Shanna's doctor show Book

Shades of black is a beautiful pictorial depiction of African American diversity. The book is geared towards younger children, more specifically African American children. However, this book can be enjoyed by students of all races. This non-fiction book is full of photos, and there are sentences alongside the pictures. Sentences like "I am Black; I am Unique; I am the creamy white frost in vanilla ice cream" directs the reader's attention to the children in the photo. This book does not contain a traditional story-line with characters. However, the children, who are in the pictures, tell the story through their actions in pictures. For example, themes of confidence, unity, and diversity are placed in a positive light. This book also highlights the reality that differences are okay and beautiful. This is a great message for all children, because every child has something that makes them different from others. As a teacher, I will encourage my students to stand out and not conform to society's standards, because there is individuality in diversity. More specifically, this book can encourage African American students. Typically, the African American race is viewed in a negative light. At a young age, many African American children grow up seeing every other race portrayed positively in society but their own. They can relate to the children in this book, because they have similar skin hues, hair types, eye colors, etc. Furthermore, this book would primary be for younger students, who are in grades Pre-K through first. Students in these grades are typically visual learners, which is great since the book contains so many pictures. Students can interact with this book by drawing a picture that depicts their outer appearance. This will be a great activity for children to do, because it is important for them to become acquainted and content with how they look. This will help build high self-esteem. The author, Sandra Pinkney, is an African American female writer, who has won numerous awards. Her husband Myles Pinkney captured the photographs for this book. They work great together. They simplified the language of this book for the children; however, the meaning was not compromise. Lastly, the two of them can relate to the cultural group in this book, because they are apart of the African America race/culture.