Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race

February 15, 2021
Preschool-Grade 1 If there were ever a concept that was difficult to break down into terms accessible to young children, it is the concept of race, so adults will welcome Our Skin for its ability to do just that. The book begins simply, with statements about skin color and accompanying questions that ask readers what they have noticed about the variety of shades of skin color around them. The illustrations depict humans of every hue, age, and size in so many shades of melanin. From there, the text transitions fluidly to explain, very succinctly, the pseudoscience behind white supremacy that led to racism. A few examples of what racism looks like in children's worlds make this concept tangible and ripe with opportunities to keep the conversation going, which is precisely the purpose of this series of First Conversations books. The back matter is intended for adults, with tips on how to interrupt stereotypical ideas, call out racism, and teach youngsters to do the same.

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