Family Resources ("What is privilege and why does it matter?")
What to Read:
Can I Touch Your Hair: Poems of Race, Mistakes and Friendship by Irene Latham and Charles Walters
"Two poets, one white and one black, explore race and childhood in this must-have collection tailored to provoke thought and conversation." All ages (Library Catalog)
Not My Idea: A Book about Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham
"An honest explanation about how power and privilege factor into the lives of white children, at the expense of other groups, and how they can help seek justice." --THE NEW YORK TIMES All ages (Library Catalog)
A Kids' Book about White Privilege by Ben Sand
"White children growing up today need to see their privilege and learn how to use it for good." Ages 6 and up (Library Catalog)
Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America by Jennifer Harvey
"Talking about race means naming the reality of white privilege and hierarchy." Adults (Library Catalog)
The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph
"This book serves as a conversation starter, tool kit, and an invaluable window into the life of a former "token Black kid" who now presents himself as the friend many readers need." Ages 10 and up (Library Catalog)
New book coming out in May 2021:
Race Cars: A Children's Book about White Privilege by Jenny Devenny
"A children's book about white privilege created to help parents and educators facilitate tough conversations about race, privilege, and oppression." All ages (Library Catalog)
What to Visit:
How to Explain White Privilege in Terms Simple Enough for a Child An article from Parents.com that includes suggested reading, video links, and more
What to Hear:
White Kids: Growing Up with Privilege in a Racially Divided America by Margaret Hagerman
"Sociologist Margaret A. Hagerman zeroes in on affluent, white kids to observe how they make sense of privilege, unequal educational opportunities, and police violence" E-audiobook for parents (Library Catalog)
Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh
"[The Mendez family's] success eventually brought an end to the era of segregated education in California." E-audio book for all ages on Hoopla
What to Try:
A hands-on activity for ages 9 and up
Contact the library if you need beads to try this activity at home!