From: Jo Kittinger <jskittinger_at_gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:04:23 -0500

I've had similar experiences to Ellen with my book, *Rosa's Bus: The Ride to Civil Rights (Calkins Creek 2010)*. While the American Civil Rights Movement shouldn't be the only civil rights history children are exposed to (I agree with those who said that showing a broader perspective helps children not feel more empowered) seeing what our own country is capable of brings the truth of the history home. My book is for early elementary children and during school visits I've divided the students by those who have brown eyes (being the dominant, priviledged position) and those with any other color eyes. Then talked about the benefits that brown eyes enjoy versus the limitations on students with blue or green eyes. Blue eyed children can't play on the playground equipment, have to go through the lunchline last, etc. They are able to grasp the un-fairness of the system.

Seeing young children embrace equality for all is a heartwarming experience! Thank you, all librarians, for everything you do to put good books into the hands of children! Jo

Jo S. Kittinger Co-Regional Advisor Southern Breeze SCBWI

Author of ROSA'S BUS www.jokittinger.com

On Sun, Jul 31, 2011 at 10:40 PM, Ellen Levine wrote:

I interviewed dozens of African Americans ...When I speak in schools, I tell these stories to elementary kids as well as at middle and HS programs. It's quite moving to see how the young ones "get it" --
Received on Mon 01 Aug 2011 12:04:23 PM CDT