9 Multicultural Books Your child(and you) Would Like to Read

by Janice VanBuren,Ph.D

Here are some great books to add fun and focus to the discussion of multicultural topics with kids!

1. Bridges, R.  (1999).  Through my eyes.  New York:  Scholastic.  Ages 9

 This is a memoir of Ruby Bridges who at 6 years of age became the first black student ever to attend, escorted by federal marshals, the all-white William Frantz Public School in New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 14, 1960.

2.Coles, R.  (1995).  The story of Ruby Bridges.  New York:  Ages 4-8   Scholastic.

The story of Ruby Bridges, the sole African American child to attend a New Orleans elementary school after court-ordered desegregation in 1960 by the research psychiatrist Coles.  

3.Coleman, E.  (1996).  White socks only.  Morton Grove, IL:  Albert Whitman & Company. Ages 4-8

 The story of how the ‘Whites Only’ sign was from the town water fountain.

4.Johnson, A.  (1992).  The leaving morning.  New York:  Orchard    Ages: 4-8

A story about a boy’s last few days before his family moves to a new home.

5. hooks, b.  (2002).  Be boy buzz.  New York:  Hyperion.            Ages 4-8

 “An alliterative ode to the snips, snails, and puppy-dog tails gender. The syncopated text suits the subject well: "I be boy. /All bliss boy. /All fine beat. /All beau boy." It captures children running, jumping, "talking way too loud," and then, "sitting all quiet still."

6. Myers, W. D.  (2000).  Malcolm X:  A fire burning brightly. York:  Harper Collins. Ages: Young Adult 

  A compelling account of the life of one of the most controversial and misunderstood men of the 20th century. From the troubled childhood of Malcolm Little to the assassination of Malcolm X, Myers shows the influences on and the personal strengths of this fiery leader.

7. Myers, W. D.  (2004).  I’ve seen the promised land:  The life of Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr.  New York:  Amistad.   Ages 4-8

 A brief overview of King's life and accomplishments. The text focuses on events beginning with the 1955 arrest of Rosa Parks and King's leadership during the yearlong boycott that eventually resulted in the integration of buses in Montgomery, AL. The book ends with his support of the striking sanitation workers in Memphis in 1968 and his assassination a few days later.

8. Rosales, M. (1996) ‘Twas the night b’fore Christmas.  New York:  Scholastic.

Rosales's interpretation of the well-loved Clement C. Moore poem casts a "Santy Claus... with skin like molasses" who directs his reindeer with "Giddy-up y'all!" and lands on the roof of an African American family. Inc.

9. Tarpley, N. A.  (1998).  I love my hair!  Boston:  Little, Brown. Ages 4-8

A story of a young African-American girl who celebrates her lovely head of hair as part of her heritage.