Raising Antiracist Kids Best Books of 2024

Our family's favorites this past year!

Great to have you here. As we gear up for the holidays, we’re always looking for gifts for our kids that can provide deeper education and further our values. We know other adults who celebrate the holidays and who love kids may also be doing the same. So we’re excited to share with you the official Raising Antiracist Kids Best Books of 2024!

A few things to note before we jump in:

1. These books are ones we read and loved in 2024, not necessarily ones that were published in 2024 (although some of those are included). We want to honor the labor of authors who published amazing work during the year, but we are also on a quest to shine a light on the ones that had the most impact on us and our kids this year.

2. Since 2020, the publishing industry has made some strides in bringing out more books by authors of the global majority (check out the 2023 report from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center), but there are signs that book bans and increases in blatant racism in our country may be slowing that minimal progress.

3. If buying these books is not possible (or if you are trying to declutter and de-commercialize your life), borrow them from your local library. That’s another way to show support for authors and for these books, some of which are at risk of being banned in parts of the country.

4. We’re providing this list with the complete understanding that capitalism has us all in a chokehold as it pertains to the upcoming holidays. So while we lean into gift-giving because it’s a beautiful time for our kids, we also gift experiences because a good time can also create precious memories.

5. This list isn’t just for parents and caregivers. If you love a kid, gift them a book. You’re likely opening their eyes and minds to another world of possibilities between those magical pages.

Alright! Let’s get into it, shall we?

Here are the Raising Antiracist Kids Best Books of 2024 (in no particular order).

For young kids:

1. Love, Lah Lah by Nailah Blackman-2024 (age 0+)

Tabitha here: Add a bit of Trinidadian flare to a playful kids story and you have the perfect combo for a kids book about Trinidad Carnival, indisputably the best carnival in the world (argue amongst yourselves. The truth is obvious).

2. Wash Day Love by Tanisia Moore-2024 (age 2+)

For Black kids, wash day can be a multi-hour affair that is either viewed as fun or not. For kids who are struggling a bit, this book is relatable with vibrant imagery and can be an invaluable resource.

3. Summer Is Here by Renée Watson-2024 (age 2+)

Summer gets a huge thumbs up through this journey in the life of a little Black kid who just relishes the joy and comfort of wild and free summer days.

4. Brilliant Bea by Shaina Rudolph and Mary Vukadinovich-2021 (age 2+)

For little kids who may learn differently, little Bea weaves a path of creativity that is sure to be relatable to many.

5. Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin-2019 (age 3+)

Tameika knows a thing or two about being a star. But she’s held back because of insults from others about her skin color and her body. Ending with a triumph, this story is one of facing discrimination and not backing down.

6. A Blue Kind of Day by Rachel Tomlinson-2022 (age 4+)

We sometimes have really big emotions and also emotions that maybe need more space in our home. Coen’s experience with feeling down and what may help is a timely story about making space for one’s feelings.

7. Missing Daddy by Mariame Kaba-2018 (age 4+)

The effect of incarceration on families is profound and can be painful for everyone involved. From an abolitionist viewpoint, this book tells the story of a child whose father is incarcerated. It explores the range of feelings and experiences present along with infusions of joy and light when she gets to see her father.

8. Etta Extraordinaire Goes To The White House by Rosa Ahmed and Charnaie Gordon-2024 (age 4+)

This year during the election season, we delved into this book to talk to our little ones about voting. Raising kids who know that voting is but one tool of many in the fight for democracy is necessary.

9. You Are The Color by Rifk Ebeid-2022 (age 4+)

Life in a refugee camp is hard and it can be difficult to find joy. Honest and painful, this story shares the experience of a Palestinian child who learns to find color in his life.

10. My Beads And Me by Amber T. Bogan (age 4+)

Our daughter loves some braids and beads so we bought this book simply for her to see a reflection of herself, in all her Black hair love.

11. Finding Om by Rashmi Bismark-2021 (age 4+)

We stand by this unapologetically. Teaching kids to meditate is lifesaving work. With her afro in check, Anu learns that meditating is about the practice, not about perfection, in this magically illustrated story.

12. Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard-2019 (age 4+)

For Father’s Day this year, we attended our first powwow and ate fry bread for the first time. Our little picky eaters devoured it and asked for more. This Native American family story about fry bread even comes with a recipe and a note about the origins of fry bread in the face of attempts to wipe out their culture and history.

13. We Who Produce Pearls by Joanna Ho-2024 (age 4+)

Celebrating the richness and diversity of Asian American identity, this beautifully illustrated book serves as a strong reminder of legacy, self-worth and destiny for so many.

14. Magic Hair by Keshia Edwards-2022 (age 4+)

Tabitha here: Many Black mamas like me have had to field questions from their little girls comparing their big beautiful hair with others who have straight hair. This story addresses exactly that. If you’re looking for a book to impact lessons about Black hair love, this is the one for you.

For Older Kids:

15. The Talk by Darrin Bell-2023 (ages 12+)

Many parents of the global majority who live in the U.S. of A. have had to have The Talk with their kids about what to do when approached by police. This is particularly true for many Black parents. This graphic novel succinctly and powerfully tackles this subject.

16. Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi-2024 (age 12+)

Adam here: I’ve been reading the original version of Stamped on and off for over a year. It’s a book that needs careful analysis and intentionality. As a graphic novel ideal for younger audiences, it still hits the mark while accomplishing its goals.

Hope you enjoy delving into these goodies. Be sure to share when you read them. And let us know which ones we’re missing, too!

That’s it from us for today. Love up on your kids, okay? And have a good, restful break.

Tabitha & Adam