Cynsations

Intro: Interracial & Intercultural Children’s and Young Adult Books

Introduction

Indigenous identity is a matter of heritage, culture and political status.

Interracial and intercultural families have existed since the dawn of humanity, well before “race” was invented as a concept. Yet it wasn’t until 1967, the year I was born, that laws against mixed-race marriages were struck down by the United States Supreme Court.

The need for related reflections in children’s-YA literature persists and grows with each passing generation. It’s wonderful that we’re now reading more books by writers and illustrators whose families and identities directly inform their work. Please note that there is a great deal of nuance to identity elements and their intersections. We are erred on the side of inclusion.

This section of the site includes recommended titles featuring interracial family themes; see the picture books, novels, and nonfiction.