Help me educate my 8 year old granddaughter on race, please

[lillypaddle]

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]

1. You might look up realistic youth fiction.

[lillypaddle]

2. Not sure what angle to hit that with

it's a thought, though. Thanks.

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. I know there are stories abt people like Harriet Tubman. Some graphic novels as well. Give me a

minute and I’ll do a quick search.

Edit: google this. black history month youth and children's reading lists

Lots of good links pop up.

[lillypaddle]

11. Thanks.

this is amazing!

[GreenPartyVoter]

13. Yes, the literature in this area has improved greatly over the years.

[RiverbendsJoe]

4. Watch "Eyes on the Prize" docuseries with her,

and share with her your memories of the time periods covered.

[lillypaddle]

6. I'll look that up right now.

docuseries might be the way to go, for sure.

[lillypaddle]

15. Just watched a little bit

but looks excellent!

[jrthin]

5. Much of what she will learn is watching your behavior.

And the other posters have mentioned other good sources.

[lillypaddle]

9. I had my "BLM" tee shirt on when she came over today

Does that count? LOL. Yeah, I'm 73 and pretty much a self-isolating homebody, but I know what you mean. By example.

[jrthin]

26. LOL. Yes, it does help.

[stillcool]

7. no children...and it's been

a long time since I was 8 years old, so I got nothing. K&R for some good suggestions for you.

[MaryMagdaline]

8. My recommendation is to keep it basic

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]

10. Scholastic is usually good

https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/christy-crawford/teaching-about-slavery-elementary-classroom/

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]

12. Awesome!

She will be over this Sunday while her mom & dad go to the movie. We might start with this. Thanks.

[SunnyBaudelaire]

14. John Lewis has some graphic novels out

Here is a link
March (Trilogy Slipcase Set) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1603093958/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_V3K.EbWQFRCZ4

[qwlauren35]

16. The tik-tok white privilege quiz

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. What do you want to achieve?

It sounds like the most important thing, having friends of different races/nationalities etc, has already been accomplished.

[lillypaddle]

18. Some sense of history

The "why" as to why people are upset, the inequities, what slavery was and what it meant.

[Phoenix61]

19. 8 is really young for that.

I use the Santa Clause test. If a child believes in Santa Clause they haven’t 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]

23. If the kid lives in the U.S., she lives in a white supremacy. If she's 8 and her family hasn't

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]

32. true ... that's why I've posed the question.

Her dad's black bff from the 5th grade was his best man. We are totally open.

[lillypaddle]

27. I would only go slowly, introducing small pieces at a time

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]

20. Had to walk downstairs to the den

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...

[lillypaddle]

28. Thanks

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]

21. I am a librarian-- middle school right now

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]

29. Thanks, I've added it to my "list" on Amazon

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. Here are some anti-racism books for kids:

https://www.readbrightly.com/anti-racist-resources-for-kids/

[pansypoo53219]

24. an integrated childhood is a good base. i know it was good for me.

always had black friends over white.

tell her to stay integrated.

[lillypaddle]

30. Oh, I'm certain she will!

[WhiskeyGrinder]

25. This might be helpful as well:

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/56187/6-things-anti-racist-educators-want-grown-ups-to-know-about-teaching-and-raising-kids

[lillypaddle]

31. this is excellent

Thanks.

[mia]

33. Faith Ringgold's books are wonderful.

https://www.arthistorykids.com/blog/230