In This Moment
Wilder Memorial Library shares the nation’s anger, sadness, frustration, and heartbreak over the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and the epidemic of violent acts perpetrated against Blacks and people of color across our nation. Many of us are grasping to make sense, to understand, to take action, and to educate ourselves for a brighter future.
“No one becomes “not racist,” despite a tendency by Americans to identify themselves that way. We can only strive to be “antiracist” on a daily basis, to continually rededicate ourselves to the lifelong task of overcoming our country’s racist heritage.”
– Ibram X. Kendi, How to Be an Antiracist
While people around the world are marching against racism, they’re also reading about it. Following is a list of books — available as audiobooks or downloadable books via Overdrive / Green Mountain Library Consortium (just use your library card to sign in) — as well as videos, podcasts, and articles, that we’ve curated for you.
The following list is segmented by age group, but please feel free to bounce around. Adults can learn so much from the books recommended for children and teens. Work together as a family, share with your friends, and don’t be afraid of making a few mistakes along the way!
For Children & Teens:
New Kid by Jerry Craft
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
Resist by Veronica Chambers
Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi
Dear Martin by Nic Stone
How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon
March by John Lewis
Tyler Johnson was Here by Jay Coles
Monster by Walter Dean Myers
Social Justice: Fifteen Titles to Address Inequity, Equality, and Organizing for Young Readers
How to Talk to Your Kids About Race via The Atlantic
Let’s Talk : How to Talk to Kids About Race via PBS
The Talk: Race in America via PBS
These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids via The New York Times
What is Systemic Racism with Face Forward
Beyond the Hashtag: How to Take Antiracist Action in Your Life with Teen Vogue
Social Media Overhaul
Consider who you follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.
How many are people of color?
Take time to seek out new content and truly engage with it.
A few suggestions:
Morgan Harper Nichols: Artist
Mxolisi: Photographer
Patience Erin: Book Blogger
For Adults:
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi
Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
Locking Up Our Own, Crime and Punishment in Black America by James Forman, Jr.
The Anti-Racist Starter Pack: 40 TV Series, Documentaries, Movies, TED Chrissy Ford on Anti-RacismTalks, and Books to Add to your List via Parade
Ijeoma Oluo on What is Violence
Trevor Noah on Geoge Floyd, Minneapolis Protests, Amy Cooper, and Ahmaud Arbery
Chrissy Ford on Anti-Racism
An Argument Between Racist and Anti-Racist Ideas – Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
About Race – podcast
Code Switch – podcast
The Diversity Gap – podcast
Wilder Memorial Library 