The Colors of Us
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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.
Things to Consider
Additional Context
Best For Ages
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.
Good to Know
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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