General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHelp me educate my 8 year old granddaughter on race, please
She has friends of color, and the topic of race, per se, hasn't come up in any detail. I think it's time to introduce her to the history of race in America, including slavery. She is very bright (duh!) She leads a pretty protected life, though, her family members are liberal democrats. Weighty topic to say the least. And where to even start?
I've looked at some children's books on Amazon, but they are pretty childish for her - you know, we are all alike and it's beautiful that we have differences, blah blah blah.
I'm thinking a more realistic approach that includes slavery and the struggle for civil rights. Anyone have any suggestions? Nothing that talks down to her, but nothing so lofty that it goes right over her head.
I am going to cross post this in the non-fiction reading group/forum. Any help is appreciated.
Edited to add: THANK YOU! I knew DU would have answers for me!
GreenPartyVoter
(72,381 posts)lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)it's a thought, though. Thanks.
GreenPartyVoter
(72,381 posts)minute and Ill do a quick search.
Edit: google this. black history month youth and children's reading lists
Lots of good links pop up.
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)this is amazing!
GreenPartyVoter
(72,381 posts)RiverbendsJoe
(81 posts)and share with her your memories of the time periods covered.
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)docuseries might be the way to go, for sure.
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)but looks excellent!
jrthin
(4,837 posts)And the other posters have mentioned other good sources.
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)Does that count? LOL. Yeah, I'm 73 and pretty much a self-isolating homebody, but I know what you mean. By example.
jrthin
(4,837 posts)stillcool
(32,626 posts)a long time since I was 8 years old, so I got nothing. K&R for some good suggestions for you.
MaryMagdaline
(6,856 posts)And tell her to have her friends and friends parents educate her, ie, her friends of color and to listen to their experiences and to never tell a friend that my experience is X while they are telling you THEIR experiences. Something I wish I had done earlier in my life c
handmade34
(22,757 posts)edit to add... https://www.amazon.com/Many-Thousand-Gone-African-Americans/dp/0679879366/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=young+adult+slavery&qid=1593724554&rnid=1000&s=books&sr=1-9
for adults... but good
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)She will be over this Sunday while her mom & dad go to the movie. We might start with this. Thanks.
SunnyBaudelaire
(33 posts)Here is a link
March (Trilogy Slipcase Set) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1603093958/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V3K.EbWQFRCZ4
qwlauren35
(6,150 posts)I'm not sure if it's too painful for an 8 year old. It's definitely very gentle for an adult.
I'm a poor example - I HATED history. However, if you're very knowledgeable, consider getting games that you can play with her, or finding on-line quizzes.
Phoenix61
(17,019 posts)It sounds like the most important thing, having friends of different races/nationalities etc, has already been accomplished.
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)The "why" as to why people are upset, the inequities, what slavery was and what it meant.
Phoenix61
(17,019 posts)I use the Santa Clause test. If a child believes in Santa Clause they havent achieved rational thought yet. If she asks a question, give an honest answer. If there is something she is interested in, learn about POC who contributed to that field.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,431 posts)actively discussed anti-racism with her, she's been steeped in a white supremacist framework for eight years. It's never too early to talk about anti-racism.
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)Her dad's black bff from the 5th grade was his best man. We are totally open.
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)Just like sex education. But she's a bright girl. Her mom & dad don't have TV, they watch Netflix and specials on Amazon, and she isn't really exposed to the protest marches we have had recently.
Here's what put the idea in my head: I watched the video here at DU that was so powerful- it was an Eleven Films video, I believe. It was incredibly powerful. Hitting me hard was the little black girl with the angry face marching, her mask pulled down. And then the white, blond girl on one knee giving the "power" salute. Black children have to learn these things very young for their own survival. I want my granddaughter to be aware of this, what it means and why. Both those children in the video were very likely her age.
Anyway, YMMV.
Dan
(3,579 posts)Given her age:
1. To give her view about the Holocaust consider MAUS and MAUS II by Art Spiegelman.
You might want to preview first, but for American history:
2. Cracks in the Melting Pot by Melvin Steinfield.
Very hard to find,
3. To Serve the Devil, vol 1: Natives and Slaves.
4. To Serve the Devil, vol 2: Colonials and Sojourners.
By. Paul Jacobs and Saul Landau with Eve Pell.
Just off the top...
On edit: Maybe better for you as a starting point for that conversation...
Of course I will preview everything, and I still need to talk to her parents to get permission. Conversation both before and after are important. If she doesn't respond and seems to blow it all off, I'll come back to it when some time has passed and she's more mature.
essme
(1,207 posts)two of my favorite "must reads" for ES students are Ruby Bridges, and "The Other Side." I am including an amazon link for that one:
https://www.amazon.com/Other-Side-Jacqueline-Woodson/dp/0399231161/ref=asc_df_0399231161/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312053899840&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2003307597795196666&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009568&hvtargid=pla-526451191578&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61316180799&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312053899840&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2003307597795196666&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009568&hvtargid=pla-526451191578
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)She may already be beyond that, as she as a black male friend she plays with frequently, and several girls of color, one of which is her BFF and does sleep overs. I appreciate the input. As a librarian, I trust your judgment.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,431 posts)pansypoo53219
(20,995 posts)always had black friends over white.
tell her to stay integrated.
lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)WhiskeyGrinder
(22,431 posts)lillypaddle
(9,581 posts)Thanks.