Kamal, loves going to his masjid on Fridays for Jumu'ah prayer. Written in the cumulative style of "The House that Jack Built," this picture book builds a rhythmic list of reasons a young Muslim boy, Kamal, loves going to his masjid on Fridays for Jumu'ah prayer. Show less

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Challah Day!

Challah Day!

by Offsay, Charlotte

Book - 2023

Follows a family as they make homemade challah bread from the heart. Includes information about challah and a recipe. Follows a family as they make homemade challah bread from the heart. Includes information about challah and a recipe. Show less

Follows a family as they make homemade challah bread from the heart. Includes information about challah and a recipe. Follows a family as they make homemade challah bread from the heart. Includes information about challah and a recipe. Show less

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Goodnight Racism

Goodnight Racism

by Kendi, Ibram X.

Book - 2022

Illustrations and text show children the language to dream of a better world. Illustrations and text show children the language to dream of a better world. Show less

Illustrations and text show children the language to dream of a better world. Illustrations and text show children the language to dream of a better world. Show less

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Dear Black Child

Dear Black Child

by Rodaah, Rahma

Book - 2022

Lyrical and beautifully illustrated, Dear Black Child is an anthem for young, Black readers--one that defiantly centers the endless, joyful possibilities ...Show more Lyrical and beautifully illustrated, Dear Black Child is an anthem for young, Black readers--one that defiantly centers the endless, joyful possibilities of Black children's futures. Dear Black Child, The universe is vast. So take as much space as you can. Stand in your own light. Wear your crown with pride. Show less

Lyrical and beautifully illustrated, Dear Black Child is an anthem for young, Black readers--one that defiantly centers the endless, joyful possibilities ...Show more Lyrical and beautifully illustrated, Dear Black Child is an anthem for young, Black readers--one that defiantly centers the endless, joyful possibilities of Black children's futures. Dear Black Child, The universe is vast. So take as much space as you can. Stand in your own light. Wear your crown with pride. Show less

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Beautiful You, Beautiful Me

Beautiful You, Beautiful Me

by Spillett-Sumner, Tasha

Book - 2022

A simple story exploring the feelings of a mixed heritage child who begins to notice the physical differences between her mother's features and her own. O...Show more A simple story exploring the feelings of a mixed heritage child who begins to notice the physical differences between her mother's features and her own. One day, Izzy notices that her skin looks different from her mama's. "Mama," exclaims Izzy. "We don't match! You're sand, and I'm chocolate." Then Izzy realizes that her hair has big swirls and curls that jump out from her braids, while her mama's hair is smooth and straight with a braid that hangs right down the middle of her back. Show less

A simple story exploring the feelings of a mixed heritage child who begins to notice the physical differences between her mother's features and her own. O...Show more A simple story exploring the feelings of a mixed heritage child who begins to notice the physical differences between her mother's features and her own. One day, Izzy notices that her skin looks different from her mama's. "Mama," exclaims Izzy. "We don't match! You're sand, and I'm chocolate." Then Izzy realizes that her hair has big swirls and curls that jump out from her braids, while her mama's hair is smooth and straight with a braid that hangs right down the middle of her back. Show less

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Eyes That Speak to the Stars

Eyes That Speak to the Stars

by Ho, Joanna

Book - 2022

A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers' after seeing his friend's drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy rea...Show more A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers' after seeing his friend's drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before. Show less

A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers' after seeing his friend's drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy rea...Show more A young Asian boy notices that his eyes look different from his peers' after seeing his friend's drawing of them. After talking to his father, the boy realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before. Show less

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Black Gold

Black Gold

by Obuobi, Laura

Book - 2022

When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earth--rich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star ...Show more When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earth--rich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star sapphires and full lips to speak the truth. With help from the Sun and the Moon, they create a child of the universe: beautiful, powerful, and boundless with the brilliance of black gold. Show less

When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earth--rich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star ...Show more When the Universe decides to create a child, she draws from the earth--rich, dark, and full of everything that gives life, including eyes like black star sapphires and full lips to speak the truth. With help from the Sun and the Moon, they create a child of the universe: beautiful, powerful, and boundless with the brilliance of black gold. Show less

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Black

Black

The Many Wonders of My World

by James, Nancy Johnson

Book - 2022

A girl describes the many wonders of the color black, which is the amalgam of all colors: the starry sky at night, her own black puppy, and even the color of her eyes. A girl describes the many wonders of the color black, which is the amalgam of all colors: the starry sky at night, her own black puppy, and even the color of her eyes. Show less

A girl describes the many wonders of the color black, which is the amalgam of all colors: the starry sky at night, her own black puppy, and even the color of her eyes. A girl describes the many wonders of the color black, which is the amalgam of all colors: the starry sky at night, her own black puppy, and even the color of her eyes. Show less

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Our Skin

Our Skin

A First Conversation About Race

by Madison, Megan

Book - 2021

An age-appropriate introduction to the concepts of race, gender, consent and body positivity, developed by early childhood and activism experts, combines ...Show more An age-appropriate introduction to the concepts of race, gender, consent and body positivity, developed by early childhood and activism experts, combines clear text with engaging artwork to help the youngest children recognize and confront unjust actions. Show less

An age-appropriate introduction to the concepts of race, gender, consent and body positivity, developed by early childhood and activism experts, combines ...Show more An age-appropriate introduction to the concepts of race, gender, consent and body positivity, developed by early childhood and activism experts, combines clear text with engaging artwork to help the youngest children recognize and confront unjust actions. Show less

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We Are Still Here!

We Are Still Here!

Native American Truths Everyone Should Know

by Sorell, Traci

Book - 2021

A group of Native American kids from different tribes presents twelve historical and contemporary time periods, struggles, and victories to their classmates, each ending with a powerful refrain: we are still here. A group of Native American kids from different tribes presents twelve historical and contemporary time periods, struggles, and victories to their classmates, each ending with a powerful refrain: we are still here. Show less

A group of Native American kids from different tribes presents twelve historical and contemporary time periods, struggles, and victories to their classmates, each ending with a powerful refrain: we are still here. A group of Native American kids from different tribes presents twelve historical and contemporary time periods, struggles, and victories to their classmates, each ending with a powerful refrain: we are still here. Show less

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I Am An American

I Am An American

The Wong Kim Ark Story

by Brockenbrough, Martha

Book - 2021

A timely and important picture book that introduces readers to Wong Kim Ark, who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen. A timely and important picture book that introduces readers to Wong Kim Ark, who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen. Show less

A timely and important picture book that introduces readers to Wong Kim Ark, who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen. A timely and important picture book that introduces readers to Wong Kim Ark, who challenged the Supreme Court for his right to be an American citizen. Show less

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Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

by Ho, Joanna

Book - 2021

A self-confident and strong young girl recounts how she shares her eyes--and so much more--with her mother, her amah and her little sister. A self-confident and strong young girl recounts how she shares her eyes--and so much more--with her mother, her amah and her little sister. Show less

A self-confident and strong young girl recounts how she shares her eyes--and so much more--with her mother, her amah and her little sister. A self-confident and strong young girl recounts how she shares her eyes--and so much more--with her mother, her amah and her little sister. Show less

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In My Mosque

In My Mosque

by Yuksel, M. O.

Book - 2021

A picture book featuring culturally rich artwork celebrates the joys, rituals, and traditions that are practiced in mosques throughout the world, and includes a glossary and information about many historical and significant mosques. A picture book featuring culturally rich artwork celebrates the joys, rituals, and traditions that are practiced in mosques throughout the world, and includes a glossary and information about many historical and significant mosques. Show less

A picture book featuring culturally rich artwork celebrates the joys, rituals, and traditions that are practiced in mosques throughout the world, and includes a glossary and information about many historical and significant mosques. A picture book featuring culturally rich artwork celebrates the joys, rituals, and traditions that are practiced in mosques throughout the world, and includes a glossary and information about many historical and significant mosques. Show less

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Laxmi's Mooch

Laxmi's Mooch

by Anand, Shelly

Book - 2021

After Laxmi's friend Zoe points out the hairs on her lip, Laxmi is very self-conscious until her East Indian parents help her to accept and celebrate her appearance. After Laxmi's friend Zoe points out the hairs on her lip, Laxmi is very self-conscious until her East Indian parents help her to accept and celebrate her appearance. Show less

After Laxmi's friend Zoe points out the hairs on her lip, Laxmi is very self-conscious until her East Indian parents help her to accept and celebrate her appearance. After Laxmi's friend Zoe points out the hairs on her lip, Laxmi is very self-conscious until her East Indian parents help her to accept and celebrate her appearance. Show less

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Your Name Is A Song

Your Name Is A Song

by Thompkins-Bigelow, Jamilah

Book - 2020

Saddened by her classmates' and teacher's mispronunciations of her name, a girl is empowered by her discovery that names are like songs when she and her mom celebrate the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names. Saddened by her classmates' and teacher's mispronunciations of her name, a girl is empowered by her discovery that names are like songs when she and her mom celebrate the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names. Show less

Saddened by her classmates' and teacher's mispronunciations of her name, a girl is empowered by her discovery that names are like songs when she and her mom celebrate the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names. Saddened by her classmates' and teacher's mispronunciations of her name, a girl is empowered by her discovery that names are like songs when she and her mom celebrate the musicality of African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern names. Show less

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I Am Brown

I Am Brown

by Banker, Ashok

Book - 2020

I am brown. I am beautiful. I am perfect. I designed this computer. I ran this race. I won this prize. I wrote this book. A joyful celebration of the skin you're in--of being brown, of being amazing, of being you. I am brown. I am beautiful. I am perfect. I designed this computer. I ran this race. I won this prize. I wrote this book. A joyful celebration of the skin you're in--of being brown, of being amazing, of being you. Show less

I am brown. I am beautiful. I am perfect. I designed this computer. I ran this race. I won this prize. I wrote this book. A joyful celebration of the skin you're in--of being brown, of being amazing, of being you. I am brown. I am beautiful. I am perfect. I designed this computer. I ran this race. I won this prize. I wrote this book. A joyful celebration of the skin you're in--of being brown, of being amazing, of being you. Show less

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Black Is A Rainbow Color

Black Is A Rainbow Color

by Joy, Angela

Book - 2020

A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. Show less

A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. Show less

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Magnificent Homespun Brown

Magnificent Homespun Brown

A Celebration

by Doyon, Samara Cole

Book - 2020

Presents a celebration of the love of family and oneself. Presents a celebration of the love of family and oneself. Show less

Presents a celebration of the love of family and oneself. Presents a celebration of the love of family and oneself. Show less

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We Are Water Protectors

We Are Water Protectors

by Lindstrom, Carole

Book - 2020

Inspired by the many indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption. Inspired by the many indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption. Show less

Inspired by the many indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption. Inspired by the many indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption. Show less

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All Because You Matter

All Because You Matter

by Charles, Tami

Book - 2020

A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will. A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will. Show less

A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will. A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will. Show less

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I Am Every Good Thing

I Am Every Good Thing

by Barnes, Derrick D

Book - 2020

Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child. Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child. Show less

Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child. Illustrations and easy-to-read text pay homage to the strength, character, and worth of a child. Show less

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