The Colors of Us
The Colors of Us by Karen Katz is a picture book that introduces young readers to the concept of diverse skin tones through the eyes of a seven-year-old girl named Lena. Lena wants to paint a picture of herself using brown paint, but her mother, an artist, takes her on a walk through their neighborhood to show her that brown comes in many beautiful shades. The book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect people, using analogies to foods like cinnamon, French toast, chocolate, and honey to describe various skin colors. Intended for preschool to second graders, it aims to foster a positive self-image and appreciation for racial diversity. While the book's narrative focuses solely on skin color diversity, it has been associated with broader discussions on identity and inclusion in educational settings. Despite its benign content, it has appeared on lists of challenged books and has been used in contexts that sparked controversy regarding LGBTQ+ representation, leading to parental concerns and school-level debates. The book itself does not contain explicit themes of violence, romance, profanity, witchcraft, substance use, scary content, disrespect, or anti-Christian messages, but its use in schools to support a diverse student body, including transgender students, has placed it within contentious discussions.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumWhile the book itself does not depict LGBTQ+ characters or themes, it has been involved in controversies surrounding LGBTQ+ and gender identity discussions in educational settings. This occurs when the book is used in curricula promoting general diversity that some interpret as extending to or endorsing LGBTQ+ topics.
In 2017, a teacher in California faced parental outrage and protests for reading "The Colors of Us" to a kindergarten class to support a transgender student. Additionally, a reading of the book was cancelled in Mount Horeb, WI in 2015 after a threat of a lawsuit from the Liberty Counsel, though the community rallied with a reading organized by the high school's Straight and Gay Alliance, indicating its association with broader LGBTQ+ and diversity discussions.
Violence
LowThe book does not contain any depictions or discussions of violence. Its narrative focuses entirely on positive themes of diversity and self-acceptance through observing different skin tones.
The story describes Lena's exploration of skin colors like 'cinnamon,' 'French toast,' and 'honey,' with no elements of conflict or physical harm. The entire premise of the book is a gentle walk through a neighborhood to observe people's varied appearances.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThere is no romance or sexual content present in "The Colors of Us." The book is designed for young children and focuses on familial relationships between a mother and daughter, and community observations.
The primary characters are Lena, a seven-year-old girl, and her mother. Their interactions revolve around painting and observing skin colors, without any romantic or sexual undertones. The narrative maintains an innocent and age-appropriate tone for preschoolers and early elementary students.
Profanity
LowNo instances of profanity or strong language are found within "The Colors of Us." The vocabulary used is simple and suitable for its target young audience.
The language in the book is descriptive and focused on colors and simple observations, such as Lena's mother describing skin tones as 'peachy tan,' 'chocolate brown,' 'honey,' and 'butterscotch.' There is no dialogue or narration that includes any form of cursing or offensive terms.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe book does not feature any elements of witchcraft, magic, sorcery, or occult themes. The content is grounded in realistic observations of human diversity.
The story strictly adheres to a realistic portrayal of a child's experience discovering different skin colors in her community. There are no supernatural events, spells, or mystical symbols depicted or referenced throughout the book.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction or mention of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking, in "The Colors of Us."
The book focuses on a child's perception of skin color and diversity in a wholesome, educational manner. The characters' activities are limited to walking, observing, and talking, with no association with any forms of substance use.
Scary & Intense Content
LowThe content of "The Colors of Us" is not scary, frightening, or intense. It maintains a positive and affirming tone throughout its narrative.
The book is described as a "positive and affirming look at skin color". The interactions between Lena and her mother are warm and supportive, and the neighborhood walk is presented as an engaging discovery, devoid of any suspenseful or disturbing elements.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowThe book does not portray any instances of disrespect, snarky behavior, backtalk, or rebellion. The interactions between the characters are respectful and educational.
Lena and her mother engage in a curious and educational discussion about skin colors, demonstrating mutual respect. The book consistently promotes messages of acceptance and understanding, rather than defiance or challenging authority.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe book does not contain any anti-Christian themes, nor does it promote any specific religion. Its focus is on the secular concept of human diversity based on skin color.
The narrative is entirely dedicated to observing and appreciating the spectrum of skin tones in a community. There are no religious discussions, symbols, or criticisms of any faith present in the text or illustrations.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 4-8, suitable for preschool through 2nd grade. The book uses simple language and relatable concepts to explain skin color diversity, making it accessible for young children.
Additional Notes
The book's inclusion in various lists of challenged books often stems from its presence in diversity curricula rather than its direct content. While "The Colors of Us" focuses on racial diversity, some broader discussions around inclusion in schools, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ topics, have incidentally drawn the book into controversy for some parental groups. Parents should be aware of this contextual use, even if the book's narrative itself remains focused on skin color appreciation.
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