Books That Heal Kids: mixed race

Showing posts with label mixed race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mixed race. Show all posts

Book Review: Honeysmoke - A Story of Finding Your Color



Author: Moniue Fields
Illustrator: Yesenia Moises

From the Book Jacket: Simone asks Mama, "Am I black or white?" "Boo," Mama says, just like mamas do, "a color is just a word." She asks Daddy, "Am I black or white?"

A young girl looks around her world to find her place in it. Her skin color is not like anyone else's, so what is her color? She finally chooses her own, and creates a new word: honeysmoke. For multiracial children, and for all children, this story offers a universal message that empowers young people to create their own identity. 

Simone knows her color. She is Honeysmoke. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is a beautiful book about finding your OWN category and self-identity. Simone is struggling to figure out how to identify herself because her mother is black and her father is white. She wants to tell her own story based on how she sees herself. Loved this book and have started seeing it more in teacher's classrooms. It's what kids need! 

A Link to This Book:
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Book Review: Mixed Me!























Author: Taye Diggs
Illustrator: Shane Evans
Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket:  My mom and dad say I'm a blend of dark and light. "We mixed you perfectly, and got you JUST RIGHT!" Mike has awesome hair. He has LOTS of energy! His parents love him. And Mike is a PERFECT blend of the two of them. Still, Mike has to answer LOTS of questions about being mixed. And he does, with LOTS of energy and joy in this charming story about a day in the life of a mixed-race child.

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I've been using this as a read aloud with my K-3 grades and it is AWESOME. My hope is that it would bring more understanding, acceptance, and validation to children of all races. It did that and so much more. Our librarian also bought a copy for our library so kids can access it. As a counselor, I deeply appreciate a book that opens kids hearts to each other and helps take away any stigmas or negative messages that have been received regarding one's race.

A Link to This Book and Others You Might Find Helpful:

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