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How to Be Anti-Racist- Ibram X. Kendi
This is on many lists for a good reason: it provides a new view of how to think about racism, and how to overcome it. The book’s author is willing to discuss his own, sometimes flawed attitudes, as well.
Available in print, and in downloadable ebook and audiobook on Overdrive.
In the first sentence, Princeton history professor Painter asks, “Were there white people in antiquity?” And she tells us that, although there were lighter-skinned people, no, there weren’t. From there, she goes on to explore the history of the idea of white people, how some groups became considered white, and how other concepts of race came about. With a focus on US history.
Available in print and downloadable ebook on Overdrive.
A book of essays that manage to cover personal subjects in a highly personal way, and address race and racism with insight and clarity. Although older than the other books on this list, it merits inclusion because Baldwin manages something of a magic trick: he is such an insightful thinker and crisp, quotable writer that the frequently painful things he has to say are nevertheless marvels to read.
Available in print (in Collected Essays, by James Baldwin), and in downloadable ebook and audiobook on Overdrive.
A dissecting of attitudes that underpin and support the more overt forms of racism. With an introduction by Michael Eric Dyson.
Available in print and downloadable ebook on Overdrive.
This influential book examines how race affects the criminal justice system, especially sentencing and incarceration.
Available in print, downloadable ebook and audiobook from Overdrive, and downloadable ebook from Hoopla.
An examination of the historical, social, and legal factors that have led to the increased militarization of many police departments.
Available in print and downloadable audiobook from Overdrive.
We are Not Yet Equal- Carol Anderson
This book explores five important moments in history that were great accomplishments towards racial equality that were almost immediately met with racially charged, long-lasting responses.
Available in print and e-book on OverDrive.
Discover the history of racism, develop an antiracist viewpoint, and learn what you can do to help move society forward.
Available in print and e-book on OverDrive.
Follow racism and race relations throughout American history to present day, including social justice movements like Black Lives Matter. Contains links to primary resources available online.
Available in print and e-book on Hoopla.
A guidebook on how to invoke change on several issues that still need a lot of work, includind racial justice. Includes a long list of resources for how to accomplish change such as speaking with relatives you disagree with, peaceful protesting, and volunteering.
Available in print, e-audiobook on Hoopla, e-book and e-audiobook on OverDrive.
This book helps the reader identify racist thoughts that unintentionally invade our minds and how to stamp them out.
Available in print and e-book on OverDrive.
Focuses on what White Privilege is and how it continues to influence politics, education, and the media.
Available in print and e-book on Hoopla.
FICTION : Rashad is accused of shoplifting at a corner store by a police offer who eventually punches him in the face multiple times. The incident is caught on surveillance video and is witnessed by the officer’s son, Quinn, who goes to school with Rashad. This book deals with both sides of police brutality and how if affects those involved, their school, and their community.
Available in print, e-book and e-audiobook on OverDrive
A collection of short stories dealing with social justice, prejudice, and racism.
Available in print and e-book on OverDrive.
FICTION: Six years ago, Moss watched as his father was killed by a police officer. Now, racial injustice seems to be all around him at school. Students form a peaceful walk-out in response to on-going issues.
Available in print, e-book on OverDrive, and e-audiobook on Hoopla.
This poetry collaboration from both black and white authors provides both doors and windows into topics of race and their effect on our everyday lives. The narrative follows two fifth grade students who believe they have nothing in common as they work on their poetry assignment. Their story puts words to common feelings and is applicable to readers of all ages.
This book is available in both print and digitally through Overdrive.
I would recommend this book to middle grade readers and up. Ghost Boys follows a young black boy named Jerome, who is now a ghost after being shot by a police officer who mistakes his toy guy for a real one. This book is honest enough to give an accurate depiction and understanding of American blackness, but also soft enough for younger readers to understand.
This book is available in both print, audio book, and digitally through Overdrive.
As a kid, it’s easy to become discouraged into thinking that your voice doesn’t count or you are too small to make change. This book highlights at least 28 young people who prove that statement to be entirely wrong. From Malala Yousafzai to Martin Luther King Jr., these stories of great leaders show that it is never too early to change your world for the better.
This book is available in print and digitally through Overdrive.
This is a great book to introduce children to the concept of a protest and how they have impacted America. Told beautifully in picture book format, Enough! gives a brief history of protest from Ruby Bridges to Colin Kaepernick. Accessible to all ages.
Available in print and digitally through Overdrive.
