When Janifer Wilson opened Sisters Uptown Bookstore in Harlem, New York, in 2000, her goal was to sell books that celebrated Black culture and history. She's accomplishing that on an unprecedented level, thanks to a surge in interest in anti-racism and Black history in the wake of George Floyd's death and the ensuing global protests.
Nearly every book in her store about race and Black history has been sold out since the end of May, and Wilson's seen a 500% increase in sales. Even the publishers she orders from are out of stock.
"Pretty much anything with the word 'anti-racist' in it is all sold out," said Wilson.
Anti-racism involves understanding the principles of not being racist and vowing to actively fight racism wherever it appears.
While the catalyst for the surge in interest was tragic, Wilson said she appreciates that it's "bringing about change."
Wilson said that children are never too young to read about anti-racism. It's especially important to teach these concepts to middle schoolers who are becoming aware of the world around them and are trying to make sense of it all.
The key is offering up books where they can relate to the characters, Wilson said.
"We have to start basically from the crib," Wilson said, "Kids are innocent, they only see spirit."
Here are Wilson's recommendations for the best anti-racist books for middle school children.