Let's Talk About Race
Julius Lester introduces young readers to the subject of race in a unique and thought-provoking way with his children's book "Let's Talk About Race."
"I am a story. So are you. So is everyone. My story begins the same way yours does: I was born on -------". Thus begins a journey in literature that teaches us to celebrate life not race.
Starting with our birth, we learn to create our own life story considering our race and the influences of family and friends, as well as the events that have shaped us to be who we are. We learn that while our race is part of our story, no race is better than another.
Written to the reader, "Let's Talk About Race" explores the sameness of us all by having us mentally remove our skin and look deeper into the physical make-up of the human body. The very simplicity of this book is what makes it mesmerizing. "Beneath everyone's skin are the same hard bones." Of course we all know this, but the writings of Mr. Lester and the illustrations of Karen Barbour breathe life into these words and make them powerful.
This book is a breath of fresh air with it's straightforward look at how much alike we all are. It's strong message of tolerance is presented in a way that all readers will absorb and accept. This is an excellent choice for family time reading and everyone, young and old, will benefit from it.
