Something Happened in Our Town

Something Happened in Our Town follows two families - one White and one Black - as they discuss a police shooting in their community. The children from both families process the incident and try to make sense of the police violence they've learned about. Parents in both households work to have honest conversations with their children about racial bias and injustice. The story moves between the parallel discussions happening in each home as the families tackle difficult but necessary topics. Through the perspectives of elementary school-aged children, the book addresses complex social issues in an accessible way. The narrative provides a framework for families to begin meaningful dialogues about racism, police violence, and the importance of standing up against injustice in their own communities.

Reviews indicate parents and educators used this book to discuss racism and police violence with children ages 4-8. The book maintains a 4.6/5 rating on Amazon (1,800+ reviews) and 4.4/5 on Goodreads (1,100+ reviews). Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of systemic racism for young children - Discussion questions and parent resources - Balanced perspectives from white and Black families - Illustrations depicting diverse characters Common criticisms: - Some felt it portrayed police negatively - A few parents considered content too heavy for young children - Some wanted more emphasis on positive police interactions Sample reader comments: "Helped my 6-year-old understand current events without fear" -Amazon reviewer "Too politically charged for kindergarten" -Goodreads reviewer "Great conversation starter but needed more historical context" -School librarian review The book received the 2019 National Parenting Product Award but was removed from some school libraries following parent complaints about police portrayal.

Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham A white child learns about racial privilege and injustice while navigating conversations with family members about police violence.

Let's Talk About Race by Julius Lester The story guides children through examining their own racial identity and understanding how race shapes human experiences.

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson Students from different backgrounds find connection in their shared experiences of feeling like outsiders in their classroom.

The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson Two girls, one black and one white, challenge racial segregation by forming a friendship across a fence that divides their town.

Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds A child discovers ways to speak up against injustice through actions, words, and art in their community.

🔎 The book was written by three child psychologists who specialize in helping children and families cope with racial stress and trauma 📚 After its release in 2018, the book was named one of the "Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2018" by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature 🗣️ The authors included a comprehensive guide for parents and caregivers at the end of the book, providing research-based strategies for discussing race and racism with children 🌍 The story has been adapted into an animated short film by Twin Cities PBS, which won a Regional Emmy Award in 2020 📖 The book follows two families - one White and one Black - as they help their children understand a police shooting of a Black man in their community, offering parallel perspectives on the same event