February 2023 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Literary Resources
We invite members of the community to support the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work at C&C. See below for monthly resources provided by the C&C Office of Community Life, Equity, and Inclusion.
February 2023 Literary Resources
Resources for Black History Month
Lower School
The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez
This rhyming poetry book includes information on people, places, and events related to Black history. Some examples include, “G is for Great Migration” and “H is for Zora Neale Hurston.” Ages 2–8
Nina: Jazz Legend and Civil-Rights Activist Nina Simone by Alice Brière-Haquet
Written as a lullaby to her daughter, this biography shares the triumphs and trials of Nina Simone’s life. Ages 4–8
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. James
This empowering book is all about a boy’s self-confidence in everything that makes him unique. It’s a reminder to celebrate what makes each of us special. Ages 3–8
Lift as You Climb: The Story of Ella Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell
Ella Baker was a powerful political figure in the 1960s. Young readers can learn all about her life’s journey, including her work with other political activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ages 4–8
Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
This book embraces the history of multicultural names, including those connected to African, Asian, Black-American, Latinx, and Middle Eastern culture. Ages 5–10
Middle School
Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood edited by Kwame Mbalia
Written by 17 male and nonbinary writers, these fictional stories provide a range of positive Black Boy experiences—whether going to the barbershop, attending church, or solving a conflict with a friend. Ages 8–11
She Was First: The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm by Katheryn Russell-Brown
Use this picture book to learn more about the life of Shirley Chisholm—activist, educator, trailblazer, and the first Black woman to run for President! Ages 6–9
Child of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton and Raul Colón
Paula Young Shelton, daughter of civil rights activist Andrew Young, shares her unique perspective of being a child during the civil rights movement. Children can learn more about the people and experiences from this first-hand account. Ages 6–12
Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, adopted by Sonja Cherry-Paul
This children’s version of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You teaches children about the history of racist ideas, its impact on the present, the work of anti-racists, and how they can do the work of anti-racism in their own lives. Ages 7 and up
Upper School
Resistance Stories from Black History for Kids: Inspiring People and Events That Every Kid Should Know by Rann Miller
These resistance stories expand beyond the often shared history of marching and boycotts. Readers are able to learn about these important movements as well as other forms of rebellion and resistance that have been a part of the African diasporic experience and the fight for Black rights. Ages 8–13
Evicted! The Struggle For The Right To Vote by Alice Fay Duncan
This book focuses on the town of Tennessee’s Fayette County Tent City Movement in the late 1950s, and reveals what is possible when people unite and fight for the right to vote. Through prose, poetry, and illustrations, readers learn about a collective resistance for the right to vote. Ages 9–12
Zora and Me by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon
A fictionalization of the author Zora Neale Hurston’s childhood, Zora and Me is a powerful tale of friendship, the use of imagination when faced with tragedy, and how a town can come together after dealing with murder and injustice. Ages 10–13
Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, adapted by Sonja Cherry-Paul
This children’s version of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You teaches children about the history of racist ideas, its impact on the present, the work of anti-racists, and how they can do the work of anti-racism in their own lives. Ages 7 and up
Anti-Racist Books
Lower School
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, and Isabel Roxas
Encourage body positivity with this introductory book about race, gender, and consent. The book is also a first step toward teaching children to be proactive against injustice. Ages 2–5
I Am Enough by Grace Byers
This book promotes the celebration of children’s uniqueness. It encourages self-love and mutual respect. Ages 3–7
Middle School
The Anti-Racist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, and Activism by Tiffany Jewell
Broken into the three sections of identity, justice, and activism, this book explains race, identity, power, and privilege in the United States as well as defines terms such as bias, prejudice, and discrimination. Ages 8–12
Upper School
This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell
This book teaches about personal and social identifiers, the development of racist ideologies and policies, and how readers can support equity and anti-racist work in their own lives. Ages 10 and up
For Families
Do the Work!: An Antiracist Activity Book* by W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schat
This workbook encourages readers to reflect and plan on ways they can address systemic racism and implement changes in their personal and professional domains.
The Antiracist: How to Start the Conversation About Race and Take Action by Kondwani Fidel
Sharing both personal anecdotes and historical facts, Fidel provides practical ways to identify and confront classism and racism. “Told through personal stories and essays, this book explores meaningful and practical ways we can identify and confront systematic racism and classism. His account of his own experiences alongside cited historical facts, help tie together what should be unlearned in our individual and collective journeys.”