DeAnna Taylor
| Studio Gannett
As parents, it may feel overwhelming when young learners come to you with tough questions, especially those about differences they notice in themselves or others.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology revealed many adults often delay conversations with children about differences — especially race — because they underestimate a child’s ability to process the information. However, the same study found that children notice differences in people as early as infancy. And those curiosities only heighten as they grow, especially once they reach school-age.
To alleviate some of that pressure, many authors are now focused on writing books that address various issues in ways that children can better understand and process. Mom of a toddler Maya Lê of the popular website and social media page, MaiStoryBook and Mai Story Book Library, has dedicated her time to providing recommendations for parents to use as a resource while also getting their children equally excited about reading in general.
“Books are powerful mirrors and windows — mirrors that help children see themselves reflected, and windows that open their eyes to the lives and experiences of others,” says Lê. “By seeing themselves and others reflected in stories, kids learn to celebrate differences, ask questions with kindness and grow into more empathetic, open-hearted and open-minded individuals.”
Lê, who is Vietnamese American and an elementary school teacher, believes in the power of books to create spaces for authentic connection and conversation.
“Through illustrations and storylines that introduce characters who look, speak and/or live differently, these books can open the door to conversations about race, ability, culture and identity in ways young minds can grasp,” she says. “For parents, these books become bridges into meaningful conversations, offering a safe and thoughtful starting point to explore topics that shape how little ones see themselves, others and the world around them.”
Looking for new books to add to your home library? Check out these options.
A Garden of Creatures
Author: Sheila Heti
Price: $14.92 on Amazon; List Price: $18.99
Conversations around grief and loss are never easy, even as adults. For kids, the topic can be even more confusing, as they are not always able to process or understand the emotions that may stem from losing someone or a pet dear to them. This touching yet age-appropriate book helps answer many of those tough questions we all have when we lose someone precious to us.
Dear Black Boy
Author: Martellus Bennett
Price: $35.99 on Amazon
Today’s society can often lead young Black boys to feel as though they aren’t valued or that they are only special when they play sports. Author Martellus Bennett wrote this much-needed book to give little Black boys the courage to be themselves no matter what surface they want to show their talent, as well as understand that their strength and value spans well beyond being the world of sports.
My Brother Charlie
Author: Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete
Price: $12.79 on Amazon; List Price: $18.99
Actress turned advocate Holly Robinson Peete penned this heartwarming story alongside her daughter, Ryan, to give perspective on raising and living with a son who is autistic. Told from the main character’s sibling’s perspective, the book helps explain some common traits found in children with autism while also highlighting their “superpowers.”
Mighty Mara
Author: Carina Ho and Jesse Byrd
Price: $14.61 on Amazon; List Price: $18.99
Mighty Mara is an empowering book for children who live with varying physical disabilities, as well as to help children without limitations understand that their classmate or friend is just as capable as they are. While the main character, Mara, uses a wheelchair, she doesn’t let that stop her from shining just as bright as her classmates in the school’s upcoming talent show.
A Kids Book About Chosen Family
Author: Madi Bourdon
Price: $24.99 on Amazon
In this book, the author helps elementary age children better understand the true meaning of family and that there isn’t a single blueprint on what makes the perfect make-up. Rather, your family is simply the people who love you and make you feel like the best version of yourself.