Strength and Comfort (Reading About Diversity)
‘Cause I know there is strength,
in the differences between us
And I know there is comfort,
where we overlap…
[Ani Difranco]
{Admittedly, not the most family-friendly poet/singer-songwriter. But this little snippet is just perfection for me this week}.
I’ve been mulling over Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as it approaches, questioning how I would address it here on the blog, and at home as well. #thebigone and I have done different projects together in the past, and he’s always had books about Dr. King, so while it isn’t a foreign topic for discussion, something about it this year just seems much more substantial. Addressing race following a very dramatic & divisive presidential election, and in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement seems almost too much, too important for a blog this new & little to try to tackle.
So I made a conscious choice. I’m not tackling all of it. I’m choosing to focus on a portion of Dr. King’s message instead, in a way I hope is relevant and relatable for all kids. I am not sure that #thebigone truly understands that the mission Dr. King was working towards has not truly been achieved- I think for him, and many other children today, they see Dr. King and Rosa Parks and the other revolutionaries as history- goal accomplished, protest over, time marches on. I know that for many, that is not the experience they live today, and I wanted to find a way to try to help kids begin to comprehend that, in a way that isn’t frightening, as I know many are already afraid enough.
I found two absolutely beautiful books that chronicle young friendships in the segregated south decades ago. The Other Side, written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by E. B. Lewis, tells the story of Clover, a young black girl, and Annie, a neighboring white girl, who dare to cross the fence that divides the 2 sections of their southern town. Deborah Wiles’ Freedom Summer, with illustrations from Jerome Lagarrigue, is set shortly after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It relays the summer friendship of Joe and John Henry, and their struggles to make sense of the changes that seem to be coming very slowly to their town.
Each book uses clear, plain language to relay the emotions of the circumstances, in a way that children will understand. The authors work to depict the similarities between each pair of friends, and their affection for each other (in spite of the obvious race difference) is evident. I love the fact that both the similarities and disparities are plainly addressed… I often hear people talking in terms of race as being ‘colorblind’ and ‘not seeing color.’ I understand the intention behind these phrases, and certainly can appreciate the thought. But I don’t see the problem with seeing color. It’s there, it exists- so why can’t we identify and value diversity? We can celebrate our heritages, as long as we remember the importance of being respectful towards and learning from the other cultures around us.
Because I’m never one to pass up the chance to sneak a little learning of some kind into whatever books we’ve been reading, I put together a very simple printable writing sheet. It’s perfect for getting kids thinking a bit about their own friendships, and the ways in which they and their friends are both different and alike. I did include a quote from Dr. King on the page, since he was the inspiration for this lesson, but it is not overtly specific to the upcoming holiday, making it a perfect printable to pull out at any point in the year when a little tolerance may need to be learned.
Below, you will see the two books referenced above, that we read at our house this week. There are certainly many other quality options in children’s literature to pair with this activity, and I’m including some others in the list as well.
PRINTABLE:
Do you have a special way you honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in January, or throughout the year? How about a favorite book to teach your family about diversity & acceptance? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Looking for some other ideas about using picture books to learn & create? They’re always right here!
