Co-op Kids Resource Hub: Talking to Kids About Race in America
It can be difficult to talk to kids about the news these days. Many caretakers worry that these discussions could be distressing to children, or that by talking about race, we might be teaching children to think about race is divisive ways. Many studies show that children as young as 3-months old notice and think about race. Children are incredibly receptive sponges, and they often are more aware of things than we give them credit for. Don’t hide from these important conversations. Children watch how adults in their lives respond to situations and learn from that. We must talk about race with young kids, because racism thrives in silence. Systemic racism has been built by white society to be invisible to white people. We also teach children that if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. When kids see that we have nothing to say on the topic of race, they will come to the conclusion that it’s because we have nothing nice to say.
I have compiled some suggested books that are geared for children and information about local bookstores that you can do curbside pickup, delivery or regular shipping. I’ve also linked directly to a few more comprehensive lists of resources to start your anti-racism journey today.
In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be antiracist.” — Angela Davis
A Selection of Books
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, Vashti Harrison
AntiRacist Baby, Ibram X. Kendi, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
Happy in Our Own Skin, Fran Manushkin, illustrated by Lauren Tobia
Hair Love, Matthew A Cherry, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
Maddi's Fridge, Lois Brandt, illustrated by Vin Vogel
When We Were Alone, David A. Robertson, Julie Flett
Shinning Star: The Anna May Wong Story, Paula Yoo, Lin Wang
Chocolate Milk, Por Favor: Celebrating Diversity with Empathy, Maria Dismondy, illustrated by Donna Farell
Voice of Freedom Fannie Lou Hammer Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Young Water Protectors…A Story About Standing Rock, Aslan Tudor and Kelly Tudor
Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and her family's fight for Desegregation, Duncan Tonatiuh
My Hair is a Garden, Cozbi A. Cabrera
Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice, Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazzard, Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
A Kids Book About Racism, Jelani Memory
Local Twin Cities Bookstores
Wild Rumpus
720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410
A local bookstore with a wide variety of social justice titles for kids. Wild Rumpus is offering no-contact curbside pickup daily 1:00 pm — 3:00 pm, regular shipping, and even online story times. For their list of recommended books, including age ranges, head here.
Red Balloon Books
891 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
Offering local same-day delivery (temporarily discontinued on 6/1, check their website for the most up to date information), shipping and porch pick-up between 10:00 am — 2:00 pm Monday—Saturday. Red Balloon’s recommendations can be found here.
Moon Palace Books
3032 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis MN 55406
Located steps away from the 3rd Precinct, Moon Palace Books has been in the center of many of the recent protests. Their building has not been damaged. They are only offering online orders at this time. Head to their website to place your order.
Boneshaker Books
Online only
Boneshaker Books is a volunteer-run, radical bookstore based in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN. We aim to introduce readers to leftist politics, facilitate conversations, support ongoing movements, and collectively create a space that will grow, evolve, and respond to community needs and pressing issues. Check out their website or head straight to their online shop via Bookshop here.
Black-Owned Bookstores
While not local, Semicolon Bookstore is Chicago's only Black-woman owned Bookstore & Gallery, and is one of the closest black-owned bookstores to the Twin Cities. You can support Black-owned businesses by shopping online with Semicolon here. You can also find more Black-owned bookstores, just follow the links!