We Who Produce Pearls: An Anthem for Asian America by Joanna Ho

Illustrated by Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya 4 stars A powerful, beautiful celebration of resilience and identity told through fierce verse and stunning illustrations. The book draws parallels between different culture’s histories, struggles, and treatment while still recognizing the distinctness and diversity of different groups. Gorgeous illustrations that pair wonderfully with each verse. Beautiful color and a wonderful…

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Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

5 stars A modern-day Monster with a story all its own. Told through powerful verse and emotive visuals, this is the story of Amal Shahid, a teenage artist and poet sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. I love Zoboi’s writing and this one did not disappoint. Packed with raw emotion, this book is…

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Goodnight Racism by Ibram X. Kendi

Illustrated by Cbabi Bayoc 5 stars A lyrical book that dreams of an equitable world for all. Beautiful representations of different people and families living together in a vibrant community. Lush, dynamic artwork. A nice place to start introducing ideas of activism, equity, antiracism, and justice. Inspiring and hopeful. A beautiful book. Goodreads

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Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice

by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin 4 stars A nice resource to guide discussions of race, discrimination, and police brutality. The fictional story follows conversations between two families, one White and one Black. These conversations bring up various issues such as racism, discrimination, fairness, and slavery, demonstrating the different…

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Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice

by Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III Forward by Jason Reynolds 5 stars A phenomenal collection of poetry focused on race, identity, equality, and justice. The book blends elements of history, resistance, injustice, and anti-racism. It also explains various concepts such as privilege, intersectionality, and stereotypes. Each…

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This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake UP, Take Action, and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell, Illustrated by Aurélia Durand

4 stars A great resource for those starting on their anti-racist journey. Though it’s targeted toward teens, it can be beneficial for adults as well. Jewell goes through the basic progression of 1) recognizing racism, one’s own identity (both socially constructed and the traits beyond that get to the heart of the individual), and one’s…

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Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy, Illustrated by Ekua Holmes

5 stars A stunning book that celebrates black identity and culture. Lyrical and rhythmic, this picture book has wonderful layers that readers can build upon. References to black history, literature, and music are woven into the each line. Works wonderfully for entertainment, inspiration, and education. At the back of the book is additional information that…

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