Something Happened in Our Town: A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice – Fostering Understanding and Dialogue“Something Happened in Our Town” by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, is a critically acclaimed and important book that addresses the complexities of racial injustice through the lens of two families, one White and one Black26. This New York Times and #1 IndieBound Bestseller sensitively explores the aftermath of a police shooting of a Black man in their community, providing a framework for parents, caregivers, and educators to discuss race, bias, and social justice with children12.SynopsisThe story begins with Emma and Josh hearing about a shooting in their town involving a Black man and the police2. The book follows both families as they navigate the difficult conversations that arise4. Emma, who is White, learns about the history of slavery and racial bias from her parents2. Josh, who is Black, grapples with the reality of systemic racism and police brutality with his family12. The story aims to answer children’s questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives12.Later, Emma and Josh encounter a new classmate, Omad, who is an immigrant and faces exclusion from other children2. Drawing from their earlier conversations, Emma and Josh choose to stand up for Omad, demonstrating kindness and fairness12.Key Themes:

• Addressing Racial Injustice: The book tackles the sensitive topic of racial injustice in an age-appropriate manner12.
• Understanding Different Perspectives: It presents both a White and Black family’s perspective on the same event, fostering empathy and understanding2.
• Promoting Dialogue: “Something Happened in Our Town” encourages open and honest conversations about race and racism with children2.
• Empowering Children: It empowers children to recognize and counter racial injustice in their own lives2.

Why This Book Matters“Something Happened in Our Town” is an essential resource because2:

• Children Notice Race Early: Research shows that children as young as three notice and comment on differences in skin color.
• Bias Can Develop Early: Humans of all ages tend to ascribe positive qualities to their own group and negative qualities to other groups.
• Children Are Exposed to Violence: Despite parents’ efforts, children are often aware of community violence, including police shootings.
• Silence Teaches the Wrong Lesson: Parents who avoid talking about race inadvertently teach their children that it’s a taboo topic.

Special Features:

• Note to Parents and Caregivers: Includes extensive guidelines for discussing race and racism with children, child-friendly definitions, and sample dialogues.
• Downloadable Educator Materials: Free educator resources, including discussion questions, are available online.

Accolades:

• A NEW YORK TIMES and #1 INDIEBOUND BEST SELLER
• American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom’s Top 10 Most Challenged Books
• A Little Free Library Action Book Club Selection
• National Parenting Product Award Winner (NAPPA)

Companion Books:

• “Something Happened in Our Park: Standing Together After Gun Violence”
• “Something Happened to My Dad: A Story About Immigration and Family Separation”

“Something Happened in Our Town” is a valuable tool for initiating conversations about social justice and empowering children to create a more equitable world2. By providing different perspectives and practical guidance, this book helps children develop a deeper understanding of race, bias, and the importance of standing up for what’s right12.