Beautiful Books that Encourage Redemption and Racial Reconciliation

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Black History Month originated in the 1920’s as a way to remember important African American people and events in the history of the United States.  In 1976 President Gerald Ford formally recognized Black History Month.  He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

While this goal is still important, our general study of history now incorporates more of the accomplishments of Blacks and other minorities.  There is a greater acceptance that Black history is simply a unique aspect of American history. Some Black leaders have encouraged us to spend more time on reflecting on the struggle for freedom, looking to impart more than just information.  We have the opportunity to teach Black history in America in a way that builds empathy (understanding the feelings and caring about others) and develops a conscience (an inner ability to discern right from wrong.)

Building empathy and developing a conscious are part of the highest calls of parenting.  Good books are our allies in these tasks.  They impart facts, yes, but these books go further; they encourage the feelings and emotions which will direct our children into lives of service, kindness, justice, and love.

Reading about individuals who turn from bitterness, resentment, cynicism, victim-mentality, and animosity and instead turn to forgiveness, hope, optimism, an overcomer-mentality, and joy will inspire our children.  When our children experience injustice, unkindness, and prejudice we want them to be prepared to stand for righteousness while forgiving as Jesus did, and avoiding any root of bitterness. [See: The Story of Ruby Bridges listed below for the most amazing example of this attribute.]

To that end, I culled hundreds of picture books and compiled this list.  As you read these books, talk to your children about why it is important to respect all human beings. Every person, no matter their age, development, sex, color of skin, intelligence, or education, is worthy of respect because they are made in the image of God.  This is also known as Imago Dei.  It is a concept that formed the backbone for Knights in Training and is foundation in GO GLOBAL too.

As I’ve written about before, picture books can be entertaining and educational for all ages.  Even people over 10-years of age will be inspired, informed, and encouraged.  The content of some of these books (the brutality of slavery, Jim Crow laws, lynching, the KKK) might be too heavy for your younger children.  So, we have added a symbol for young-child-friendly books: 😊.  Many of these books are also appropriate for older children, so do not skip them if you have older kids!   A * means it is especially good; two ** mean it is a must read.

Imago Dei Books

* People, Peter Spier.  This celebration of diverse world cultures is a favorite in our home.  Children will pour over the many details that make each country and culture unique and special.  Witty illustrations of festivals and holidays, foods, clothing, pets, and homes.  😊

* The Colors of Us, Karen Katz.  Before painting her self-portrait, seven-year old Lena walks through the neighborhood and learns that brown comes in many different shades.  This book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.  😊

Jesus Loves the Little Children, Debby Anderson.  Simple board book illustrating the classic song, “Jesus loves the little children.”  😊

 

Early American Era

* A Voice of Her Own: The Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet, Kathryn Lasky.  A young girl is captured in Africa and brought to Boston as a slave in 1761.  Purchased by the Wheatleys, she learned to read and write while being raised more as a daughter than servant.  This book shows the early years of the War for Independence, Phillis’ love for the Christ, as well as the subtle and not so subtle struggles she encountered as an acclaimed, young, black poet.  Slavery and the segregation Phillis experienced are real, though her family who freed her and treats her as a daughter brings redemption to the story.

A Spy Called James; The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent, Anne Rockwell.  Fascinating biography of a black man who spied for George Washington’s army and changed history.  Because he was a spy rather than a regular soldier, he was not qualified for the freedom he hoped to receive.  Fortunately, his friendship with French General Lafayette helped reverse the decision and James Lafayette was finally given his freedom.

Slavery and Civil War Era

** A Good Night for Freedom, Barbara Olenyik Morrow.  Based on historical events of two runaway slaves hid by Levi and Catherine Foster, considered to be the founders of the Underground Railroad.  It is 1839 and young Hallie must choose between protecting her family or helping the two strangers she had just met.  This story introduces the concept of conscience naturally in a wonderful conversation between Levi Foster and Hallie.

** A Band of Angels: A Story Inspired by the Jubilee Singers, Deborah Hopkinson.  A girl born into slavery dreams of attending college after she attains freedom at the end of the Civil War.  Ella Sheppard Moore sang in the first gospel singing group, the Jubilee Singers, to raise money to save Fisk University.  This inspiring story tells of the introduction of black spirituals to the broader community.

** Freedom Song: The Story of Henry “Box” Brown, Sally M. Walker.  In 1849 Henry “Box” Brown mailed himself to freedom in a 3’2” by 2’8” by 1’11” box.  Traveling from Richmond to Philadelphia Henry was fortified by family, music, and faith in God.

** Friend on Freedom River, Gloria Whelan.  On a wintry night Louis must decide whether to brave the cold, treacherous Detroit River to row a slave family to freedom.  Louis does the right thing and earns the respect of the young black boy.  This book highlights the actions of the good people in this dark time of American history.

The Listeners, Gloria Whelan.  In 1871 slave children pick cotton in the day and listen outside the windows of their master’s house in the evening for news of the outside world.  This book opens a window into a black family working, loving each other, worshipping God, dancing, singing, suffering, and rejoicing at the election of Abraham Lincoln.

** Moses, When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, Carole Boston Weatherford.  This elegant, poetic picture book emphasizes Harriet Tubman’s faith as she goes from slavery, to freedom, to being Moses, and leading others to freedom.

** Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride, Andrea Davis Pinkney & Brian Pinkney.  Read this book out loud  to catch the rhythm and energy of this explosive book about an extraordinary woman.  Make sure to look at the pictures and read the end notes to learn more about Sojourner Truth and her faith in God.

** Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad, Henry Cole.  In this wordless book, a young southern farm girl discovers a runaway slave hiding behind the corn crib and decides to help him: an evocative, moving story of friendship, giving, and grace.  This is a favorite of my 9-year-old grandson. 😊

The Patchwork Path, A Quilt Map to Freedom, Bettye Stroud.  The story of a brave father and daughter who run for freedom.

** Pink and Say, Patricia Polacco.  Powerful and sobering tale based on an incident in Ms. Polacco’s ancestors.  Two 15-year-old Union soldiers develop an interracial friendship after Pink rescues Say by taking him home to his family in Georgia where he and his mother nurse Say back to health.  Pink is black and literate and teaches the illiterate Say how to read.  One scene powerfully shows Pink reading the Bible.  The boys are captured when they try to return to their units and taken to Andersonville prison where Pink is hanged.  The hanging is not pictured, but the wrenching apart of the boys is.  Parents will want to make sure their children are ready to face this kind of sorrow.  Say survives and passes on this powerful tale of friendship to his children and grandchildren.

Priscilla and the Hollyhocks, Anne Broyles.  Based on a true story of a slave who is sold to a Cherokee family and then forced to march along the Trail of Tears.  Providentially she encounters a kind man who paid for her freedom and placed her in a loving adoptive family.

Post-Civil War

With Books and Bricks; How Booker T. Washington Built a School, Suzanne Slade.  Lovely story of how Washington learned to read, attended school, taught school, and then built the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute.

A Man for All Seasons, The Life of George Washington Carver, Stephen Krensky.  Agricultural scientist George W. Carver was the first black man to earn a graduate degree from a white university, taught at that institution, and then spent the rest of his life at the Tuskegee Institute where he helped farmers and developed multiple uses for the peanut and sweet potato.  He stated that “the primary idea in all my work was to help the farmer and fill the poor man’s empty dinner pail.”

* Across the Alley, Richard Michelson, iIllustrated by E. B. Lewis.  Black Willy and Jewish Abe are neighbors and secret friends in mid-century Brooklyn.  Their friendship is a powerful story of overcoming prejudice.

The Other Side, Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis.  Two girls, one black and one white, gradually get to know each other as they sit on the fence that divides the town.  Lovely illustrations adorn a gentle and subtle tale of how children can overcome prejudice. 😊

* When Marian Sang, Pam Munoz Ryan.  Exquisite biography of Marian Anderson that focuses on her faith and family, with excerpts of spirituals highlighting her life.  The book covers Jim Crow laws and the discrimination she faced, but emphasizes how she overcame and performed everywhere, from the Washington Monument to the Metropolitan Opera.

Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie; A Story about Edna Lewis, Robbin Gourley.  This delightful book follows Edna from the first day of spring through the first snowfall as she gathers fruits, berries, and vegetables from the fields, garden, and orchard on their Virginia farm.  This book shows a strong, loving family working and enjoying life together. 😊

The Hallelujah Flight, Phil Bildner. James Banning and Thomas Allen made the first transcontinental flight by African Americans in a plane they overhauled themselves in 1932.  It took them 21 days with many “hallelujah” moments.  Based on the true event, this fictionalized story of perseverance and a positive attitude facing difficulties and blessings is inspiring.

Civil Rights Movement in the 20^th Century

* When Jackie and Hank Met, Cathy Goldberg Fishman.  Jewish Hank Greenberg and black Jackie Robinson overcame similar challenges to play major league baseball.  Their friendship and their high character are highlighted in this book.  I love the final illustration: their two hands shaking with the baseball base in the background.

* Dad, Jackie, and Me, Myron Uhlberg.  In 1947 Brooklyn, a boy learns abut discrimination and tolerance as he and his deaf father share their enthusiasm over baseball and the Dodger’s first base-man, Jackie Robinson.

* I Have a Dream, Dr. Martin Luther King.  Illustrated version of an excerpt Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.  Simple enough for a child to understand, be inspired by the powerful imagery and words of Dr. King!  A CD of the whole speech is included in the book. 😊

* My Brother Martin; A Sister Remembers Growing up with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Christine King Farris.  Lovely and loving illustrated memoir of MLK emphasizing his boyhood and family relationships.  The hopeful ending inspires us to believe for restoration and redemption.

We March, Shane W. Evan.  Illustrations and brief text portray the 1963 march in DC.  Good introduction for younger children. 😊

As Good as Anybody, Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel’s Amazing March Toward Freedom, Richard Michelson.  MLK’s parents wisely guide him from anger at the injustice he faced to the hope that “this is not how it always has to be.”  Abraham learns the Torah from his father and becomes a rabbi in Germany when Hitler rises to power.  Abraham flees and eventually ends up in New York City. He knows and declares that, “God did not make a world with just one color flower; we are all made in God’s image.”  Abraham traveled to Selma, Alabama in 1965 to pray with Martin and to walk with him.

** The Story of Ruby Bridges, Robert Coles.  It is 1960 and a federal judge orders an all-white elementary school to accept Ruby Bridges, thus integrating the schools in New Orleans.  This moving rendition emphasizes the Bridges family’s faith and Ruby’s godly prayer.  I read it, cried, read it to my husband, cried, and ordered my own copy.  This is a must read!

Freedom on the Menu; The Greensboro Sit-Ins, Carole Boston Weatherford.  The historic 1960 peaceful demonstration at the Woolworth’s lunch counter as seen through the eyes of a young southern black girl.  Triumphant ending without bitterness – and with expectations fulfilled for a better future.

Seeds of Freedom, The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama, Hester Bass.  The people of Huntsville chose creativity, courage, and cooperation to peacefully integrate their city and schools in the 1960s.

Delivering Justice, W.W. Law and the Fight for Civil Rights, Jim Haskins.  Young Westley Wallace Law grew up poor in segregated Savannah but rich in family life.  His grandmother encouraged him to “be somebody” and prayed for him to be a leader of his people.  In addition to his vocation as a mailman, he was a quiet, but great, leader in the civil rights movement.  This book includes information on the peaceful strategy that led to the desegregation without any violence in Savannah in 1961.

Preaching to the Chickens; The Story of Young John Lewis, Jabari Asim.  John works on his family farm, taking care of the chickens and learns they are a great congregation.  As he practices preaching to them, praying for them, and even interceding for them, he is honing his gifts that will be used in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s.

A Picture Book of Rosa Parks, David A. Adler.  A straightforward biography of the black Alabama woman who refused to give up her seat on a bus.  This pivotal event started a year-long boycott.  The book covers much of the history of the Civil Rights movement including Jim Crow laws, the KKK, separate education, the NAACP, and MLK.

** Desmond and the Very Mean Word, by Desmond Tutu.  Based on an event from the author’s childhood, young Desmond learns the power of words and the secret of forgiveness.  After encountering boys who threatened and then yelled mean names at him, Desmond receives counsel and care from his Anglican priest, Father Trevor.  He then learns to forgive, to be forgiven, and to seek reconciliation.  While based in South Africa rather than the USA, this is a great story on racial reconciliation.

*  Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph became the World’s Fastest Woman, Kathleen Krull and David Diaz.  Afflicted with polio when she was four years old, Wilma had a paralyzed left leg and was told she would never walk again.  But she did!  With the support of her family, a healing touch from God in a church service, and incredible determination and perseverance, Wilma did run – all the way to the Olympics.  And there she was the first American woman to earn three gold medals in one Olympiad.