I Color Myself Different
What’s inside...
A young boy named Colin learns to embrace his unique identity and celebrate the diversity of his community. With the support of his parents and friends, Colin discovers that being different is what makes him special and that everyone has their own unique colors to share. When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a school assignment to draw a picture of himself and his family. He chooses to color himself differently, embracing and celebrating his Black identity. This leads to a journey of radical self-love and understanding his inherent worth. 'I Color Myself Different' is based on real events in young Colin's life and is an inspiring story about identity, self-esteem, staying true to oneself, and advocating for change.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character feel when they discovered they looked different? Can you relate to that feeling?
Why do you think it's important to celebrate what makes us unique?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the character?
How did the character’s understanding of themselves change by the end of the book?
Can you think of ways we could help others feel accepted and appreciated for their differences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about diversity and acceptance. This sets a reflective tone for the discussion.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, relating them to their own experiences with differences or acceptance.
Use illustrations in the book to point out emotions and actions of characters to foster empathy and understanding.
After reading, engage in an activity that celebrates your child’s unique qualities, like drawing a self-portrait that highlights what they love about themselves.
Revisit the book's themes after a few days to reinforce the messages and allow your child to share new insights they might have.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The story encourages children to discover and appreciate their unique characteristics, even if they differ from those around them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take pride in their personal traits and backgrounds, promoting self-confidence and acceptance among peers.
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: The narrative introduces the concept of diverse family structures and races, helping children understand and respect differences.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by being inclusive and respectful towards classmates and friends from various backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Self-expression Through Art
Explanation: The protagonist uses art to express their identity, highlighting the importance of creativity as a form of self-discovery and expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in artistic activities to explore and communicate their feelings and ideas.
Example Lesson: Courage to Stand Out
Explanation: The book portrays the protagonist's journey of embracing their difference as something positive, rather than conforming to the norm.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be bold about their identities and to share their unique perspectives without fear of judgment.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through interactions between the characters, the book showcases how understanding and empathy are essential for building strong, respectful relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of listening to and learning from others' experiences, which can foster deeper connections and community.