Black Lives Matter
Racism can be a difficult topic to know how to approach with children - but with the #BlackLivesMatter movement fighting against the injustice faced by Black people across the world, it's more vital than ever to begin those discussions to ensure a fairer future for all. Here's our pick of the top books that examine the structural oppression experienced by the Black community, aimed at inspiring and empowering young children to talk about anti-racism.
For more books, tips and advice, explore BookTrust Represents for schools.
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All Because You Matter
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All Because You Matter
A poem of a mother’s love in the age of the Black Lives Matter movement, stunningly illustrated by Bryan Collier, this book seeks …
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You are a Champion
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You are a Champion
England footballer Marcus Rashford shares tips and advice that he's learned on his journey from being a football-mad kid in Manche…
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I Am Every Good Thing
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I Am Every Good Thing
The little boy depicted in this gorgeous book is a ball of energy; a gentleman and a scholar; a hilarious friend and a good brothe…
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Hey You! An empowering celebration of growing up black
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Hey You! An empowering celebration of growing up black
A baby is born to loving parents, but as she grows up it’s hard for her to find books to read containing girls that look like her.…
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Cane Warriors
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Cane Warriors
This story is inspired by a real life rebellion in British-owned slave plantations in Jamaica in 1760. Moa has spent his entire li…
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Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism
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Stand Up and Speak Out Against Racism
Accessible, informative and insightful, this guide to recognising and speaking up about racism would be useful for stimulating dis…
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Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies
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Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies
An essential and fascinating book which follows black history across many centuries to today’s contemporary world.
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Baby Ruby Bawled
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Baby Ruby Bawled
Theo loves his baby sister Ruby who is happy as long as she is awake and being entertained. But Ruby simply will not sleep: not at…
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Daddy Do My Hair: Kechi’s Hair Goes Every Which Way
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Daddy Do My Hair: Kechi’s Hair Goes Every Which Way
Kechi’s Mum knows lots of different ways to style her big beautiful curly hair. But when it’s Kechi’s Daddy who has to take h…
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King of the Classroom
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King of the Classroom
This wonderfully empowering picture book for little ones not only assuages their possible fears about starting school or nursery b…
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Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
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Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
This beautiful and profound book chronicles the struggles and achievements of historic and contemporary black women. Not just…
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Run the Show Like CEO Oprah Winfrey
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Run the Show Like CEO Oprah Winfrey
Following Oprah from her beginnings as the first black news anchor in Nashville to her first break on TV, this amazing illustrated…
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Queer Heroes
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Queer Heroes
This wonderful celebration of a wide range of LGBTQ+ heroes - both famous and less well-known - is a beautiful book and highlights…
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The Undefeated
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The Undefeated
An illustrated poem filled with stunning painted portraits, written to commemorate the birth of Alexander’s daughter and the inaug…
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Windrush Child
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Windrush Child
This is the story of Leonard, who travels with his mother from Jamaica to England after the Second World War. Benjamin Zephaniah s…
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Clean Getaway
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Clean Getaway
One day, Scoob's Grandma turns up at his house and invites him on a road trip - retracing the steps of a trip she took with his la…
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How High the Moon
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How High the Moon
Inspired by the tragic true story of the youngest American ever to be executed, this ambitious novel weaves together family drama …
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High-Rise Mystery
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High-Rise Mystery
High-Rise Mystery is the perfect ‘whodunnit’. As the two girls sift through red herrings and reveal a series of tower block secret…
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Katherine Johnson: A Life Story
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Katherine Johnson: A Life Story
An accessible, compelling and inspiring biography of Katherine Johnson: a brilliant, black, female mathematician who helped make N…
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Funky Chickens
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Funky Chickens
A funny, thought-provoking collection of poems for older children from Britain’s best-loved rap poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, which co…
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Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past a...
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Young, Gifted and Black: Meet 52 Black Heroes from Past a...
This beautiful and eye-catching hardback celebrates a selection of black icons from history and the present day to inspire all chi…
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Peace Maker
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Peace Maker
In Michela's world, aggression is forbidden - but sometimes fighting is the only way to keep the peace. This is a well-paced and i…
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Work It, Girl: Become a Leader Like Michelle Obama
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Work It, Girl: Become a Leader Like Michelle Obama
This beautifully illustrated introduction to Michelle Obama’s inspiring life is a must for anyone with a dream, and a reminder tha…
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This Book is Anti Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, T...
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This Book is Anti Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, T...
This attractively designed, engaging book is a fabulous primer probably for kids aged 10+ around understanding what racism is, bot…
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Noughts and Crosses
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Noughts and Crosses
Callum is a Nought but his best friend Sephy is a Cross - the daughter of one of the most influential politicians in the country.
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