Why?: A Conversation About Race
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Why?: A Conversation about Race is a timely picture book for kids about why events around inequality and injustice are happening in society. The book was written by renowned actor and children's book author Taye Diggs (Chocolate Me!), Mixed Me!) and illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award winner Shane W. Evans (My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood). Emotional illustrations, paired with simple sentences paint the story of Black and brown children witnessing an uprising against hatred in society. There's subtle imagery and description of a fire, but no overt violence in the book. Themes of the story include the power of asking questions, fighting against inequality, and striving for change.
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What's the Story?
WHY?: A CONVERSATION ABOUT RACE follows the story of a group of young Black and brown kids who individually question unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells in their neighborhood. The kids ask why they hear people shouting, see people marching, and smell fire burning. Adults in the kids' lives engage in conversations with them about why these things are happening around them. It's revealed to the children that when people are tired of being unheard, hurt, and ignored they express their anger in other ways. The adults' honesty prompts the children to pray for faith, love, and peace. Afterward, they're collectively inspired by an idea.
Is It Any Good?
This developmentally sensitive and timely book that can help facilitate conversations between kids and adults about issues related to race, injustice, and anger in society. Why?: A Conversation about Race breaks down the barrier between kids and adults, as it's often a struggle to have conversations about concerning and delicate events related to discrimination and inequality. It will likely also inspire kids to feel more comfortable asking questions.
Shane W. Evans' soulful illustrations helps to engage the reader and draw upon emotions. The characters display diversity and inclusion. The somewhat repetitive nature of the book's vocabulary creates predictability and increases understanding for young readers. This is an all-around valuable read for families of all colors.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Why?: A Conversation about Race discusses race, injustice, and anger. What is something new you learned from the book? What does injustice mean?
The kids in the book ask a lot of questions about upsetting and confusing things they see happening in their neighborhood. Have you seen anything in your neighborhood or on TV that's similar to the events in the book? How did seeing it make you feel?
The kids in the story pray for faith and love, so the world can have peace. What's your prayer or wish for the world?
Book Details
- Author: Taye Diggs
- Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
- Publication date: February 1, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 3 - 6
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: April 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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We Shall Overcome
Powerful anthem and bold art tell story of Black activism.
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Your Legacy: A Bold Reclaiming of Our Enslaved History
Vibrant celebration of heroes in African American history.
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Chocolate Me!
Candid charmer a positive intro to self-esteem and race.
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Mixed Me!
Boy embraces his uniqueness in exuberant identity tale.
For kids who love stories of activism and social justice
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