Childrens Stories with Race Themes

Children's stories with race themes can be a great starting point for discussing an appreciation of differences, the dangers of prejudice, and the importance of tolerance. For your convenience, The stories featured in this slideshow all feature themes related to race and ethnicity. If you are interested in purchasing a particular title, simply click on the picture to visit the Amazon.com Web site.

This adorable tale about a box of crayons who struggle to get along, written by Shane Derolf and illustrated by Michael Letzig, introduces the concept of tolerance in a non-threatening way. It's a great start for discussing differences of all types with your children.

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What if the Zebras Lost Their Stripes, written by John Reitano and illustrated by William Haines, is a parable that aims to teach kids to look beyond superficial differences. The rhyming text and whimsical illustrations are sure to appeal to both the young and the young at heart.

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Children who love Sesame Street will enjoy this colorful and attractively illustrated book. Muppets, monsters, and humans work together to take a lighthearted approach to lessons regarding racial harmony.

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Kids who have expressed curiosity about what life is like in other countries will enjoy this fascinating non-fiction book. Each page features children, their names, and nationalities with pictures of the child's food, eating utensils, housing, school, friends, and family.

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Biracial children often struggle to find their sense of self. Written by Marguerite W. Davol and illustrated by Irene Trivas, this book is an excellent way to promote an acceptance of individual beauty. The little girl in this book tells us her mother's face is chestnut brown and her father's face turns pink in the sun. Her face is a little dark, a little light, "Just right!"

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Families with children adopted from other countries face special challenges when discussing issues relating to race. Pancakes with Chocolate Syrup, written by Rebekah Barlow Rounce, is about two sisters of different races. One of the girls was adopted from Ethopia, so the book celebrates the differences in the two girls' physical appearances while reinforcing a theme of embracing love.

For more suggestions on worthy additions to your child's library, please review the LoveToKnow Children's Books slideshow on Caldecott Award Books.

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