I love the concept of this book and I feel that it addresses very important issues relevant to children today. I would love to see the finished project, especially the lay out of the parent guide in the back of the book! I especially enjoyed the illustrations and how they are a combination of history and present day! I believe this book will be a great resource for parents, caregivers, and educators to use in opening up and facilitating the conversation with children on the ongoing and ever so prevalent issue of racial injustice in America.

Children are more aware than ever about current news events. Each mobile notification brings instant access to stories from across the nation and world. How can we, as caregivers, address the critical issues that these stories often prompt? “Something Happened In Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice” attempts to address this question. It is a fictional tale that follows two children talking to their families about an innocent man shot to death by police. One family is white, the other black, and they each grapple with the situation from their unique perspectives. The white family acknowledges the pattern of racial injustice in police shootings and uses the opportunity to teach their daughter to remember to be fair and inclusive to students from all backgrounds. The black family expresses frustration at yet another death and encourage their son to be proud of who he is and to try to help others learn to be more fair. It is a difficult topic handled respectfully and fairly by Celano, Collins, and Hazzard.

The authors are all psychologists who have worked with children and families and have interest in behavioral health and social justice. They have included an extensive note to parents and caregivers. It includes strategies for discussing racism with children. Developmentally appropriate vocabulary, questions, additional resources and sample dialog are also included.--Recommended.

This is an important and needed book. I love that it targets young kids in a very approachable way. The lessons are clear. My one complaint would be that the book is ALL lesson. The story is thin, without a lot of connection to the characters. So while it’s a great book for teaching kids an important idea, it may not be memorable or one they gravitate to on their own.

This much needed children's book provides insightful historical and present day context regarding racial injustice in a manner that promotes compassion and willingness to work on these issues!

Beautiful illustrations and a wonderful tool for talking to kids.