Summary
Young Bellen takes a stand to change the language within her school and schools around the world about referring to the color peach crayon as the “skin color” crayon. Her hope was to teach her peers that skin color cannot be defined by one color because there are so many different and beautiful skin colors that exist. With the help of her friends and family, Bellen spreads her message about diversity and how together we can be more mindful about how we think of diversity in our lives.
Theme(s):
Struggles against pressures of society, Overcoming Adversity, Friendship, Taking a Stand, and Cooperation/Teamwork
Personal Response
I appreciated this amazing true story about Bellen Woodard and her determination to teach people about diversity. This text was another window text for me and even made me more conscious about my own language regarding diversity and how I can be better at helping others feel represented. Lastly, I am confident that this book will be a mirror and window book for many children and encourage them to help readers become more conscious of their own language regarding diversity and inclusion.
Teaching Ideas
I would integrate this book into my school curriculum’s “All About Me” unit, where students learn to love themselves and where they come from. For this unit, I would read this book and then have students participate in self-portrait art activities, where they use mirrors and a variety of skin color crayons to draw pictures of themselves. Then, I would engage my students in a whole group discussion, where they share and talk about their created self-portraits and the beautiful colors they used.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01, Grade 02
