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Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race

Part of First Conversations

Author Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli

Illustrated by Isabel Roxas

$15.99 US

Penguin Young Readers | Rise x Penguin Workshop

12 per carton

On sale May 25, 2021 | 9780593519394

Age 2-5 years

Reading Level: Lexile AD550L | Fountas & Pinnell N

Sales rights: World

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Based on the research that race, gender, consent, and body positivity should be discussed with toddlers on up, this read-aloud series offers adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Now available as a hardcover picture book!

Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.

While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it's hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.

This first book in the series begins the conversation on race, with a supportive approach that considers both the child and the adult. Stunning art accompanies the simple and interactive text, and the backmatter offers additional resources and ideas for extending this discussion.

“This accessibly written, adroit primer prompts the youngest readers to consider how skin tone relates to race and ethnicity, societal treatment, and justice. An ideal conversation starter for any child.” – Publishers Weekly (STARRED REVIEW)

“This timely book is essential for all collections.” – School Library Connection (STARRED REVIEW)

“An accessible, important addition to any anti-racist bookshelf.” – Kirkus (STARRED REVIEW)

"Children and adults can come together over this book, which takes apart the meanings of race and skin color at the foundational level. It’s a stepping stone on the path to understanding what it means to be human, with cheerful art and easy language." --School Library Journal (STARRED REVIEW)

“[This] is the book we’ve been waiting for! Ralli, Madison, and Roxas did an incredible thing: they explained race and racism to young children, [and] also provided guidance to the adults who will read it to children.” – Social Justice Books

“If there were ever a concept that was difficult to break down into terms accessible to young children, it is the concept of race, so adults will welcome Our Skin for its ability to just that.” –Booklist

“Introducing concepts such as race and gender to children as young as two invites them to begin developing their own questions and thoughts about those concepts, allowing them to start having these conversations early.”—The Root

American Library Association NOTABLE BOOK (2022)

National Council of Teachers of English NOTABLE SOCIAL STUDIES BOOK (2022)

Parents Magazine BEST BOOK (2021)

School Library Journal BEST BOOK (2021)

Association for Library Service to Children Reading List Pick (2022)

Wisconsin State Recommended Book