SJPL Recommends: Antiracist Books for Grades 3-5Like this list

32 items

• Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism

  Abdel-Magied, Yassmin, 1991-

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  A vital and vibrant book answering real children's questions about racism, giving them the confidence and the tools to work towards a fairer society for all.

• Maizy Chen's Last Chance

  Yee, Lisa,

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  Eleven-year-old Maizy Chen visits her estranged grandparents, who own and run a Chinese restaurant in Last Chance, Minnesota; as her visit lengthens, she makes unexpected discoveries about her family's history and herself.

• Prairie Lotus

  Park, Linda Sue,

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  In Dakota Territory in the 1880s, half-Chinese Hanna and her white father face racism and resistance to change as they try to make a home for themselves.

• The Antiracist Kid

  a Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism

  Jewell, Tiffany,

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  What is racism? What is antiracism? Why are both important to learn about? The Antiracist Kid answers your questions about these words (and the big ideas behind them) and give you the tools to practice antiracism in your everday life! This…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Finding Junie Kim

  Oh, Ellen,

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  A tale based on true events follows the coming-of-age of a girl who is motivated by an act of racism at school to learn about her ancestral heritage and her grandparents' experiences as lost children during the Korean War.

• The Tryout

  Soontornvat, Christina,

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  As one of the only Asian Americans in her school, Christina confronts both well-meaning ignorance and cruel racism, but in middle school fitting in is important, which is why she and her best friend Megan are both excited and nervous to…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Stamped (for Kids)

  Racism, Antiracism, and You

  Cherry-Paul, Sonja,

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  Kids will discover where racist ideas came from, identify how they impact America today, and meet those who have fought racism with antiracism. Along the way, they'll learn how to identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their own lives.

• You Have a Voice

  Ahiyya, Vera,

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  A teacher encourages students to speak up when they see or experience racism, because their voices can make a difference.

• Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter

  King, Shani M.,

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  Celebrating Black accomplishments in music, art, literature, journalism, politics, law, science, medicine, entertainment, and sports, Shani King summons a magnificent historical and contemporary context for honoring the fortitude of Black…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Ancestor Approved

  Intertribal Stories for Kids

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  This collection of intersecting stories by both new and veteran Native writers bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

• The Talk

  Conversations About Race, Love & Truth

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  Thirty diverse and award-winning authors and illustrators capture frank discussions about racism, identity, and self-esteem.

• American as Paneer Pie

  Kelkar, Supriya, 1980-

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  When a racist incident rocks her small Michigan town, eleven-year-old Lekha must decide whether to speak up or stay silent, even as she struggles to navigate her life at home, where she can be herself, and at school, where she is teased…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Black Brother, Black Brother

  Rhodes, Jewell Parker,

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  Suspended unjustly from elite Middlefield Prep, Donte Ellison studies fencing with a former champion, hoping to put the racist fencing team captain in his place.

• A Good Kind of Trouble

  Ramée, Lisa Moore,

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  After attending a powerful protest, Shayla starts wearing an armband to school to support the Black Lives Matter movement, but when the school gives her an ultimatum, she is forced to choose between her education and her identity.

• The Crossover

  Graphic Novel

  Alexander, Kwame,

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  Thirteen-year-old twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan wrestle with highs and lows on and off the court as their father ignores his declining health.

• We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices

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  A collection of art, essays, letters, poems, and stories celebrates standing up against prejudice and racism.

• The Undefeated

  Alexander, Kwame,

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  The Newbery Award-winning author of The Crossover pens an ode to black American triumph and tribulation, with art from a two-time Caldecott Honoree.

• New Kid

  Craft, Jerry,

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  After his parents send him to a prestigious private school known for its academics, Jordan Banks finds himself torn between two worlds.

• Other Words for Home

  Warga, Jasmine,

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  Sent with her mother to the safety of a relative's home in Cincinnati when her Syrian hometown is overshadowed by violence, Jude worries for the family members who were left behind as she adjusts to a new life with unexpected surprises.

• Front Desk

  Yang, Kelly,

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  Recent immigrants from China and desperate for work and money, ten-year-old Mia Tang's parents take a job managing a rundown motel in Southern California, even though the owner, Mr. Yao is a nasty skinflint who exploits them; while her…Read moreRead more of this annotation