Today is What are we reading Wednesday, this week I am trying to continue reading about racism to the boys. These books are helping to head into conversations that are not so easy to have with children. Today I put a list together of the best ones for age groups that would be great to open up the way of communicating to our children at a young age that the color of our skin is not a reason to judge one another. That all of God's children are precious in his sight. I have sung to the boys " Jesus loves the little children." sense they were in the NICU and I would hold them. I hope that I have shown them since birth that you love everyone equally. If I have not I hope to get us more educated with help in the diversity of our peers around us. Always being open-minded to each other's cultures and experiences.
Kids age 0-2 Board books.
Dream Big Little One by Vashti Harrison is a book featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history.
A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara. “This is a colorful alphabet board book that uses the language of activism. In the current climate of change, the whole family will enjoy reading and discussing these concepts.”
Kids age 3-7
All are welcome, by Alexandra Penfold. “A fun picture book which shows a school where everyone is welcome no matter their race, culture or physical ability. It helps imagine a world where everyone's unique culture is celebrated and valued.”
Let's talk about Race by Julius Lester. “This book does a great job of discussing the concepts of race and racism by utilizing the concept of a story. The author notes that stories are all around us but some stories are true while others are not. This book helps children become critical thinkers by not accepting every story they hear as true.”
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi Eager to fit in upon her arrival in America, Unheie announces that she will choose an American name to use in place of her own. Her class at school all get involved, ultimately, Unhei sees the power and joy of sharing a bit of her true self with her new community. Easy but effective activities and great promos for easy discussion with your kids
Kids age 8-12
Black brother, black brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes. “This book is the latest from one of our favorite authors. In this book, she explores colorism in American society. The main characters are brothers, one dark-skinned and the other light-skinned, who can pass for white. As they live in a predominantly white environment the light-skinned brother is embraced, while the dark-skinned brother is shunned. The reader is given a glimpse into how difficult it can be for a young Black person to be all they can be when they are constantly being judged not by merit or character but by the color of their skin.”
The trouble with a half-moon by Danette Vigilante. Vigilante's loving and nuanced portrait of life in a housing project, where she explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and family, It is a great middle school ready and there is a series that features a public radio's "Being 12" It highlights young people on the stereotypes and racism in their own words. I hope that they end up doing a podcast.
Kids over 12
The hate you give by Angie Thomas. The Hate U Give is a 2017 young adult novel by Angie Thomas. It is Thomas's debut novel, expanded from a short story she wrote in college in reaction to the police shooting of Oscar Grant. The book is narrated by Starr Carter, a 16-year-old black girl from a poor neighborhood who attends an elite private school in a predominantly white, affluent part of the city. I loved this book so much and it got a lot of talk when it became a movie. I would encourage anyone over 12 to read this.
Mexican Whiteboy by Matt De La Pena. The child of a Mexican father, and a blonde, blue-eyed mother, Danny doesn't speak Spanish and isn't Mexican enough for some nor white enough for others, this is a great read for teens because they can identify with the longing for companionship and community.
This is a great converstation for all mixed races not fitting in on either side of their heritage.
I see The Hate U Gave pop up everywhere and I had no clue it was centered around Oscar Grant. That happened about 20 minutes from where I live
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