Family Conversation Kits: Latinx Kit: Tweens & Teens Edition

The idea for 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, even 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 of children. Each kit includes age-appropriate books and a guide for families.

This is a Tweens & Teens Kit. These kits contain two or three titles that are specifically related to the group of people the kit focuses on. When chapter books are included, the kit contains two copies so that adults and young people can operate like a book club - reading on their own and coming together to discuss.

This is a Latinx Kit. Gaining popularity in recent years, Latinx (la-teen-ex) is a gender-inclusive way to refer to people of Latin American descent. Many prefer this term because it is more gender inclusive as it does not use the male ending (or female, for that matter) as gender-neutral. The accepted plural is Latinxs. This includes people from Central America, South America, and The Caribbean (Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic), but not people from Spain. 

When you purchase this Kit you will receive TWO Family Conversation Kit Booklets and TWO copies of the following books:

Yes! We Are Latinos by Alma Flor Ada & F. Isabel Campoy

This title was chosen because it really speaks to the diversity within the Latinx community. The authors include poems from the perspective of many different Latinxs intermixed with useful background information and history.

Confetti Girl by Diana López

This title was chosen because although the main character, Lina, and her best friend come from Latinx families, they are really typical teens. Like many teens, they have a hard time connecting with their parents, and their relationship is changing as they begin dating. Readers will identify with the characters.