Quality Literature for Children of Color
Some of you may have visited my website, Family of Color, in the past and found that it needed a little attention. Well, I have been working on it, and I think there is improvement!
I really believe that as parents of children of color, we need to be proactive in offering them all the tools at our disposal to build strong, positive self-concepts. We have come a long way as a nation, but unfortunately, we still have a long way to go. Just this week, an acquaintance made a comment to me that was fraught with negative beliefs concerning people of color. Worse yet, she knows I have black children, and seemed oblivious to her offense.
Our family loves to read, and I look forward to posting reccomendations on this blog of books that empower children of color. Occasionally, I will throw in a pick for parents too!
Here are my first picks. Enjoy!
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, By: Mildred D. Taylor (ages 9-11)
This is considered one of the greatest children’s novels of all time. I love this book.
The Watson’s Go To Birmingham, By: Christopher Paul Curtis (ages 11-14)
My eldest son laughed out loud when reading it. Great summer read for middle school aged children.
And…for those of you with younger kids….
The Story of Ruby Bridges, By: Robert Coles (ages 6-9)
I have read this story to my five children countless times, and it still moves me to tears. Ruby’s story inspires so many of the characteristics I hope to instill in my kids: resilience, courage, dignity, and forgiveness. She is not only the kind of person I want my kids to become, but the kind of person I want to be as well. Your family will treasure this book.
