Let's Talk about Race

By Julius Lester and julius-lester

Book Overview

This wonderful book should be a first choice for all collections and is strongly recommended as a springboard for discussions about differences." --School Library Journal (starred review)

In this acclaimed book, the author of the Newbery Honor Book To Be a Slave shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. A strong choice for sharing at home or in the classroom.

Karen Barbour's dramatic, vibrant paintings speak to the heart of Lester's unique vision, truly a celebration of all of us. This stunning picture book introduces race as just one of many chapters in a person's story (School Library Journal). Lester's poignant picture book helps children learn, grow, discuss, and begin to create a future that resolves differences (Children's Literature).

Julius Lester said: I write because our lives are stories. If enough of these stories are told, then perhaps we will begin to see that our lives are the same story. The differences are merely in the details.

I am a story. So are you. So is everyone.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0064462269
• ISBN13: 9780064462266
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.3" x 10.7"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

6th graders loved it! Not just for little kids

The kids loved reading this book and making their own self-portraits. It is another brillant piece by Julius Lester (Most of his other stuff is for older students)

We're all the same...

Children should be taught about who they are, both inside and out, getting to know others before they prejudge them, and that it's what is inside of each of us that makes us special. Additionally, they should understand that what we are inside is important regardless of our race, the color/texture of our hair, where we live, or how rich or poor we are. Newberry Honor Book Author Julius Lester explores these areas in his latest book for children LET'S TALK ABOUT RACE. I enjoyed LET'S TALK ABOUT RACE and think it is a wonderful tool for helping children understand the differences in those around them and that no one is better than anyone else simply because they are different in some way. I encourage parents and educators to share this book with their children at the early stages when they begin questioning their bodies and comparing them to others. It is clearly understood after reading this bright and vibrantly painted book that "beneath everyone's skin are the same hard bones." Reviewed by Tee C. Royal of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Refreshing Teaching Tool

There is nothing like a thoughtful picture book to inspire rich discussion. LET'S TALK ABOUT RACE, by Julius Lester, is a perfect example. This compelling picture book is a simple, yet elegant, exploration of personal identity. It is easily read in one sitting, and yet the layered illustrations encourage the reader to linger on each page. Julius Lester's well-chosen words, combined with Karen Barbour's extraordinary drawings make this a must-have for schools and libraries.

important message for kids to know

Everyone has a story that is made up of lots of things like when they were born, what race they are, who their parents are and lots more. This book is all about race. It teaches us that we are really all the same deep down. Everyone is a person that deserves to be treated with respect no matter what color their skin is. The book is full of colorful images. The book is not too long to read all at once and it has a great message. We would recommend this to teachers and anyone who works with children. The book is a great way to open discussions on racism, and treating others with respect and kindness regardless of who they are, where they live, the color of their skin, or what clothes they wear.