Black History Month: Books to teach kids about race and diversity

'WE'RE DIFFERENT, WE'RE THE SAME' BY BOBBI JANE KATES: Perfect for the toddler stage, this colourful book uses the gentle edu-taining approach of Sesame Street to teach children to see beyond the exterior, and understand that deep down, we are all the same.

'LET'S TALK ABOUT RACE' BY JULIUS LESTER, ILLUSTRATED BY KAREN BARBOUR: Addressing questions about why race is important and the value of racial identity, this book is particularly good as a conversation starter for young children, prompting discussions about our common humanity and what makes every one of us truly special.

‘LAILAH’S LUNCHBOX: A RAMADAN STORY’ BY REEM FARUQI, ILLUSTRATED BY LEA LYON: This well-loved tale is great for 6-8 year olds and will resonate with UAE expats since it tells the story of a little girl, Lailah, who moved from Abu Dhabi to the USA. As Lailah moves to a new school and new country, Lailah learns that even when people do not come from the same faith, they can respect each other’s different beliefs.

‘MARISOL MCDONALD DOESN’T MATCH/ MARISOL MCDONALD NO COMBINA’ BY MONICA BROWN, ILLUSTRATED BY SARA PALACIOS: This vividly illustrated, bilingual book tells the story of a flame-haired, nut-brown-skinned Peruvian-Scottish-American girl, who feels she doesn’t fit in. Aimed at 4-8 year olds, as Marisol comes to terms with her own blended identity, children will also be encouraged to celebrate their own differences.

‘NINTH WARD’ BY JEWELL PARKER RHODES: This beautiful book by New York Times bestselling author Jewell Parker Rhodes is aimed at ages 10 years and upwards, and tells with gritty poetry the tale of a New Orleans’ community’s resilience in the face of Hurricane Katrina.