Why Use Racism Fiction in Home School Classrooms?

What better time in a person’s life to examine how to treat those who are different from us than when young people are gathered in a safe place, guided by a caring teacher who can facilitate an open-minded discussion? High school students are on the precipice of entering a world where they may encounter people of other races and ethnicities (if they aren’t already) and learn to work with them side by side. Now is the time to explore books about diversity for young adults and explain how to accept one’s self for who they are as well as others.

Overview of the Story

A Blind Protagonist in a “No‑Race” Society
Immersive narrative that reveals hidden bias
Allegory for real‑world silencing of race discussions
Because we are living in the character’s world of blindness, there is no way to tell if the actions between characters in the book are driven by racism or any other stereotypes
Discussions can be held with students of ALL races – voices of ANYONE experiencing discriminatory circumstances can be heard through books about diversity that approach these themes with care

Core Themes of Personal Identity, Fair Treatment, and Empathy

Identity - How important is it to know who you are and where you come from? Are willing to put your life on the line for that knowledge?
Fair Treatment – the need for world citizens to have the same respect for one another as they have for themselves, no matter what
Empathy – feeling for all people, no matter who they are Why This Novel?
- By using the unreliable narrator of a blind person, the reader can’t see the races of those around her. Therefore, readers will not bring in any of their own biases and can see treatment of people for what it is. By reading this way, their minds will be open to understanding and empathizing with those who are mistreated.
Teach About Sensitive Topics in Your Safe Place
- Many homeschool educators look for books about diversity that create space for helpful and guided discussion. In today’s world, one never knows where to go to talk about important topics without being cancelled or shut down. But your students have questions! It is perfectly reasonable to be able to talk out their questions during school time, where someone they trust can contribute answers.
Engage Your Readers
- As a YA novel, this book about diversity for young adults is written on a level that even younger teens can understand. The story contains high action in the present-day scenes involving domestic terrorism which keeps the reader on their edge of their seat. Students can voice their own concerns through questions they ask about the characters in the story.
- Pacing and language tailored to high school readers

Family Dialogue Starters

Extend conversations outside the classroom using these prompts, perfect for families using books to teach diversity at home.

Open ended questions to spark conversation at home
Ideas for reading aloud and shared reflections

Fostering Home Conversations on Diversity

Homeschool families using fiction books about diversity can deepen the experience by encouraging conversation.

Simple Discussion Prompts

“What surprised you about how people treated our hero?"
“How might you speak up if race talk were forbidden?”

Tips for Family Reading Time

Assign “chapter reflections” during meal or downtime
Encourage journaling or art responses to key scenes

What Do You Need to Have to Teach The Color of Water?

A class
The book (preferably one for each student)
A Place for Open Discussion

How to Purchase

Contact me today to learn more, or purchase online!