If we don’t want our kids to embrace racist ideas, we must surround them with antiracist ideas. (p. 10)

The quote above from Rebekah Gienapp’s book summarizes exactly what this book provides. It is a resource of practical suggestions, conversation prompts and guidance for surrounding kids with antiracist ideas. The book is divided into 6 parts and does not necessarily need to be read in order. Rather, you could skip to the part that addresses the age of kid that you are looking for ideas about.

Part 1 addresses why antiracist parenting is needed and includes some guidance on how to use the book. She touches on some research, what antiracist kids can do, why parents should begin addressing racism from a young age and how to use the book. Parts 2, 3, 4 and 5 addresses specific ages: the toddler years, the preschool years, the elementary years and the middle school years. Finally, in part 6 she offers ideas and resources for continuing to engage in the ongoing work of antiracism as adults, beyond the conversations we have with children. This includes a section on learning the stages of racial development, addressing guilt and shame, examining choices as parents and also the spiritual and emotional foundations for antiracism.

Throughout the book she highlights various resources as it pertains to the various ages. At the back of the book however is a helpful collection of resources broken into the different age groups that list children’s books about skin tone, race and racism; the immigrant experience; activism; history books for kids written from the perspectives of people of colour; stories that star kids of colour; and multicultural children’s toys and media. She also includes a resource list for race and racism for adults that includes books about children, parenting and race, racism and books on spirituality and antiracism.

I also appreciate the bonus pack of resources/journalling pages she offers that can be used as you move through this book. You can follow her blog, sign up for her newsletter and more on her website.

I highly recommend this resource for all parents of white kids. Regardless of where you are in the journey of antiracism, this book will equip with you very practical ways to engage with and talk with children about racism.

Contact Bernice at ReadOn Books to order your copy. Ministry leaders, consider purchasing this in bulk and offer it to the families in your community.