Race Cars: A children's book about white privilege

Race Cars is a children's book that explores white privilege and helps parents and educators have tough conversations about race, privilege, and oppression. It tells the story of 2 best friends, a white car and a black car, who have different experiences and face different rules while entering the same race. The book is filled with bright illustrations, a notes and activities section, and is designed to help children understand these complex themes at a young age.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 40 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd

Race Cars is a captivating children's book that delves into the complex topic of white privilege, aimed at facilitating meaningful conversations about race, privilege, and oppression among parents and educators. Authored by a clinical social worker and child therapist with extensive experience in anti-bias training, and meticulously edited by a diversity expert, Race Cars weaves a captivating narrative that revolves around two best friends—a white car and a black car—who embark on a race while facing distinct experiences and encountering different rules.

The book is adorned with vibrant and eye-catching illustrations that captivate young readers, while a comprehensive notes and activities section at the back provides valuable resources for parents, guardians, and teachers to engage in further discussions with children on these important topics.

The significance of this book cannot be overstated, as it emerges at a crucial juncture in a child's development. From as early as six months old, a baby's brain begins to discern racial differences, and by the age of two to four, children can internalize racial bias and begin to assign meaning to race. By the age of five to eight, children start to form value judgments based on similarities and differences. By the age of twelve, children have fully developed stereotypes about every racial, ethnic, and religious group in society.

Given the profound impact of these early impressions, it is imperative that parents and educators provide guidance and support in helping children understand the complexities of race and privilege. Race Cars offers a simple yet powerful approach to introducing these complex themes to children, making it an invaluable addition to classroom and home libraries.

"Race Cars" has garnered widespread praise from esteemed figures in the fields of sociology and education. Margaret A. Hagerman, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of California, San Diego, hailed it as a "great tool for helping young people understand structural racial inequality—and the importance of challenging it!" She emphasized that the book can initiate meaningful conversations about racism, white privilege, and how children can actively contribute to combating racial injustice in their own lives.

Marianne Celano, a New York Times bestselling co-author of "Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice," also praised "Race Cars" for its ability to jumpstart important conversations with children about racism, white privilege, and how to fight racial injustice in their own lives. Celano noted that the book provides a relatable and accessible framework for children to grasp these complex concepts and encourages them to become agents of change in their communities.

In conclusion, Race Cars is a groundbreaking children's book that empowers parents and educators to initiate crucial conversations about race, privilege, and oppression. Through its captivating narrative, vibrant illustrations, and comprehensive resources, the book helps children understand the complexities of these issues and encourages them to become agents of change in their communities. By fostering open and honest dialogue at an early age, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for all children.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 216 x 281 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780711265837
Edition number: Illustrated Edition