Something Happened in Our Town bookcover

Something Happened in Our Town

A Child's Story about Racial Injustice

Ann Hazzard 

(Author)

et al.

Jennifer Zivoin 

(Illustrator)
4.9/5.0
21,000+ Reviews
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Description

Something Happened in Our Town follows two families--one White, one Black--as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community.

The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives. Included is an extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers with guidelines for discussing race and racism with children, child-friendly definitions, and sample dialogues. Free, downloadable educator materials (including discussion questions) are available in the additional resources tab.

There are many benefits of beginning to discuss racial bias and injustice with young children of all races and ethnicities. Research has shown that children even as young as three years of age notice and comment on differences in skin color. Humans of all ages tend to ascribe positive qualities to the group that they belong to and negative qualities to other groups.

Product Details

PublisherMagination Press -- American Psychological Association
Publish DateMarch 01, 2018
Pages40
LanguageEnglish
TypeBook iconHardback
EAN/UPC9781433828546
Dimensions10.1 X 8.1 X 0.4 inches | 0.8 pounds
BISAC Categories: Kids, Kids, Kids, Kids

About the Author

Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP is a faculty member at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, providing psychological services to underserved adults, youth, and families. Marianne is a co-author with Drs. Hazzard and Collins of the New York Times bestselling Something Happened in Our Town and Something Happened in Our Park.
Marietta Collins, PhD, is a faculty member at Morehouse School of Medicine, providing psychological services to underserved adults, youth, and families. Marietta is also involved in community advocacy efforts focused on children's behavioral health and social justice in the Atlanta, GA, area. She is a co-author with Drs. Hazzard and Celano of the New York Times bestselling Something Happened in Our Town and Something Happened in Our Park.
Ann Hazzard, PhD, ABPP, is a faculty member at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, working at clinics serving mostly minority and immigrant families. As a psychologist, Ann has utilized therapeutic stories in treatment with children and teens. As a community advocate, she has focused on children's behavioral health and social justice. She is a co-author with Drs. Collins and Celano of the New York Times bestselling Something Happened in Our Town and Something Happened in Our Park.
Jennifer Zivoin worked as a graphic designer and then as a creative director before finding her artistic niche illustrating children's books. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with highest distinction from the honors division of Indiana University. Jennifer lives in Indiana with her husband and two daughters.

Reviews

A NEW YORK TIMES AND #1 INDIEBOUND BEST SELLER

#6 on American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom's Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2020

A Little Free Library Action Book Club Selection

National Parenting Product Award Winner (NAPPA)

NCSS-CBC 2019 Notable Social Science Trade Book for Young People

Mentioned in The New York Times--"These Books Can Help You Explain Racism and Protest to Your Kids"

Mentioned in USA Today--"Looking for books about racism? Experts suggest these must-read titles for adults and kids"

Featured on Today--"10 books to help you discuss anti-racism with children and teenagers"

Featured in Forbes--"Why Kids Of All Races Need to Know How to Talk About Race"

Featured in Glamour--"10 Books to Help Talk to Your Kids About Racism, as Recommended by Black Authors"

Mentioned in Brit + Co--"24 Books That Can Help Parents Talk to Kids About Race"

Mentioned in Fast Company--"5 ways to support Black Lives Matter protesters--even if you can't join a protest"

Mentioned in Chicago Sun-Times--"43 must-read books about racism for adults and kids"

Mentioned in U.S. Catholic--"Required reading: A Black Catholic syllabus"

Featured in The Christian Century--"Talking to white kids about what whiteness means"

"Written by three psychologists, this is a great educational resource for parents... how to talk to children about race and racism and trauma, how to identify and counter racial injustice." --Vogue

"Does an admirable job showing two families' reactions to a police killing... important for library collections."--School Library Journal

"This book provides the necessary framework for talking to children about racial injustice." --Women's Day

"Provides an unflinching look at how families can and should talk about racism...Explores the roots of racism in America, the importance of actively fighting for social justice, and how kids can respond to the prejudice and exclusion that creeps into their classrooms... Whatever this discussion looks like in your household, it's just a first step."--Mashable.com

"This beautifully written and illustrated book tackles a difficult subject with grace, helping families share conversations about racism and discrimination." --What's Up Moms

"This book helps children grapple with one of the most disturbing and troubling issues in our society today, police shootings of people of color, and helps them to identify and counter racial injustice." --Mommy Poppins

"This is a difficult subject, and I think this book handles it well. The language is age-appropriate and gentle. The illustrations are beautiful, and the message is positive: kids can start a 'better pattern' by including kids who are different than themselves." --Five Star Review, San Francisco Book Review

"

This book is a must-read for kids and parents, it offers great examples of how to talk to kids about race." --Kids & Race

"Something Happened In Our Town respectfully and honestly deals with a paramount social problem, and is worthy of the highest recommendation for public, school library, and family picture book collections." --Children's Bookwatch

"This story will open up the doors to some important and heavy issues that children are exposed to in today's society. Issues of race, discrimination, stereotypes, racial profiling, entitlement..." --Lulu's Book Journey

"Right now, parents are looking for more children's books that accurately depict the world their kids live in today. They also want a book that helps them discuss the tough issues that they would otherwise feel uncomfortable talking about. This is that book....The lesson of compassion and tolerance will touch anyone's heart....This beautifully depicted picture book is a must for parents, teachers and librarians a like." --cup of tea with that book, please

"In this beautifully written and illustrated children's book, children will learn about racial injustice as it happens today." --Medium

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