Sussex arts organisation publishes anti-racist children’s book list ahead of Black History Month

The free resource was curated by Brighton based artist, activist and curator Susuana Amoah. It was part of an audience development commission for Writing Our Legacy’s Covid response literary programme New Narratives: We Need to Change the Stories We’re Telling.

The list, of around 30 books, features recommended reading about racial inclusion and racial justice for children aged 0-12. It includes the work of authors including Ibram X. Kendi, Lupita Nyong’o and Tiffany Jewell.

The aim of commissioning and sharing this free resource is to support and encourage adults in educating and having conversations with children about racial justice.

Susuana Amoah, booklist curator, said: “Discussing race and racism with young children can be quite a task. Sometimes it is difficult to find the appropriate language to effectively explain how race and racism impacts the society we live in; or explain why/how racism should be challenged. Children’s literature can be used as a powerful resource for these situations.”

Amy Zamarripa Solis, Chair and Programme Manager, Writing Our Legacy said: “It’s important for Black, Asian and mixed race children and young people to see themselves reflected in the books they read. We’ve been asked so many times over the years for children and young adult book recommendations, so this book list is a start!”

Writing Our Legacy is currently commissioning an additional anti-racist book list for teenagers and is calling for recommendations.

The project team is also creating a resource of activities that can be used alongside these books to help children get the most from their reading sessions. If you have any thoughts, recommendations or examples that you would like to send us please email: [email protected].

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