I wish I had something like this book when I was younger and learning the alphabet. So if you want to talk to children about race and addition Black children about loving themselves. I am of the opinion that lots of racial tension and hostility stem from misunderstanding and lack of prior knowledge. I believe that this might be a good conversation starter for parents that are trying to teach their children about race.

I do think that this is a book that young children should have regardless of their race. Including important empowering words about physical attributes associated with the Black race. It teaches young children the Alphabet using important Black figures in politics and society. There is not much to say about this book because it is an informative one. I'm sure that plenty of children and families will enjoy this book, find it encouraging, and overlook the message that I saw, but I won't be recommending this title. Children desperately need guidance from outside of their own feelings and impulses, and this book unfortunately combines embrace of one's racial identity with embrace about every single thing about them, whether good or bad.

It is possible to tell someone that they are beautiful and deeply loved without denying their need for guidance, moral development, and self-improvement, and even though the author had wonderful intentions for this book, its underlying messages disappointed me.Ĭhildren cannot begin life as 'leaders' who are perfect and don't need to listen to anyone. This picture book encourages black children to accept and embrace their skin color and culture, but unlike other books on the subject, it delves too deeply into misguided self-love messages, teaching children to view themselves as flawless people who are born to lead, not follow, are perfect in every way, and do not need to change anything about themselves.

M Is for Melanin by Tiffany Rose