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

Navigating the complex topic of racism can be challenging, especially for young minds. That's why finding the right books about racism for 10-year-olds is crucial in sparking meaningful conversations and building awareness. In this blog, we'll explore a variety of books tailored to help children understand and discuss racism in an age-appropriate way. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of books about racism for 10-year-olds that can serve as powerful educational tools.

Fun Books About Racism for 10-Year-Olds

• The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Children’s Fiction, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The story is about two girls, one Black and one White, who live on separate sides of a fence that divides their town. Despite the racial segregation, they slowly start a friendship that begins with sitting together on the fence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces the concept of racial segregation in a gentle, accessible way, encouraging young readers to question unjust barriers in society and the power of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in stories about friendship overcoming societal barriers.

• Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester, illustrated by Karen Barbour
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book addresses the topic of race through personal narratives and thought-provoking questions, encouraging children to consider their own stories and how race plays a part in them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up conversations about race in a way that is engaging and appropriate for children, helping them to understand and appreciate diversity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about the world and their place in it, and educators or parents looking to initiate discussions about race.

• Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: This book follows two families, one White and one Black, as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. It explores themes of racial injustice and community response.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles tough subjects with sensitivity and provides a platform for understanding and discussing racial issues and police violence with children.
  • Perfect for: Children and families seeking to understand and discuss current events and social justice issues.

• New Kid by Jerry Craft
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Realistic Fiction
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel follows Jordan Banks, a Black boy who experiences culture shock when he enrolls at a predominantly White private school. It explores themes of identity, class, and racism.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a relatable and engaging story that uses humor and expressive artwork to discuss serious social issues.
  • Perfect for: Middle-grade readers who enjoy stories about school life and those looking to see reflections of racial and social dynamics.

• Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Poetry
  • Synopsis: Through poetry, Woodson shares her experiences growing up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, living in both South Carolina and New York.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines vivid poetry and poignant memories to bring to life the realities of racial segregation and the strength of family bonds.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy poetic storytelling and are interested in personal histories and the Civil Rights Movement.

Educational Books About Racism for 10-Year-Olds

• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Mississippi during the Depression, this novel follows the Logan family, particularly the young Cassie Logan, as they struggle against racism and social injustice while striving to maintain their dignity and independence.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of racism, empathy, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful look at the harsh realities of racism and injustice through the eyes of a compelling young protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in historical perspectives on racism and those seeking stories with strong, young characters facing real-world challenges.

• The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a lively African American family from Flint, Michigan, who travel to Birmingham, Alabama, during a turbulent period marked by civil rights movements and racial conflict.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding historical racial dynamics, family relationships, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes humor with serious themes, providing a balanced view that helps young readers understand complex issues in a digestible way.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate a mix of humor and history, and those looking to understand more about the Civil Rights Movement.

• Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: After twelve-year-old Jerome is shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat, he becomes a ghost who observes the devastation that's been unleashed on his family and community. He meets another ghost, Emmett Till, who helps him process what has happened.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, historical context of racial violence, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles contemporary issues of racial violence through a unique narrative perspective that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a story that combines historical and contemporary views on racism and seeks to inspire empathy and understanding.

• One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In the summer of 1968, three sisters travel to Oakland, California, to meet the mother who abandoned them. During their stay, they become exposed to the Black Panther movement and its community impact.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of social movements, family dynamics, personal growth
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a vivid portrayal of a pivotal moment in history, seen through the eyes of engaging young characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in learning about social movements and those who enjoy stories about family and self-discovery.

• Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Six kids from diverse backgrounds are brought together by their teacher for a weekly chat—without teachers, without homework, without censorship. Throughout their conversations, they share their stories and learn about trust and empathy.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, communication skills, understanding diverse perspectives
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages open dialogue about personal and social issues, fostering understanding and empathy among readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories about friendship and personal growth, and those interested in seeing how diverse backgrounds interact in a shared space.

Challenging Books About Racism for 10-Year-Olds

• Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In the segregated South during the Great Depression, young Stella and her community face racism and injustice when the Ku Klux Klan's unwelcome reappearance threatens their safety. Stella must find the courage to stand up against injustice and fight for what is right.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of racism, bravery, and social justice through historical events which require a mature understanding from young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic look into the struggles against racial prejudice, encouraging readers to think critically about history and its impact on the present.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in historical challenges and those inspired by stories of courage and resilience.

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
  • Genre(s): Contemporary, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: After witnessing the police shooting of her best friend, sixteen-year-old Starr Carter is thrust into a public and turbulent fight for justice. Navigating two worlds — her poor neighborhood and her suburban prep school — Starr must find her voice and stand up for what's right.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel addresses complex themes such as systemic racism, police violence, and activism, demanding a higher level of emotional and cognitive engagement from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a powerful and contemporary perspective on racial issues, empowering young readers to understand and discuss the importance of advocacy and justice.
  • Perfect for: Teens and pre-teens ready to explore serious societal issues through a compelling narrative.

• March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, illustrated by Nate Powell
  • Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Biography, History
  • Synopsis: This graphic memoir recounts the life of Congressman John Lewis, focusing on his youth in rural Alabama, his meeting with Martin Luther King Jr., and the birth of the Nashville Student Movement.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses the graphic novel format to explore dense historical content and complex issues of civil rights, which requires readers to interpret both textual and visual narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It visually brings to life the struggle for civil rights in America, offering an engaging and inspiring account of a key figure in American history.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy visual storytelling and those interested in American history and civil rights movements.

• Front Desk by Kelly Yang
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Ten-year-old Mia Tang manages the front desk of a motel while her immigrant parents clean the rooms. Mia encounters racism and injustice but strives to manage her school life and her desire to become a writer, all while helping her parents navigate their new life in America.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses themes of immigration, racism, and social justice through the eyes of a young protagonist, requiring readers to engage with complex social issues and empathetic understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a unique perspective on the immigrant experience and resilience against systemic barriers, inspiring readers to think about diversity and the challenges others face.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in contemporary real-life stories and those who are inspired by tales of perseverance and hope.

• Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction
  • Synopsis: An Indian-American girl, Karina, and her next-door neighbor, Chris, become friends and allies when Karina's grandfather, who is visiting from India, experiences a hate crime. The incident inspires them to rally their community and speak out against racism.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of racism, community, and activism through events that are relevant and sometimes difficult, which demands a mature understanding from its readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages advocacy and highlights the power of community support in overcoming racial prejudice, offering a hopeful and proactive approach to fighting racism.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for stories about friendship, activism, and community involvement in the face of adversity.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Reading books about racism can be a powerful way for 10-year-olds to learn about diversity, empathy, and justice. Here are some exercises that can help young readers engage more deeply with these topics while developing good reading habits.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new words and phrases related to racism and diversity.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of the book's themes and improves vocabulary.
  • Tips: Use a notebook dedicated to this task and review it regularly.

• Discuss With Friends or Family
  • What it is: Talk about the book and its themes with others.
  • How it helps: Encourages reflection and deeper understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Try to share how the story made you feel and ask others for their perspectives.

• Draw the Scenes
  • What it is: Sketch your favorite scenes or concepts from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps visualize the story and reinforces memory.
  • Tips: Don't worry about artistic skill; focus on how the scene relates to the story's message.

• Question and Answer Diary
  • What it is: Write down questions about the story and research or think about the answers.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and curiosity.
  • Tips: Review the questions and answers with a parent or teacher to explore further.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before starting a new chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Enhances engagement and comprehension.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and compare them as you read.

These exercises are designed to make reading about complex topics like racism more interactive and insightful for young readers. By incorporating these activities, children can not only improve their reading skills but also develop a deeper understanding of important social issues.