George Floyd's killing has sparked protests in the US as well as other countries around the world. As these protests enter the second week, parents are concerned about how to communicate the deaths and unrest to their kids. It is important for non-black parents to not only keep their kids informed about these matters but also help them understand race and racism so that even when there is no outrage, they still see black people as equals and not just victims of discrimination.
Y. Joy Harris Smit who is a lecturer at Princeton Theological Seminary has urged parents to address the killings and protests in an 'age-appropriate' way. Jacqueline Douge, a child health advocate in Maryland has also said that you can start conversing with your children about this topic in preschool.
Apart from openly discussing racism with your children, you can also raise anti-racist kids by stocking your home library with books that can educate them about this matter. There are plenty of books that you can find which are centered around black people and their experiences as well as contributions to the world. If you're worried about finding age-appropriate books, then use the article for help that ists down some of the best books for children of different ages.
For Children Aged 0-3
"The Snowy Day", "A Letter to Amy," and "Hi Cat!," are some of the best books by Ezra Jack that focus on a black boy in the city. Kaitlyn Greenidge, a NYT Parenting contributor has said that the book showcases a beautiful display of interiority of growing up black without any trauma while still feeling black.
For Children Aged 3-5
"Saturday" is a wonderful book that focuses on a mother and daughter and their amazing bond. Ava and her mother spend Saturdays with each other but also experience some setbacks that they don't allow to get in their way. The book is written and illustrated by the genius Oge Mora.
"Hair Love" written by Matthew A. Cherry shows a special bond between a father and daughter and how a black father learns to do his daughter's hair. The book is incredibly heart-warming that deserves a spot on your child's bookshelf. The book was later turned out to be an Oscar-winning short film.
For Children Aged 5-8
"Each Kindness" by Jacqueline Woodson, revolves around a girl Maya a new girl to a school who appears to be different from her classmates, she is shunned by Chloe another main character of the book. Maya after a while disappears out of the blue and Chloe soon starts to regret that a chance of being kind slipped from her. This amazing book ends with a lot of regrets but is a profound read.
For Children Aged 9-12
"Resist" by Veronica Chambers is a great reader and comprises of 35 great stories from the past 500 years that teaches kids how to combat injustice in their lives.
For Children Aged 12 and Above
"All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely shows how police brutality affects two young boys, one white and one black. The books take readers through their minds and how they struggle with something that's common in the States.
