How do we approach talking to children about complex topics like social justice? We turn to books of course! Rife with beautiful illustrations and rhythmic stories that are easy to follow, children’s books are the perfect way to introduce kids to topics that may be new to them, like diversity, inclusion, and social equity. We’ve compiled a list of excellent books, from BC publishers, you can read to the kid or kids in your life, to get them thinking about these big ideas.
Often, a child’s first experience with learning about caring for another life involves a beloved family pet. Looking after an animal teaches kids so much about love and patience. Celebrated musician-artist-activist Buffy Sainte-Marie reminds us of this with a lovely story about a little puppy who is just trying to find a home. Paired with delightful illustrations by Ben Hodgson, Hey Little Rockabye (Greystone Books) is an endearing lullaby that is the perfect stepping stone for parents to teach their kids about love and acceptance. In addition to the book, Sainte-Marie has also recorded a version of the song that folks can enjoy singing along to with their children.
Written by prize-winning author Olive Senior Boonoonoonous Hair (Tradewind Books) is a joyous celebration of Black hair. Kids can follow along as Jamila learns from her mother how to love her difficult to manage hair and celebrate the versatility of Black hair, as they are introduced to cornrows, afro puffs, and plaits, among other styles. Bursting with colourful illustrations by Laura James, Boonoonoonous Hair is a lyrical treat that introduces young readers to the beauty of being different and how to celebrate uniqueness.
Rooted in experience from her own life The One With the Scraggly Beard (Orca Books) by Elizabeth Withey is at its core, a book about compassion. Forthcoming in October 2020, the book follows a young boy as his curiosity leads him to ask a question to his mother, about a homeless man in the neighbourhood. As she teaches him about the way people’s lives can follow different paths, the boy learns the importance of empathy and begins to understand the things he has in common with the man. Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield, The One with the Scraggly Beard introduces children to themes of suffering, resilience, and overcoming fear, in a manner that makes them understand that true social justice needs to extend to all members of a community.
Shortlisted for the BC and Yukon Book Prize Society Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize, My Body, My Choice (Orca Books) introduces young teens to the concept of bodily autonomy. Despite abortion being one of the world’s most common medical procedures, Robin Stevenson informs young readers that it is one of the most stigmatized. Tracing the history of abortion from its nascent days, Stevenson reveals the many hard-fought battles that activists have won, in the face of extreme and often-times violent opposition. This book serves as a reminder that autonomy over one’s body is a key concept to fighting for social justice and gives young readers a chance to explore what it means to them.
When Ari hears their birth name Edward, all they can think about is “old kings who snore a lot.” Due for release in October 2020, Hasan Namir’s The Name I Call Myself (Arsenal Pulp Press) follows young Ari, on their journey towards self-acceptance. Complimented with engaging illustrations by Cathryn John, we join Ari as they begin to better understand their gender identity, as they embrace dresses over hockey, long hair over short, and struggle to overcome their father’s insistence that “You’re a boy, so you have to act like one.” A heartwarming story that will help parents show their kids that there are many possibilities for how to live and express themselves.
A celebration of the diversity in the LGBTQQIP2SAA community, Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle (Orca Books) returns in a new, updated edition. Author Robin Stevenson has expanded her book to place a greater focus on activism, including a section for non-queer youth about being an ally. The book has also been expanded to feature a more comprehensive set of Proud Moments and Queer Facts, so that readers can learn about queer activism and pride from all corners of the globe. With features and profiles from places as close to home as Vancouver, to all the way in Kenya, Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle is the ideal primer for pre-teens about the fight for queer rights and the importance of building a supportive community.