Share these books with the children in your life to encourage inclusivity, spark conversations and help answer difficult questions.
Under My Hijab
For ages 4-8. Invites readers to understand and appreciate the hijab and the Muslim women who decide to wear it.
The Proudest Blue: A Story Of Hijab And Family
For ages 4-8. Educates and encourages pride in and respect for the hijab through a tale of two sisters.
The Colors of Us
For ages 3-7. A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist's perspective. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades.
All Are Welcome
For ages 3 to 7. Illustrations and simple, rhyming text introduce a school where diversity is celebrated and songs, stories, and talents are shared.
Lovely
For ages 3-7. Big, small, curly, straight, loud, quiet, smooth, wrinkly. Lovely explores a world of differences that all add up to the same thing: we are all lovely!
Where Are You From?
For ages 3-7. When a girl is asked where she's from--where she's really from--none of her answers seems to be the right one.
Say Something!
For ages 3-8. A magical exploration of the ways that a single voice can make the world a better place.
French Toast
For ages 4-7. Phoebe, who is half Jamaican and half French, dislikes being called French Toast by her classmates since it seems to point out how her skin color.
The Name Jar
For ages 4-8. Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name?
When I Was Eight
For ages 4-8. Based on the true story of Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and complemented by stunning illustrations, When I Was Eight makes the bestselling Fatty Legs accessible to younger readers.
When We Were Alone
For ages 4-8. While a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history, and, ultimately, one of empowerment and strength.
My Hair is a Garden
For ages 4-8. After being teased yet again about her unruly hair, MacKenzie consults her neighbor, Miss Tillie, who compares hair care with tending her beautiful garden and teaches MacKenzie some techniques.
Yo Soy Muslim
For ages 4-8. A touching and lyrical picture book about a parent who encourages their child to find joy and pride in all aspects of their multicultural identity.
The Day You Begin
For ages 4-8. Other students laugh when Rigoberto, an immigrant from Venezuela, introduces himself but later, he meets Angelina and discovers that he is not the only one who feels like an outsider.
Let's Talk About Race
For ages 5-8. Vibrant illustrations bring energy to Julius Lester's story as he explores what makes each of us special.
Racism and Intolerance
For ages 5-8. Help children explore topics like current affairs, compassion, empathy, and more with this sensitively written, beautifully illustrated book. Kids can find answers to questions like: "What does it mean to be a racist or intolerant?" and "How can I help?."
Spork
For ages 6-9. His mum is a spoon. His dad is a fork. And he's a bit of both. He's Spork! Spork sticks out in the regimented world of the cutlery drawer.
Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged!
For ages 6-9. The story of Canadian civil rights icon Viola Desmond who refused to change her seat in a movie theatre and was arrested.
Separate Is Never Equal
For ages 7-9. The story of Sylvia Mendez' legal challenge to school segregation.
I Am Not a Number
For ages 7-11. When eight-year-old Irene is removed from her family to live in a residential school she is confused, frightened and homesick. I Am Not a Number brings a terrible part of Canada's history to light in a way that children can learn from and relate to.
Dealing with Racism
For ages 8-11. Readers are taught to stand up for what is right in a safe way and become comfortable discussing this serious issue with others. Engaging illustrations and age-appropriate text guide readers through navigating this difficult matter.
Schomburg: the man who built a library
For ages 8-12. The true story of Arturo Schomburg who created an enormous collection of books highlighting the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. His books are now at the New York Public Library.
Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness,
For ages 9-11. "In our family, we don't see color," his mother says, but he sees the colors plain enough. Provides a strong foundation for difficult conversations.
Let It Shine: Stories Of Black Women Freedom Fighters
For age 9 to 12. The lives these women led are part of an incredible story about courage in the face of oppression; about the challenges and triumphs of the battle for civil rights; and about speaking out for what you believe in--even when it feels like no one is listening.
Speaking Our Truth: a Journey of Reconciliation
For ages 9-12. Looks at ways to heal and repair the relationship between Canada and its Indigenous people which has suffered as a result of both the residential school system and the lack of understanding of the impact of those schools.
Black Lives Matter
For ages 9-12. Explores the protest movement.
Sixties Scoop
For ages 9-12. Discusses the removal of Indigenous children from their families, the reasons behind their removal, their lives in foster care, and the feelings of identity loss, depression, and anxiety felt by many adoptees as a result of being raised in a non-Indigenous family.
Fatty Legs
For ages 9-12. Eight-year-old Margaret is determined to learn how to read. Despite her father's warnings about residential school she wants to attend. She becomes the target of a cruel nun, but in the end her dignity and strong-will survive.
This Book is Anti-Racist
For ages 10-12. A colouful guidebook to encourage reflection and action.
Antiracist Baby
For ages 3 and under. A fresh new board book that empowers parents and children to uproot racism in our society and in ourselves.
Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match
For ages 3-7. Marisol McDonald, a biracial, nonconformist, soccer-playing pirate-princess with brown skin and red hair, celebrates her uniqueness.
Be Antiracist by Nyasha Williams
Ages 4-8. This book models how young kids can stand up for members of the BIPOC community in the face of racism.
Anti-Racist Art Activities For Kids by Abigail Birhanu
Ages 8-12. Offers creative projects for kids to inspire change within themselves, their community and the larger world.
