Lena, a seven year old, wants to paint a self portrait. She knows she wants to use brown paint but learns by going on a walk with her mother that there are many different shades of brown. The story commemorates the similarities and differences that relate to all people no matter race, gender, or size.
This picture book can be classified as a contemporary realistic work of fiction because it can happen in the real world and the characters are believable (especially since they are based off of the author and her adoptive daughter). I believe that since the book is plausible, includes a well-defined conflict, and has strong characterization; it is a good depiction of what a contemporary historical fiction book should be especially since the illustrations enhance and show the readers the characters on their adventure throughout the book.
Motivational Activities
1. Have students create their very own self portraits and then go around and have them discuss the similarities and differences they see throughout their peers art work. Enhancement: Gather skin tone paint samples from stores and have the children first go around and "find" each others skin tone before they start painting themselves.
2. Pair students into groups of two. Once finished have them play a self-made version of "Guess Who" using their classmates as the people to guess from. The only rule is that they are not allowed to ask the race of the selected individual. This will inspire kids to see past skin color and "solve the mystery" of their opponents character in more creative ways. Thus, making them realize that a person is more than just the color of their skin.
Reading Discussion
1. Why does Lena's mother say she is "the color of cinamon"? What colors would you describe yourself as? What about your peers?
2. Where do you think Lena is from? What evidence in the story makes you believe that that is the case? Why do you think you are the color you are and that Lena is the color she is?
3. Discuss how people all over the world are different ethnicities even though they may look to be only "one color" or "one thing"?
4. Does it matter to Lena that all her friends are a different shade than she?
References:
Galda, L., Cullinan, B., & Sipe, L. (2010). Literature and the child (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
Katz, K. (1999). The colors of us. New York: Henry Holt and Co.
Katz, K. (1999). The colors of us. New York: Henry Holt and Co.
