Family Conversation Kits: Asian Kit: Young Readers Edition

The idea of Family Conversation Kits came about as a way to build understanding and empathy, and ultimately pave the way for more equitable communities. Research shows that children begin to notice race and other differences at an early age and that they often internalize biases and stereotypes by the time they start school. However, research also shows that exposure to other racial groups through children's literature, helps to counteract bias and discrimination (Aronson, 2014; Crisp & Turner, 2009). Despite the known benefits, families often feel ill-equipped to engage in conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are hopeful that these kits will allow families to begin these important lifelong conversations with confidence.

Each Family Conversation Kit focuses on one facet of diversity and caters to a specific age range. Each kit includes a list of age-appropriate books and a guide for families. 

This is a Young Readers Kit. These kits contain two or three titles that are specifically related to the group of people the kit focuses on. Books may be picture books or elementary-level chapter books. 

This is an Asian Kit. Often when we use the term Asia, we think of only East and Southeast Asia. The continent of Asia is much larger; it includes the Middle East. Asia includes the following areas, among others:

Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordon, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, North & South Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

When you purchase this Kit you will receive ONE Conversation Kit Booklet and ONE copy of each of the following books:

A Piece of Home by Jeri Watts

This book was chosen because it shows how challenging it can be for immigrants to adjust to life in a new culture, far from home.

Mayhoua Moua: A Real-Life Story from a Hmong Story Cloth by Mayhoua Moua with Carly Schurna

This title was chosen because there is a large Hmong population in the Midwest, and many people are not aware of what brought them here. This is a brief overview of why Hmong people came to the US and some of the hardships they faced as refugees.

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

This title was chosen because it's an engaging, sometimes funny story that also provides some good insight into Chinese/Taiwanese culture. We found it especially valuable for discussion because the main character is straddling two cultures as she tries to find her place in the world, like many young second- and third-generation immigrants do.