Common Sense Media Review
By Stephanie Snyder
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautiful bedtime book dreams of a world that's safe, fair.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In GOODNIGHT RACISM, children across the city get ready for bed. The moon shines down on all children, despite their differences or circumstances. Children drift off into dreams -- dreams that have the power to change the world. Images show what the world could be: a place where all people are safe despite their differences; where all children have a solid foundation and equal start in life; where everyone has their basic needs met; a place rooted in justice for all. It's a world that can be achieved by putting racism to bed and saying goodnight to unfair rules, injustice, hate, and more.
Is It Any Good?
More than the average bedtime story, this is beautifully illustrated social commentary. Goodnight Racism shows what kind of world we could have if people put racism to bed, along with its equally shameful relatives. With powerfully positive messages, it emphasizes change starting with the younger generation. It touches on issues that create inequitable lived experiences and shows what's possible if we level the playing field. It could have used a glossary to help young readers understand terms like "injustice" and "cruelty." But still, it works as a bedtime story, reminiscent of the classic Goodnight Moon, or as a conversation starter with talking points that impact us all.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about diversity in Goodnight Racism. How do different families eat dinner together? How do families worship differently? What do you notice about how different families look?
How do the pictures show peaceful sleep? How do the pictures show loving families? How do the pictures show joyful living?
Why is it important to dream? In what ways could the world be better if we live out our dreams? What do you dream about?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Cbabi Bayoc
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Kokila
- Publication date : June 14, 2022
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate