Summary
This story is about a black boy named Jay and his friends growing up. It demonstrates the innocence of playing with your group of friends as a child. Then as he and his friends grow with the same playful way they played as children is not seen the same way by others. His family gives him the talk which is depicted by illustrations showing children being treated unfairly because of their race. It ends showing that he is supported by his family and still wants to be himself.
Theme(s):
Family, Society, Racism
Personal Response
This was a very impactful book, although I’ve heard of “the talk” it was interesting to see it depicted in this way. The author really emphasized the character’s youth and how the children were doing the same things they were doing when smaller, except now that they’re bigger they’re getting judged for it. The scene where the mom is worried about the workers thinking they’re stealing reminds me of my mom always warning us in a similar way.
Teaching Ideas
For SEL older students can discuss and write about how their experiences have changed from when they were younger until now. They can have a section that compares how school has changed for them to include both the good and bad changes. Then they can have a section that compares their life outside of school and how it has changed, again including the good and bad changes. They can discuss if they have had any situations similar to the book.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 02, Grade 03, Grade 04, Grade 05, Grade 06
