Mixed Just Right
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Children come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. However, children and adults alike have been known to treat children of different races differently. Some may not visibly treat them differently but hold strong feelings about whether their children should associate with children of certain races. This book aims to help children, parents, mental health workers, teachers, lawyers, doctors, and others to understand and reflect on the experiences of racially mixed children.
Age
3-12
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they discovered their unique traits?
Why is it important to celebrate everyone's differences?
What does the word 'diversity' mean to you after reading this book?
How can we show others that we appreciate them just the way they are?
Can you think of a time when you felt different? How did you deal with that feeling?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences related to diversity and uniqueness to set a comfortable tone for the conversation.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book’s themes without interrupting, to promote a sense of validation and understanding.
Relate the book's scenarios to real-life situations in your child’s environment like school or the playground to make the discussion more relatable.
Praise your child's responses and insights to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts about complex themes.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child's understanding and perspective, guiding them gently towards empathy and appreciation of diversity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Celebration of Diversity
Explanation: The story follows a young protagonist exploring different cultures and backgrounds, highlighting the beauty in diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace differences among their peers, promoting an inclusive environment at school and in other social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Acceptance
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate acceptance towards others regardless of their backgrounds, teaching empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open and accepting of others, which is crucial in building respectful relationships and community bonds.
Example Lesson: Self-Identity and Confidence
Explanation: The main character discovers personal strengths and unique qualities, fostering a strong sense of self.
Real-World Application: It helps children to recognize their own unique traits and feel confident in who they are, boosting self-esteem and individuality.
Example Lesson: Unity and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters work together to solve problems, demonstrating the power of unity and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of collaboration, encouraging them to participate in group activities and cooperate with others for common goals.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist shows curiosity and eagerness to learn from different cultures.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore and learn about the world around them, fostering lifelong learning and curiosity.