This post contains affiliate links by which I may earn a commission to support this ministry and my family at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
If we are going to change our country’s racial climate we will have to be intentional in preparing the next generation to follow God’s command to” love your neighbor as you love yourself” and be sure to include ALL of our neighbors. Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan to a group of people full of racism. Jews hated Samaritans because they were biracial. The ethnic groups may have been different, but the principle is still the same. Show love and compassion: be a neighbor. We can instill this love for others both subtly and intentionally in our children by choosing children’s books that teach a Biblical view of race.
Books Become a Part of Who We Are
For children, books use pictures and words to shape their view of the world. Books that include illustrations of children with various skin tones, hair textures, and facial features help them see others as the same as themelves. Books that overtly and subtly teach God’s love for all people instill values that will linger long after the story is forgotten. When we share children’s books that teach a Biblical view of race our children also see how we feel about others.
As brothers and sisters in Christ, both black and white, and every shade in between, the blood of Jesus unites us as one. Let us make sure our children know this by having important conversations with our children about race. Use good books to casually bring up how God made us all different, but all in His image.
And, really, although God created many different skin tones and ethnic groups, He only created one race: the Human Race. Oh, how hatred and prejudice toward the only part of creation made in His image must hurt our Heavenly Father! We can teach our children to to celebrate our differences and love one another, but we must start NOW.
Books That Teach Children A Biblical View of Race
The Holy Bible
Start with the Bible. In Genesis God created mankind in His image (Genesis 1:27). We all came from the same two people: Adam and Eve. God created an almost infinite number of possible shades in their DNA. Read how God promised to bless all nations through Abraham’s seed (Genesis 12), how He included people like Ruth and Rahab (who were not Jews) in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5), how Jesus ministered to the hated “race” of Samaritans (John 4), and how God showed Peter that He does not show favoritism (Acts 10).
Be thankful that God so loved the “world” and Jesus died for all (John 3:16). Rejoice with the Ethiopian who believed in Jesus (Acts 8:26-40). Joyfully look forward to the day when people from every nation, tribe, and tongue will worship together around the throne of God (Revelation 7:9).
Hit the highlights for younger kids, but read all of One Blood For Kids by Ken Ham with kids age 10 and up. One Blood goes back to the Bible for answers about the origin and significance of different “races.” Racism makes sense only from an evolutionary point of view that claims people evolved at different times and rates; creation affirms the value of all people created in the image of God. As Ham points out, “. . . God’s truth is the only real answer to battling racism because it targets the heart of a person–something laws, education, and social rules cannot do.”
See Answers in Genesis for more resources related to a Biblical view of race, creation, and much more.
God’s Very Good Idea: A Sure Story About God’s Delightfully Different Family In this wonderfully illustrated picture book, Trillia Newbell explores God’s creation of people of all different skin colors, abilities, interests, and more! God’s Very Good Idea shows how God designed all of these differences intentionally from the very beginning of creation and all of these people in His own image. Despite their differences, all have the same need: forgiveness for ruining God’s very good idea. She shares the story of Jesus and the gospel, and how we can still experience the joy of God’s very good idea by trusting Jesus and joining His colorful church family.
Colors Come From God . . . Just Like Me! This children’s softcover picture book features a brown skinned girl exploring the world of colors God made. As she looks at a variety of colorful objects, she constantly reiterates, “And Good made me a beautiful brown.” With scripture references to creation and skillful rhyme, author Colors Come From God reminds readers of all skin shades that, “Whatever color God chose for you, It pleases him very much.” We are a “rainbow of children” all made in the image of God.
All God’s Children: Why We Look Different This much simpler book by Ken Ham is written for younger children. All God’s Children is shaped like a child standing in front of the world. Each page features a child from a different culture, many in traditional dress. The children each wonder why they are so different from others, then they explain how their parents shared the answer from the Bible beginning with the creation of Adam and Eve, continuing to the account of Noah, and ending with the separation of languages at the Tower of Babel. The book ends as the Australian boy on the cover says, “An even though my skin is light, an Aborigine is my brother.”
When God Made You This book does not really address race, but does affirm how God created everyone unique and special. I love the colorful illustrations of a little African American girl using her imagination to color the world. The whimsical verse hints of a fast pace, exciting discovery of who God created us to be: “A you who views others as sisters and brothers and lives by three words: love one another.”
Red or Blue, I Like You This is not a “Christian” book, but it’s so cute I had to include it! In Red or Blue, I Like You, Elmo and his friend Angela are very different colors on the outside: Elmo is red and Angela is blue. Elmo visits Angela’s home in a neighborhood where most of the families are blue. Angela visits Elmo’s family during a family reunion where everyone is a shade of red. Finally, the two play together on Sesame Street with monsters of all colors. Both Elmo and Angela feel a little awkward when surrounded by monsters of a different color, but each learns some of their stereotypes were wrong and enjoys the visit.
Seeing God’s View of Color
Many people say kids “don’t see color,” but that really isn’t true. God made our color as one of the most obvious of our beautiful physical traits. With teaching and examples at home, kids can be comfortable noticing and talking about color with love and acceptance even in their curiosity.
Remember, hate is not an option for Christians. God has a name for those who claim to love Him, yet hate others: LIAR (1 John 4:20) .
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8
As my children live, learn, work, and worship alongside others who are different, I want them to remember God’s command to love your neighbor as yourself.
I pray these children’s books that teach a Biblical view of race are a blessing to your family! May you love to read and read to love!
Read about our favorite family books to read aloud together.
Find great ebooks and audio books on Kindle, Audible, Scribd, and Librovox (free public domain e-books and books read by volunteers). Right now Scribd is our favorite reading/listening app with unlimited books for $8.99 a month. Use my link for a 60 day free trial.) Of course, nothing beats holding a book in your hands! Shop at Amazon or your favorite bookstore!
More Family Encouragement From I Want Them to Remember
