From Ellen Oh, co-founder of We Need Diverse Books, comes a gripping story inspired by her mother’s real-life experiences during the Korean War. Junie Kim just wants to fit in, but when racist graffiti appears at her middle school, she must decide between staying silent or speaking out. Then Junie’s history teacher assigns a project and Junie decides to interview her grandparents, learning about their unbelievable experiences as kids during the Korean War. As racism becomes more pervasive at school, Junie taps into the strength of her ancestors and finds the courage to do what’s right. Supporting antiracist ideas should begin in childhood; in fact, a nuanced, well-written story can help with educating kids, because it provides context while maintaining interest. Also, antiracist middle grade books are especially rewarding for kids of color who usually have to translate their experiences from stories about white kids. These books give them something to relate to, and all kids deserve positive role models that reflect their experiences. If you want to learn more about why this is crucial, We Need Diverse Books is an important resource. Racism, discrimination, and immigration are tackled with honesty and care in these books. Many are historical fiction, telling stories that took place during important moments of American history. While these characters experience struggle, they also form friendships and take part in activities that bring them joy. Ultimately, though, this is just a short list and if you want more antiracist middle grade books, you’ll find other titles here. Writing about racism for a child audience isn’t easy, but is necessary. These experiences are a reality for many kids, and it’s important for everyone to read about relatable lives. Overall, these antiracist middle grade books are smart, heartfelt, and valuable additions to any collection.
