Dare to as Different as the Colors in a Rainbow (PB) (2021)

11-19-2020 version

People everywhere enjoy seeing rainbows arched over the sky and the seas. They bring a sense of calmness and add beauty in the midst of storms. They symbolize a covenant made by God after the Great Flood. Additionally, there are legends that reveal that a pot of gold can be found at the end of every rainbow. Because people near and far can relate to rainbows, rainbows are referenced throughout this book to express the uniqueness of color.

Dare to Be as Different as the Colors in a Rainbow is a book about the importance of respecting differences, regardless of skin color. There is a message in the book to help build self-esteem and self-worth. The analogies between colors in a rainbow, skin color, and apples are to convey a profound message of acceptance and tolerance of others who may look different, talk differently, and even think differently.

Undeniable, the colors in a rainbow are different, beautiful, and unique. The same is true about the different skin colors of people. Each skin tone is uniquely beautiful. Conclusively, different skin shades of people make them just as special and as beautiful as the colors in a rainbow. This book is thought-provoking and one that helps remedy racism and draws attention to the blind spot biases, which are not as easy to recognize as racism.

An added bonus to the book is that it has undertones of science and history concepts immersed throughout that will greatly benefit students in grades 3 to 12 by providing background knowledge, which transitions into discussions that are more productive in the learning environment. Concepts as the colors of the electromagnetic spectrum, seasons, and the civil war appear in the context of Dare to be as Different as the Colors in a Rainbow, along with other relevant topics, including poetry.

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