Let’s Talk About Race in Storytimes

by Jessica Anne Bratt

Foreword by Kirby McCurtis

With the help of this book’s adaptable storytime activities, tools for self-reflection, and discussion starters, children’s librarians will learn how to put anti-racism work into their professional practice while fostering an environment that celebrates all identities.As the weekly lists of best-sellers demonstrate, many people want to engage with racial issues. But when it comes to talking about race, they often don’t know how or are hesitant to take the first steps. This includes children's librarians, who are taking seriously our profession’s calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion. They already know that popular storytimes can be an effective way to increase community representation and belonging at the library. Incorporating race into storytimes is an ideal way to foster inclusion by normalizing conversations about these issues. This book will help public and school librarians face their own biases, showing them how to have honest discussions with children, their caregivers, and storytime attendees, as well as their colleagues. In this book, you will discover


several ready-to-use library storytimes that incorporate racial themes, complete with sample activities and booklists;
an anti-oppression framework, based on the author’s own real-world practice, that is customizable for different settings and situations;
concrete suggestions for overcoming fears and awkwardness when it comes to talking about race, with advice on practicing new language, making space to connect around appropriate cultural books for read alouds, and evaluating books for storytime;
interactive self-reflecting worksheets which explore planning picture book introductions and songs for inclusive storytimes, providing age-appropriate glimpses into history, and suggested affirmations in describing skin tone, hair, and language;
advocacy talking points centered on social justice that will encourage discussion with co-workers and other library staff; and
guidance on community engagement, relationship building, and intentionally trying to diversify your world in order to truly become an anti-bias practitioner.

Genres: Nonfiction, Professional Development, Race, Librarianship, Parenting, Storytime, Adult

112 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2022

Reviews

[Chanda Scobee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be leading my first Storytime in the fall as an outreach program for the library I work at, and this book was a fantastic tool in helping me prepare for that. I think anyone curious about diversity in literature, a conscious and intentional storytime, and/or the importance of diversity and representation in a child's development would appreciate this book. It's informational, enlightening, inspiring, and contains a lot of fantastic resources, such as storytime planning structures, good and bad diverse books, read-aloud suggestions, and more. I cannot emphasize how helpful this was, and I highly recommend it.

I especially appreciated the tie ins to current culture, like mentioning the impact of BLM, the responsibility and purposes of libraries, how to be anti-racist, and also the chapter from her husband who shared his insight as a coconspirator rather than just an ally.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! While its focus is on storytimes, I think it is valuable for any librarian who does collection development, reader's advisory, or programs for any age.

What I like best is that it isn't vague; it gives actionable things to do - book lists, scripts for difficult conversations, talking points, entire storytime plans, and further reading/webinars.

[Amy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is at StoryGraph

[mg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly magnificent book that all children/youth librarians/library workers should read. (Or at least the 88% white portion of the profession...) Possibly annually.

I can't wait to dive into all the sources now...

[Bree ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a librarian that wants to lead inclusive, diverse, and equitable story times, I am always reading and learning in order to better serve my community. I'm glad that I picked this up. It is an excellent, applicable, and educational tool that I strongly recommend to any librarian, teacher, or other educator. In fact, I will be buying a copy to refer to and lend to my colleagues.

After some self-reflection, I can admit that there is one thing that makes me a little nervous about discussing race in story time - that is anticipating a negative reaction from a parent or guardian. However, I believe that librarians have a responsibility to champion anti-racism and anti-oppression, and to create a welcoming space where all patrons can feel that they belong. Therefore, it is important for me to seek out tools such as this one.

As Jessica mentions on Page 63:
"Libraries, and our storytimes, are one of the best places to celebrate the mosaic that is America. Libraries are one of the few spaces that are diverse and where we can really focus on this quality. Knowledge is power, and access to knowledge is the gateway to power. Which, in some ways, is the whole point of the library".

I now feel better equipped to address racism, explain why it is important to talk about it, and to show patrons that even as a librarian, I do not have all of the answers (but would be happy to help research them). I would love to attend one of her trainings in person. In such a short book, I have learned so much and am looking forward to reviewing all of the recommended resources. I have already requested some of the suggested picture books for my next story time!

[Kidlitter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential, not intimidating, accessible and has some very good plans for different ages. I'd love more book lists but that's why the internet was invented. I so appreciate the reminder that librarians are often providing the first time children come together in groups to learn and socialize in public institutions and we have to recognize the influence we are gifted and work hard to return that trust and influence. Even just being brave enough to recognized difference, accept and honor it and demonstrate those attitudes is doing better.

[Bridgitte Rodguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came across this book on an email from the American Library Association. Since I teach preschool, I thought it would be a good read. I try to have a variety of races, ethnicities, cultures displayed in the books in my classroom. But I never explicitly talk about race. This book give ideas and ways to bring up the topic to young kids. In a way that is informative and discusses race in the ways that they already notice on an everyday basis.

[Alondra · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impactful quote,“Libraries often talk about low literacy rates (often just for minorities) or the fact that we are seeing only one type of family in our storytimes (often white), yet we do not take the time to ask questions about what caregivers are experiencing in our space. About why we are seeing only one type of person. Are caregivers seeing enough representation of themselves? Do they feel valued?” (p. 24)

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical guide on how to talk about race in storytimes. Caregivers often go with the color-blind approach to talking (or in this case, not talking) about race. They also assume kids will learn about it elsewhere. That's where libraries can step in and help where they already help with children's development--storytime! I just wish there were more book recommendations.

[Nell Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is long overdue and I am so glad Jessica Ann wrote it! It is a quick read with room for depth of thought. I probably will buy this book for my collection now that I've read the library copy. Jessica has a fresh perspective on the issue, direct and kind at the same time. Thank you for writing this book Ms. Bratt!

[Carly Really Very Normal · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource to help librarians, caregivers, and teachers open the dialogue and start/continue the conversation of race (and other marginalized populations) in a respectful, empathetic, and kind way. Highly recommend.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent and should be a must read for all librarians doing storytimes and lessons with children. The color blind approach is used by so many librarians or awkwardly not really addressing or answering questions. Great responses.

[Katie Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a powerful and convicting professional read.

[Wendy Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 2 was especially useful, providing language to use with students.

[Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got some good stuff from this, especially how to do asides that celebrate differences!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

🚨📯 A MUST-READ FOR ALL STORYTIMERS 📯🚨

[Heidi Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

practical and actionable!

[Molly]

A great guide to integrating age-appropriate, honest discussions about race into storytime and encouraging caregivers to do the same. Giving "caregiver tips" (about anything) is an element of storytime that I struggle with in general, so I really appreciated the practical scripts to get started.

I crossed paths with the author a bit while working in West Michigan libraries and always admired her and her youth services colleagues from afar. So excited to read such an important book written by such a cool librarian.

[Jenna (Falling Letters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book that’s a good introduction but if you’re already familiar with the topic, you might not learn much. I read it because I wanted to recommend it to library staff who I was working with at the time. It’s definitely a good read for anyone who hasn’t studied the topic before and is looking for concrete tips to put into practice.