Research shows that children begin to develop an awareness of race at an early age. As they grow, they become familiar with—and participate in—family and cultural traditions.
Finding ways to introduce children to backgrounds other than their own is a priority for many parents. They believe that making connections through shared experiences, like food, songs, and traditions can help children better understand the world around them.
Real life connections can be lots of fun, but it’s also possible (and easy!) to meet new people in the pages of a book. Check out the titles below to begin your explorations.
You can sign up for a free library card here. If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started. If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.
If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. You can also call us at 412-622-3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.
This booklist was created in support of BUZZWORD PGH to encourage imagination, investigation, creation, and reflection. Available to families throughout Allegheny County, BUZZWORD PGH engages young children and their families as they discover the words that are all around them.
Using illustrations that show the diversity in Native America and spare poetic text that emphasizes fry bread in terms of provenance, this volume tells the story of a post-colonial food that is a shared tradition for Native American families all across the North American continent.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on OverDrive/Libby and read-along movie on Hoopla.
Every Friday Musa’s family takes turns picking out a Jummah treat which they use to try all different foods, but when it is Musa’s turn he sticks to his favorite halal hot dogs to share.
We all like different food, but everybody needs to eat! How are we alike and different?
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook Hoopla.
Granny teaches her young grandson how to cook the family meal, in this celebration of food, traditions, and gathering together at the table. Includes recipe for baked macaroni and cheese.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook and eAudio on OverDrive/Libby and as an eBook, eAudio and read-along movie on Hoopla.
Little Lobo, a Mexican American, and Bernabé, his dog, gather tacos, frutas picadas, cuernos, and more and deliver them to los luchadores preparing for Lucha Libre 5000.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook/eAudio on OverDrive/Libby and and as an eBook, eAudio and read-along movie on Hoopla.
When Grandma gives you a lemon tree, definitely don’t make a face! Care for the tree, and you might be surprised at how new things, and new ideas, bloom.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla.
