10 Books on Equality for
Kids Ages 6-8
by Melissa Taylor
As we teach our children about equality for all people, include books that show both equality and inequality through fiction and non-fiction. From stories about voter rights to those about LGBTQIA+ equality, use these books as helping tools to raise children who are understanding and compassionate towards all people, regardless of our differences.
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The Pink Hat
Available from:This is a playful story illustrated in black, white, and pink that builds toward the Women's March on Washington. Watch as a pink knitted cap becomes a curious cat's toy, then a blanket for a baby, and eventually a hat for a young girl to wear as she walks with other girls and women in support of women's and human rights.
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Stonewall: A Building. An Uprising. A Revolution
Available from:During the 1960s in New York City, Stonewall Inn became a safe place for the lesbian and gay community. But an unfair police raid on this gathering spot leads to several historic days of protests outside the building in support of civil rights for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Narrated by the Stonewall Inn itself, this is the first picture book to detail the historic Stonewall Uprising for young readers.
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Lillian’s Right to Vote
Available from:Somber illustrations capture elderly Lillian's memories as she climbs a steep hill on her way to cast her vote. She thinks of her great-great-grandparents who were sold as slaves and separated, remembers all the people before her who fought for equal rights, and reflects on memories of herself as a protestor in marches.
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I am Jackie Robinson
Available from:Meet Jackie Robinson, a boy who loves baseball. Even though he sometimes isn't very daring as a child, he learns to be brave. When he isn't allowed to play on the best teams because of the color of his skin, he doesn't give up. He goes on to make history by becoming the first African American baseball player in the Major League. Young readers might also enjoy I am Marie Curie, a picture book-biography about a female scientist who struggled to make a name for herself in a male-dominated field.
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The President of the Jungle
Available from:The jungle animals aren't too happy with the self-centered king Lion and decide to elect a new leader. In this fantastic story about the democratic election process, Lion, Snake, Sloth, and Monkey each campaign to be jungle president. From debates to rallies, speeches, and more, each animal tries to convince the others that they would make the best leader - one who acts for the benefit of everyone.
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My Dream of Martin Luther King
Available from:A child shares a dream that tells an interpretational biography of Martin Luther King, Jr., showing both the unfairness of prejudice as well as the deepest hope for more love and kindness in the world. With amazing, evocative illustrations, this is a must-have for any child's bookshelf.
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She Persisted Around the World
Available from:Learn about 13 incredible women who demonstrate courage and tenacity to accomplish big things in their lives, no matter the obstacles. The short biographical information and memorable quotations are beautifully illustrated, capturing the inspiring accomplishments of women like Sissi Lima do Amor and Yuan Yuan Tan.
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Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag
Available from:Harvey Milk dreamed of equal treatment and rights for LGBTQIA+ people. To give his community hope for this dream and pride in themselves, he asked artist Gilbert Baker to make a beautiful flag in the colors of a rainbow to represent the colorful, unique LGBTQIA+ community and their hope for equal rights.
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I Am Jazz
Available from:Just like her friends, Jazz is a kid who likes lots of different things - like mermaids and playing. But she's different than her friends because she has a "girl brain but a boy body." Her parents learn that she's transgender and let her be Jazz, a girl that is happy with who she is.
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Vote for Our Future!
Available from:Having an equal voice in government gives citizens important rights. When Stanton Elementary School becomes a polling station every two years, the students of the school discover that they can't vote until they're 18. But they work hard to encourage adults to get out and exercise their right to vote.
(Published on: 2/18/20)
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