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Children in Our World
Racism and Intolerance
With our 24/7 news cycle and constant access to the latest headlines, the world can be a scary place. Now imagine you're a child trying to make sense of it all!
That's where books from the Children in Our World series can help. Each book uses relatable comparisons, carefully researched text, and striking illustrations to help kids understand the many difficulties that children just like them face in the world today. In Racism and Intolerance, children can get answers to questions like: "What does it mean to be a racist or intolerant?" and "How can I help?" Children will begin to understand the way others struggle with these issues and become empowered to make a difference. Award-winning illustrator Hanane Kai uses a deft hand to create powerful illustrations that help children visualize the people impacted by poverty, hunger, war, racism, and more. All of the images are sensitively rendered and perfectly suited for younger children. These books are an excellent cross-curricular resource use them to explore important issues and tie them into discussions about food, wealth, compassion, empathy, and current affairs.
That's where books from the Children in Our World series can help. Each book uses relatable comparisons, carefully researched text, and striking illustrations to help kids understand the many difficulties that children just like them face in the world today. In Racism and Intolerance, children can get answers to questions like: "What does it mean to be a racist or intolerant?" and "How can I help?" Children will begin to understand the way others struggle with these issues and become empowered to make a difference. Award-winning illustrator Hanane Kai uses a deft hand to create powerful illustrations that help children visualize the people impacted by poverty, hunger, war, racism, and more. All of the images are sensitively rendered and perfectly suited for younger children. These books are an excellent cross-curricular resource use them to explore important issues and tie them into discussions about food, wealth, compassion, empathy, and current affairs.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 1, 2018
5 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 18, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
2018; Barron's Educational Series/B.E.S. Publishing
(Review Not on Blog)
I love this picture book series for children. It takes on big social issues and tries to make it simple for parents to have a conversation with their children, without terrifying them. I like the illustrations in this one too.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
2018; Barron's Educational Series/B.E.S. Publishing
(Review Not on Blog)
I love this picture book series for children. It takes on big social issues and tries to make it simple for parents to have a conversation with their children, without terrifying them. I like the illustrations in this one too.
***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***
November 16, 2019
I put together a racism text set for my fourth grade classroom, and this was the best nonfiction picture book I could find that defined racism for kids. While it would have benefited from a couple pages on racial profiling, overall it did a fair job of broaching this complex topic. The illustrations are lovely and filled with people from many different races and religions. It's a good book to help answer some of the questions students have about racism, prejudice, and discrimination.
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August 4, 2023Found this little book in the library of the local ecology center. It's a part of a series that aims at raising awareness about different issues including war, poverty, racism etc. I enjoyed the contents though I think it would have worked better with more concrete examples, so a younger audience could relate more easily. Still, it is a very necessary book, and I hope more like it appear around the world.
March 18, 2024
? 🤔Bij mijn bieb was dit boekje uitgestald onder het thema anders zijn/discriminatie, in een mooie Nederlandse vertaling. Het rok me aan omdat ik me ook afvroeg hoe je zo'n lastig onderwerp bespreekbaar maakt bij anderstalige kinderen. Maar dit boekje is daar zeker handig bij.
MW 18/3/24
MW 18/3/24
March 28, 2019
This picture book, originally published in England, deals with the important topics of Racism and Intolerance. This words can be hard for young children to understand and sharing this book with them will help in that understanding. By using illustrations of characters who show up on most of the pages, a child can visualize the story about prejudice towards people different than those who reflect their own culture and race. Examples show the lack of fairness, understanding, and tolerance at the beginning followed by ways to change our attitudes at school and in the world. Respecting differences to keep people safe is a universal idea. The end of the book shares ways to help, websites and books to find out more, and a glossary. Appropriate for ages 4-10, this book is part of a series Children in our World.
July 13, 2023
A book that explains racism and intolerance in a very straightforward and simple manner which is appropriate for children starting with the first grade. The book also focuses on ways on which we can start to see similarities between us and those who seem different and on what children can do when faced with racism/intolerance.
November 24, 2020
Amazing and informative book! I do wish the author would have used the neutral "they" instead of continuing to say "he or she" when referring to telling a trusted adult. Otherwise, I have no complaints about this book, and the illustrations were beautiful.
September 3, 2020
A very accessible explanation of racism, intolerance and prejudice. Illustrated and includes glossary , a list of websites and further reading. Part of the Children of the world series. Suitable for older primary and intermediate.
June 5, 2024
4 stelle per la tematica importante e alle illustrazioni, era didascalico, non c'era una storia. Ma è comunque interessante.
Può essere usato nelle scuole per educare i bambini alla diversità e all'accoglienza e la tolleranza.
Può essere usato nelle scuole per educare i bambini alla diversità e all'accoglienza e la tolleranza.
July 17, 2020
The nonfiction book begins by pointing out that are all different. While we like different foods, play different sports, and have different hobbies, we live together and need to get to know one another and act with kindness and respect. The setting of the book begins with community, moves to school, then around the world and back to community toward the end.
The author leads into the topics of racism and intolerance by sharing with the reader that some people do not always treat others fairly, kindly and with respect because they think are different from them.
Racism is defined as "people who are treated differently because of the color of their skin, their family background, or the country they come from. It also categorizes racism as a form of prejudice. Prejudice is then defined as "when you dislike particular groups of people without knowing them. The illustrations depict children playing and a child being denied access to play with the ball because he is of a different cultural group.
Intolerance is defined as "when people do mot accept someone else's family, home, religion or lifestyle because it is different from theirs. The spread focuses on religion. The example takes place on a bus where an elderly woman from another culture is standing because a mother and her son are taking the seats that are designated for an elderly person.
Stereotyping or profiling, while not explicitly stated, is a cause of prejudice. The example shows black man on television news in front of a the prison height chart. The black woman and her child sitting in the waiting room are pointed at and are getting sideways glances from others.
Religion is brought up again while referring to the school setting. The author does point out the feelings of the victim of racism. Again, when talking about racism around the world, religion and culture are at the forefront with examples of bombing homes and places of worship. This leads to the author explaining that racism and intolerance are forms of hatred that causes fighting, which leads to wars and people being killed because of their race or religion. Victims often flee their countries to find peace and safety.
Following the around the world examples, the author points out people who can help, like activists (without explicitly saying the word) and charities. Continuing on, she discusses how schools have strict rules about racism and bullying and police officers can help. The illustration here shows police officers with the young child in the park who was denied the opportunity to play with a ball from the beginning of the book.
Next, the book talks about respecting differences and gives an example of what students can do when someone at their school comes from another country. The example is to invite that person to celebrate in their traditions and then share in one of theirs.
In the next part, "Talk about it", readers are encouraged to talk to an adult they trust if they feel worried or sad. And, if they have ever been bullied because of their race, culture or beliefs they should tell an adult right away. Readers are also reminded that racism and intolerance are wrong, but to remember that there are many people working together to make things better and most are kind and do care.
The book wraps up with ways children can help change attitudes by learning and sharing information about other cultures and religions. Like hosting a culture fair or raising money to donate to a charity who works to stop racism and intolerance.
The book has a table of contents and an index. There is also a find out more section with a few books and websites, as well as a glossary at the end of the book.
I gave this book three stars for a few reasons. While the concepts are timely, I felt like the book was a little scattered, thus making it difficult to read aloud to children in one session. It also focused more on religion than anything else. The illustrations, while beautifully done, didn't always match the text.
The author leads into the topics of racism and intolerance by sharing with the reader that some people do not always treat others fairly, kindly and with respect because they think are different from them.
Racism is defined as "people who are treated differently because of the color of their skin, their family background, or the country they come from. It also categorizes racism as a form of prejudice. Prejudice is then defined as "when you dislike particular groups of people without knowing them. The illustrations depict children playing and a child being denied access to play with the ball because he is of a different cultural group.
Intolerance is defined as "when people do mot accept someone else's family, home, religion or lifestyle because it is different from theirs. The spread focuses on religion. The example takes place on a bus where an elderly woman from another culture is standing because a mother and her son are taking the seats that are designated for an elderly person.
Stereotyping or profiling, while not explicitly stated, is a cause of prejudice. The example shows black man on television news in front of a the prison height chart. The black woman and her child sitting in the waiting room are pointed at and are getting sideways glances from others.
Religion is brought up again while referring to the school setting. The author does point out the feelings of the victim of racism. Again, when talking about racism around the world, religion and culture are at the forefront with examples of bombing homes and places of worship. This leads to the author explaining that racism and intolerance are forms of hatred that causes fighting, which leads to wars and people being killed because of their race or religion. Victims often flee their countries to find peace and safety.
Following the around the world examples, the author points out people who can help, like activists (without explicitly saying the word) and charities. Continuing on, she discusses how schools have strict rules about racism and bullying and police officers can help. The illustration here shows police officers with the young child in the park who was denied the opportunity to play with a ball from the beginning of the book.
Next, the book talks about respecting differences and gives an example of what students can do when someone at their school comes from another country. The example is to invite that person to celebrate in their traditions and then share in one of theirs.
In the next part, "Talk about it", readers are encouraged to talk to an adult they trust if they feel worried or sad. And, if they have ever been bullied because of their race, culture or beliefs they should tell an adult right away. Readers are also reminded that racism and intolerance are wrong, but to remember that there are many people working together to make things better and most are kind and do care.
The book wraps up with ways children can help change attitudes by learning and sharing information about other cultures and religions. Like hosting a culture fair or raising money to donate to a charity who works to stop racism and intolerance.
The book has a table of contents and an index. There is also a find out more section with a few books and websites, as well as a glossary at the end of the book.
I gave this book three stars for a few reasons. While the concepts are timely, I felt like the book was a little scattered, thus making it difficult to read aloud to children in one session. It also focused more on religion than anything else. The illustrations, while beautifully done, didn't always match the text.
March 10, 2019
Why we chose this book:
We've been talking a lot about racism lately for two reasons, one of which is that we recently watched Disney's Peter Pan. I only remembered liking it as a kid; I sure didn't remember the "Indian Camp" and everything related to it in Neverland. I knew the racist stereotypes couldn't go unaddressed as we watched, and as I explained and talked to T, I knew I could use a little help in addressing such an important topic. B.E.S. Publishing provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mom's Review (V)
In the same series as Refugees and Migrants, Racism and Intolerance presents a factual explanation of what racism and intolerance are, how they might arise, who helps in difficult situations, and how we can bridge the gap between ourselves and those whom we may consider to be "different." Appropriate to young children and grade-school children alike, the audience will learn that although groups of people may be treated negatively because of race or religion, this is never acceptable. More of an explanation of how racism plays out in different situations, and how it should be addressed, Racism and Intolerance urges readers to consider how they would feel if they were targeted. Children of different skin tones and children wearing various religious attire appear throughout the book, both as victims and allies.
Less is done to explain why people may be racist, which is the question that I have been struggling to answer for T. A section titled "What causes prejudice?" notes that "people can become prejudiced when one person from a group does something bad...they start to believe that everyone from that group is bad." Readers are reminded to respect different ways of life, even if they do not agree with them. I think overall this book can be a really helpful resource for addressing racism. I would have liked more content about why people may be racist and intolerant. I am still struggling to address the squirm-inducing caricatures of Native Americans in Peter Pan with T at the age of 4.
A useful tool that provides a springboard for worthwhile conversations, Racism and Intolerance, is appropriate to children, remaining realistic and ending on an encouraging note.
Son's Review (T)
(Age: 4)
Mom: You and I have been talking about racism and intolerance a lot lately, and I had hoped that this book would help you understand. Was it helpful? What did you learn from the book?
Son: Helpful. Well, let me say. It is "don't be racism."
Mom: Well, we knew racism is wrong...
Son: It's not right to be racist. I want to tell you that.
Mom: That's right! What was helpful in this book?
Son: That it helped me learn about how President Trump treats people. Well I think it is not right to do bad things like President Trump does.
Mom: I agree. A lot of people agree. That's why people have been doing the marches I've been telling you about the marches, and the phone calls and emails to lawmakers.
Son: I'll show you my favorite page...
Mom: What did you like?
Son: I like that the police came, that they're telling the bad boy, "Be nice."
Mom: How did you feel reading this book?
Son: Like "this is not right."
Mom: How did you feel about seeing the same cat from Refugees and Migrants?
Son: Relieved because I thought that was the only one with the cat!
Mom: What is the most important thing to know about this book?
Son: That it's a good book. That it is not right to be unfair.
Mom: When is it a good time to read Racism and Intolerance?
Son: When I see people being bad, I'm gonna read them — I'm gonna show them the pictures in it.
We've been talking a lot about racism lately for two reasons, one of which is that we recently watched Disney's Peter Pan. I only remembered liking it as a kid; I sure didn't remember the "Indian Camp" and everything related to it in Neverland. I knew the racist stereotypes couldn't go unaddressed as we watched, and as I explained and talked to T, I knew I could use a little help in addressing such an important topic. B.E.S. Publishing provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mom's Review (V)
In the same series as Refugees and Migrants, Racism and Intolerance presents a factual explanation of what racism and intolerance are, how they might arise, who helps in difficult situations, and how we can bridge the gap between ourselves and those whom we may consider to be "different." Appropriate to young children and grade-school children alike, the audience will learn that although groups of people may be treated negatively because of race or religion, this is never acceptable. More of an explanation of how racism plays out in different situations, and how it should be addressed, Racism and Intolerance urges readers to consider how they would feel if they were targeted. Children of different skin tones and children wearing various religious attire appear throughout the book, both as victims and allies.
Less is done to explain why people may be racist, which is the question that I have been struggling to answer for T. A section titled "What causes prejudice?" notes that "people can become prejudiced when one person from a group does something bad...they start to believe that everyone from that group is bad." Readers are reminded to respect different ways of life, even if they do not agree with them. I think overall this book can be a really helpful resource for addressing racism. I would have liked more content about why people may be racist and intolerant. I am still struggling to address the squirm-inducing caricatures of Native Americans in Peter Pan with T at the age of 4.
A useful tool that provides a springboard for worthwhile conversations, Racism and Intolerance, is appropriate to children, remaining realistic and ending on an encouraging note.
Son's Review (T)
(Age: 4)
Mom: You and I have been talking about racism and intolerance a lot lately, and I had hoped that this book would help you understand. Was it helpful? What did you learn from the book?
Son: Helpful. Well, let me say. It is "don't be racism."
Mom: Well, we knew racism is wrong...
Son: It's not right to be racist. I want to tell you that.
Mom: That's right! What was helpful in this book?
Son: That it helped me learn about how President Trump treats people. Well I think it is not right to do bad things like President Trump does.
Mom: I agree. A lot of people agree. That's why people have been doing the marches I've been telling you about the marches, and the phone calls and emails to lawmakers.
Son: I'll show you my favorite page...
Mom: What did you like?
Son: I like that the police came, that they're telling the bad boy, "Be nice."
Mom: How did you feel reading this book?
Son: Like "this is not right."
Mom: How did you feel about seeing the same cat from Refugees and Migrants?
Son: Relieved because I thought that was the only one with the cat!
Mom: What is the most important thing to know about this book?
Son: That it's a good book. That it is not right to be unfair.
Mom: When is it a good time to read Racism and Intolerance?
Son: When I see people being bad, I'm gonna read them — I'm gonna show them the pictures in it.
February 17, 2025
Are you looking for a gentile way to talk about sensitive topics with little ones. These Children in our World books are an excellent gateway to challenging conversations. "Racism and Intolerance" books is no except. As a parents with no child care education experience I felt comfortable with the way this book discussed these icky issues with my four year old. She learned some not fun words such as prejudice, racism, passive agression, and intolerance. This opened a discussion about her rights as a person, how we treat people when we are at school and in public, and how no one should ever be treated. As a four year old, she was really curious as to "why" people are so mean to each other. So that opened up a discussion about fairness, and equality.
I love that this book isn't just black and white. It's brown, yellow, red, and jew too. It shows that these things happen all over the world, including our own back yard and to people who look like members of our family.
I love that this book isn't just black and white. It's brown, yellow, red, and jew too. It shows that these things happen all over the world, including our own back yard and to people who look like members of our family.
October 1, 2019
Part of the "Children In Our World" series, this was a very well written book. The author explains the concept of racism, intolerance and prejudice in a way that children will be able to understand. It looks at how these factors affect people world-wide. The author also takes the time to speak about the positiveness of differences, respect, and how to be united rather than divided. Excellent resource for school and public libraries. Parents would find this a terrific book to add to personal home collections.
March 25, 2022
This is an important topic, and a much needed one, but it stayed very much in the global definitions and I am not sure how effective that would be. I would probably choose to pair it with books about specific incidents, like Unspeakable by Carol Boston Weatherford to have the biggest impact.
April 28, 2018
This is one of the titles in Barron's Children in our World series. It introduces young audiences to a broad overview of architecture.
May 2, 2018
This is a must read and must own book for all, both children and adults. It explains racism and intolerance so clearly, with images that work with the book.
November 10, 2018
3.5 stars?
December 26, 2018
This is an excellent explanation of racism and prejudice. The author defines, gives examples and share what to do and how you can help.
April 25, 2019
The book can be helpful tool to discuss these things with children.
January 8, 2020
I feel like this is pretty heavy but has very good descriptions for younger children.
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January 18, 2023Ez a rész már sokkal jobb volt, mint a szegénységről szóló. A végén hasznos tanácsok vannak, kevésbé lesz rémálma a gyereknek a szövegtől és végre vannak színesbőrűek is.
February 18, 2023
This is a really good picture book for the older elementary kids on racism.
April 26, 2023
Um livro infantil com ilustrações e texto, a falar sobre o racismo.
August 26, 2024
A picture book explaining racism and intolerance in a kid friendly manner.
May 16, 2025
Een inhoudelijk verhaal over een belangrijk onderwerp. Zeker gezien de situatie in de wereld. Wat helaas nog lang zal blijven ben ik bang…Deze serie ‘Wereld in nood’ is een aanrader.
Want to read
January 9, 2018Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews