Cross-Group Books

In, "How Cross-Racial Scenes in Picture Books Build Acceptance," the piece Krista Aronson and I co-authored for the online version of School Library Journal's Diversity issue, we presented an overview of research demonstrating that children's books depicting positive cross-racial interactions could reduce prejudicial attitudes.

Here is the list of books we identified that portray friendship and fun between characters of different races. (The first racial group listed is that of the point-of-view and/or interaction-initiating character.)

Bein' Friends by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by Joy Allen (White/Black)

Bein’ With You This Way by W. Nikola-Lisa, illustrated by Michael Bryant  (Black/Multiracial)

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco (White/Black)

Come On, Rain by Karen Hesse, illustrated by Jon J. Muth -  (Black/Asian/White)

How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Blumele, illustrated by Randy Cecil (Black/Multiracial)

Jamaica is Thankful by Juanita Havill, illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien (Black/White) 

[All seven Jamaica titles portray cross-race relationships, but this title best fulfills the cross-group criteria.]

Lottie Paris and the Best Place by Angela Johnson, illustrated by Scott M. Fischer (Black/White)

My Friend Jamal by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ben Frey (White non-Muslim/Somali Muslim); see also My Friend Mei Jing.

Yo! Yes? by Chris Raschka (Black/White)

The ideal cross-group book emphasizes the fun diverse children are having together, the activities they do together and the things they have in common. Any other titles to suggest?