Reading books with your little ones is one of the most important things you can do with your kids. Not only is it important for their development, but nothing is better than your kid snuggled up while reading a book and trying your best to rock the character voices.
Tent reading mesh with one of the books below
I think a lot of parents out there, including me, also don't want to raise asshole kids. My goal as a mother is to raise open-minded, generous, accepting children. Books are a great way to start them on that track at a young age, cultivate understanding as they grow, and inspire conversation once they're older. These are some great books about diversity, inclusivity, sexuality, and ability that are the perfect reads to raise a woke baby.
A IS FOR ACTIVIST
A personally fav and the go-to book for woke parents. With the letter associations being "F is for Feminism" and "X is for Malcom, as in Malcom X", you really can't go wrong with this book. The illustrations are also beautiful, an added bonus to a stellar book.
Ages 0 - 7
COUNTING ON COMMUN ITY
From the same person that brought you A is for Activist (above), His Wokeness is teaching children how to count to ten too. The artwork is just as beautiful, and his lessons on community involvement and inclusion are just as important.
Ages 0 - 5
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MARLON BUNDO
Not only is this a great book to teach about embracing differences, that love is love, and the power we have as citizens, the proceeds of this book go to The Trevor Project and AIDS United. I am not ashamed to admit that I teared up on the last page of the book-it's that good. Bravo John Oliver and the Last Week Tonight crew. Bravo. This was the most positive and proactive form of trolling I've ever seen.
Ages 1 - 8
THE LORAX
An obvious classic. Even though Dr. Seuss has come under fire recently for things he has created that are the antithesis of "woke", there's no argument.that this book is incredible with a lesson worth learning at a young age. If you haven't read it (I happen to know it by heart), it's about the consequences of using Mama Earth's resources for unnecessary goods. It's beautiful, fun to read, and a message that's so on point.
Ages 1 - 9
THE SNEETCHES
Another great childhood classic that stands the test of time. This one is a cute story that teaches about discrimination and prejudice in the fun and playful way that Dr. Seuss was a master at achieving.
10 LITTLE FINGERS AND 10 LITTLE TOES
An important book teaching children about diversity. Though we have differences, we all have "10 little fingers and 10 little toes". This is a great one for the youngest baby with it's repetition, rhyming sentences, and beautiful illustrations, and also good for older toddlers to learn important lessons in a fun way.
Ages 0 - 5
GOLDEN DOMES AND SILVER LANTERNS: A MUSLIM BOOK OF COLORS
We've got our ABCs and our numbers covered, let's move on to colors. This book says it in the title. It highlights the beauty and traditions of Islam through colors and is sure to inspire questions and curiosity about world religions.
Ages 2 - 6
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LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET
This book is an all around beautiful story and touches on so many important topics. With CJ, the little boy, asking his grandmother about their routine, from why they don't have a car and his friends do to why he doesn't have an iPod, it shows the relationship of a grandmother and her grandson and that material or financial poverty doesn't necessarily mean spiritual poverty. The grandma helps the little boy see the beauty in what he does not and how lucky they are to have the experiences that their circumstances give them.
Ages 1 -5
AMELIA TO ZORA: 26 WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD
If you really want to drive in the alphabet after A is for Activist, this book teaches the A, B, Cs and most importantly badass women in history. There are sports figures, politicians, and scientists who can show kids that girls and women can do anything.
STEPPING STONES: A REFUGEE FAMILY'S JOURNEY
This one goes a little deeper, easily pulling at your heart strings and showing some of life's tragedies. If you are open and willing to share a story of a child and her family fleeing their once peaceful town in Syria during the Civil War and their struggle resettling. The images are stone work from a Syrian artist and illustrate the book beautifully. A tough and tearful book, but an important one.
Ages 5 - 10
Woke and transparent: These links are affiliate links. If you purchase a book through the link, Amazon throws some change my way at no extra cost to you. Think of it as a way of supporting the blog to keep it going!
That's the ;list, but it's definitely a running list as I discover more! What's your favorite book that you read to your little one? Comment below.
