Black History Month may only last a month, but conversations about race, culture, and discrimination should continue every day as part of our collective commitment to learning and equity—especially with children. Books and stories are invaluable tools for facilitating these important and sometimes challenging conversations. It can feel overwhelming to have these conversations, particularly when we don’t fully understand the underlying history and tensions ourselves. However, when we empower children to find and read diverse books, we all grow, learn, and benefit.
For children of colour, diverse books validate and reflect their lived experiences, helping them feel seen and valued. For other readers, these books open a window into different lives and perspectives, cultivating empathy and understanding. However, finding diverse books that represent the richness of different cultural experiences can be a challenge. That’s why the African and Caribbean Canadian (ACC) Books in Colour guide was created.
What Is the ACC Books in Colour Guide?
Launched in partnership with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Alberta, the ACC Books in Colour guide features over 300 fiction and non-fiction titles for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. This comprehensive resource supports parents, caregivers, and educators by showcasing books that reflect the diversity of the Black Canadian cultural experience, while encouraging readers to #DiversifyYourBookshelf.
The guide is thoughtfully organized by division level—Kindergarten to Grade 3, Grades 4 to 6, Grades 7 to 9, and Grades 10 to 12. Each title is categorized by a number of themes, genres, and topics. The guide also tackles complex and timely topics such as informed consent, systemic violence, and immigrant detainment, offering books that help frame these discussions in ways children can understand.
Why Diverse Books Matter
Representation in literature is more than a reflection—it’s a bridge to understanding. By reading diverse stories, children learn about experiences that are different from their own, building empathy and broadening their worldview. These books are more than just stories; they are a way to have critical conversations about identity, equity, and justice.
Importantly, the ACC Books in Colour guide includes both serious and lighthearted stories. Whether it’s a heartwarming tale to share during bedtime or a book that inspires a meaningful classroom discussion, these stories resonate with readers of all ages.
Accessible and Free
One of the greatest strengths of the ACC Books in Colour guide is accessibility—all the titles are available for free with a library card, ensuring every family and educator has access to these incredible resources, regardless of budget.
A Proven Success
In 2022, the ACC Books in Colour Project was recognized with the prestigious Minister’s Award for Municipal and Public Library Excellence in the Public Library Services category (serving over 10,000 population). This award celebrates innovative initiatives that address community needs, foster partnerships, and produce meaningful results.
Start the Conversation
The work of empowering children through diverse literature doesn’t stop with the end of Black History Month—it’s ongoing. Families, caregivers, and educators can use the ACC Books in Colour guide to spark conversations, celebrate diversity, and inspire understanding. Whether you’re hosting a family book club, introducing new titles in the classroom, or simply reading together, these books are a powerful way to connect and grow.
Representation matters, and it starts with the stories we share. Let’s keep the conversation going—all year long.
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