Books in this category address a wide range of historical and current forms of bigotry, prejudice that is both intentional and systemic and prejudice that is unintentional, but just as hurtful. In some books prejudice is the primary focus of the story; in others it is part of the fabric of the book but not its central theme.
This is whichCatvalue: 6
All Books in the Prejudice & Discrimination Category
Land of Hope Written by Joan Lowery Nixon A young immigrant, arriving in New York City in 1902, almost abandons her dream of getting an education when she is forced to work in a sweatshop. [Grade Level: 4 - 6]
Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters Stephen Alcorn (Illustrator), Andrea Davis Pinkney (Author) Let It Shine is a collection of short biographies celebrating the contributions of 10 black women who moved forward the cause of civil rights in America. Following a preface that describes her own family roots in the civil rights movement, Pinkney presents her heroines chronologically in verbal portraits that capture the subjects' faith, strength of character, and determination in the face of hardships and racial injustice. The subjects—who are depicted in full-page oil paintings — include Sojourner Truth, Biddy Mason, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary McLeod Bethune, Ella Josephine Baker, Dorothy Irene Height, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Shirley Chisholm. [Grade Level: 3 - 6]
Let Them Play Margot Theis Raven (Author), Chris Ellison (Illustrator) In 1955 the all-black Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars team was formed in Charleston, South Carolina in the hopes of playing in the state’s annual Tournament, but all of the white teams pull out of the official Little League program rather than play against All-Stars. This boycott gives the team a legitimate spot in the Little League Baseball World Series held in Pennsylvania, but while the team is invited to attend as guests, they are not allowed to participate since they have not officially “played” and won their state’s tournament. The title of this true story takes its name from the chant shouted by the spectators who attended the World Series final. [Grade Level: 1 - 5]
Lily and the Mixed-up Letters Deborah Hodge (Author), France Brassard (Illustrator) When Lily was in kindergarten she enjoyed school, but now she’s in 2nd grade and doesn’t feel like she’s good at anything. The trouble is reading. Whenever she tries, the letters jump around and get all mixed up — and so does she. When Lily’s teacher announces that the children will read in front of their parents, Lily finally finds the courage to tell her mother about her problem. By working together, Lily’s mom, teacher, and friend help Lily understand that she has many strengths. With hard work and new confidence, Lily surprises everyone — even herself — when the parents come to hear the kids read. [Grade Level: 1 - 3]
The Lily Cupboard Written by Shulamith Levey Oppenheim A young Jewish girl is forced to leave her parents and hide with strangers during the German occupation of Holland. [Grade Level: K - 3]
Loving v. Virginia: Interracial Marriage Written by Karen Alonso This book explores the Supreme Court case that challenged and eventually overturned Virginia's anti-miscegenation law in response to Richard and Mildred Loving's arrest in 1958 for being partners in an interracial marriage. The author contextualizes the case by discussing the laws and movements from Colonial times to the present that pertain to interracial marriages. A glossary, discussion questions and suggestions for further investigation are included. [Grade Level: 6 & Up]
Loving v. Virginia: Lifting the Ban against Interracial Marriage Written by Susan Dudley Gold Part of the Supreme Court Milestones series, this book explores the case that challenged and eventually overturned Virginia's anti-miscegenation law in response to Richard and Mildred Loving's arrest in 1958 for being partners in an interracial marriage. The book traces the court case from its historical roots to its continuing impact today and shows readers how cases proceed through the court system. A list of Web sites and cases and statutes related to the decision are included for further investigation. [Grade Level: 6 & Up]
Madam President: The Extraordinary, True (and Evolving) Story of Women in Politics Catherine Thimmesh (Author), Douglas B. Jones (Illustrator) This book provides 23 thumbnail sketches of women involved in politics in the United States and abroad. The subjects are divided into six categories and tied together by cartoon vignettes of a young girl who wants to be president. The author briefly highlights each individual's primary achievements and importance, and includes a quotation from each one. Subjects include Abigail Adams, Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Sandra Day O'Connor, Geraldine Ferraro, Margaret Thatcher, Vigdis Finnbogadottir, Nancy Pelosi, and Mrs. J. L. Burn. [Grade Level: 3 - 6]
