Goodnight Racism

In Goodnight Moon, all is right with the world as the child settles into bed. Goodnight is said to all his possessions as he is cheerfully tucked in. But in this world, there are much uglier issues that we want to put behind us: injustice, poverty, discrimination, and racism. The author, Ibram X. Kendi, has written books for grown-ups about these issues, but this book is a lovely goodnight prayer for children. It acquaints them with a diversity of viewpoints and how the moon does not play favorites but shines on all children equally. Certainly, there must be a child in your life that would be delighted by this message and the beautiful writing and illustrations which encapsulate it. If it is true that children are taught racism at a young age, this might create a sensitivity toward other children and the way they live. As the book says …some kids do not have food, do not have beds because of unfair rules and unjust treatment. It seems like all of us require sensitivity to this message.