A Kids Book About The Tulsa Race Massacre

Hard book to read but worth it.

We had to stop many times while reading to have conversations that were really hard to have. My kid was shocked by the atrocities greed and cruelty bred. That being said, it was worth it. As a parent living in Oklahoma, it's our responsibility as parents to teach our kids about the Tulsa Race Massacre because schools here really don't. I want my child to be able to identify cruelty and act against it. We have many of the "A Kids Book About" series and this one and the Voting Rights have been absolutely key to help me explain why we always stick up for what we believe in.

Needed images

This is such an important topic and I was happy to purchase the book. However, I was underwhelmed by the visuals-I know-that's what this series is known for- but some historical pictures of the people and places would have made this a stronger narrative for kids. Kids are super visual- so I was disappointed and so was my 3rd grader.

Why no pictures?

I think it is too stark for the children in my class. Some pictures, even drawings of life in Tulsa before the massacre would help bring the before times, especially, to life. What was behind the decision to keep it words only and black and white? It’s a clear design choice but why? The text is good though I am a tad unsure as to age level. I am thinking 9 or 10. I dearly want to use books on this and other important historical moments in my class. I plan to read it out loud and accompany it with a slide presentation and research materials for them.