Family Conversation Kits: Asian Kit: Tweens & Teens 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 Tweens & Teens Kit. These kits contain two or three titles that are specifically related to the group of people the kit focuses on. 

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 a  TWO Conversation Kit Booklets and TWO copies of each of the following books:

 Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton

This title was chosen because it provides so much to discuss. The main character, Mimi, encounters discrimination based on heritage, skin color, and gender. This truly intersectional book is a fast read and it will leave readers with so much to think about. Readers may find the glossary of Japanese words in the back of the book useful. 

Inside Out & Back Again by Tanhha Lai

This title was chosen because it is written from the perspective of a young refugee who fled Vietnam and ended up in Alabama. It gives such wonderful insight into the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of young refugees (and even immigrants) who find themselves in an entirely new country without knowing the language or culture.

Blackbird Fly by Erin Entrada Kelly

This title was chosen because we wanted to include a book that is set in more modern times, and one that is not written in verse. As a bonus, readers may even find themselves inspired to listen to Beatles music.