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Why?: A Conversation about Race

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A piercing picture book about racial injustice from a child’s perspective from Taye Diggs and Shane Evans.

"Daddy?"
"Yes, my sweet boy."
"Why are those people shouting?"
"Our people are shouting because we need to be heard. We need to be heard."

Why? is a question asked by children daily, and in this striking and timely story, it begins a straightforward and challenging conversation between children of color and the adults in their lives.

Why are the buildings burning? Why are people marching? Why are they crying? Taye Diggs has written a beautiful, powerful, and poignant story that peers through the eyes of a child as they struggle to understand why these events are happening.

Why? distills the conversations many children and adults are having about race, injustice, and anger in communities throughout our country, and gives them context that young readers can connect with. Heartfelt and deeply piercing illustrations from Shane W. Evans will leave a lasting impact on readers of any age. One that will hopefully lead to more conversations, change, and peace within our own communities and the world.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published February 1, 2022

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Taye Diggs

11 books42 followers

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5 stars
32 (14%)
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91 (39%)
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26 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Jon Nakapalau.
6,770 reviews1,062 followers
May 18, 2022
So many small children are having a hard time trying to deal with uncertainty - there have been so many hurtful events that have happened over the past several years. This book looks at some of the hard questions surrounding racism and gives simple answers; answers that can be expanded upon when the child is ready. A powerful book that will help facilitate conversation and understanding.
Profile Image for Monte Price.
950 reviews2,674 followers
Read
February 7, 2022
I'm not going to rate this because I'm not a parent of a small child, nor do I regularly interact with small children. This was sent to me and so I read it a couple of times and so here we are...

I don't really think that I would describe this is a conversation about race. I do think that it does give child friendly explanations to the questions posed based on the events depicted in the illustrations... That said, how this book ends? In some ways it definitely gives what a child might do... but it also just... feels very... abrupt?

Maybe I was just feeling the previous page about when marching and shouting and crying turning to anger that the peace and love, let's hold hands moment didn't work for me. It was also just slightly too religious an ending for me personally, but I think others will find it fine.

Overall it was a cute time. I think you can definitely spring board from this into conversations you want to have with the children that may or may not be in your life.
606 reviews8 followers
February 22, 2022
This is not a conversation. Its an oversimplified, non-explanation of racism, and doesn't really answer the child's questions. Its unfortunate that this doesn't include endnotes, with actual conversation questions to engage readers, or a guide caregivers, or additional readings.
Profile Image for Simon Mee.
631 reviews25 followers
September 28, 2024
On some level (I think) I get the point of the passive ending, but it just is a very bad book for conveying racial issues to its intended audience.

In no way is it a conversation, rather it is a bunch of barely connected setpieces where a child is just meant to rustle up their meaning by osmosis.
Profile Image for Lynn.
3,427 reviews69 followers
March 3, 2022
Loved this book but with all the controversy over “conversations about race” lately. I was afraid to read it to my students. Not kidding.
Profile Image for Sam.
436 reviews
February 7, 2022
Little too oversimplified - even for children.
Profile Image for Pegi Ferrell.
531 reviews11 followers
April 9, 2022
Maybe I will come back and change this rating -- I was so excited, and maybe I rated this based on my disappointment rather than the book's merit.

I really like the repetition. I wanted an author's note.
273 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2021
I'm torn about this book. It's very religious, and there is not much, if any, detail about any actual incidents, uses metaphors in a way that I think unhelpful to children “we’ve been stepped on” etc. On the other hand, a very important topic. Perhaps a parent who is knowledgeable could use it as a conversation starter with their children.
Profile Image for Jill.
2,360 reviews104 followers
August 11, 2022
“Why?” Is a book that perfectly mirrors the reaction to children who are trying to understand all they see and hear around them. Diggs reported he was inspired by questions by his own son, and surely everyone with a child will be very familiar with the “why” phenomenon.

In this case, the Black children asking the questions aBlack girl asks her granddad: “Why are those people marching?” He replies, “Our people are marching because we have been stomped on and stepped over for way too long. Way, way too long.”

More controversial activities are included, as when a young child asks, “Why are those buildings burning?” The adult answers:

“Because, little one . . .
when we get tired of shouting
and not being heard,
when we have cried so many
tears from always getting hurt,
when we scream out for help
and continue to get ignored,
when we march and march and
march but are not really moving -
when all this happens. . .
Sometimes buildings must burn.
The buildings burn for us.
The anger burning those
buildings is us.”

The message has not gotten through to whites, however. In fact, it is being drowned out recently with white backlash in the form of “The Great Replacement Theory,” i.e., as articulated by Renaud Camus, a popular proponent of the theory, the belief that native white Europeans are being replaced in their countries by non-white immigrants from Africa and the Middle East, and the end result will be the extinction of the white race. A domestic terrorism database shows that Right-wing extremism began gathering fresh momentum after the election of Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president. Now domestic terrorism incidents have soared to new highs in the United States, driven chiefly by white-supremacist, anti-Muslim and anti-government extremists on the far right.

Blacks are believing, with justification, that “thoughts and prayers” are just not enough. As Garnell Whitfield, a former fire commissioner in Buffalo, who lost his mother, Ruth Whitfield, in the mass shooting by a white supremacist on May 14, 2022, stated:



“‘You expect us to keep doing this over and over again, forgive and forget,’ said Whitfield, who was accompanied by the civil rights lawyer Ben Crump. ‘While the people we elect and trust in offices around this country do their best not to protect us, not to consider us equal.’”

On May 30, 1963, President Lyndon Johnson spoke at Gettysburg on an occasion marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. In a notable speech, he observed:

"One hundred years ago, the slave was freed.

One hundred years later, the Negro remains in bondage to the color of his skin.

The Negro today asks justice.

We do not answer him – we do not answer those who lie beneath this soil – when we reply to the Negro by asking, “Patience.”

It is empty to plead that the solution to the dilemmas of the present rests on the hands of the clock. The solution is in our hands. Unless we are willing to yield up our destiny of greatness among the civilizations of history, Americans – white and Negro together – must be about the business of resolving the challenge which confronts us now."

Taye Diggs helps to raise awareness of these issues. He said in an interview about this book:

"I'm sure children all across the globe were looking at what was happening here in America during Black Lives Matter and wondering what the deal was. And I wanted to do my best to give an accurate portrayal of at least my perspective and the way that it applies to my son as well.  

Sometimes, the answer to these questions can be uncomfortable and there isn't necessarily an answer, or not an answer that is going to make either party happy and I wanted to experiment with that in this book.”

“Why” is the fifth collaborative children’s book between Diggs and multiple award-winning illustrator Shane W. Evans. Evans uses textured mixed-media watercolor and pencil drawings for characters that brilliantly reveal a panoply of emotions from confusion to frustration to understanding to hope.

Evaluation: This exploration of the conversations parents and children of color are having about race and injustice is one that remains timely. When, oh when, will it be just a sad reflection of history? Highly recommended for all ages and races.
Profile Image for Baby Bookworm.
1,642 reviews109 followers
February 1, 2022
https://thebabybookwormblog.wordpress.com/2022/01/31/why-a-conversation-about-race-taye-diggs/

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Why?: A Conversation about Race, written Taye Diggs and illustrated by Shane Evans, a timely title about racial and social justice.

A series of child characters have complicated questions for their caregivers: “Why are those people shouting?” one asks his father, seeing a group of protesters. “Why are those people crying?” another questions her mother as they pass mourners at a sidewalk memorial. Their caregivers do their best to answer tactfully yet honestly, explaining that their communities are fighting back against systemic oppression and violence. “Oh,” the children reply, before one pair decides to take matters into their own hands.

Racial injustice is obviously a complex topic, especially for a picture book. However, as disenfranchised groups continue to fight for equality and justice, it’s a subject in need of representation in kidlit, especially as kids find themselves with questions about current events. Diggs’s text approaches this conundrum in a bold manner, with varying results. The first half of the story is strikingly powerful, and has the added benefit of giving real-life caregivers a script for dealing with tricky questions their own kids may have. However, when the topic of property destruction comes up, adult readers may have mixed opinions on informing young bookworms that “sometimes buildings must burn”. The resolution has very strong religious overtones that, while appropriately hopeful, also seem to suggest that faith and prayer will be the thing to fix civil unrest. It feels like an odd stance to take, especially after the candidness of the preceding section. Evan’s artwork is flawless, especially in his use of color to suggest both twilight and dawn, endings and beginnings. The length is good for a storytime, but while JJ was very invested, she definitely struggled to grasp the more serious themes. I won’t attempt to speak on the black experience or review this one on the basis of its message to black audiences. However, I will say that it’s worth checking out and deciding for yourself – it’s a book on a complex topic with a realistic yet optimistic tone. Overall, Baby Bookworm approved.

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
Profile Image for Tiffany.
213 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2022
Join the Books + Bliss Book community for reviews and GIVEAWAYS here: https://www.facebook.com/Bliss-Books-...
Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Why?: A Conversation About Race is a book that asks the question “Why are people marching, shouting, and speaking out against racism?” It’s done in a way that is easy for children to understand in this heartfelt book by Taye Diggs. This question is carefully answered in ways that communicate that the people protesting and speaking out are tired of the violence and racism directed towards people of color. The prose is simple but not in a bad way, it’s a great introductory book that helps explain the current climate in the United States. Why? does in a way that doesn’t scare or dismiss the feelings of concern that arise when children see protesting on television and in their own neighborhoods. Why? is a great book that can either introduce the topic of racism and protests or help explain the reaction to racism for children who are interested in learning more.

Beautiful illustrations by Shane W. Evans remind me of watercolor paintings. The characters in Why?: A Conversation About Race? have diverse hair textures and skin tones which adds to the importance of reflecting a country that has people of all shades of brown.
Profile Image for Barbara.
15.4k reviews317 followers
October 29, 2021
While youngsters' favorite word may well be "Why?", this picture book focuses on that question being raised about issues of social justice and race. Various children take note of what's going on around them and ask their family members for an explanation. The response is succinct and to the point but also helpful and results in an "Oh!" from the children and then quite a lot of reflection. There's even a rationale for why some buildings are being destroyed. Although this is a very short book, it would certainly provide a place to begin hard conversations about recent events as well as historical treatments of individuals with brown or black skin. The illustrations, created with digital collage and paint swatches, capture the innocence of the young characters as well as the patience and concern of their elders even while also highlighting different shades of skin color. As the title indicates, this book could certainly be useful in fostering dialogues about the status quo and making sense of our nation's complex history, but it clearly would not be the stopping point. And who knows? Perhaps it will be the next generation that will be able to fix what's broken and right the wrongs.
Profile Image for Kris.
3,694 reviews70 followers
March 14, 2023
I really liked the beginning of this, and I felt the answers to the questions that the kids asked were realistic and age-appropriate. It got a bit dicey for me on the part when the kid asks about burning buildings, and the answer to that question. I completely believe that, in general, a riot is the voice of the unheard. I also believe that people will often follow a crowd unthinkingly. And while the answer to the questions wasn't *wrong* per se, it was not great for a kids' book. It needed more explanation and relation to the very young lives this book is aimed at.

It is a very young-leaning book, and I'll tell you what I would have been asked as a mom and a librarian and a storytime presenter: How come when you don't listen to me or I am sad and angry and what I'm doing isn't working, I don't get to ruin things?

Resistance is valid, and sometimes, the actions that anger propels us to are needed. But this can't, or at least doesn't, explain that with nuance.

And I was super frustrated by the praying at the end. Pray all you want. But DO shit, too. God had his chance to change things, and he didn't listen.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,769 reviews48 followers
July 1, 2025
Written for young children wondering about visible responses to racial injustice-shouting, crying, pointing, marching, arson. Useful for starting conversations, but for this reader the book raises many more questions than it answers. I agree with other reviewers that it calls out for back matter about how to address children's concerns. No doubt the author and illustrator are in a better position than I to know if the answers provided to the children's 'why' would give actual children comfort. We see the kids smiling slightly and looking less concerned. Not that I expect any picture book to solve issues around group responses to racism, but the ending actively confused me. Both gender and age seem to shift, leading the reader to wonder who is saying what, rather than focusing on the messgae delivered. In response to nearby fires and the knowledge 'the anger burning the buildings is us "the child [sits] down...[crosses] her legs. He closed his eyes." the question follows "why are you praying little one?" If both the pictured boy and girl are praying why isn't it 'little ones?' The following page it is the adult who seems to be speaking and who was praying 'for faith and love'.
Profile Image for Emma Claire.
65 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2024
Spoiler-free summary:
""Why?: A Conversation about Race" is a book written by Dr. Heidi Lewis, aiming to initiate a dialogue about race in America. It explores various facets of race relations, including systemic racism, privilege, and the experiences of marginalized communities. Through personal anecdotes, historical context, and scholarly analysis, the book invites readers to reflect on their own roles in perpetuating or challenging racial inequities. It encourages empathy, understanding, and actionable steps towards creating a more just and equitable society for all" (ChatGPT, June 21, 2024).

Commentary:
This book truly is great for student of the black/African American culture. It tells many different stories in the background illustrations. There are scenes of people protesting, crying over the loss of loved ones due to police violence and many other pictures that can be assessed on a deeper level. This is a great message and lessons for students to learn so they can see these issues and we can start to mend the problems that we have in society that are related to race and segregation.

Application:
When I was in high school, there were a lot of riots happening all around the world. When the Black Live Matter protests began, a lot of school began teaching their students about what and why it was happening. This is a great black history month book that can be used as a read-aloud follow by an activity or just a classroom library book. The activities that could follow this story are informational activities that relate to segregation, or we could do a vocabulary activity that pertains to Black History Month.
Profile Image for Brittany.
2,726 reviews4 followers
November 19, 2023
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. When I realized who the author was, I was SO excited to get my hands on this book. He is one of the main actors in my FAVORITE movie! I understand that this book is relevant right now more than ever with so many horrible things going on in our world. However, I do have a very hard time with the message that "buildings must burn for us to show our anger" and possibly make change. Violence should never be the answer or promoted. The end wraps up very nicely with praying for peace/equality. As a librarian, I can see myself getting into hot water for suggesting this book to the wrong person in my community.
Profile Image for Brandon Dyer (Children's Librarian).
88 reviews5 followers
February 10, 2022
First off, let me wipe away the tears from my face because this story is raw and beautiful. I appreciate that Taye Diggs wrote this book for EVERYONE because we all need to work together and find peace in this world. Mr. Diggs writing process of introducing race to young readers was easy to understand and I loved that all the kids in the book were asking important questions about what they were seeing in their neighborhood. This book will help bring up important social justice conversation and help improve future generation to be more kind and fight for equality.
Profile Image for Aolund.
1,820 reviews21 followers
April 6, 2022
A conversation in the loosest sense, this open-ended book about racism and protest will serve readers looking for a faith-grounded book that offers prompts for further discussion around anti-Black racism in the US and protest against it. I wasn't blown away by it, but do think some readers, families, and houses of worship could use it productively. Among other things, the book's ultimate call--for peace, as opposed to justice, for example--left me wanting more.

Themes: Racism and protest, Community, Faith/Prayer
Age range: Preschool-Kindergarten
Profile Image for Bruce.
1,617 reviews23 followers
April 8, 2022
Diggs and Evans present the many questions that children, especially children of color ask their parents, grandparents, about why people are demonstrating, protesting, and sometimes even burning down buildings, and hear about the frustrations of long standing injustice. Then the children are invited to pray for love and peace to give themselves a sense of hope.

It is a sweet and gentle response to the inevitable conversations about race, prejudice and its history that many family have with their children.
Profile Image for Danielle T.
1,542 reviews14 followers
July 9, 2025
A little broad- the premise is children asking their guardians (mom, dad, grandparent, etc.) why people are shouting, marching, crying, why buildings are burning, etc. with the answer being that those people have been hurt, those people are angry that they haven't been heard, and then the children pray for peace. A potential starting point for explaining the importance of protests to young children, but the grown person reader will need to expand upon what's here.

(also definitely above my 2 year old's head)
Profile Image for Pam.
10.3k reviews60 followers
July 16, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from MacKids through Picture Book Palooza.
Diggs shows several children asking the hard question "why?" as they see what is happening around them. The adult in their life tells them why people are marching, protesting, standing, etc. The children watch and process and readers see at least one seek an answer through prayers for peace. Lovely illustrations enhance the message.
Profile Image for Mackenzie Virginia.
696 reviews24 followers
April 22, 2022
There were a couple places where the text would refer to "the child" but there were two children in the scene. The next sentences would then use "he" and then "her" in turn to refer to the individual kids. I personally found this a little jarring and confusing but it might just be a convention I don't usually see.
1,551 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2022
I listened to this short book on audio, & it was done quite well, it 'listened' quite well....considering that it's also (maybe primarily?) a picture book for little kids? The sound effects on the audio probably mimicked the illustrations in the book....good reader/narrator, good sound effects, good audio.
33 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2022
This message of this book is pointed and clear. The illustrations are beautiful and colorful. The impact of children asking about what the people are doing, creates a sense of urgency in the changes we need to see happen. I also appreciate the child taking the initiative to lead her family in hope and love.
Profile Image for Monique.
1,815 reviews
February 28, 2022
The storyline will assist any person try to understand the issues of diversity. The illustrations are vivid and allow the imagination to truly visualize the explanations given. Kudos to Diggs for answering the hard questions.
Profile Image for Meredith.
125 reviews23 followers
March 19, 2022
This is a great conversation starter and I appreciate how it delved into riots following protests (“Sometimes buildings must burn. The buildings burn for us. The anger burning those buildings is us.”) But overall, it felt like a very abrupt ending without enough resolution.
Profile Image for Liz.
2,398 reviews29 followers
May 22, 2022
Black children ask the grown-ups in their lives why people are marching and shouting. The grown-ups tell the children that their people are in pain and need to be heard. A good book to use to help explain to children the Black Lives Matter protests. To use alongside When We Say Black Lives Matter.
Profile Image for Katie.
980 reviews
July 1, 2022
I wanted so much more from this book and how to have real conversations with kids about race but it just fell flat for me. It covers some very serious questions that most kids have but I just wanted more like maybe some endnotes or further tips on having race discussions with kids.
Profile Image for Zahnii (Suzanne) Artis.
782 reviews
January 15, 2024
Shane W Evan’s is one of my favorite illustrators! I was able to meet him at a library conference one year and one of his best friends is Taye Diggs. This book is a carefully crafted conversation with our little ones about justice and injustice. Lovely
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews