Family Conversation Kits: Latinx Kit: Young Readers 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 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 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 a Conversation Kit Booklet and ONE copy of each of the following books:

Juana & Lucas by Juana Medina

This title was chosen because it's funny and interesting, and it counters some common stereotypes people have for Latinxs (e.g., all Latinxs live in poor, undeveloped countries, and they all want to immigrate to the United States). We also enjoyed the fact that there's just enough support in this book to understand the Spanish words or phrases peppered throughout.

Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash by Monica Brown

This title was chosen because the main character is bilingual and bicultural, which is true for many young people who speak Spanish. It also provides some insight into how difficult it can be for families to have loved ones living abroad.

Separate is Never Equal by Duncan Tonatiuh

This title was chosen because many people know about the Supreme Court case Brown vs. The Board of Education of Topeka Kansas, but are less familiar with this court case brought forward by Latinx families in California 7 years earlier. This book serves as an excellent springboard for discussions on inequalities and segregation.