Fix Me a Palette: Blending Food and Skin Color

“There is a symbiotic relationship between food and the written word, be it fiction or non-fiction, which whets the appetite (literally and metaphorically) of even the most seasoned of eaters and readers.”

- Editor Mary Anne Schofield, Cooking by the Book (Bowling Green State University Popular Press, 1989)

Throughout February, Kitchen and Dumplings will feature books that introduce race in the context of food.

February marks Black History Month, a time set aside to remember the role of African-Americans in our nation’s history. The celebration also occurs in countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom.

I’m excited about the opportunity to write about four of my favorite children’s books.

But what do books like Chocolate Me!, The Colors of Us, Maniac Magee and I’m Your Peanut Brother Big Brother have to do with learning in the kitchen?

On the surface, the characters weave stories that encourage self-esteem and urge readers to accept each other and embrace our differences.

If you read even occasionally about the issue of race, you recognize the lingo that dominates writings, blog posts and news articles.

"Respecting each other" and "celebrating diversity" represent important goals to teach children. Those messages resonate throughout these books. But more importantly, the authors and illustrators of these books open doors for kids and their parents to talk about race, wherever those conversations might lead.

I hear phrases such as, "Race just doesn’t matter to me," or "I’m color blind. I don’t see people’s skin color," from adults’ mouths far too often.

At playgroup recently, a peach-colored 4-year-old asked, “Why is that girl playing with me brown?”

Her mom, who seemed embarrassed, told her she was brown because God made her that way.

Her response: “But why is she sooo dark, Mommy?"

Talking about race – and differences such as skin color – makes many people feel uncomfortable. But ignoring the realities of racism and discrimination hurts young people. It shields them from gaining social skills they will need as adults, and it might even reinforce fears and prejudices about others they witness in their communities and the media.

Every one of us needs nourishment. Food is intertwined with our culture. Food binds us together. So why not use something so basic as food to introduce a topic with so many layers?

To me, it’s both brilliant and inspirational.

I hope your family enjoys these books as much as ours.

Looking forward to February,
Tricia