Talking to Children About Race by Loretta Andrews and Ruth Hill
 

If we want to change the way we think and bring children up respecting those who are different, this book is essential reading 

Talking to Children About Race - Your guide for raising anti-racist kids                      
By Loretta Andrews and Ruth Hill
SPCK
ISBN No: 9780281086825 
Reviewed by Moira Kleissner

This slim volume is very pertinent and one of the best books that I’ve read about how to approach racism, engaging with children on the subject. It is clear, easy to understand and bereft of jargon. It can be read through or dipped in and out of as the reader wishes. A must for every parent, children’s, youth worker and minister.

The authors met online during the Covid shut-down. Loretta Andrews is a broadcaster and Ruth Hill an educator. One is from a white background and one a black; one is a practicing Christian and the other not. They entered into a conversation about how to approach racism with their children. The result is a well thought out, honest and very readable book based on thorough research and praxis.

Foundational advice on tackling racism with children: “recognise-acknowledge-challenge-dismantle-change”, is something for us all to explore, not just children. This is no heavy brow nor chest beating exposition of the subject. There is an exploration of the history of racism going back further than the Slave Trade, challenging stereotypes and unconscious bias on both sides. There are case studies, examples from both authors as they grew up, humour and very real believable examples. 

The very good system of notes and further reading/viewing at the end of the book is suitable for adults and children, even from a young age. It is a thorough and invaluable resource. If we want to change the way we think and act with others and bring children up respecting those who are different, this book is essential reading.

There is no heavy, Biblical brow-beating, nor preachy bits (phew!). It is full of essential advice and ideas from different perspectives. Yet it is totally honest about problems. It doesn’t nag and berate and is even handed about racism on both sides which I found very refreshing.

At the end of each chapter is a fun family activity to help dismantle prejudice and encourage children to question and understand what racism is and how to combat it. It shows how in family discussions and day to day activities, racism discussions can form a part of ordinary family life naturally. By following through much of the information and activities in this book families should be able to help children understand the diversity we have in our world today and treat all with respect.

With no preachy Biblical misquotes (yippee) but honesty, well informed advice, firmly anchored in thorough research and experience, this is a very useful book. As a teacher, parent and children’s worker, this is the kind of book that I wish was available years ago. A much needed resource in combating the racism all around us all today.
 

Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller, trainer and minister’s wife