10+ Best Books About Race for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you looking for thoughtful and engaging books about race for 5-year-olds? It's never too early to start important conversations about diversity and inclusion with your little ones. In this blog, we've curated a selection of books that are perfect for sparking meaningful discussions with your children about race. Keep reading to discover our top picks for books about race for 5-year-olds that can help foster understanding and empathy from a young age.

Fun Books About Race for 5-Year-Olds

• The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler, illustrated by David Lee Csicsko
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Poetry
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates all different skin colors through a rhyming narrative that encourages acceptance and self-esteem.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, poetic read that introduces concepts of diversity and self-love in a way that's easy for young children to understand.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy vibrant illustrations and rhythmic text.

• All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book follows a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms regardless of race or background.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a message of inclusivity and community, showing children how enriching a diverse environment can be.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners learning about friendship and community.

• Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester, illustrated by Karen Barbour
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book addresses the topic of race by encouraging children to consider what makes them who they are beyond their skin color.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gentle introduction to the concept of race and personal identity, fostering curiosity and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Children who are beginning to ask questions about differences among people.

• Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family and struggles with her self-image until a magical journey changes her perspective.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that addresses colorism and self-esteem with a magical twist that captivates young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy and stories about self-discovery and confidence.

• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book explores the feelings of being an outsider and the courage it takes to share your story with others, encouraging empathy and understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children about bravery and the importance of sharing their unique experiences.
  • Perfect for: Children who feel different or alone and could use a reminder of their value in the world.

Educational Books About Race for 5-Year-Olds

• We're Different, We're the Same by Bobbi Kates, illustrated by Joe Mathieu
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book features beloved Sesame Street characters to teach kids that while we may look different on the outside, we are very much alike on the inside.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding diversity, empathy, social skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses familiar characters to explore complex themes in a simple, engaging way that resonates with young children.
  • Perfect for: Sesame Street fans and young children beginning to notice and question physical differences.

• Chocolate Me! by Taye Diggs, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young boy learns to appreciate his skin color and features after being teased about them, turning a painful experience into a positive affirmation of his identity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, identity, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses bullying and self-acceptance with a positive message that encourages children to love themselves as they are.
  • Perfect for: Children who need a boost in confidence and those learning to celebrate their individuality.

• Mixed Me! by Taye Diggs, illustrated by Shane W. Evans
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mike, a mixed-race boy, navigates the experiences of being biracial with confidence and pride in his unique heritage.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of mixed heritage, self-acceptance, confidence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lively, positive portrayal of a mixed-race child embracing his identity with joy and pride.
  • Perfect for: Children of mixed heritage and those learning about diverse family backgrounds.

• The Colors of Us by Karen Katz
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young girl learns to see the beauty in different skin colors as she takes a walk through her neighborhood, comparing skin tones to various delicious foods.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Appreciation of diversity, creativity, observation skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a delightful and accessible approach to discussing skin color and diversity with young children.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child curious about the world and the people who live in it.

• Shades of People by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly, photography by Shelley Rotner
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Photography
  • Synopsis: This photographic exploration celebrates the diversity of skin colors and facial features among children from various backgrounds.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Visual literacy, social awareness, community understanding
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses real photographs to highlight the beauty of diversity in a tangible, relatable way.
  • Perfect for: Visual learners and children interested in photography and real-life stories.

Challenging Books About Race for 5-Year-Olds

• Something Happened in Our Town by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The story follows two families — one Black, one White — as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of racial injustice and community response, which are sophisticated topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a platform for discussing difficult and current social issues with children, fostering early awareness and empathy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers in families looking to engage in conversations about social justice and equality.

• Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi, illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism, providing nine easy steps for building a more equitable world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces advanced concepts of antiracism and social justice, which are typically explored in older age groups.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a proactive, clear introduction to the ideas of racial equality and justice, encouraging active engagement from an early age.
  • Perfect for: Progressive families and educators aiming to instill an early foundation in antiracist principles.

• Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: This book directly engages the young reader in a conversation about racism, privilege, and the legacy of white supremacy in society.
  • Why this book is challenging: It confronts topics like racism and white privilege head-on, challenging young readers to think critically about societal structures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages self-reflection and awareness among white children about their role in a racially divided world.
  • Perfect for: Children in predominantly white communities or families looking to discuss and dismantle racial biases from a young age.

• Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Stephen Alcorn
  • Genre(s): Children's Non-Fiction, Biography
  • Synopsis: The book profiles ten powerful women who have fought for various rights and freedoms, from Harriet Tubman to Shirley Chisholm.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a range of historical contexts and civil rights issues that require understanding of complex social dynamics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides inspiring stories of resilience and courage, highlighting the impactful lives of Black women in history.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and stories of powerful individuals who have shaped our society.

• All Because You Matter by Tami Charles, illustrated by Bryan Collier
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This lyrical, heartfelt picture book affirms the importance, worth, and value of Black children through a beautiful narrative.
  • Why this book is challenging: The poetic language and deep themes of identity and historical significance offer a richer reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates and empowers Black children, reinforcing a positive self-concept and a sense of belonging.
  • Perfect for: Young Black readers needing affirmation of their importance and families seeking to instill confidence and pride in their heritage.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing books about race to 5-year-olds is a great way to start important conversations early. To make the most of these reading sessions, here are some engaging exercises that can help develop good reading habits while exploring these essential topics.

• Read Together Daily
  • What it is: Set aside time each day to read a book about race together.
  • How it helps: Consistent reading helps children develop a routine and improves comprehension.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time each day for reading to build anticipation and consistency.

• Discuss the Story
  • What it is: Talk about the book's themes and characters after reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and understanding of complex concepts like race and diversity.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to express thoughts and feelings about the story.

• Act Out the Story
  • What it is: Encourage your child to act out parts of the book using costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the story, making abstract concepts more concrete.
  • Tips: Keep it fun and engaging to stimulate your child’s imagination and enthusiasm.

• Create Art Based on the Book
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps children process and interpret the story creatively.
  • Tips: Provide a variety of materials like crayons, markers, and paper, and let their creativity flow.

• Connect the Story to Real Life
  • What it is: Relate themes or lessons from the book to real-world scenarios.
  • How it helps: Makes the lessons of the book more relevant and understandable.
  • Tips: Use examples from everyday life that your child can relate to, enhancing their empathy and understanding.

Using these exercises while reading books about race can not only improve your child’s reading habits but also deepen their understanding of diversity and inclusion from a young age. Remember, the goal is to make reading both educational and enjoyable, setting the stage for lifelong learning and curiosity.