Tolerance, Racism and Prejudice, Grades 5-8

These books deal with the fears and misunderstandings that often lie just below the surface of human behavior. They also tell of heroism and hope and of leaders and dreamers. They should lead to thoughtful discussion and re-evaluation of our behavior and philosophy.

All titles which appear here as links will take you to the corresponding review and (if there are any) related activities on Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site.

• They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an America Terrorist Group by Susan Campbell Bartoletti. (2010, Houghton. ISBN 9780618440337. Order Info.) Nonfiction. 172 pages. Gr 7-12.
  In 2009 there were 932 active hate groups in the US including Ku Klux Klan chapters. This makes it more important than ever to have a book such as this which describes in great detail their early years. Bartoletti uses primary sources (newspapers, documented interviews, photographs and political cartoons) to great effect here. Her research is thorough and she writes about it brilliantly bringing it to frightening life for 21st century readers. Highly recommended. Read More.
• One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia. (2010, Amistad/HarperCollins. ISBN 9780060760885. Order Info.) Novel. 218 pages. Gr 4-9.
  It's 1968 in Oakland, California and eleven year old Delphine and her two younger sisters are spending a month with their mother who deserted them years ago. It's the height of the Black Power movement and the girls spend their days at the Black Panther's People's Center while their unstable mother writes poetry. This Newbery Honor Book is a fascinating look into the time period as well as an engrossing tale of one girl's struggle to understand her mother and to find her own authentic way of relating to her.
• Miles to Go for Freedom: Segregation and Civil Rights in the Jim Crow Years by Linda Barrett Osborne. (2012, Abrams. ISBN 9781419700200. Order Info.) Nonfiction. 128 pages. Gr 6-12.
• Autumn Street by Lois Lowry
  
• My Name is not Angelica by Scott O'Dell
  
• Friendship and The Gold Cadillac by Mildred Taylor
  
• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth Speare
  
• Everywhere by Bruce Brooks.
• Little Blue and Little Yellow by Lionni, Leo. Featured Book with Related Books and Links.
• Words by Heart by Quida Sebestyen
  
• Sounder by Will Armstrong
  
• Martin Luther King, Jr. by Lillie Patterson
  
• Spreading Poison: A Book About Racism and Prejudice by John Langone
  
• The Star Fisher by Laurence Yep
  
• Breaking Barriers: The Feminist Revolution by Jules Archer
  
• Mississippi Bridge by Mildred Taylor
  
• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor
  
• Rosa Parks: My Story by Rosa Parks
  
• A Jar of Dreams by Yoshiko Uchida
  
• Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli.
• Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage by William Katz
  
• Circle of Fire by William Hooks
  
• Duke Ellington by James Lincoln Collier
  

Related Areas of Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day recommendations.
• Virginia Hamilton, Featured Author.
• Native Americans and Children's Literature. Article with activities, related books and links.
• Appalachia and Children's Literature. Article with Activities, Related Books and Links.