Family 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.