These reading lists and resources for youth, families, and adults is part of a response to the current awareness and events surrounding social justice and racial equity. For more information, contact Carrie Sanders, Youth Services Coordinator.

Reading Lists for All Ages

• "Ten Powerful Inclusive and Anti-Racist Books for Kids and Teens" 
• Two book lists from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (released June 2020): 
  • “Black Experiences: Affirmation and Resilience, Activism and Resistance in 45 Books for PreK-Grade 12”.
  • "Race and Racism: Selected Books for Pre-K to Grade 12."
• “Ensuring a Diverse Collection: Promoting Equity of Access and Free Expression”, ALSC Blog, 6-20-2020
• We Are Kidlit Collective Summer Reading lists (focus: Black, Indigenous and People of Color)

Talking with Children About Race

• "It’s Never Too Early: To Talk About Race and Diversity with Children (video)," featuring the MSDE, Division of Early Childhood Assistant State Superintendent Steven Hicks. 

• Raising Race Conscious Children

• "Talking with Children (0-5) About Race", ALSC Blog, 5-22-2018

Resources For Adults

• “Teaching Hard History Podcast.” Hosted by Ohio State professor, Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries. He brings together educators and pedagogy experts to help teachers maneuver through educating on difficult topics focused on race while being honest and clear about injustice. He does this by staying current with what is going on in the world. 
• "Talking About Race” The National Museum of African American History and Culture has provides resources that can be done individually or in small groups in this section of their website. Contains multiple facets of ways in which one might approach race (e.g. as an educator, a parent or caregiver, or a person committed to equity). These resources can help educators and others healthily address biases and shape the way we should address issues such as racism.
• The Learning for Justice website. (formerly Teaching Tolerance)
• "Black Lives Matter: ALSC’s Call to Action and Endorsement of BCALA and ALA Recent Statements” ALSC Blog, 6-5-2020