Let’s Talk About Race, Julius Lester (1939-2018), is an interactive children’s book that focuses on getting children to open up about racism. If there has ever been a children’s author committed to educating young people about race and the struggles of African Americans, it was Lester. A Newbery Honor Book Author, he wrote many books for children and teens that address slavery and current issues of racism in our society.

Let’s Talk About Race, Julius Lester, is geared for readers between six and ten years of age. Lester writes, I am a story. So are you. So is everyone. He stresses that each and every one of us have a story, and part of that story is race. Lester addresses the issue of racial hierarchy in our culture in a gentle, child-friendly manner. He tells children some stories are true, but others are not. Stories about some races being better than others are not true stories, and people tell those stories because they are afraid or they don’t feel good about themselves (bingo!). He invites children to conduct an experiment in which they touch parts of their bodies and feel the bones underneath their skin. Then, he tells them to do the same to other people, making the point that under our skin, we are all the same. If everyone removed their skin, he says, we would all look exactly the same but we wouldn’t be able to tell who is who. Lester concludes the book by reminding children that we are all a story, but race is only a part of who we are: I am so, so, so many things besides my race. To know my story, you have to put together everything I am…Beneath the skin, we all look alike. You and Me.

As an educator, I think this book would make a terrific opener for a rich dialog in a classroom about a very real issue facing people of all ages. It is engaging, beautifully illustrated and so very interactive. Lester tackles an extremely heavy societal issue in an age-appropriate and relatable manner for children. It is honest without being heavy. As a parent, it seems like a great way to address questions about what children are hearing and seeing every day, especially in light of recent news stories. My favorite part of the book was when Lester answers the question of why some people say their race is better than others. He writes, Because they feel bad about themselves. Because they are afraid. The reason for hate, for violence, for numerous catastrophic decisions are so accurately explained in these few simple words. Oh, he nailed it! Even adults like myself are struggling to grapple with the racial horrors and violence that occur in our country all too often. Fear and insecurity – the roots of ruthless cruelty and senseless destruction. Yes, we have made progress, but we have a very long way to go in our society. Let’s Talk About Race was written in 2005, and sixteen years later we are still struggling. Let’s continue these conversations with future generations, teaching them acceptance and understanding – something we need now more than ever.

Let’s Talk About Race is a well-written, positive look at the uniqueness of human beings. It is about accepting and respecting differences and focusing on what truly makes a person. Lester tackled issues of race productively, showing children how to frame their thinking about racial differences, to understand that we are all people, and inside we are all the same. I especially love the meaningful activities and reader participation this book offers for children. I highly recommend Let’s Talk About Race for teachers, parents, children, and families.

For more of Julius Lester, find my review for his novel Day of Tears here.

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I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character – Martin Luther King Jr.