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
Get Set! Swim! Jeannine Atkins (Author), Hector Viveros Lee (Illustrator) As the bus passes by the extravagant homes in the rival school's neighborhood, Jessenia doubts her abilities, wondering how she and her team can compete against the girls who live in these houses. When this young Puerto Rican-American girl competes in her first swim, her confidence increases with her first victory as her parents proudly watch. [Grade Level: Pre-K - 3]
Gettin' Through Thursday Nneka Bennett (Illustrator), Melrose Cooper (Author) Andre dreads Thursdays. Thursday is the day before Mama gets paid at work each week - and the day when money is tight and spirits are low for Andre and his older brother and sister. As report card day approaches, Andre is excited because he anticipates making the honor roll, and Mama has promised a royal party for just such an event. But to Andre's dismay, report card day falls on a Thursday. This is a tale of how, despite limited means, a single mother and her children find a creative way to celebrate a son's achievement. [Grade Level: 2 - 6]
Gloria Goes to Gay Pride Russell Crocker (Illustrator), Leslea Newman (Author) While marching in the gay pride parade with her two mothers, Gloria sees many familiar faces and learns that "love is the most important thing of all." Some people along the parade route hold signs that say, "Gays go away." One of Gloria's mothers explains to her that some people don't think two women or two men should love each other, but that the parade is held to help ensure that all people can feel pride in who they are. [Grade Level: K - 3]
Goggles! Written by Ezra Jack Keats Archie and Peter find a pair of motorcycle goggles that the neighborhood bullies try to take from them. They use their dog, Willie, to help them outsmart the bullies. [Grade Level: Pre-K - 3]
Goin' Someplace Special Patricia C. McKissack (Author), Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator) In segregated 1950s Nashville, a young African-American girl experiences a series of indignities and obstacles to get to one of the few integrated places in town, the public library. [Grade Level: K - 6]
The Gold-Threaded Dress Written by Carolyn Marsden In Thailand she was named Oy, but in the U.S. they call her Olivia. Other things are not so easy to change. When Oy draws a portrait of herself, her classmate makes fun of her and calls her Chinese. And the popular girl Liliandra barely speaks to her, until she sees a photo of Oy's special Thai dancing dress from her grandmother, and wants to wear it. Oy risks shaming her family to win Liliandra's approval, as she searches for acceptance in a complex culture and learns to treasure all that she is. [Grade Level: 2 - 5]
Granddaddy’s Gift Margaree King Mitchell (Author), Larry Johnson (Illustrator) In this story, a young African-American woman reminisces about her grandfather's determination to vote in 1960s segregated Mississippi. When a lawyer addresses a local gathering looking for volunteers to register to vote, the girl's grandfather is the only one to step forward. Granddaddy Joe braves racist taunts and passes a test on the Mississippi Constitution to become the first black registered voter in town. Fearful neighbors shun Granddaddy and his family, but when their church is set on fire, the black community unifies and joins Granddaddy in registering.
[Grade Level: K - 3]
