Families who loved Northbound: A Train Ride Out of Segregation by Michael S. Bandy often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing that rules seem to change depending on where they are or who they are with, especially if they are beginning to ask about fairness and history. This moving memoir follows young Michael on his first exciting train ride from Alabama to Ohio during the Jim Crow era. While the journey begins with excitement, it is soon complicated by the shifting laws of segregation that dictate where he can sit and who he can play with. Through Michael’s eyes, parents can introduce the concepts of systemic racism and the Civil Rights movement in a way that feels personal rather than abstract. The story highlights the natural, unbiased friendship between children and the confusing adult world that seeks to separate them. It is an ideal choice for children ages 6 to 9 who are developing a moral compass and learning how to navigate a world that isn't always fair.
