Discussing diversity with your children can be done quite early. How race diversity is introduced by parents plays a significant role in how children perceive race as they grow into adolescents.

Let’s Talk About Race is a picture book intended for kids but helpful to adults as a vehicle to introduce racial diversity in the context of other human similarities and differences. Author Julius Lester says, “I write because our lives are stories. If enough of those stories are told, then perhaps we will begin to see that our lives are the same story. The differences are merely in the details.”

Lester starts with a look at prejudice. Then he brings up our anatomical similarities by pointing out that without clothes, skin and hair, everyone looks the same. His tone is just right for engaging children to look more closely and see for themselves. He points out that “stories” are not always true; that we create prejudice by perceiving ourselves as better than others. Barbour’s painting are bold splashes of color, which serves to emphasize that skin color is merely a difference, a detail, nothing more. What a wonderful way to teach such an important truth to children.

Highly recommended, especially as a starting point for diversity discussions.

From School Library Journal-
“Starred Review. Grade 1-5 - This stunning picture book introduces race as just one of many chapters in a person's story. Beginning with the line, "I am a story," Lester tells his own story with details that kids will enjoy, like his favorite food, hobbies, and time of day. Then he states, "Oh. There's something else that is part of my story…I'm black."

Throughout the narrative, he asks questions that young readers can answer, creating a dialogue about who they are and encouraging them to tell their own tales. He also discusses "stories" that are not always true, pointing out that we create prejudice by perceiving ourselves as better than others. He asks children to press their fingers against their faces, pointing out, "Beneath everyone's skin are the same hard bones." Remove our skin and we would all look the same.

Lester's engaging tone is just right and his words are particularly effective, maintaining readers' interest and keeping them from becoming defensive. The pairing of text and dazzling artwork is flawless. The paintings blend with the words and extend them, transporting readers away from a mundane viewpoint and allowing them to appreciate a common spiritual identity.

This wonderful book should be a first choice for all collections and is strongly recommended as a springboard for discussions about differences.”