Goodnight Racism
What’s inside...
National Book Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Ibram X. Kendi returns with a new picture book, 'Goodnight Racism', serving as a modern bedtime classic. As children around the world prepare for bed, the moon reminds them of the power of dreams to imagine a better world. The book, with its dynamic art and poetic prose, delivers messages of antiracism, justice, and equality in an accessible format, empowering readers of all ages. 'Goodnight Racism' equips children with the language to dream of a world filled with justice and equality, making it a significant addition to their social justice toolkit.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important to say 'goodnight' to racism?
How can treating everyone equally make the world a better place?
What are some ways you can help others feel included and respected?
Can you think of a time when you felt different and how you dealt with it?
How do you feel when you make new friends who are different from you?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, ensure to listen actively to your child’s responses, showing curiosity and encouragement towards their thoughts and feelings.
Guide the conversation with empathy, helping your child to understand and respect different perspectives and experiences.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, such as at school or in the playground, to deepen their understanding.
Encourage your child to come up with ideas on how they can contribute to creating a world free of racism, reinforcing the message that everyone can make a difference.
End the conversation by reiterating the importance of fairness, kindness, and inclusion in both personal and communal spaces.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Goodnight Racism' highlights the beauty of a world where multiple cultures and traditions coexist peacefully. It showcases characters from various backgrounds engaging harmoniously.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate differences, fostering a sense of global citizenship and empathy towards classmates and neighbors from diverse backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Equality and Fairness
Explanation: The book portrays scenarios where characters of all races are treated equally, emphasizing the importance of fairness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice fairness in their interactions, ensuring they treat everyone with respect regardless of their race or background.
Example Lesson: Importance of Inclusivity
Explanation: In 'Goodnight Racism', there are scenes where inclusive activities involve children of all ethnicities, promoting an inclusive environment.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to include everyone in their activities, avoiding exclusion based on racial or cultural differences.
Example Lesson: Rejecting Prejudices
Explanation: This book challenges preconceived notions by portraying characters who defy stereotypes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to question stereotypes and develop their own understanding of individuals, rather than basing opinions on bias or stereotypes.
Example Lesson: Promoting Peace
Explanation: The story concludes on a hopeful note with an emphasis on unity and communal harmony.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to act as peacemakers in their interactions, promoting a peaceful coexistence among peers.