I Am Brown
What’s inside...
Brown-skinned children around the world laugh, love and play together in this infectiously joyful book. The book celebrates the beauty and perfection of being brown through various achievements and affirmations of self-love and acceptance. It has received critical acclaim and was a finalist and nominee for several awards. The book is praised for its empowering message, beautiful illustrations, and its universal appeal that encourages all children to dream big and embrace their identity.
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Unnamed Narrator
Discussion points
What are some things that make you unique or special, like the characters in 'I Am Brown'?
How do the children in the book celebrate their culture and heritage?
Why is it important to be proud of where you come from?
How can we learn and appreciate different cultures around us?
What are some ways you can show kindness and understanding to people who are different from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they know about their own cultural background and share some insights about your family’s heritage.
Point out the colorful illustrations and ask your child how those images make them feel or what they think about when they see them.
Encourage your child to talk about their friends from school, and discuss the diversity within their own community.
After reading, relate the story to real-life events or festivals that celebrate different cultures, possibly planning a visit or activity related to one of them.
Praise your child for their openness and curiosity about new cultures, reinforcing the beauty of diversity depicted in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity
Explanation: The book 'I Am Brown' showcases children from diverse backgrounds engaging in various activities, emphasizing the beauty and strength of being unique.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Through the affirmations of different characters being proud of their brown skin, the book teaches children to embrace and love themselves as they are.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to develop positive self-esteem and confidence, which are crucial for their mental and emotional health.
Example Lesson: Potential and Possibilities
Explanation: The narrative explores various professions and hobbies children of color can aspire to, demonstrating that their opportunities are limitless regardless of skin color.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to dream big and understand that their future is not limited by racial or ethnic boundaries.
Example Lesson: Cultural Pride
Explanation: Characters in the book take pride in their cultural practices and languages, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to learn more about and take pride in their own cultures, as well as respect the cultural expressions of others.
Example Lesson: Unity and Equality
Explanation: ‘I Am Brown’ underlines the idea that despite our external differences, we share common human experiences and emotions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the values of empathy and equality, helping them to build more harmonious relationships with others.