Books which help with conversations about race

A selection of age-appropriate books to help children explore racial identity, migration and multiculturalism

Introducing children to the concept of race and racism through books can be a powerful way to foster empathy and understanding from a young age.

We have carefully selected the following titles because they address themes of racial identity, migration and multiculturalism in thoughtful, age-appropriate ways.

We hope that these books will help to encourage reflection and generate discussions on these important themes.

  • My Skin, Your Skin

    by Laura Henry-Allain MBE, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu 

    2021 4 to 9 years 

    • Non-fiction
    • Picture books

    This important non-fiction book explores the concept of racism for a young audience, explaining what it is and why it is always wrong. With colourful pages and engaging illustrations, this picture book carries an essential message that nobody should be disadvantaged because of their race. 

  • Strong Like Me

    by Kelechi Okafor, illustrated by Michaela Dias-Hayes 

    2024 4 to 6 years 

    • Picture books

    Kamara is strong and fast. But negative words from her friends make her doubt herself. Can she find a way to celebrate her strength? This heart-warming picture book celebrates the many ways to be strong, and to be yourself.  

  • Freedom, We Sing

    by Amyra Leon, illustrated by Molly Mendoza 

    2020 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

    In this stunning picture book that brims with vitality, movement and joy, a mother and child meditate on what it is to be free.

  • John Agard’s Windrush Child

    by John Agard, illustrated by Sophie Bass 

    2022 4 to 6 years 

    • Picture books

    In this bold and vibrant picture book, John Agard’s touching poem Windrush
    Child
    is brought to life for young readers.

  • Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Racism

    by Jordan Akpojaro, illustrated by Ashley Evans 

    2022 6 to 9 years 

    • Non-fiction

    Split into eight sections, this addition to Usborne’s appealing lift-the-flap nonfiction series of books tackles a weighty and yet important issue: racism.

  • Cloud Busting

    by Malorie Blackman 

    2005 6 to 12 years 

    Shortlisted for the 2004 Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (age 6–8 category), an exploration of an unlikely friendship between two very different boys.

  • The Boy at the Back of the Class

    by Onjali Q Raúf 

    2018 6 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Chapter books

    This is the story about how four classmates have a massive impact on the life of Ahmet, a boy that comes to their school as a refugee from Syria. An inspiring and sweet tale that should help children be the best they can be and realise the power of kindness.

  • The Arrival

    by Shaun Tan 

    2006 6 to 12+ years 

    • Graphic novels
    • Picture books

    In this unusual book, we follow a young man as he packs his bags and leaves his family to go and start a new life in another country

  • Hope on the Horizon

    by Onjali Q Raúf 

    2022 6 to 12 years 

    • Non-fiction

    This interactive guide for children offers practical tips and inspiring stories about compassion, empathy, and how we can all make the world a better place through acts of kindness.

  • Speak Up!

    by Rebecca Burgess 

    2022 9 to 12 years 

    • Graphic novels
    • Autistic spectrum conditions

    Mia is a secret superstar musician, writing song lyrics that her friends love. But in real life she’s bullied for being different. Is Mia ready to show the world who she really is?

  • Welcome to Nowhere

    by Elizabeth Laird 

    2017 9 to 12 years 

    • Around the world

    Omar doesn’t know much about politics, nor does he care, however, when his older brother, Musa, throws his lot in with the student opposition to the government, everything changes.

  • Who are Refugees and Migrants?

    by Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young 

    2019 9 to 12 years 

    Rosen and Young explain what might make people leave their homes and journey to other countries, the rights that refugees and migrants have and the ways that they travel, as well as discussing wider relevant ideas. A fascinating and well-presented book. 

  • Migrants

    by Eduard Altarriba 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    • Historical
    • Non-fiction

    This beautiful and useful picture book is a mine of information on the subject of human migration, which is sadly so topical and which many children will have questions about. Altarriba is very thorough on the subject, making sure that he asks the right questions in the right order as he progresses from explaining how humans have always migrated for various reasons, to explaining what might cause this to happen now and reminding children that when people leave their own countries, it’s only for the most dire of reasons.

  • The Boy Who Fell from the Sky

    by Benjamin Dean 

    2023 9 to 12 years 

    • Adventure
    • Science fiction

    Zed’s dad is the First Hunter of Demons. But when Zed meets a Demon, he discovers that theyrenot as terrifying as the myths say. Exciting and full of heart.  

  • The Crossing

    by Manjeet Mann 

    2021 9 to 12+ years 

    • Poetry and rhyme

    Sammy wants a new life in Europe, while Natalie wants to escape the realities of her life in the UK. A powerful and hard-hitting verse novel for older readers.

  • Noughts and Crosses

    by Malorie Blackman 

    2001 9 to 12+ years 

    • Chapter books
    • Classics
    • Coming-of-age
    • Love and romance

    Callum is a Nought but his best friend Sephy is a Cross – the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in the country.

  • When Stars are Scattered

    by Omar Mohamed, illustrated by Victoria Jamieson 

    2020 12+ years 

    • Around the world
    • Coming-of-age
    • Graphic novels
    • Non-fiction

    This is the true story of Omar Mohamed’s childhood in a refugee camp. Searing and poignant, with themes of equality, disability, and the value of education, it’s moving and sad and hopeful, all at the same time.