Let's Talk About Race (Julius Lester)

Lester, Julius. Let’s Talk About Race. Ill. by Karen Barbour. China: Harper Collins, 2005. ISBN 0060285982

PLOT SUMMARY

Let’s Talk About Race is an interactive and casual conversation between author and reader. Lester introduces himself and his life’s story to the reader and questions the reader on his or her story. Lester describes how race is a piece of everyone’s individual story and while important, it does not define someone. He directly discusses problems that occur when one race, gender, or socioeconomic status claims superiority and encourages readers to imagine a world where similarities are recognized and differences are celebrated.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Julius Lester has written a joyful book that will encourage a respectful dialogue amongst children over their differences, including race, gender, language, religion, and family income. This book is meant to be read aloud with occasional pauses for discussion and activity. The text asks numerous questions and even asks children to find a partner and touch each other's bones in order to reveal humanity's sameness underneath the skin. Students will love the way the book encourages them to think, talk, and move around.

The text’s relaxed tone is a welcome approach to the sometimes intimidating topic of race. Lester acknowledges the important similarities between all humans  and how these similarities connect us together. This concept is underscored by symbolic illustrations of life, friendship, the human soul, and enlightenment through the reappearance of trees, koi, and butterflies, and eyes throughout the book’s pages. 

Just as important to the book, however, is the fact that the illustrations and text recognize and celebrate the many differences between people. Lester tells his own story, letting readers know that he is a black, Jewish man who is from the United States and loves eating fish. Karen Barbour uses her warm, exuberant paintings to celebrate differences. A myriad of skin tones, hair types, clothing styles, facial features, and body shapes are used to represent cultures and races from across the globe. The combination of Lester’s skillful use of language and Barbour’s soulful illustrations create an affirming book for all children.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

BookList: “interactive text that is clearly meant to generate discussion”

Kirkus Reviews: “lighthearted, avuncular tone and vivid art combine to make a surprisingly effective package”

Publisher’s Weekly: “presents the wealth of human difference as a treasure trove for discovery”

School Library Journal: “The pairing of text and dazzling artwork is flawless.”

CONNECTIONS

After reading Let’s Talk About Race, have students write down their personal stories and work together to create a class book that celebrates every student.

Read other books that encourage students to recognize their own unique, important perspective.

Browne, Anthony. Voices In The Park. ISBN: 9780789481917

Fox, Mem. Whoever You Are. ISBN: 9780152060305

Katz, Karen. The Colors of Us. ISBN: 9780805071634

Try doing an author study on Julius Lester and sample his wide variety of books. Here are a few picture book recommendations to get students started.

Lester, Julius. Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story. ISBN: 9780803717879

Lester, Julius. From Slave Ship, To Freedom. ISBN: 9780140566697

Lester, Julius. The Hungry Ghosts. ISBN: 9780803725133

Lester, Julius. John Henry. ISBN: 9780140566222

Lester, Julius. What a Truly Cool World. ISBN: 9780590864688