Something Happened In Our Town by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, Ann Hazzard, & Donald Moses
Appropriate Age Range: 4-8 years
What this book is all about:
Something Happened in Our Town follows two families — one White, one Black — as they share and process a police shooting of a Black man in their community.
Why you might want to read it:
The story models conversations about race to its readers while providing messages of acceptance, empowerment, and support to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives. Additionally, it provides caregivers and parents an abundance of resources and support in navigating conversations about racial injustice at home with their families.
3 questions for you to ask your children after reading it:
How are Josh and Emma the same? How are they different?
Why do you think Josh's family is even more upset than Emma's family? Explore with your child about racial injustice and how Emma's and Josh's experiences are different.
Have you ever been treated different because of you skin color or seen anyone else treated unfairly because of their skin color? How did that make you feel? How do you think would be a good way to handle that situation?