A child’s concept of race is quite different from that of an adult. Young children perceive skin color as magical–even changeable–and unlike adults, are incapable of understanding adult prejudices surrounding race and racism. Just as children learn to walk and talk, they likewise come to understand race in a series of predictable stages.

Based on Marguerite A. Wright’s research and clinical experience, I’m Chocolate, You’re Vanilla teaches us that in order to guide the positive development of a child’s self-esteem, we must build on their natural worldview, which is free of the prejudice with which adults are too often burdened.

Dr. Wright answers fundamental questions about children and race, including:

• What do children know and understand about the color of their skin?
• At what age do children understand the concept of race?
• What are the warning signs that a child is being harmed by racial prejudice?
• How can adults avoid instilling in children their own negative prejudices?
• How can parents prepare children to overcome the racism they may encounter?
• How can schools lessen the impact of racism?

With wisdom and compassion, I’m Chocolate, You’re Vanilla spells out how to educate black and biracial children about race, while preserving their innate resilience and optimism–the birthright of all children.