Releasing June 19, 2020, The ABCs of Diversity helps parents and teachers speak the language of difference. Here’s what others have to say about it:
“With compassion, clarity, and a beautiful collaborative spirit, Drs. Helsel and Harris-Smith give parents and caregivers a powerful gift. Answering real questions we might be afraid to ask, providing concrete tools to help us know and do better–ourselves and with our kids, The ABCs of Diveristy equips us to be co-conspirators in creating a justice- and love-infused future of flourishing for all. Read this book.” –Jennifer Harvey, author of Raising White Kids: Bringing Up Children in a Racially Unjust America
“Building a beloved community of acceptance and belonging begins with our children. The ABCs of Diversity provides us with building blocks to engage young (and not so young) hands and hearts in constructing a way of being a more just and equitable society. A countercultural way to put flesh on the imago dei”. –Leah Gunning Francis, vice president for academic affairs at Christian Theological Seminary and the author of Ferguson and Faith: Sparking Leadership and Awakening Community
“Covering topics from ‘the talk,’ gender, identity formation, and talking to children and adolescents about difference, The ABCs of Diversity provides readers strategies, practices, and accessible entry points into the life-affirming, and for some of us life-saving, conversations that are necessary in today’s world. Helsel and Harris-Smith provide a tool kit for any parent, small group leader, or individual looking to build deeper relationships across differences.” –Patrick Reyes, author of Nobody Cries When We Die: God, Community, and Surviving to Adulthood
“If every parent of every child reads this book, this next generation will truly create the kind of world we all want to live in.” –Kerry Connelly, author of Good White Racist? Confronting Your Role in Racial Injustice
“Powerful and straightforward, the text focuses on imparting the vocabulary, tools, confidence, and grace to have challenging conversations with children.” –Melissa Wuske in Forward Reviews
“In eight chapters, authors Helsel (Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary; Anxious To Talk About It) and Harris-Smith (Princeton Theological Seminary) offer a course of action to talk to children and teens about diversity and inclusion, and how to celebrate our differences. Topics include race, gender, sexuality, religion and politics, nationality, ethnicity, and culture. The authors explore how our assigned gender at birth influences our lives, and how we image ourselves. Later chapters examine contemporary American society and the varied responses, both affirmative and otherwise, to a changing cultural landscape. Two chapters focus on social media and its impact on diversity. The authors argue that adults should make an effort to continually learn and lead by example, including reaching out and building relationships with people from different backgrounds. Appendices include annotated bibliographies for additional readings and activities. VERDICT A well-structured and pragmatic approach to teaching young people how to embrace the differences among us and begin to participate in civic engagement. Best for parents, educators, and community and pastoral leaders.”—Jacqueline Parascandola, Univ. of Pennsylvania, PA, in Library Journal
The ABCs of Diversity 