What’s the best way to talk to kids about incidents of racism they may hear about through media or friends? The topic is a source of anxiety for children as well as parents. What is age appropriate? And how do you approach the subject? Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice is a picture book designed to encourage conversations between children and caregivers about an officer-involved shooting. It was written by three Atlanta area psychologists: Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard. In the story, news of the shooting sparks questions from children of different races and shows how each family responds. The book includes a section for parents and caregivers with guidelines, child-friendly definitions of words like discrimination and race, and some sample parent-child questions and answers.
Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbothan is a book for older elementary students about a girl whose mother unsuccessfully tries to shield her from news of a police shooting. The book includes historical examples that illustrate how skin color makes a difference in the way people view the world. Not My Idea urges readers to learn about racism, “grow wise.” and “make history.”
Both illustrated books can help parents engage in dialog with children on issues of race.
Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist
#WeKnowBooks
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