Racism and Intolerance (Children in our World)
Written by Louise Spilsbury
Illustrated by Hanane Kai
Published in 2018
Why we chose this book:
We've been talking a lot about racism lately for two reasons, one of which is that we recently watched Disney's Peter Pan. I only remembered liking it as a kid; I sure didn't remember the "Indian Camp" and everything related to it in Neverland. I knew the racist stereotypes couldn't go unaddressed as we watched, and as I explained and talked to T, I knew I could use a little help in addressing such an important topic. B.E.S. Publishing provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mom's Review
In the same series as Refugees and Migrants, Racism and Intolerance presents a factual explanation of what racism and intolerance are, how they might arise, who helps in difficult situations, and how we can bridge the gap between ourselves and those whom we may consider to be "different." Appropriate to young children and grade-school children alike, the audience will learn that although groups of people may be treated negatively because of race or religion, this is never acceptable. More of an explanation of how racism plays out in different situations, and how it should be addressed, Racism and Intolerance urges readers to consider how they would feel if they were targeted. Children of different skin tones and children wearing various religious attire appear throughout the book, both as victims and allies.
Less is done to explain why people may be racist, which is the question that I have been struggling to answer for T. A section titled "What causes prejudice?" notes that "people can become prejudiced when one person from a group does something bad...they start to believe that everyone from that group is bad." Readers are reminded to respect different ways of life, even if they do not agree with them. I think overall this book can be a really helpful resource for addressing racism. I would have liked more content about why people may be racist and intolerant. I am still struggling to address the squirm-inducing caricatures of Native Americans in Peter Pan with T at the age of 4.
A useful tool that provides a springboard for worthwhile conversations, Racism and Intolerance, is appropriate to children, remaining realistic and ending on an encouraging note.
Son's Review
(Age: 4)
Mom: You and I have been talking about racism and intolerance a lot lately, and I had hoped that this book would help you understand. Was it helpful? What did you learn from the book?
Son: Helpful. Well, let me say. It is "don't be racism."
Mom: Well, we knew racism is wrong...
Son: It's not right to be racist. I want to tell you that.
Mom: That's right! What was helpful in this book?
Son: That it helped me learn about how President Trump treats people. Well I think it is not right to do bad things like President Trump does.
Mom: I agree. A lot of people agree. That's why people have been doing the marches I've been telling you about the marches, and the phone calls and emails to lawmakers.
Son: I'll show you my favorite page...Mom: What did you like?
Son: I like that the police came, that they're telling the bad boy, "Be nice."
Mom: How did you feel reading this book?
Son: Like "this is not right."
Mom: How did you feel about seeing the same cat from Refugees and Migrants?
Son: Relieved because I thought that was the only one with the cat!
Mom: What is the most important thing to know about this book?
Son: That it's a good book. That it is not right to be unfair.
Mom: When is it a good time to read Racism and Intolerance?
Son: When I see people being bad, I'm gonna read them — I'm gonna show them the pictures in it.
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