The Conscious Kid

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The Conscious Kid

Children’s books

We are an education, research, and policy organization dedicated to disrupting racism and supporting healthy racial identity development in kids.

06/11/2026

Cover reveal!! ✨✨

In her autobiographical picture book, acclaimed educator and former college basketball player Bettina Love (blovesoulpower) reflects on how she first fell in love with basketball at her father’s knee—honoring the beauty and brilliance of childhood joy.

From one of the most important voices on the lives of Black children today comes a story that champions girls who love sports and touts the importance of perseverance and following your dreams, regardless of what others say you can or can’t do. “Practice and patience, Love,” Bettina’s dad tells her when her love affair with basketball begins. And she takes his advice to heart, from the ba-dum ba-dum of her dribbling to the beautiful swish when the ball finds the net. From the time Bettina wakes until the time she sleeps, she and the ball spend all day together, dancing to the beat of her heart. And when a bigger kid chases her off the court because she’s a girl, it takes only her dad’s reminder that nobody can tell her what or whom to love, and she feels her heartbeat again, stronger than ever.

Paired with Frank Morrison’s () energetic illustrations, Bettina Love’s picture-book debut makes clear that when you love something fearlessly, not only can it be contagious—it can be everything.

Available for preorder now from : https://www.candlewick.com/9781536236446/bettina-and-the-ball/

06/09/2026

Cover reveal!! ✨✨

1991, Michigan. Can Priya find the confidence to stop blending in to the melting pot—and be her best stand-out self?

When her best friend moves away, Priya will have to start sixth grade on her own.
But maybe this is a chance for Priya to reinvent herself. Out with the old, in with the new.

What’s in is shiny, straight hair (unlike Priya’s thick, unruly mane); a TV show Priya’s parents won’t let her watch; and cuffing your jeans so tightly they leave marks on your skin. (Fashion hurts!) What’s out: Marching band, cultural traditions like coconut hair oil, and voicing your concerns about the dubious history celebrated by your town’s Victorian Festival.

When trying to be just like everyone else starts to feel impossible—and wrong—will Priya find the courage to speak up, and show everyone that a diverse potluck is better than a melting pot?

This semi-autobiographical graphic novel by author .kelkar, illustrated by anibushry, highlights the highs—and lows—of an Indian American girl navigating middle school in the era of tight-rolled jeans.

Out February 2nd, 2027 from and available for preorder today!

05/28/2026

We’re excited to see you at our conference this Saturday! ✨

We’re especially honored to kick off the day with breakfast and a special book signing featuring . The first 100 educators to arrive will receive a complimentary copy of I’m So Happy You’re Here: A Celebration of Library Joy and will have the opportunity to have it signed by Mychal.

We’re also thrilled to welcome , author and president of Authors Against Book Bans, who will join and for our panel discussion on navigating book bans.

Swipe for the full updated conference schedule.

⚠️ If you registered but have not yet confirmed your attendance, please check your email for the confirmation link to reserve your spot!

We can’t wait to see you soon!! 💛

05/22/2026

Cover reveal!! ✨✨

From National Book Award winner comes a gorgeous picture book about dreams, faith, and cats set during a young Muslim boy’s pilgrimage to Mecca.  Zayd’s heart wishes for one thing. During his family’s pilgrimage to Mecca, the place where dreams come true, Zayd prays for just that. But the purr-fect answer to his duaa slips through his fingers as quickly as it appears. This sets Zayd on an adventure around the Kaabah, the house of Allah. Will Zayd get what he wants? Find out in this joyful tale that’s:

-Written by National Book Award Winner Shifa Saltagi Safadi and gorgeously illustrated by .illo!
-Perfect for Ramadan: Millions of Muslims travel to Mecca to perform Umrah, the pilgrimage portrayed in this story, during Ramadan every year!
-A Must Have for Hajj Season: Celebrate the fifth pillar of faith with this book all Dhul Hijjah long!
-Universally Relatable: The themes of family, self-discovery, wish fulfillment, and love for animals will delight readers from all backgrounds.
-Feline Forward: Cat lovers will love searching for the cats on every page!
-An Engaging Educational Resource: Includes accessible backmatter ideal for educators, librarians, and readers interested in pilgrimages, Islam, and Mecca.

Editor: Erika DiPasquale
Designer: Caitlin Stamper

Releases from on 1/12/27. Available for preorder now!

and

05/20/2026

Join us for a free conference on culturally relevant education and literacy on Saturday, May 30 at ! All attendees will receive a set of 40 brand new diverse children’s books 📚

Click the link in our profile or stories to register!

Repost from
•
We are excited to partner with for an upcoming convening focused on inclusive literacy, education, and culturally relevant curriculum.

This gathering will bring together scholars, educators, students, and community members for critical conversations, collaborative learning, and collective imagination around equity and justice in children’s literacy education.
Registration is FREE, and we look forward to seeing you there!

📍 See the flyer and conference schedule for full event details.

🔗 Registration link in bio!

We look forward to being in community with you!

05/19/2026

Congratulations to our dear friend, on the release of Nani Camp! It’s officially out in the world today, and adorably illustrated by 💕

There’s no place like Nani Camp! This playful picture book celebrates the joy, wonder, and fun of spending the night at a grandparent’s house.

When Padma’s parents go away for the weekend on a babymoon (whatever that is), Padma goes away too—to Nani Camp!

Nani Camp may look suspiciously like Nani’s house, but it’s a lot more fun than staying home. From scavenger hunts to arts-and-crafts, camp is packed with activities, but things don’t always go to plan. Luckily, Padma will learn there’s no problem a cup of chai and a positive attitude can’t fix!

Grab your emergency slime, fill your pockets with supplies, and don’t wear anything you’re afraid of getting wet. Now you’re ready for Nani Camp!

Out and available now from .

05/05/2026

Cover Reveal!! ✨✨

🪁In this picture book follow-up to the award-winning A Map for Falasteen, young Falasteen journeys to Palestine for the first time, experiencing both the beauty and unexpected challenges of being in her homeland.

Falasteen and her parents are on their way to Palestine just like Falasteen has always dreamed!

First, she needs a passport, which has her looooong name written inside it. Then, they begin their journey, which is far from easy—the plane ride is almost as long as her name; there’s a scary guard at the border crossing, who turns Baba away; and it’s hard for Mama and Falasteen to figure out which streets they’re allowed to drive on.

But when at last they arrive in Baba’s village, ‘Asira, Falasteen makes a new friend— and upon hearing her full name, he shares the stories of her ancestors who all lived here and whose names she carries within her own. And Falasteen finally starts to feel at home.

🪁Releases on February 23, 2027 from

🪁Available for preorder now!

03/20/2026

Cover reveal!! ✨✨

In this touching picture book about the importance of kindness and lending a hand, a young boy gathers his community to take care of a loved one, perfect for fans of The Last Stop on Market Street.  Mamá Elena always knows just what to do when someone needs help. Whether it’s by cooking a delicious meal or simply by lending an ear, she keeps her community together. And because of her warmth, her home is young Manuel’s favorite.  But when Mamá Elena suffers a fall that leaves her bedridden, the barrio changes overnight. Missing Mamá Elena and her house, Manuel is determined to help lift her spirits. In a selfless act of organizing, he gathers his neighborhood so they can give back all the love and support Mamá Elena has shown them.  This picture book includes gentle introductions to the Spanish language with a strong message about caring for others.

A House in My Barrio is written by and illustrated by .

Releases from and on September 1.

Preorder your copy here: https://shorturl.at/0fMWj, or through .en.esl Bookshop: https://shorturl.at/XW4PW between March 16 and April 1, 2026, to receive a 15% discount on the books featured in this booklist (US-based only. Excludes Ebooks)

Discount Code: BSO15

03/17/2026

Cover reveal!! ✨✨

Moon phases + Latine food? Yum! Follow along as Gaby fills her plate (and belly!) with foods that match the shape of the moon she sees in the sky. From a crescent plantain to a gibbous guava, the food shapes wax and wane as the month goes on, just like lunar phases. Includes expertly crafted back matter, including additional information about lunar phases and fun STEAM activities.

Written by .en.esl, illustrated by .

Releases from on May 5, 2026.

Thank you to the editors &
Art director: Kristen Nobles
Design: Sara Gillingham
Agent:

Available for preorder now: https://bookshop.org/lists/books-by-delia-ruiz

Address

Oakland, CA
94601–94615, 94617–94624, 94649, 94659–94662, 94666

Website

https://www.theconsciouskid.org/donate

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