The Talk

by Alicia D. Williams, Briana Mukodiri Uchendu (Illustrator)

As a little boy grows into a bigger boy, ready to take on the world, he first must have that very difficult conversation far too familiar to so many Black and Brown Americans in this gentle and ultimately hopeful picture book.

Jay’s most favorite things are hanging out with his pals, getting kisses from Grandma, riding in his dad’s cool car, and getting measured by his mom with pencil marks on the wall. But as those height marks inch upward, Grandpa warns Jay about being in too big a group with his friends, Grandma worries others won’t see him as quite so cute now that he’s older, and Dad has to tell Jay how to act if the police ever pull them over.

And Jay just wants to be a kid.

All Black and Brown kids get The Talk—the talk that could mean the difference between life and death in a racist world.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, African American, Family, Social Justice, Fiction, Friendship

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 18, 2022

About the author

What's there to know about Alicia D? Well, that depends on who you ask.

If you ask kindergartners, they'd tell you:

1. She likes chunky guacamole.

2. She likes shiny things.

3. She tells good stories.

If you ask her middle schoolers, they'd surely say:

1. She gets us.

2. She makes us laugh with all her jokes.

3. She is Da BOMB.

While all of these may be true, there are a few more points to add . . . Alicia D. is a teacher in Charlotte, NC. She is the proud mother of a brilliant college student. Her love for education stems from conducting school residencies as a Master Teaching Artist of arts-integration. Alicia D infuses her love for drama, movement, and storytelling to inspire students to write. And like other great storytellers, she made the leap into writing--and well, her story continues. Alicia D loves laughing, traveling, and Wonder Woman.

Reviews

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black women are fighting so many different wars.

We need to normalize having the ‘the talk’ with our black daughters too.

[Erin Entrada Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully done.

[donna backshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that was a big fat punch to the gut.

Tastefully and subtly done, this book should be required reading in every school.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Jay and his friends grow up, things change. White people and police give them the side eye when they aren’t doing anything wrong. His dad doesn’t want him to wear his hood up when he goes out. Why? Well that’s what The Talk is about.

And even with cellphone footage of unarmed Black people getting gunned down by police (or wannabe police), White people still make excuses for why Black people are more heavily policed and have fewer freedoms. So what does that mean? It means that a lot of parents are struggling to explain what is happening on the news to their kids in a way that they will understand. It’s a serious and scary thing, but really important to discuss, so how do you explain the injustice and the danger? This book can help.

This book leaves space for parents to explain as explicitly as they need to why things are different for Jay and other kids like him. I thought that was a nice touch because then families can adjust their discussion based on what their children have seen and experienced and what questions they may have.

This is an important book for families of ALL skin colors to discuss!

[Nadhira Satria · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a way to handle a serious topic. i cried reading this

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does a good job of capturing a childlike wonder while educating on a difficult subject. I loved the family support exhibited here.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated by Briana Mukodiri Uchendu, the story and illustrations tell the tale of a young boy growing up until he reaches the age when all Black and brown parents know they have to give “the talk.” The illustrations compliment the story, but pay attention the the backgrounds, and tell the story at the point of “the talk.” Williams and Uchendu choose to tell the story from familial love in a way that will surely help parents when their children arrive at the age. Wonderful book about something that I wish didn’t have to occur.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is sad that a book like this has to be written at all. A book called "The Talk" but it has nothing to do with sex education. And has everything to do with the color of one's skin and the different treatment, the social constructs, and the constant living under a microscope.

The illustrations convey what words do not. Even the secondary illustrations of the TV with the news blurb, the white woman whispering to a policeman, the hands on the steering wheel....it was impactful.

[Emily Van Meter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Talk, 2022
Coretta Scott King Author Award
Jay is growing up and with that comes a need for the talk. Why he can’t walk out with his hood on, how to put his hands on the wheel when he’s pulled over, and even more less-defined details about prejudice against Black people. This book isn’t too heavy so I think it would be suitable for all ages. It’s a great way to introduce racism and racial prejudice into the classroom when working with younger age groups.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story does a fine job of leading up to “The Talk” without actually engaging in The Talk. Two panels of vague illustrations are somehow supposed to speak those two thousand words by themselves, which is not the time to go wordless after the boy’s family says, “Jay, it’s time we had a talk.” That said, this lacuna does make space for a discussion about racial injustice and how to deal with it, offering families an opportunity to fill in the blank, as it were, with their own version of The Talk.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard hitting picture book about a young black boy that just wants to run and have fun with his friends. But as he gets older, his family begins to warn him away from such things as gathering in groups of four or more, keeping his hands in his pockets, etc.

A necessary book for some families, a fantastic book to explain what "The Talk" is like for others.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reality of growing up black in this country and what parents do to protect their child.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deals with the racial bias that unfortunately still affects kids in the USA.

[Julie Reeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really powerful. Must read for everyone. Adults included.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Talk is a devastating portrayal of the realities of the "talk" that Black and brown children have with their parents because of the brutal realities of the racist systems we live within. Jay is a relatable, regular kid, and his family has the talk with him when the world stops seeing him like a boy and starts seeing him like a threat. It introduces the idea of the talk rather than portraying it specifically, although much of the narrative portrays what the talk is about before it transitions to pure illustrations. The art is fantastic. This book is a vital resource for our world as we know it.

[Halina Hetman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Реалістична книжка, що допоможе дітям, які ростуть, зрозуміти реальний світ, де є підозрілість, ба навіть ворожість до них через колір їхньої шкіри. Де дітям певної раси треба бути більш обережними та більш ввічливими, щоб не потрапити в неприємності. Ця непроста тема піднята через прекрасні ілюстрації та співчутливий текст.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first children’s book about the talk that I’ve read. The art is beautiful and it depicts the innocence and freedom of the children, until the day the family needs to have the talk. I was a little confused about the lack of actual text of the talk until I realized the book is allowing the reader to customize that for their child.

I picked this up at the library today as part of my black history month reading, although I’m trying never again to limit it to February only. Black history is American history.

[Deborah]

Addresses a heartbreaking topic of injustice with skill and sensitivity, emphasizing that all children deserve to live with joy, rather than fear.

[Kathryn Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022, Coretta Scott King Award, Fiction

The Talk is a book about a boy named Jay, and his story of growing up. As a little boy, Jay was able to laugh and play and run around with his friends but as the story continues, he begins to find out the world is not as happy and beautiful of a place as he hoped and expected. This book is a great lesson, and can teach students how different their peers lives can be from our own. How they have to grow up with different conversations, with different standards than us and not for good reason.

This book really tugged on my heartstrings. I absolutely loved the illustrations, especially on the page where they had 'the talk' because no words had to be said. It can be used by parents as a starter for their conversations with their children, to either explain the dangers of the world they live in or to explain that other children have it different and we should be good to them as to change that.

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful.
well written.
The illustrations add a lot more to the story.
A must read for our racialized communities.
Don’t be discouraged by the 3 stars and below ratings from a demographic that has never and will never understand this sad reality.

Excellent work.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful, thought-provoking, and realistic book with gorgeous illustrations.

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure who this book is for.

[MEHRAZ KHALIFA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Talk written by Alicia D. Williams is a great book to read to children. This book opens many conversations about racial prejudice and how it can impact the society we live in. I chose this book because as I read it, I felt connected to it, and how it can be a struggle for parents and educators to explain to their children or students about issues the world faces.
This book is about a little boy named Jay who loves hanging out with his friends outdoors, going for rides with his dad in his new car, hearing stories with grandpa, getting his cheeks squeezed by nana, and getting his height measured by his mom. It comes time when mom measures Jay’s height and realizes he’s gotten big and it’s time for the talk. Grandpa warns Jay and his friends not to crowd in groups of four or more. Jay is confused and wonders why he must lower his voice, why he is told not to play outside, and why he must keep his hands out of his pockets when at the store. He just wants to enjoy being a kid and being able to hang out with his friends.
I loved how this book did a good job explaining race, brutality, and stereotypes, in a way that lets readers understand. Reading this book helps children and adults understand the reality of our world and great discussions can take place after a read aloud in class. This is a great book to read out loud for preschoolers up to third grade (ages 4-9) as the text is short, easy to read, and understand. It teaches about race and injustice which can make children curious about themselves and the world. It can help children develop empathy for others along with seeing what is right and wrong.
I felt connected to this book because being a Muslim woman, when I had started wearing my headscarf at the age of nine, my parents, especially my mom, gave me a talk about what people may say to me or how I may get looked at. With past and recent events, my mom still fears for us all, she tells me that whatever may happen, always stand up for yourself and be brave.
I found few elements of social justice that tied well this book which were awareness, diversity, and social action. This book raises awareness of people of color, realities of what they face, and injustice. Through looking at this book from a diverse point of view, it helps one gain understanding and learn more about themselves and others. It helps one build empathy for people who may face stereotypes and discrimination and how we can help and advocate for everyone to have access to equal opportunities.
After reading this book, I hope that I can help remove stereotypes from people and hope that I can be an advocate for having equal opportunities for all. I want to share this book with anyone else who may feel that they were in a similar situation where their parents had to give them a talk to warn them.
The Author Alicia D. Williams does a fantastic job with writing the book, especially a book that holds meanings for many parents when it comes to the time of giving their children the talk of navigating through life. Her work centers around social issues and identity and she seeks to write stories which resonate with young children. The Author Briana Mukodiri Uchendu does an amazing job with the illustrations. They are meaningful and capture what the book is trying to say. I like how it leaves two pages blank just with illustrations to allow conversations in class
I would recommend this book all the way because it teaches great, important lessons that everyone needs to hear. “The Talk” does not only have to do with Black and brown people, but it could also be for all skin colors for everyone experiencing a stereotype or someone causing harm to another.
I recommend parents to read this to their children and teachers to read this book in classrooms and in libraries to teach students about others!

[Laura Giessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thankful for this book and wish it could be shared widely, especially with white adults. (Guess that's my job). From the beginning, the kids are portrayed as kids--doing what kids do and thinking about what kids think about. The family portrayals are beautiful and loving; with the difficult subject matter, I love that there is a lot of content that reminds kids that they are special, important, powerful, and can be anything they want to be, pointing them to great role models who have made a difference in our world. As the son, who is Black, grows, the mother worries that "They won't see you as a young boy anymore..." Illustrations show scenarios that we have all seen--TV news about young Black men being arrested, sideways glances from white people when groups of Black children are together, security guards taking notice when Black children enter stores. Grandpa stops the children's play and "warns us not to crowd in groups of four or more...some folks might think you're the next troublemaker." The kids say, "We're only hanging out," but Grandpa says, "That don't matter." Similarly, before going shopping for a new hoodie, Mom tells her son "No playing, no loud talking, and don't put your hands in your pockets unless you're in an open space", and we see people in the store taking notice and eyeing the young Black boy. The father also tells the son "Son, if you're stopped by the police, keep your hands on the steering wheel or on the dashboard, and be very, very calm." These "talks" are interspersed with kids being kids, and the kids don't always understand what is being said; but you can see that their innocence is starting to be taken away. Finally, the whole family sits down because "it's time we had a talk." When you turn the page, there is a wordless two-page spread of dark illustrations, depicting disturbing events like encounters with police and children being viewed with suspicion. Although some readers may want more--more details about exactly what is included in "the talk"--I can appreciate how this part is left open so that each family can fill in the words and content as they see fit for a conversation with their own children. This may not be the book for Black parents looking for guidance on what to include in "the talk," although it does a beautiful job of portraying how these difficult subjects can be addressed ALONG WITH talk that builds up their young Black children. The best audience for this book may be whites, and white adults in particular, who have yet to realize how differently Black children experience the world than white children. I found it powerful and valuable for this reason. This presumption of guilt for Black people, even children, is something that we have yet to reckon with and fix on a societal level. Good for this teacher-author for writing this book!!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

For young boys and girls, especially boys, with brown or black skin, arguably nothing could be more important than The Talk when their parents, caregivers or siblings must warn them against the racism and judgment lurking in the world as well as providing rules about behavior in certain spaces. Jay, a Black youngster who narrates the story and directly addresses readers, childhood and growing up are cherished times for hanging out with friends, being goofy, and hoping to grow taller. The author has captured the voice of a young boy perfectly with little asides about how he actually likes when his grandmother pinches his cheeks. The soft colors in the digital artwork depict Jay's community and the passage of time while his mother periodically measures his height, knowing that the time is drawing nigh when The Talk will be necessary in order to keep him safe. Observant readers will note that Jay and his friends have dreams, his parents and grandfather are supportive, and even as the youngsters are playing or Jay and his mother are shopping, there are those in the background or foreground who look on them with suspicion. Although Jay has already been warned not to congregate in groups of four or more and heard his father's advice about how to behave if a police officer stops him while driving, he has no idea just how perilous simple actions may be for someone like him. The content of The Talk is not included verbatim here; instead, a double-page spread filled with dark, ominous shapes and scenarios effectively illustrates what they most likely said. The last pages of the book are powerful. Jay expresses a desire to "just be...us" (unpaged) and to go about their days without having to worry about being singled out for the wrong reasons, perhaps becoming the victims of violence. While there are those who may regard this book and topic as too bleak or depressing, unfortunately, it's an essential conversation that might save lives. It's also worth pointing out that the book ends on a positive note with Jay surrounded by his family's embrace, having been assured that he is not to blame for any of this or how he may be treated in the future. I'm not alone in looking forward to the day when this book will seem outdated and these conversations no longer necessary.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is powerful, sad, and very needed. The story of young black boy growing up and being proud of his growth, his strength, and his speed when he runs. As a young boy there were not restrictions of how many friends he hung out with in his neighborhood, but one day his grandpa, then his father, then all of his family had a talk with him. The talk about choices he must make in situations that he has been in before, but never knew the rules would change. Having less than 4 friends around him, not putting his hands in his pockets when at a store, not wearing his hoodie when listening to his ear pods are the subjects of these talks. Talks about how others see the color of his skin before they see anything else. There is a spread in the book of his friends playing and couple is walking a dog and looks suspicious. There is another spread in a story where an officer and another shopper are looking concerned. Mostly the book is about the confusion for Jay and his friends and the heart gripping sadness of his family members who know this talk has to happen as the world is not always seeing what Jay's family sees when they see him on the neighborhood street or out shopping. I truly believe that bibliotherapy is needed for all of us, but have never seen this particular conversation in a book before now. I believe this book is a FIRST Purchase for all libraries serving school aged children. I would add this to middle school libraries as well as elementary libraries as it is that important and that beautifully done. Kudos to author Alicia D. Williams and illustrator Briana Mukodiri Uchendu.

I am ever so grateful for this book as my students and my friends have talked about the need for a talk and I could not find literature to help them. We all need support as we grow and learn about our world and I am a big supporter of books helping us along. I am so sad that our world has not changed enough yet. I hope this book will make more families aware of how judgement based on skin colors changes the joy of childhood for far too many in our country.

[Sue H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not about the birds and bees, but it is a talk that parents of Black (and sometimes Brown) children have with their little boys as they get older. It is a heart-wrenching conversation that most parents don’t want to have but feel like is necessary to try to keep their growing child safe. A conversation that will inevitably change their childhood and possibly their view of the world.

This story follows a little boy named Jay, who loves to play outside with his friends, and yearns, like most kids, to be bigger –he helps with chores, carries a superhero wallet, and even pretends to drive the family car when he sits on his dad’s lap in the front seat. Jay is excited when he has a growth spurt and his chubby cheeks flatten out, but the adults around him are saddened by these changes, understanding that the world will see him differently. Soon after, they sit down with him to give him “The Talk”.

While many parents are dreading this conversation, this powerful book can be a helpful tool to open a difficult conversation. There is no dialogue on the spread that represent “The Talk” (which may be a sore poinnt for other reviewers) only illustrations, allowing for families to have discussions surrounding their particular situation. I love that the book ends with reassurance and love from his family and a reminder that he is still a child, and he and his friends want to do regular things that kids do. For families that do not need to have this conversation, this book can serve as an eye-opener and a way to create space for understanding and empathy when these issues and concerns are raised.

I recommend this book for kids and adults alike.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little black boy, Jay, is playing with his friends and is loved on by his grandmother as she pinches his baby fat cheeks. He is loved by his parents and is happy and carefree. He can't wait to grow taller and taller, and through the years his mom's pencil marks on the wall go just a little bit higher. He wants to one day be as tall as his dad to be able to drive just like him. But his mom knows that as he grows, people won't see him as a young boy any more. While out shopping, his mom tells him to not put his hands in his pockets unless he's out in the open. Jay wonders why. While in the car, his dad tells him that when Jay does get to drive and if he gets pulled over, to always leave his hands on the steering wheel. Jay again wonders why would he get pulled over in the first place, because he will be a very safe driver. One day as he pulls up his hoodie and sticks in his earphones while walking out the door, his parents call him back in for the talk.

The story and illustrations work powerfully together as the pictures show what Jay is not seeing-a white couple glancing back at his group of friends playing, white people giving him the suspicious side eye in the store, etc. The story and the pictures juxtapose Jay's innocence and what he sees to what his parents see and worry about. The book speaks in a quiet and yet sobering voice of the reality of racial profiling and racism.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this was a fairy tale yet know it is not. Little Jay and his friends are happy growing up, wishing it would go faster! They play and laugh and like all kids, have so much fun. And yet, through the book, Alicia D. Williams gives a hint of what's coming in her story. Grandpa tells the kids not to hang out too long in groups of four or more. He says "But some folks might think you're the next troublemaker." The kids are shown by illustrator Briana Mukodiri Uchendu (her picture book debut) in a store perhaps like a 7-11, with a security person watching with a frown. There are other scenes like this, illustrated in shadows with more frowning faces. As Jay grows, it's time for other warnings; he's old enough to drive, and have "The Talk". A double-page spread in darkness shows more than one scene, including a young boy being patted down by a police officer. The sadness appears like the background, always there, never gone, but family expressions show the love that surrounds Jay and reassures him he's done nothing wrong. It's not an easy book and I'd love to see many white people reading it, knowing this is the life led by children of color. We all know the examples, we all see the news every day. Don't miss this book and share it widely!

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

2023ALA, Coretta Scott King Author Honor book for Alicia D. Williams

Oh, how I wish the necessity for “The Talk“ were not a necessity for parents of black and brown children in a world where racism is rampant today. This beautifully illustrated picture book by Brianna Mukodiri Uchendu shows black and brown children, running and playing and rejoicing in life, with their grandfather, rooting them on, and telling them stories of people of color. It also shows these children growing up, and the worry on the faces of their parents until the day that those loving caring parents and grandparents must sit down with their child and give them “the talk “that will hopefully keep them safe in a world where racial prejudice and dangers their life if they gather in groups, or stopped by a policeman, are trying to just live their lives.

This beautifully written and illustrated picture book, gently, honestly and sensitively gives us a starting point for the painfully necessary conversation for black children for brown children, and for all children, because we need to know what needs to change to make that happen, and make all children safe from racial bias and prejudice.