“I am
a story. So are you. So is everyone.” Published in 2005, Let’s Talk About Race written by Julius Lester and illustrated by
Karen Barbour is the perfect picture book for introducing and discussing the
topic of race with children. It
demonstrates a message of celebrating racial diversity and equality. Topics of
diversity have always been a sensitive subject for teachers. We are living in a
very sensitive country, and yet now is also the time to push the boundaries of
what we have been previously taught of race. I believe this book, and others
like it, are the tools teachers need to execute diversity education in their
classrooms.
This
book is from the first person perspective of the author, Julius Lester. He
begins by telling the reader that everyone has a story. He begins telling the
story of his life and asks the reader to reflect on their own. Lester goes on
to introduce himself in a child-friendly manner by explaining his parents, family,
and favorite things. The last thing he explains to the reader about himself is
his race. Not because race isn’t important; but because it is not the most
important aspect himself. Lester goes on to explain that all people, of all
races, all over the world have their own story and no race, gender, or
socioeconomic status is better than the other. The way Lester explains the
message of equality to children is remarkable. He is able to simplify such
controversial and complicated topics to ensure children understand right from
wrong. Lastly, Lester teaches the important lesson of equality through a small experiment
the children get to try. He tells the reader to touch the bone under their eye
and to touch that same place on another person. He then says, “Beneath everyone’s
skin are the same hard bones.” How can anyone argue with that? What a brilliant
sentence!
“Those
who say, ‘MY RACE IS BETTER THAN YOUR RACE' are telling a story that is not
true.” This line stuck out to me while reading this text for the first time. I
hear echoes of my students saying to each other, “My (fill in the blank) is
better than yours.” He puts this timeless, childhood argument to rest by saying,
“…it is a story that is not true.” I hope to read this text to my students next
week and I am so excited to gauge their reactions!
The
illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful. Barbour uses so many
bright COLORS, COLORS, COLORS! As she should, for this book is about
celebrating the many racial and ethnic colors in the world. This book would not
have as effective of a message if the illustrations were black and white or
dull shades of color. The artwork immediately reminded me of Picasso’s artwork
with the vibrant colors and resemblance of cubism. I don’t think there could
have been a better illustrator for this book. Barbour’s illustrations are
child-like and yet serious enough to convey the gravity of the message. Her use
of color, line and repeated illustrations tell a story all on their own. Who are all of the people and animals in the pictures? What are their stories? I
tried to pick a favorite illustration to discuss here but I can’t choose just
one.
As a
teacher myself, I will admit that discussing race with my students used to make
me uncomfortable when I first started teaching. Who was I to discuss such a
sensitive topic? Would I get in trouble with my administration or by parents? There
can be so much baggage that comes with discussions such as these even though
there shouldn’t be. But then one day during my first year of teaching, a little
boy in my class held his forearm next to his friend’s and asked me, “Why is my
skin darker than hers?” That’s when I realized I was doing a disservice to my
students by not formally and even informally discussing the topic of race. I
decided then that I was no longer going to tip toe around it and instead face
it head on and hand in hand with my students. Now, I read as many culturally
diverse books to my students as I can. We openly discuss our races, culture, heritage,
and how our differences make us unique. After all, the children are our future.
What are we teaching them by not celebrating what is unique about us?
Let’s
Talk About Race teaches children an imperative lesson about equality and
kindness for all. And so, fellow bloggers, I leave you with the monumental
question that Julius Lester asks of his readers at the end of his book. “I’ll
take off my skin. Will you take off yours?”
No comments:
Post a Comment