My Skin, Your Skin: An Early Introduction to Race and Racism
illustrations by
on Goodreads (44)
What’s inside...
My Skin Your Skin is a powerful book by Laura Henry-Allain MBE, designed to facilitate discussions about race and anti-racism among children and adults. The book encourages self-love, self-esteem, and self-worth regardless of skin color, and educates on the harms of racism and how to address it. Illustrated by Onyinye Iwu and suitable for children aged four and above, it uses child-friendly language and examples to help build an anti-racist stance from an early age. Ideal for home and classroom reading, it supports a life-long learning journey.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways that people are different and similar to each other?
Why do you think it's important to understand and respect everyone's differences?
How did the characters in the book react to differences in skin color?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from others? How did that make you feel?
What are some ways we can all help make everyone feel included and respected?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they already know about race and racism to gauge their prior understanding.
While reading, pause at impactful moments to explore your child's feelings and thoughts about the scenario.
Encourage your child to relate the experiences of the characters to their own life. This can help them empathize and understand the themes more deeply.
After reading, empower your child by discussing how they can contribute to making the world a fairer place for everyone.
Normalize discussions about race and racism beyond just reading the book to help your child feel comfortable talking about these topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: The book introduces children to the concept of different skin colors and backgrounds, fostering an understanding of diversity from an early age.
Real-World Application: Children will learn to appreciate and respect differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Recognizing and Rejecting Racism
Explanation: Through simple storytelling, the book explains how unfair treatment based on skin color is wrong, helping children identify racist behaviors.
Real-World Application: Armed with this knowledge, children can recognize racism in their environments and stand against it, whether in school or in their community.
Example Lesson: Empathy Development
Explanation: The book encourages children to imagine how others feel when they are excluded or mistreated because of their racial background, enhancing emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop empathy, enabling them to connect with and support their friends and classmates who might experience racism.
Example Lesson: Importance of Dialogue
Explanation: The book highlights how asking questions and talking about race can be a helpful way to understand and support each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn that open conversations about difficult topics like race are essential and can take place in settings like home or school, fostering a culture of openness and learning.