How to Raise an Antiracist
Appropriate Age Range:
Adults and caregivers.
What this book is all about:
This is a beautifully written how to book woven with the author's lived experience as a Black father. He breaks each chapter down by age spanning from birth and the newborn stage through toddlerhood, preschool, kindergarten, kid, preteen, middle school, high school, and "leaving the nest." This book shares insight and ideas that can be applied outside of the parent/child relationship and is appropriate for anyone who identifies as white or privileged who works with children and families.
Why you might want to read it:
You don't want to raise a colorblind kid... you want to raise an inclusive and aware kid.
3 questions for you to ask yourself after reading it:
Who does my child observe me hanging out with? Do I expose them to more than just my own family's culture, race, or ethnic identity?
Does my child have representation in their at home library? Do they see themselves in some books but see others as well? Do we have books that center Black and other BIPOC characters without centering the fact that they are Black, Indigenous, etc? For example, Black is a Rainbow Color is a celebration of being Black. Excellent Ed is a book about a family and their dog who are also Black but the storyline does not follow that particular identity.
How do I handle my child's curiosity "why is that woman's skin darker than ours?" or observations? Does it shut down the conversation or allow for dialog and critical thinking?