1. New Kid by Jerry Craft 
Seventh grader Jordan Banks faces challenges of starting over in a new school where diversity is low and pressure is high. How can he be true to himself, his childhood friends and find his fit?
2. Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
Author Gene Luen Yang weaves a memoir /personal journey into his non-fiction story-telling of a high school varsity basketball team‘s trek to victory. The personal stories of the players and coaches are back filled with the history of basketball, including the racial, social and gender inequities faced over time. It will appeal to sports fans, social justice seekers, history buffs and comic fans. 
3. Black Brother Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes
As Donte learns the moves, art strength and strategy of fencing he also learns the moves, art, strength and strategy of fighting racial injustice. Alone in a sea of white at private school, Donte faces blatant and systemic racism that brings his arrest. Exploring privilege, white-washing, colourism, racism, corruption, and the school-to-prison pipeline, Black Brother Black Brother is also a story that shows the strength of family, mentorship, and conviction.

4. Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Shot at just 12 years old by a police officer, Jerome‘s ghost quietly watches his family grieve, observes the unrest in his community and learns about the roots of racism from his new friend, the ghost of Emmet Till. While fiction, Ghost Boys is both a social and political commentary on the current state of racism which helps readers trace its history through the real life story of Emmit Till.

5. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendie
A remix of Ibram X. Kendie‘s Stamped From the Beginning for youth readers. This is an important look at the roots of racism to help us understand why and where we are today. While this traces the path of power and race through American history, the themes and actions are universal. 

6. Take the Mic edited by Bethany C. Marrow
A compilation of fictional short stories, poetry and comics by acclaimed youth fiction authors. These are stories that share diverse voices and everyday acts of standing up and resisting. It shows readers how small, courageous acts can have big impact.

7. If I go Missing by Brianna Jonnie with Nahanni Shingoose
A powerful graphic novel that brings to life an open letter Brianna Jonnie wrote to the Winnipeg Chief of Police in 2016 asking for urgency and attention to the investigations of missing Indigenous people; in particular the murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. This is a plea that invites discussion about systemic and institutional racism, prejudice and injustice. 

8. This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell
Learn to look at and question the world around you. Learn from the past and the present to recognize racism, xenophobia, prejudice and stereotypes. This book includes 20 activities that readers for readers to learn, reflect and act upon. 

9. Homes: A Refugee Story by Abu Bakr al Raheeah and Winnie Yeung
Homes is the story of Abu Bakr and his family - their story of living in Homs, Syria amidst the civil war. Amidst bombs, and gun fire, and fear. Amidst family, and work and school and play. Written with Bakr‘s Language Arts teacher shortly after migrating to Canada, Homes helps us understand the experience of refugees and teaches us that we are more the same than different, even in times of war. 

10. Superman Smashes the Klan Gene Luen Yang
Inspired by the 1940s Superman radio serial this graphic novel brings together fast paced super hero adventures while tackling the themes of immigration, belonging and racism. Superman is able to fight the Klan's terror, while exposing those in power! Includes author‘s notes at the end that explain the historical context of the story. 

 Vicki Roberts (VP, Esquimalt) #robertsreads www.twitter.com/vickidroberts