As conversations about segregation, race, and justice continue to come up in the world around us, many of us are wondering: how do we explain this to our kids? Whether your child is a curious preschooler or a thoughtful teen, talking about segregation doesn’t have to be scary — in fact, it can be empowering.
As a Black mom raising Black children, I know how heavy this topic can feel. But I also know how important it is to have these conversations early and often. Our kids are listening. They’re watching. And they’re more capable of understanding big things than we often give them credit for.
So let’s break it down together — with books, love, and truth.
Here are a few simple tips for starting the conversation:
Use age-appropriate language
For little ones, keep it simple: "A long time ago, people weren’t allowed to go to the same schools or drink from the same fountains just because of their skin color. That was wrong, and people worked hard to change it."
Start with questions
Ask things like, “Have you ever seen someone treated unfairly?” or “What would you do if you saw someone being left out?”
Share real stories
Learning about heroes who fought against segregation — like Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, and Claudette Colvin — can help kids understand the past and feel inspired to make things better.
Let books do the talking
Books open the door to meaningful conversations, and they give us language when we don’t know what to say.
Here are some of our favorite titles — all by Black authors or people of color — for each age group.
“The Story of Ruby Bridges” by Robert Coles
A gentle introduction to school segregation, bravery, and justice.
“Let the Children March” by Monica Clark-Robinson
Told through a child’s eyes, this book captures the 1963 Children’s March.
“Rosa” by Nikki Giovanni
A beautifully illustrated book about Rosa Parks, written by a beloved Black poet.
“Freedom Summer” by Deborah Wiles & Jerome Lagarrigue
The story of friendship during segregation and a summer of change.
“A Ride to Remember” by Sharon Langley
A true story of the first integrated amusement park.
“The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis
A powerful mix of humor and history as a family travels South during the Civil Rights era.
“As Fast As Words Could Fly” by Pamela Tuck
Based on a true story, this book follows a boy who integrates an all-white school.
“Child of the Civil Rights Movement” by Paula Young Shelton
Written by the daughter of civil rights activist Andrew Young.
“This Is Your Time” by Ruby Bridges
A letter of hope and reflection from Ruby Bridges herself, beautifully written for today’s youth.
“Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice” by Phillip Hoose
The story of a teenage girl who refused to give up her seat—before Rosa Parks.
“March” Graphic Novel Trilogy by John Lewis
A gripping graphic memoir from Congressman John Lewis.
“Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi
A fast-paced, remix of history that helps teens understand racism’s roots and how to unlearn it.
“A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park (Note: Not about American segregation, but a great story to broaden understanding of injustice around the world.)
“The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson
A stunning book about the Great Migration and its impact.
“Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson
Eye-opening and thought-provoking. A must-read.
“Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson
A powerful look at justice and injustice in America.
“Hood Feminism” by Mikki Kendall
A necessary read about inclusion, intersectionality, and justice.
“The 1619 Project” by Nikole Hannah-Jones
A deep dive into how slavery shaped America.
Talking to kids about segregation isn’t about making them feel guilty — it’s about raising kind, informed, and brave humans who know how to stand up for what’s right. Start where you are. Read together. Ask questions. Listen. And keep the conversation going.
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Amber Bowie
Author