Black History Month: 12 books about diversity and inclusivity for children
February is Black History Month. Canada's theme for Black History Month 2021 is The Future is Now. Educating the future generation about the achievements of Black Canadians and the importance of diversity and inclusivity in our community is a fundamental part of a child's learning experience. Setting a good example for the youth and teaching them when they are young is the best way to ensure children are more tolerant in the future. Literature can help shape future generations and is a useful tool in achieving this. Check out these 12 inspiring children's books about diversity and inclusivity. If you are interested in purchasing one of these books for your children, just click the links in the post!
Dear Black Girls by Shanice Nicole and illustrated by Kezna Dalz
Dear Black Girls is a poetic letter to young black girls to remind them how special and loved they are. They are deserving of love and acceptance just the way they are.
Trailblazers by Tiyahna Ridley-Padmore and illustrated by Merryl-Royce Ndema-Moussa
This is a trailblazing Canadian book to inspire young people of colour. Trailblazers tells the story of Canada’s Black history by sharing the under-told stories of over forty incredible Black change makers.
Change Sings: A Children's Anthem by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Loren Long
Change Sings is by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman. She inspired a nation with her words, and hopefully the future generation with her musical children's book.
I Promise by Lebron James and illustrated by Nina Mata
I Promise is created to inspire a diverse audience of future change-makers. NBA superstar Lebron James shares his values with the younger generation to teach them about dedication and never giving up on dreams.
The Proudest Blue: A Story Of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad and illustrated by Hatem Aly
The Proudest Blue gives children the opportunity to learn tolerance and inclusiveness. Two sisters face frightening first: the first day of school and the first day of hijab. Not everyone at school views the ocean-blue hijab as beautiful. Faizah must find strength in the face of hurtful, and confusing words.
Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris and illustrated by Marissa Valdez
I adore books that teach young women to embrace their ambition, and as the title states, Ambitious Girl does just that! A young girl sees a strong woman on TV labeled as "too assertive" and "too ambitious." It inspires her to discover challenges women and girls face in the past, present, and future.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López
The Day You Begin is about finding the courage to connect when you feel alone, as frightening as that may be. This book is featured in an episode of the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices!
Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison
Dream Big, Little Ones is a board book for the next generation of little leaders. It tells the story of18 trailblazing black women in American history. Turn the page and find your next hero, role model, and inspiration.
An ABC Of Equality by Chana Ginelle Ewing and illustrated by Paulina Morgan
Another board book of inclusivity, An ABC Of Equality teaches children about diversity at a formative age. This book helps children navigate the world we live in, teaching about belief, acceptance, class, and equal rights.
I Believe I Can by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Every child should believe in themselves and their opportunities despite their background. I Believe I Can, by actress and activist Grace Byers, will reassure children of colour to reach for the stars.
A Is For Activist by Innosanto Nagara
A Is For Activist is a book for the next generation of progressives. Many families want their children to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, and LGBTQ rights. This board book teaches kids about the importance for standing up for what they believe in.
Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry and illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Hair Love is a beautiful story about self-confidence and the love between a father and a daughter. The author is an Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver. This book celebrates the beauty of Black hair.
The best way to celebrate Black History Month is to educate the future generation about diversity, inclusivity, and the reality of the past. If we accept and take ownership of mistakes made in the past, we can grow in the future.
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