Family Conversation Book Kits
Building in our youth an understanding of and empathy for people who are different from them, paving the way for a more equitable, welcoming community.
Our family conversation kits are carefully selected books partnered with a guide to help families begin or continue lifelong conversations about diversity and equity.
Each kit focuses on a single topic and contains 2 or 3 age-appropriate titles per type of edition including Early Childhood, Young Readers, and Tweens and Teens.
Tweens and Teens kits include 2 copies of each title so families can operate like a book club, reading individually and then coming together to discuss.
Inside the Guide
Conversation starters for the books included in the kit
List of topic-specific appropriate words and which words to avoid and why
Answers to frequently asked questions regarding conversations about inclusion and identity
Annotated list of other age-appropriate books on the topic
Annotated list of more resources such as books for adults who want to learn more, websites to help further the conversation, and where to find more diverse books
Current Kits
Latinx Kits
Early Childhood Edition
Young Readers Edition
Tweens and Teens Edition
Asian Kits
Early Childhood Edition
Young Readers Edition
Tweens and Teens Edition
More kits to come…
We are working on African American/Black, LGBTQIA+, and Muslim editions.
Our kits can be found at multiple libraries in the Chippewa Valley area including L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, the Altoona Public Library, the Chippewa Falls Public Library as well as the Girls and Boys Club of the Greater Chippewa Valley
Source: Dotters on Facebook
The Family Conversation Kits are available for purchase at our local Eau Claire, WI book store – Dottersbooks. This bookstore is a small business woman-owned and operated. Visit the bookstore and place your order by clicking on the link below:
https://dottersbooks.com/collections/family-conversation-kits
Family Conversation Kits facilitate the use of books as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors by making high-quality diverse books widely available in our community, and pairing them with guides that help families and young people begin or continue important conversations about diversity and equity.
Source: Ohio State University
Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop coined the theory that literature serves as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors. As windows, books allow readers to see into other cultures and other people’s experiences. Books can also serve as a sliding glass door, inviting us in to empathize with people who are different from us. She says that while it is so important for marginalized children to see themselves reflected in books, it’s vital that children in the majority, who always find their mirror, are exposed to diverse books so they don’t develop a false sense of the world and their place in it.
In The Eau Claire Community…
The First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eau Claire, Wisconsin is currently using our Family Conversation Kits. Check out their newsletter below!
We Welcome Your Support
All donations are used for Family Conversation Kits to purchase additional books and printing of guides. All work is performed by volunteers who spend time reading selected books and writing the guide content. We are not affiliated with a church organization although churches and other organizations in the area have obtained the Family Conversation Kits for use by parents and children. For more information, please feel free to contact us audreyrconsulting@gmail.com.
We are grateful for donations of any amount!