The Black Lives Matter movement is generating serious and hopefully sustained conversation about systemic racism and being non-white in America. Some new kids’ books are keeping pace. They consider “The Talk” between Black parent and child, as well as interracial dialogue. And with special urgency, they also offer “you are valued” recognition for a rainbow of kids, in years past mostly unrecognized and unrepresented.

'The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person'

Written by Frederick Joseph (Candlewick; 254 pages; $17.99; for young adults) [caption id="attachment_2823103" align="aligncenter" width="683"]

"The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person," by Frederick Joseph.[/caption] Bristling with righteous indignation but tempered by enduring hope is "The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person." Its aim is twofold: one, to help white people recognize, and then neutralize, the many obstacles impeding Black freedom, and two, “to provide affirmations for people of color.” It’s like listening to a trusted friend as author Joseph painfully reviews racism through the lens of his own experience. He recalls being a star student in a mostly white high school and goes from there to connect the dots of white privilege, assumptions, cultural appropriation, stereotypes and bigotry. Interspersed are the insights of influential folks, some in film and music. Want to know more about the impact of COVID-19 on communities of color? Check out the updated preface. Want to know more about “intersection” and “mass incarceration”? Check out the spot-on “Encyclopedia of Racism,” just ahead of the index. This forceful conversation exposes the shameful costs of racial inequality and the imperative for fundamental change.

'The Talk: Conversations About Race, Truth & Love'

Edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson (Crown; 128 pages; $16.99; ages 10-up) [caption id="attachment_2823099" align="aligncenter" width="683"]

"The Talk: Conversations About Race, Truth & Love," edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson.[/caption] Broader than the title suggests is "The Talk." It is not only about the life-or-death cautions issued by fearful Black parents to their children. Instead, this affecting anthology draws on the diverse experiences of 30 well-known authors and illustrators. They offer short stories, letters, lists, poems and pictures to take on, for example, the origins of racism (Duncan Tonatiuh), the damage of “China Doll” stereotypes (Grace Lin), being Vietnamese and Jewish (Salina Alko), Cherokee values (Traci Sorell) and, yes, what to do if Black and stopped by a traffic cop (Tracy Baptiste). Their highly personal entries spotlight macro- and micro-aggression, complicity and responsibility, negative and positive self-esteem. Then there is advice embedded in a poem by Iranian American Daniel Nayeri: “Don’t collect anything but wisdom.” This provocative but positive book might be a starting point for that.

Picture books

In recent years, a steady stream of picture books has begun to mirror Black and brown kids. Wasn’t so in my day. From the past two years, some favorites include "Black Is a Rainbow Color" by Angela Joy, "Hair Love" by Matthew Cherry, and "You Matter" by Christian Robinson. They are deeply purposeful, important and empowering, and they set the stage for the new.

'I Am Every Good Thing'

Written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James (Nancy Paulsen/Penguin; 32 pages; $17.99; ages 3-7) [caption id="attachment_2823101" align="aligncenter" width="796"]

"I Am Every Good Thing," written by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James.[/caption] “I am what I say I am … I am worthy to be loved.” That’s the affirming conclusion of this exuberant celebration of possibility, all the things Black boys can be — a difference maker and leader; a gentleman and scholar; kind and polite; a lightning round of questions and a sponge, soaking up knowledge; a grand slam and slam dunk; a brother, son, nephew, grandson and friend. Free-flowing free verse exudes a charming confidence, illuminated in a series of lush oil paintings, equally effective as portraits and action scenes. This book too is every good thing.

'All Because You Matter'

Written by Tami Charles and illustrated by Bryan Collier (Orchard; 40 pages; $17.99; ages 4-8) [caption id="attachment_2823098" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]

"All Because You Matter," written by Tami Charles and illustrated by Bryan Collier.[/caption] Like a lullaby, this multilayered picture book welcomes a Black baby into the world. A mother and father mark his first words, first steps and first book — one that mirrors back his same hair, skin and dreams. The book also takes a serious turn with a preview of injustices to come. The growing boy watches TV news with his grandfather to “see people everywhere take a breath, take a stand, take a knee.” In addition, historical references allude to a proud legacy of Black queens, chiefs and legends. Thus, on rich, collage-filled pages, lyrical connections abound — between parent and child, oppression and progress, past and present. In the end, what matters most is nurturing the value of this and every child.

'Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter'

Written by Shani Mahiri King and illustrated by Bobby C. Martin Jr. (Tilbury; $17.95; 80 pages; ages 10-14) [caption id="attachment_2823102" align="aligncenter" width="754"]

"Have I Ever Told You Black Lives Matter," written by Shani Mahiri King and illustrated by Bobby C. Martin Jr.[/caption] According to the preface, the goal here is to help kids, specifically Black kids, learn to believe in themselves. Mission accomplished. In this bold homage to the Black experience, they can access a birthright of struggle, excellence and resilience. On poster-like pages, words dominate in wildly varied font sizes. They march and scramble across bright pages, filled with quotations, commentary and a few abstract portraits. From Crispus Attucks to Simone Biles, Black achievers are enumerated — writers, musicians, journalists, athletes, academics, artists, scientists, moviemakers, politicians and public servants, 116 in all. (Check out their useful thumbnail bios.) The big takeaway: “You are valued. We are valued. Your life matters.”

'Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration'

Written by Samara Cole Doyon and illustrated by Kaylani Juanita (Tilbury; 32 pages; HB$16.95/PB$9.95; ages 4-8) [caption id="attachment_2823100" align="aligncenter" width="924"]

"Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration," written by Samara Cole Doyon and illustrated by Kaylani Juanita.[/caption] Brown is never dreary or drab in this poetic exploration of its many expressions. Leisurely, image-rich verse renders it delicious, like caramel and cocoa, natural like river water and hemlock branches. Still, there is always a return to the personal as different girls, rendered in delicately quirky art, name their own joyous sense of brown — amber-like hair, radiant-like skin, creamy-like laughter, thundering-like power, cozy-like peace and magnificent like the sum of “all the treasures, places, and people I love coming together in me.” Here then is a quiet book about pride and identity.

'A Girl Like Me'

Written by Angela Johnson and illustrated by Nina Crew (Millbrook; 32 pages; $19.99; ages 4-8) [caption id="attachment_2823105" align="aligncenter" width="864"]

"A Girl Like Me," written by Angela Johnson and illustrated by Nina Crew.[/caption] Girls have dreams. Despite “you can’t do that” admonitions, three use their imaginations to fly up high, walk over buildings and swim in the ocean deep. Propelled by an affirming poem and magazine-slick photo collage, this stylishly spirited ode to freedom goes on to show seven more girls, joining in for real-life fun in the sun. Black, brown and white, donning cool hats and colorful scarves, they come together to enjoy the beach, each other and possibility.

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