Your Plantation Prom Is Not Okay
illustrations by
on Goodreads (602)
What’s inside...
In this powerful and timely book, Kelly McWilliams tackles the controversial topic of plantation-themed proms and the harm they perpetuate. Through personal anecdotes, historical context, and critical analysis, McWilliams argues that these events are not only offensive but also deeply problematic, perpetuating racist stereotypes and glorifying a history of oppression. She challenges readers to confront the ways in which these events contribute to systemic racism and to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Ultimately, McWilliams offers a call to action, urging readers to rethink their assumptions and to join her in dismantling the harmful traditions that perpetuate racism and discrimination.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the book make you feel about the idea of celebrating events from history?
What are some ways the characters in the book responded to learning about their history? Can you relate to any of their reactions?
Why is it important to understand and respect the histories of all communities?
What have you learned from the book that you didn't know before about cultural sensitivity?
How can we apply the lessons from this book to our everyday actions and decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings and takeaways from the book to make your child feel comfortable expressing their thoughts.
Encourage your child to think about the broader implications of historical events and traditions, and how they affect different groups of people.
Reiterate that it’s okay to have questions or feel uncomfortable about certain topics, and use this as a learning opportunity to explore answers together.
Link discussions to current events or personal experiences to help your child make connections and see the relevance of the book’s themes in their own life.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights, fostering an environment where they feel valued and heard.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Sensitivity
Explanation: The book portrays characters who learn about the implications of cultural insensitivity through the planning of a plantation-themed prom. The story highlights the importance of understanding and respecting cultural history and the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be considerate and thoughtful about the diversity of people's backgrounds and histories they interact with daily, promoting inclusiveness and empathy in school or social settings.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: As the characters in the book confront the ethical issues surrounding their prom theme, they engage in discussions that challenge their initial perceptions and encourage critical analysis of societal norms.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to question and evaluate the impact of their actions and the traditions they partake in, enabling them to make informed, conscientious decisions in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: The lead characters eventually understand their oversight and take responsibility for their actions by changing the prom theme to something more appropriate. This demonstrates accountability for one's actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of admitting mistakes and correcting them, fostering a sense of personal responsibility and integrity in both academic and personal settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interacting with classmates of diverse backgrounds, the protagonists learn to empathize with those who might be hurt or offended by the insensitive prom theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy by considering and valuing how their actions affect others, leading to more compassionate interactions with their peers.