As a children's librarian, I frequently get asked for books and resources that parents can use to help explain current events to their children, especially troubling events. Here is a sample of picture books about change in response to discrimination and inequality that I recommend sharing:

SIT IN: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney tells the story of four college students who staged a peaceful sit in to protest inequality at Woolworth's Department Store lunch counters. Dramatic illustrations by Brian Pinkney bring this story to life.

In Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation, 8-year-old Sylvia Mendez fought against segregation in California years before the more well known Brown vs. Board of Education case.

Angered by low wages and long working hours for young girls in New York's garment district, Clara Lemlich fought for better working conditions. Her struggle is beautifully captured in Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel with illustrations by Melissa Sweet.

For more books about social justice check out this list compiled by the children's librarians of the Free Library:

Picture Books About Social Justice.

Did I miss any great titles?  Please post them in the comments!

Related: Books for children about peace