Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources for Children, July 2023
by Alvin R. Blount
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
Bodies Are Cool
-Tyler Feder, author, and illustrator
-Kindle, $8.99
-hardcover, $16.99
-paperback, $13.07
-32 pages
-Rocky Pond Books
-2021
-description: This joyful picture book is a celebration of all human bodies, highlighting various skin tones, hair textures, and body shapes with illustrations appropriate for ages 3-5.
Feder, T. (2021). Bodies Are Cool. Rocky Pond Books.
Repeat After Me: Big Things to Say Every Day
-Jazmyn Simon
-Dulé Hill
-Shamar Knight-Justice
-Kindle $10.99
-hardcover $16.99
-32 pages
-Random House Books for Young Readers
-2023
-description: This New York Times bestseller for ages 3-6 is a beautifully illustrated book of affirmations that tell young readers how deserving and cherished they are. This resource will help children feel their confidence grow and believe in themselves regardless of the opinions of others.
Simon, J. & D. Hill. (2023). Repeat After Me: Big Things to Say Every Day. Random House Books for Young Readers.
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race
-Magan Madison
-Jessica Ralli
-Isabel Roxas, illustrator
-Kindle $6.99
-hardcover $14.99
-board book $8.04
-38 pages
-Rise x Penguin Workshop
-2021
-description: Parents and caregivers of children have an opportunity to use this board book to begin conversations with young children about race and body positivity in a supported approach.
Madison, M. & Ralli, J. (2021). Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race. Rise x Penguin.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources for Children, June 2023
prepared by Alvin R. Blount
Diocese of East Tennessee
My Two Cool Moms
-Kristine Ebona
-paperback $16.99
-35 pages
-Independently published
-2020
-description: The author of My Two Cool Moms is passionate about her LGBTQ+ advocacy and began writing books to empower children in modern families as readers will see in this story of love and adventure.
Ebona, K. (2020). My Two Cool Moms. Independently published.
ABC Pride
-Louie Stowell
-Elly Barnes
-Amy Phelps, illustrator
-Kindle $6.99
-hardcover $12.99
-32 pages
-ages: 3-5
-DK Children
-2022
-description: This inclusive resource introduces the reader to Pride by using the alphabet and helping little ones discover letters and words with bold illustrations.
Stowell, L. & Barnes, E. (2022). ABC Pride. DK Children.
It Feels Good to Be Yourself: Book About Gender Identity
-Theresa Tho
-Noah Grigni, illustrator
-hardcover $12.53
-40 pages
-ages: 3-7
-Henry Holt and Co.
-2019
-description: This picture book introduces young readers to the concept of gender identity in a sweet, but straightforward manner. It provides a sensitive understanding with child-friendly language and art.
Thorn, T. (2019). It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity. Henry Holt and Co.
We Are the Rainbow! The Colors of Pride
-Claire Winslow
-Riley Samels, illustrator
-boardbook $6.38
-20 pages
-ages: 2-4
-Sunbird Books
-2022
-description: Young children and their families will learn the meanings behind the colors of the LGBTQ+ pride flag.
Winslow, C. (2022). We Are the Rainbow! The Colors of Pride. Sunbird Books.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources for Children, May 2023
prepared by Alvin R. Blount
Diocese of East Tennessee
The Peace Table: A Storybook Bible
-Chrissie Muecke
-Jasmine Pittman Morell
-Teresa Kim Pecinovsky
-hardcover $32.99
-384 pages
-ages 5-11
-Herald Press
-2023
-description: A comprehensive family storybook, The Peace Table helps readers young and old with its stunning artwork to see themselves reflected in the Good News. Children are encouraged in this resource to explore ways that the themes of peace are woven throughout the Bible.
Muecke, C., Morell, J. P. & Pecinovsky, T. K. (2023). The Peace Table: A Storybook Bible. Herald Press.
I am An Amazing Asian Girl: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Girls
-Yobe Qiu
-Jade Le, illustrator
-paperback $11.23
-hardcover $18.95
-24 pages
-By Yobe Qiu
-2022
-description: This story is written to help young Asian girls remain confident and recognize their strength and value.
Qiu, Y. (2022). I am An Amazing Asian Girl: A Positive Affirmation Book for Asian Girls. By Yobe Qiu.
My Heart Full of All: A Diverse, Multiracial, Inclusive and Multicultural Picture Book for Children
-Jia Shao
-Kat Powell, illustrator
-Kindle $7.21
-paperback $29.54
-39 pages
-ages: Baby-12 years
-Independently published
-2022
-description: Look no further if you need a resource to teach your children about self-acceptance, inclusivity, and celebrating diversity.
Shao, J. (2022). My Heart Full of All: A Diverse, Multiracial, Inclusive and Multi-cultural Picture Book for Children. Independently published.
A Journey in Color: The Art of Ellis Wilson
-Jayne Moore Waldrop
-Michael McBride, illustrator
-hardcover $21.95
-Shadelandhouse Modern Press
-2022
-description: In A Journey in Color, Waldrop tells the story of a young man who grew up in the Bottom, a section of Mayfield, Kentucky, during racial segregation. This young man, Ellis Wilson, was determined to become a classically trained artist, but he needed to convince his family and neighbors that art was worth choosing over becoming a farmer. His father, however, was his inspiration to paint and his mother encouraged him to get an education. Eventually, he was admitted to the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. This is a must have resource written by a Kentucky writer and attorney and beautifully illustrated by Tennessee State University’s Michael McBride, an illustrator of over 75 children’s books.
Waldrop, J. M. (2022). A Journey in Color: The Art of Ellis Wilson. Shadelandhouse Modern Press.
Snap It
-Ta’kari Tatum
-Gwendolyn Tatum
-hardcover $27.89
-Imprint Productions, Inc.
-2023
-description: This is a moving autobiography about a boy witnessing the illness and processing the death of his beloved grandfather. He and his grandfather did everything together from attending baseball games to going on family vacations. Ta’kari deals with this mental stress in a particular way.
Tatum, T. & Tatum, G. (2023). Snap It. Imprint Productions, Inc.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources for Children, April 2023
prepared by Alvin R. Blount
Diocese of East Tennessee
The Arabic Quilt: An Immigrant Story
-Aya Khalil
-Anait Semirdzhayan, illustrator
-Kindle $9.99
-hardcover $17.95
-36 pages
-ages 4-6
-Tilbury House Publishers
-2020
-description: A young girl wraps herself in a beautiful quilt given to her by her grandmother and she writes a poem about it in Arabic. This leads to a project that includes her entire class and not only reminds her of her home, but also makes her feel accepted in her new one.
Khalil, A. (2020). The Arabia Quilt: An Immigrant Story. Tilbury House Publishers.
The Proudest Blue
-Ibtihaj Muhammad
-S. K. Ali
-Kindle $9.99
-hardcover $35.10
-paperback $12.12
-ages: 3-8
-Andersen Press
-2020
-description: This is an uplifting story about new experiences and about being proud of who you are.
Muhammad, I. & Ali, S. K. (2020). The Proudest Blue. Andersen Press.
Abu Jmeel’s Daughter & Other Stories: Arab Folk Tales from Palestine and Lebanon (International Folk Tales Series)
-Jamal Sleem Nuweihed
-paperback
-368 pages
-ages: 8-15
-Interlink Books
-2001
-description: Written down shortly before Nuweihed’s death, these traditional folk stories by Nuweihed are magical and sometimes humorous. They were translated by family members representing different generations.
Nuweihed, J. S. (2001). Abu Jmeel’s Daughter & Other Stories: Arab Folk Tales from Palestine and Lebanon (International Folk Tales Series). Interlink Books.
The Cat Man of Aleppo
-Karim Shamsi-Basha
-Irene Latham
-Yuko Shimizo, illustrator
-Kindle $7.99
-hardcover $13.49
-40 pages
-ages 4-8
-G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
-2020
-description: This is an award-winning book about Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, a man with a big heart who remains at home to help the wounded after the Syrian Civil War. Many had to flee for safety, leaving their pets behind in this true story, particularly cats, and he finds himself caring for them as well.
Shamsi-Basha, K. &Latham, I. (2020). The Cat Man of Aleppo. G. P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources for Children, March 2023
prepared by Alvin R. Blount
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
Costs of items may vary depending on where they are purchased. Also, check with the Children’s Diversity & Justice Library, Tennessee Valley Unitarian Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN, for resources that circulate.
Little Miss Curls: Positive Affirmations
-Ariana Nycole Brown
-paperback $17.23
-24 pages
-independently published
-2023
-description: This useful resource helps kids to learn daily, positive affirmations to overcome fear and self-doubt while also helping to reduce self-sabotage. Although an African American children’s book, it can help to boost any child’s self-confidence.
Brown, A. N. (2023). Little Miss Curls: Positive Affirmations. Independently published.
Sing, Don’t Cry
-Angela Dominguez
-Kindle $10.99
-hardcover $16.99
-paperback $8.99
-32 pages
-ages: 4-8
-Square Fish
-2023 (pre-order)
-description: Dominguez writes this inspiring story about her grandfather’s annual visits from Mexico. He always brings his guitar and memories, and together they lift their voices and spirits through the bad times and the good.
Dominguez, A. (2023). Sing Don’t Cry. Square Fish.
My Hero, My Dad the Nurse Played Football
-Maggie Thurmond Dorsey
-Lorenzo Williams
-Kindle $4.99
-paperback $12.99
-26 pages
-ages: 9-12
-BookSurge
-2009
-description: Written by Augusta, GA, native, and Professor Emerita of Nursing at the University of South Carolina, Aiken, Dr. Maggie Dorsey, this engaging story of Michael David Daniels who expresses a desire to play football just like his father who is a nurse. The author was not only a nurse educator, but is also experienced as a mother of three boys. Share this beautifully illustrated book with your children and the entire family!
Dorsey, M. (2009). My Hero, My Dad the Nurse Played Football. BookSurge.
Coretta’s Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King
-Alice Faye Duncan
-R. Gregory Christie
-Kindle $11.99
-hardcover $18.99
-48 pages
-ages: 7-10
-Calkins Creek
-2023
-description: Alice Faye Duncan, librarian, author, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville, alumna, has written this illustrated story about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s wife and partner in the fight for justice. Mrs. King stood for justice and against violence toward her family in the South at an early age, in addition to fighting discrimination while studying music in the North. After her husband was assassinated, Coretta continued to fight for equal rights and justice for all until her death.
Duncan, A. F. (2023). Coretta’s Journey: The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King. Calkins Creek.
All The Way to Havana
-Margarita Engle
-Mike Curato
-Kindle $10.99
-hardcover $11.99
-paperback $8.99
-40 pages
-ages: 4-8
-Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
-2017
-description: A boy and his family take a drive through Havana, Cuba. They experience beautiful cars, street musicians, people chatting—all a joyful celebration of the Cuban people!
Engle, M. (2017). All The Way to Havana. Henry Holt and Co. (BYR).
Call Me Tree / Llamame arbol (English and Spanish Edition)
-Maya Christina Gonzalez
-hardcover $18.95
-24 pages
-ages: 6-10
-Children’s Books Press
-2014
-description: This journey of a child’s self-discovery is a just like a tree, where he develops in a natural world and has comfortable relationships with others who are different.
Gonzalez, M. C. (2014). Call Me Tree / Llamame arbol (English and Spanish Edition). Children’s Book Press.
A Kid’s Guide to Latino History: More than 50 Activities (A Kid’s Guide Series)
-Valerie Petrillo
-Kindle $3.99
-paperback $17.66
-224 pages
-ages: 7-9
-Chicago Review Press
-2009
-description: This guide features over 50 hands-on games, activities, and crafts. Readers will be treated to the diversity of Latino culture and events that formed Hispanic American history.
Petrillo, V. (2009). A Kid’s Guide to Latino History: More than 50 Activities (A Kid’s Guide Series). Chicago Review Press.
Tía Isa Wants a Car
-Meg Medina
-Kindle $6.15
-hardcover $1.68
-paperback $6.99
-32 pages
-ages: 3-7
-Candlewick
-2016
-description: Written in lyrical prose, this beautiful story is about never letting go of one’s dreams.
Medina, M. (2016). Tía Isa Wants a Car. Candlewick.
Dreamers
-Yuyi Morales
-Kindle $11.99
-hardcover $11.99
-paperback $15.96
-40 pages
-ages: 3-9
-Neal Porter Books
-2018
-description: Dreamers is a story about celebrating the things that one carries such as hopes, dreams, resilience, and history. Readers will enjoy this lyrical text and bold, beautiful illustrations.
Morales, Y. (2018). Dreamers. Neal Porter Books.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources for Children, February 2023
prepared by Alvin R. Blount
Diocese of East Tennessee
Costs of items may vary depending on where they are purchased. Also, check with the Children’s Diversity & Justice Library at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 for resources that circulate.
Stacey’s Extraordinary Words
-Stacey Abrams
-Kitt Thomas, illustrator
-hardcover, $10.44
-paperback, $12.95
-32 pages
-ages 4-8
-Balzer + Bray
-2021
-description: This debut picture book from well-known voting rights advocate and bestselling author, Stacey Abrams, is a New York Times bestseller and NAACP Image Award winner. In the book, Stacey is a lover of words, but when her teacher chooses her to compete in the local spelling bee, she isn’t so excited due to anxiety. She later learns her words are powerful if she wins or loses, and perseverance is more important than anything.
Abrams, S. (2021). Stacey’s Extraordinary Words. Balzer + Bray.
Absalom Jones: America’s First Black Priest
-Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones
-Kindle, $14.18
-paperback, $14.20
-64 pages
-ages: 3-12
-Morehouse Publishing
-2021
-description: This is the story of a former slave and America’s first Black Episcopal priest who was an inspiring model for living to love and serve others. It is also engaging enough for adults and begins by describing the reality of slavery as Jones had to purchase is wife’s freedom before his own. One will find encouragement, guidance, and hope when reading of Jones’s dedication to the Christian faith.
Bozzuti-Jones, M. F. (2021). Absalom Jones: America’s First Black Priest. Morehouse Publishing.
A Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music
-Roberta Flack
-Tonya Bolden
-Hayden Goodman, illustrator
-Kindle, $11.99
-hardcover, $18.99
-40 pages
-ages 4-8
-Anne Schwartz Books
-2023
-description: This autobiographical book by Roberta Flack, a Grammy Award winning singer who recounts her childhood living in a home full of love and music. She didn’t grown up with much, but she has fond memories of her old, upright piano that her father found in a junkyard and later painted it green.
Flack, R. (2023). The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music. Anne Schwartz Books.
Juneteenth Day Coloring Book
–paperback, $7.99
-60 pages
-ages: 4-8
-Tireless Ambition
-2022
-description: This is an activity book designed for tiny little hands to build fine motor skills. Kids will enjoy coloring hair styles, sportsfigures, children playing, Black excellence, and more. Makes a great gift any time of the year!
Tireless Ambition. (2022). Juneteenth Day Coloring Book. Tireless Ambition.
The Adventures of Qai Qai
–Serena Williams
-Yesenia Moises, illustrator
-Kindle, $10.99
-hardcover, $9.49
-40 pages
-ages 6-8
-Feiwel & Friends
-2022
-description: Superstar athlete, Serena Williams, with the help of Yesenia Moises’s illustrations, writes a magical picture book where a little girl learns to the importance of believing in herself with the help of her doll, Qai Qai. The doll is her best friend and always has her back.
Williams, S. (2022). The Adventures of Qai Qai. Feiwel & Friends.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources for Children, January 2023
prepared by Alvin R. Blount
Diocese of East Tennessee
Costs may vary depending on where items are purchased.
Also, check with the Children’s Diversity & Justice Library at the
Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church on 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN for books that circulate.
The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border
-Stephen Briseno
-Magdalena Mora, illustrator
-Kindle, $10.99
-hardcover, $14.87
-41 pages
-ages 4-8
-Random House Studio
-2022
-description: This is a timely and inspiring resource based on true events of a mother and daughter who flee from their home in Mexico and are denied entry at the U. S. border. The “notebook keeper” is a person in charge of a ledger containing the names of those waiting to cross.
Briseno, S. (2022). The Notebook Keeper: A Story of Kindness from the Border. Random House Studio.
Evicted: The Struggle for the Right to Vote
-Alice Faye Duncan
-Charly Palmer
-Kindle, $11.99
-hardcover, $13.79
-64 pages
-ages 9-12
-Calkins Creek
-2022
-description: This civil rights book examines the Tent City Movement in Fayette County, TN in the late 1950s. Readers will learn of the possibilities that come from uniting and fighting for the right to vote. This led to the culmination of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and ended voter discrimination.
Duncan, A. F. (2022). Evicted. Calkins Creek.
My Brother Is Away
-Sara Greenwood
-Luisa Uribe, illustrator
-Kindle, $10.99
-hardcover, $18.99
-40 pages
-ages 5-8
-Random House Studio
-2022
-description: This is a touching resource based on the author’s childhood experiences about her challenges of growing up while her brother was incarcerated. She reflects on the joyful times when he would carry her on his shoulders and tell her bedtime stories. There are also those times when she gets so angry, she wants to fly away and just forget everything that has happened.
Greenwood, S. (2022). My Brother Is Away. Random House Studio.
Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked the Civil Rights Movement
-Angela Joy
-Janelle Washington, illustration
-Kindle, $10.99
-hardcover, $18.89
-64 pages
-ages 8-12
-Roaring Brook Press
-2022
-description: Suitable for young readers, this picture book biography and moving story of how Mamie Till-Mobley’s grief over the murder of her son later became a call to action for the civil rights movement.
Joy, A. (2022). Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-Mobley and Emmett Till Sparked The Civil Rights Movement. Roaring Brook Press.
Still This Love Goes On
-Buffy Sainte-Marie
-Julie Flett, illustrator
-Kindle, $9.99
-hardcover, $18.95
-40 pages
-ages 3-7
-Greystone Kids
-2022
-description: Still This Love Goes On is a New York Times best illustrated Children’s Book of 2022 and celebrated by Kirkus Reviews and the Chicago Public Library. This book sends a gentle message about missing our loved ones and later seeing them again.
Sainte-Marie, B. (2022). Still This Love Goes On. Greystone Kids.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources for Children for December 2022
prepared by Alvin R. Blount
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
Costs of items may vary depending on where they are purchased.
Also, check the Children’s Diversity & Justice Library at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN, for items that circulate.
Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story
-Andrea Rogers
-Matt Forsyth, illustrator
-Kindle, $7.55
-paperback, $7.95
-112 pages
-ages 8-12
-Capstone Press
-2020
-description: This is a story of a Cherokee family that is forced out of their home in Georgia by soldiers in 1838. Twelve-year-old Mary and her family are separated from her father as they face violence and disease, but she helps in keeping her family and friends together until they can reach a new Cherokee nation. The reader will also be treated to a glossary and reader response questions regarding the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
Rogers, A. Mary and the Trail of Tears: A Cherokee Removal Survival Story. Capstone Press.
I am Golden
-Eva Chen
-Sophie Diao, illustrator
-hardcover, $12.30
-Kindle, $10.99
-40 pages
-ages 4-6
-Feiwel & Friends
-2022
-description: I am Golden is a New York Times bestseller picture book that is an ode to the immigrant experience and a declaration of self-love for Chinese American children.
Chen, E. (2022). I am Golden. Feiwel & Friends.
Because Claudette
-Tracey Baptiste
-Kindle, $10.99
-hardcover, $11.99
-32 pages
-ages 6-8
-Dial Books
-2022
-description: This picture book from NYT bestselling author, Tracey Baptiste, tells the story of fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin who boarded a segregated bus in 1955 and her refusal to give up her seat to a White woman. Colvin was arrested, and this led to a chain of events such as Rosa Parks’s sit-in and the Montgomery bus boycott.
Baptiste, T. (2022). Because Claudette. Dial Books.
Until Someone Listens: A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl’s Mission
-Estela Juarez
-Lissette Norman
-Teresa Martínez, illustrator
-hardcover, $17.47
-40 pages
-ages 4-8
-Roaring Brook Press
-2022
-description: This is a heart wrenching, autobiographical story about a young girl using her voice to speak up for her family and make change, particularly after her mom is deported to Mexico following many years of fighting for permission to stay in the U.S.
Also available in Spanish as Hasta que alguien me escuche!
Juarez, E. & Norman, L. (2022). Until Someone Listens: A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl’s Mission. Roaring Brook Press.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources for Children, November 2022
prepared by Alvin R. Blount
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
Costs may vary depending on where items are purchased.
Also, check with the Children’s Diversity & Justice Library for items
that circulate at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Room H
and online at: www.librarycat.org/lib/CDJLibrary
Desmond and the Very Mean Word
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu
-Douglas Carlton Abrams
-A. G. Ford, illustrator
-hardcover, $12.29\
-32 pages
-ages 6-11
-Candlewick Press
-theme: handling bullying and angry feelings
-2013
-description: This beautifully illustrated resource tells the true story of Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s childhood of joy in South Africa turn to hurt and anger when he is confronted by a gang of boys who shout an inappropriate word at him. He responds by shouting an insult at the boys that doesn’t make him feel any better. His priest helps him to realize that all deserve compassion even when their actions are bad.
Tutu, D. (2013). Desmond and the Very Mean Word. Candlewick Press.
Dr. Maya, Ice Cream Scientist: Real Women in STEM
-Aubre Andru
-Kindle, $6.99
-hardcover, $16.99
-paperback, $12.99
-60 pages
-ages 8-12
-Adjective Animal Publishing
-2021
-description: This book comes from a series that invites girls into the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math disciplines and celebrates women in the STEM fields. A woman who loves what she does, Dr. Maya is a food scientist who enjoys affecting the world by developing delicious flavors, while also sharing her love of science.
Andrus, A. (2021). Dr. Maya, Ice Cream Scientist: Real Women in STEM. Adjective Animal Publishing.
Rise Up and Write It: With Real Mail, Posters, and More!
-Nandini Ahuja
-Anoosha Syed, illustrator
-hardcover, $16.99
-48 pages
-ages 4-8
-HarperFestival
-2021
-description: This book celebrates civic engagement and activism for young readers with examples of a ready-to-sign petition, community meeting poster and a letter to the mayor.
Ahuja, N. (2021). Rise Up and Write It: With Real Mail, Posters, and More! HarperFestival.
Fearless Trailblazers: 11 Latinos who made U. S. History (English and Spanish ed.)
-Naibe Reynoso
-Jone Leal
-Kindle, $9.99
-hardcover, $18.99
-paperback, $12.99
-32 pages
-ages 5-8
-Con Todo Press
-2020
-description: Young readers will enjoy reading about eleven Latinos who made U. S. history by accomplishing things that had not been done before in the sciences, sports, arts, and politics.
Reynoso, N. (2020). Fearless Trailblazers: 11 Latinos who made U.S. History (English and Spanish Edition).
Ten Blocks to the Big Wok: A Chinatown Counting Book (Chinese and English Edition)
-Ying-Hwa Hu, author, and illustrator
-hardcover, $19.95
-40 pages
-ages 4-7
-Children’s Book Press
-2022
-description: This is a bilingual resource that introduces readers to counting one through ten in simplified Mandarin and English as they stroll through Chinatown while also teaching aspects of Chinese culture.
Hu, Ying-Hwa. (2022). Ten Blocks to the Big Wok: A Chinatown Counting Book. Children’s Book Press.
Antiracism, Social Justice, and Peace Resources for Children, October 2022
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
prepared by Alvin R. Blount
Costs may vary depending on where items are purchased. Also, check with the Children’s Diversity and Justice Library at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Knoxville, 2931 Kingston Pike, for resources that can be circulated.
A Library
-Nikki Giovanni
-Erin K. Robinson, illustrations
-hardcover, $18.99
-Kindle, $10.99
-32 pages
-ages 4-8
-Versify
-2022
-description: New York Times bestselling author, world-renowned poet, and Knoxville native, Nikki Giovanni along with illustrator, Erin Robinson, have crafted this ode to libraries as a celebration for those who love stories, words, and the library as a space to engage imagination and exploration. Giovanni has just recently retired from teaching English at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg after thirty-five years of service.
Giovanni, N. (2022). A Library. Versify.
The Keeping Quilt
-Patricia Polacco
-Kindle, $7.99
-paperback, $7.99
-hardcover, $17.99
-32 pages
-ages 3-10
-Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
-2001
-description: Derived from a basket containing old clothes, a family constructs a quilt that is passed down through four generations and used as a tablecloth, wedding canopy, and a blanket to welcome new babies. This quilt serves as a symbol of love and faith.
Polacco, P. (2001). The Keeping Quilt. Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books.
If My Moon Was Your Sun
-Andreas Steinhöfel
-Nele Palmtag, illustrations
-hardcover, $13.76
-80 pages
-ages 6-12
-Plough Publishing
-2017
-description: This is a touching story about how the relationship of grandparents and grandchildren are affected by dementia. It contains full-color illustrations and an audiobook of classical tunes for children by Prokofiev and Bizet.
Steinhöfel, A. (2017). If My Moon Was Your Sun. Plough Publishing.
Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change
-Robin Stevenson
-Allison Steinfeld, illustrations
-hardcover, $8.99
-Kindle, $7.99
-222 pages
-ages 3-9
-Quirk Books
-2019
-description: Many activists began activism during their childhood. Kid Activists tells these childhood stories with cartoon illustrations about Alexander Hamilton, Rosa Parks, Harvey Milk, Ruby Bridges, Susan B. Anthony, and many more.
Stevenson, R. (2019). Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change. Quirk Books.
Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History
-Vashti Harrison
-hardcover, $11.09
-paperback, $12.14
-audio CD, $15.42
-Kindle, $10.99
-96 pages
-ages 3-9
-Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
-2019
-description: This New York Times bestseller is beautifully illustrated with its true stories of Black men in history. Many are politicians, artists, athletes, pop stars, and activists such as James Baldwin, John Lewis, Prince, Frederick Douglass, and many more.
Harrison, V. (2019). Little Legends: Exceptional Men in Black History. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
-Vashti Harrison
-hardcover, $11.09
-paperback, $11.62
-Kindle, $10.99
-Audio CD, $19.80
-96 pages
-ages 4-9
-Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
-2017
-description: This New York Times bestseller is beautifully illustrated and inspires with its true stories of iconic, Black women such as Shirley Chisholm, Sojourner Truth, Marian Anderson, Mae Jemison, Audre Lorde, Florence Joyner, and mathematician, Katherine Johnson.
Harrison, V. (2017). Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. Little, Brown Books For Young Readers.
‘Twas the Night Before Pride
-Joanna McClintick
-Juana Medina, illustrations
-hardcover, $14.57
-Kindle, $9.17,
-audio CD, $10.44
-32 pages
-ages 4-8
-Candlewick Press
-2022
-description: Beautifully illustrated, this book is a story about a day of inclusion, joyful anticipation, history, reflection, and being yourself. One of the greatest take-aways from this resource is all-inclusive love.
McClintick, J. (2022). ‘Twas the Night Before Pride. Candlewick Press.
Antiracism, Social Justice, and Peace Resources for Children
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
prepared by Alvin R. Blount for September 2022
Costs may vary depending on where items are purchased.
Also, the following resources can be circulated at the Children’s Diversity & Justice Library, Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Room H
2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
All are welcome
www.librarycat.org/lib/CDJLibrary
Coming to America: The Story of Immigration
-Betsy Maestro
-Susannah Ryan, illustrator
-ages 4-8
-hardcover, $13.49
-40 pages
-Scholastic Press
-1996
-description: People arrived on American soil thousands of years before Christopher Columbus’s famous voyage in 1492. By the mid-1800s, so many had immigrated to the US that in 1892, an office was opened on Ellis Island to document new arrivals, with laws later passed to limit new arrivals. Immigrants continue to come to America from countries worldwide in search of a better way of life through determination, struggle, hope, and the desire to contribute positively to this nation.
Maestro, B. (1996). Coming to America: The Story of Immigration. Scholastic Press.
Navajo: Visions and Voices Across the Mesa
-Shonto Begay
-paperback, $6.64
-48 pages
-Scholastic
-1995
-description: Begay, a Navajo artist/writer combines his reflections on childhood memories, good and bad, and tribal rituals of Navajo land and culture to give young people insight into the souls of his people with colorful illustrations.
Begay, S. (1995). Navajo: Visions and Voices Across the Mesa. Scholastic.
I Can Make a Difference: A Treasury to Inspire Our Children
-Marian Wright Edelman
-Barry Moser, illustrations
-hardcover
-112 pages
-HarperCollins
-2005
-description: Civil rights activist and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, Edelman has drawn from a variety of people and their cultures to introduce young readers to some stories, poems, folktales, and songs. These cultural gems will let other children know how they, too, can make a difference in society.
Edelman, M. W. (2005). I Can Make a Difference: A Treasury to Inspire Our Children. HarperCollins.
Peace is an Offering
-Annette LeBox
-Stephanie Graegin, illustrator
-hardcover, $17.99
-Kindle, $10.99
-paperback, $15.99
-40 pages
-ages 3-5
-Dial Books
-2015
-description: A group of neighborhood children find love and peace in everyday things such as the sunlight or cookies shared with friends. This resource will assist care givers and teachers in helping young readers to find calm and peace in their respective communities when tragedy may strike.
LeBox, A. (2015). Peace is an Offering. Dial Books.
Antiracism, Social Justice, and Peace Resources for Children
Diocese of East Tennessee
Prepared by Alvin R. Blount for August 2022
Costs may vary depending on where purchases are made.
Everything in Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging
-Pauline David-Sax
-hardcover, $17.99
-Kindle, $10.99
-Doubleday Books for Young Readers
-July 19, 2022
-40 pages
-ages 3-7 years
-description: This inspirational story is about a very shy girl who feels safest and at her best in her school library, but when it closes for a week, she feels lost and faces anxiety. At the diner where her mother works, she meets a diverse group of women from a motorcycle club. This encounter helps her to realize that being different does not mean being alone, and that there’s a place for everyone.
David-Sax, P. (2022). Everything in Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging. Doubleday Books for Young Readers.
Why?: A Conversation About Race
-Taye Diggs
-Shane Evans, illustrator
-Kindle, $10.99
-hardcover, $14.49
-32 pages
-Feiwel & Friends
-2022
-ages 3-6
-description: Diggs and Evans have collaborated on this picture book about racial injustice. Why? is a timely story posing questions and conversations between children of color and their adult caretakers.
Diggs, T. & Evans, S. (2022). Why?: A Conversation About Race. Feiwel & Friends.
Peaceful Fights for Equals Rights
-Rob Sanders
-Jared Andrew Schorr, illustrator
-hardcover, $13.39
-Kindle, $10.99
-48 pages
-ages 4-8
-Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
-2018
-description: The author uses this book as a direct call to action to help readers learn how important it is to take a stand at an early age. It uses the alphabet to get its point across (i. e. the page for S instructions readers to “Stand up/ Speak out/ Sit down/ Sing loud/Be silent.” P says to “Pray”).
Sanders, R. (2018). Peaceful Fights for Equals Rights. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
You Have a Voice
-Vera Ahiyya
-Fabiana Faiallo, illustrator
-hardcover
-36 pages
-Hightree Publishing
-2022
-description: A Black teacher gives her class a lesson about working to end racism even though it exists everywhere. She encourages them to speak up when they notice that someone is being treated differently because of the color of their skin and urges them to listen to their hearts and work together with others to condemn racism and injustice.
Ahiyya, V. (2022). You Have a Voice. Hightree Publishing.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Man of Peace
-Garnet Jackson
-George Ford, illustrator
-paperback, $4.95
-48 pages
-ages 7-9
-Scholastic
-2001
-description: This book is a biographical resource on the famous Civil Rights icon whose non-violent protests shaped the fight against racial discrimination in the US. Jackson separates his life into parts, and gives copious amounts of historical information, lesser-known facts, in addition to a mix of illustrations and photos during his middle years.
Jackson, G. (2001). Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Man of Peace. Scholastic.
Anti-racism, Social Justice, and Peace Resources for Children
Diocese of East Tennessee
Prepared by Alvin R. Blount for July 2022
Costs may vary depending on where purchases are made.
The Rainbow Parade
-Emily Neilson, author, and illustrator
-hardcover, $17.99
-Kindle, $10.99
-32 pages
-ages 2-5
-Dial Book
-2022
-description: You will find this to be a sweet story in the form of a picture book about a family’s first Pride parade experience. Neilson joyfully teaches the reader that there’s no “one way” to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Neilson, E. (2022). The Rainbow Parade. Dial Books.
My Name Is Yoon
-Helen Recorvits
-Gabi Swiatkowska, illustrator
-paperback, $7.99
-hardcover, $13.29
-32 pages
-ages 4-8
-Square Fish
-2014
-award: Bank Street Children’s Book of the Year
-theme: getting to feel at home in a new country
-description: This book is about a child who loves to write her name in Korean which means, “shinning wisdom.” Even though she loves the way her name looks in its original form, her father wants her to learn how to write it in English whereas all the circles and lines stand alone. Yoon feels alone living in the US, even as she does try using different names while attending school.
Recorvits, H. (2014). My Name is Yoon. Square Fish.
Be You!
-Peter H. Reynolds
-hardcover, $9.71
-Kindle, $10.99
-32 pages
-Orchard Books
-2020
-description: This New York Times Bestseller reminds children that they are each unique and are to “be your own work of art,” but also be patient, persistent, and true.
Reynolds, P. H. (2020). Be You! Orchard Books.
Jeremiah and the Bully
-William Wilkinson IV
-Noah Wilkinson
-Rayne Fife, illustrations
-paperback, $6.95
-24 pages
-Angels of Agape
-2015
-description: A young boy uses his faith and the Full Armor of God to stop a much bigger kid from being mean to others.
Wilkinson, W. (2015). Jeremiah and the Bully. Angels of Agape.
Antiracism and Social Justice Sources for Children
Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee
Ruth and the Green Book
-Calvin Alexander Ramsey
-Gwen Strauss
-Floyd Cooper, illustrator
-hardcover, $18.99
-paperback, $18.64
-32 pages
-Carolrhoda
-2010
-ages 6-11
-ALA Association Notable Children’s Book
-Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Honor Book
-picture book inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film The Green Book
-description: Set in the early 1950s when many African Americans could not afford automobiles, a young girl by the name of Ruth is very happy about riding in her family’s new car. Due to Jim Crow laws of that time, Black travelers were refused services at many hotels and gas stations. The little girl’s family was eventually presented with a guidebook called The Green Book that listed all the places that would welcome African Americans as patrons, hence, helping these families avoid mistreatment on long road trips. Ruth’s fictional story presents the reader with the family’s safe trip from Chicago to grandma’s home in Alabama.
Ramsey, C. A. & Strauss, G. (2010). Ruth and the Green Book. Carolrhoda Books.
We Are a Garden: A Story of How Diversity Took Root in America
-Lisa Westberg Peters
-Victoria Tentler-Krylov, illustrator
-hardcover, $11.93
-40 pages
-Schwartz & Wade
-2021
-ages 4-8
-description: This is a picture book that shows how generations of different migrants from all over the world have made their homes in North America. These migrants come from tribes, families fleeing from hunger, and the enslaved who took root here and make up a colorful “garden” of families and friends who consider themselves Americans.
Peters, L. (2021). We Are a Garden: A Story of How Diversity Took Root in America. Schwartz & Wade.
Just Help!: How to Build a Better World
-Sonia Sotomayor
-Angela Dominguez, illustrator
-hardcover, $12.58
-Philomel Books
-32 pages
-2022
-ages 4-10
-description: Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and New York Times bestselling author inspires the reader through this journey from her own childhood of being inspired by her mother to always help others and their respective communities to be better one bit at a time.
Sotomayor, S. (2022). Just Help!: How to Build a Better World. Philomel Books.
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem
-Amanda Gorman
-Loren Long, illustrator
-hardcover, $9.31
-32 pages
-Viking Books for Young Readers
-2021
-ages 3-8
-description: New York Times bestselling author and presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman with New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long have collaborated on this picture book and musical journey for children to teach that anything is possible when we join our voices together for positive change in our communities, big or small.
Gorman, A. (2021). Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem. Viking Books for Young Readers.
Courageous History Makers: 11 Women from Latin America Who Changed the World
-Naibe Reynoso
-Jone Leal, illustrator
-Gabriella Adleman, translator
-paperback, $12.99
-Con Todo Press; Bilingual edition
-2021
-33 pages
-ages 4-8
-description: This source highlights eleven women from Latin America who have achieved accolades for their excellence in science, arts, journalism, and politics. These biographical entries are presented in rhyming verses, in addition to educational resources listed at the end of the book.
Reynoso, N. (2021). Courageous History Makers: 11 Women from Latin America Who Changed the World. Con Todo Press.
I Am Enough
-Grace Byers
-Keturah A. Bobo, illustrator
-hardcover, $9.88
-Balzer + Bray
-2018
-32 pages
-ages 3-7
-description: This New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book is a lyrical ode to loving who you are while also respecting others by being kind to others.
Byers, G. (2018). I am Enough. Balzer + Bray.
All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom
-Angela Johnson
-E. B. Lewis, illustrator
-hardcover, $12.53
-Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
-2014
-40 pages
-ages 5-9
-description: One little girl tells the story of the day of freedom that finally came to those enslaved in the South. This picture book tells how June 19 as an African American Emancipation Day has become popular in the US, and contains an important timeline of dates, online sources, and a glossary. A great history teaching tool!
Johnson, A. (2014). All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Rosa
-Nikki Giovanni
-Bryan Collier, illustrator
-hardcover, $10.00
-Square Fish
-2007
-40 pages
-ages 4-8
-description: Mrs. Rosa Parks is still an icon of the American civil rights movement years and years after refusing to relinquish her seat on a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Award-winning poet, writer, and civil rights activist Nikki Giovanni and illustrator Bryan Collier collaborate to retell this momentous event in American history. This source is recommended by Kirkus Reviews as “an essential volume for classrooms and libraries.”
Giovanni, N. (2007). Rosa. Square Fish.
We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-gah)
-Traci Sorell
-Frané Lessac, illustrator
-hardcover, $13.29
-Charlesbridge
-2018
-32 pages
-ages 3-7
-description: This elegant source teaches the young reader how members of the Cherokee community are grateful for the blessings and challenges of every season.
Sorell, T. (2018). We Are Grateful. Charlesbridge.
Justice Is…: A Guide for Young Truth Seekers
-Preet Bharara
-Sue Cornelison, illustrator
-hardcover, $13.39
-40 pages
-Crown Books for Young Readers
-2022
-ages 4-8
-description: New York Times bestselling author Preet Bharara and former U. S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York explains to young readers what justice is and the work that it entails to achieve it. He draws on the examples of iconic or historic justice seekers such as Frederick Douglass, President Abraham Lincoln, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Ida B. Wells, and many more.
Bharara, P. (2022). Justice Is…: A Guide for Young Truth Seekers. Crown Books for Young Readers.
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre
-Carole Boston Weatherford
-Floyd Cooper, illustrator
-hardcover, $15.79
-32 pages
-CarolrhodaBooks
-2021
-ages 4-11
-description: This Booklist “a must-have” and starred source by Kirkus Reviews was written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper provide a lens into the Tulsa Race Massacre in the city’s Greenwood district, a horrible incident of racial violence in US history in the early twentieth century. The truth of what happened was not only suppressed, but also no official investigation took place for seventy-five years. Sensitively illustrated, young readers are charged with a vision for a better future.
Weatherford, C. B. (2021). Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre. Carolrhoda Books.
The Undefeated
-Kwame Alexander
-Kadir Nelson
-hardcover, $9.74
-40 pages
-Versify
-2019
-ages 5-12
-description: This source highlights the sin slavery, work of the civil rights movement and some of our greatest heroes. This poem ends with a list of many historical figures and events in the back of the book which can serve as a great history teaching tool as the information can provide ideas and links and further sources.
Alexander, K. (2019). The Undefeated. Versify.
New Directions for Holy Questions: Progressive Christian Theology for Families
-Claire Brown
-Anita Peebles
-Perry Hodgkins Jones, illustrator
-paperback, $14.54
-128 pages
-Morehouse Publishing
-2022
-ages 6-12
-description: This source regarding Biblical stories with accessible language is oriented towards anti-racism, gender equality, affirmation of LGBTQ+ people, and social and economic justice for all with questions for reflection in each chapter. The Rev. Claire Brown is one of the authors of this must-have book, and she serves as Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Athens, TN, in the Diocese of East Tennessee.
Brown, C. & Peebles, A. (2022) New Directions for Holy Questions: Progressive Christian Theology for Families. Morehouse Publishing.