I'm looking over some children's books I have.

I really like this book:



and I'd like to read it to my class, I really enjoy the artwork, it is a really beautiful book, but I'm kinda afraid that it might seem strange because I am a white teacher in a predominatly black school, and some of the speech is ...how shall I say this.... stero-typical? ( not sure what term to use) and I don't want it to seem like I am making fun of anyone. A few years ago in NYC, a white teacher read a book that said a child had nappy hair, and there was an uproar, I don't want to cause anyone discomfort or my intentions to be taken the wrong way.

Here's a blurb about the story line.

In the 1950s, Dana struggles to live in two worlds—her Harlem neighborhood and the advanced school she attends—while staying true to herself. Irene Smalls and Colin Bootman team up in this heart-warming story of friendship, integration, opportunity, and hard choices.

It's won a few awards too..


Bank Street Books Best Children's Books of the Year (2004)
Massachusetts Book Awards -- Honor Book (2004)
Storytelling World Award - Stories for Young Listeners (2004)

Would it be wrong for me to read this to my class?

No matter how good your intentions, it could be misunderstood because I think people expect it more often than not now.

Maybe some Shel Silverstein or Roald Dahl instead if you don't end up reading it?



(Bastards.)

subhuman09 said:

That's what I thought too... shame it's a beautiful book

I agree, society is sooooo easily offended,

at least we know of your good intentions sweeny.

jerseykrs said:

I'ma have someone else read it... it's such a nice book!

Sweeny79 said:

You know, this kind of stuff just upsets me to no end. Some people need to take a :pill: because there is no pleasing everybody all of the time. Some people specifically look for things that they conjure up as being offensive, so the rest of society has to bend to their will. It's almost to the point of book-burnings for things like this, and some people don't seem to realize that being politically correct has gotten way out of hand and is to the point of stupidity.

Okay, I'm done ranting now.

MrJoker said:

If my memory serves me correctly...a bunch of teachers read the same book in that school and there was no problem,but the white teacher reads it and....

I understand though, it's a fine line to walk.

I just think the watercolors in the book are really beautiful.

I'll either have someone else read the book to my class, or leave it out where they can see it and read it on their own.

Try this book, Sweeny...I used to read it to Tanys all the time...



The illustrations are gorgeous, and there's no problem with the storyline.

Byron said:

I have that that book beautiful

Byron said:

my mother used to read this book to me. it's a very beautiful book.

Sweeney79-
Just by looking at that book, it spells trouble.