By the age of two, children start to notice skin colour and other differences in appearance. They begin to see who looks and sounds like them and who doesn’t. Recent events have shown that racism is not a thing of the past, and we have been working with the educational charity Show Racism The Red Card to produce books to help grown-ups and children talk about racism.
Books about racism for children
Books about racism for children
Books and resources to help children understand and talk about racism
A sensitive guide to talking about racism
First Questions and Answers: What is racism?
Award Winner
A sensitive guide to talking about racism
First Questions and Answers: What is racism?
Age: 4+
RRP
£9.99
Answering young children's questions about racism is hard. This book gives both children and adults the language and sensitivity they need to talk about the topic. It gently explains what racism is, how it happens, why it is NEVER acceptable and what each and every one of us can do to eradicate it.
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What is racism and how can we stop it?
Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Racism
What is racism and how can we stop it?
Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Racism
Age: 7+
RRP
£9.99
This powerful book tackles children’s common questions about race and racism in a direct, accessible and thought-provoking way. Discover why racism is everyone's problem to solve, and how we can all be part of the solution.
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All About Diversity
All About Diversity
Age: 4+
RRP
£9.99
This dynamic and joyous exploration of difference helps young children learn to respond in a kind and equal way to everyone, regardless of shape, size, age, physical and mental ability, gender, ethnicity, beliefs, language, culture, background, and so on.
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Black History Month
Top Quicklinks for Black History Month
Celebrate Black heritage with links where you can learn about the achievements and contributions of Black people worldwide.
A message from Peter Usborne
The Black Lives Matter movement
The Black Lives Matter protests are, in my opinion, the most significant of my (now long) lifetime, and have been an appropriate wake up call for our industry, including very much us at Usborne. They have strongly reiterated the injustices and inequalities faced by Black people all over the world and that we all have a responsibility to commit to change.
Slavery in the past - and today
The Story of Slavery
Slavery in the past - and today
The Story of Slavery
Age: 7+
RRP
£5.99
The Story of Slavery
A compelling account of slavery - from ancient times, through to the plantations of the Caribbean and America, to the official abolition of the slave trade more than 200 years ago. Highlights the continued existence of slavery today and what you can do to help stop it.
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Famous Black civil rights leaders
Here are some other books for children about racism and civil rights.
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Age: 7+RRP £5.99 -
Age: 7+RRP £5.99
Tackling racism in schools
Show Racism the Red Card
Usborne has built a partnership with the children’s educational charity Show Racism the Red Card. Its courses and conferences educate 50,000 young people and 6,000 adults every year, working towards making Britain a safer, more tolerant place to live.
We have collaborated with Show Racism the Red Card on our anti-racism books and they are providing feedback on a range of new titles that we’re working on (not just those focusing on anti-racism, but across a broad range of topics), and providing staff training for all Usborne employees. We support Show Racism the Red Card through charitable donations as well as payment for consulting and we are donating copies of our anti-racism books for it to distribute in schools.
Anti-racist books for Middle Grade and YA readers
Books and stories are a good place to start conversations about racism. Here are some more books that feature racism or racist themes. Several of these books also have teachers resources and book club discussion notes.
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Award WinnerAge: 14+RRP £8.99
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Age: 11+RRP £5.99
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Age: 12+RRP £6.99
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Award WinnerAge: 14+RRP £7.99
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Age: 7+RRP £5.99
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Age: 9+RRP £7.99
Books for children about diversity and inclusion
Visit our webpage for suggestions for books for children to read and talk about diversity and inclusion.
Top Quicklinks about racism
Visit Quicklinks to see recommended websites about racism to support Usborne books and why it's never too early to talk to children about racism