This book angered parents, so the school principal read it. Next, he decided to remove it.

     

It's called, "Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race." 

In the book, there are multiple statements consistent with Critical Race Theory that tell children white people made up “race” to hurt black people.

(Photos below.)

The Principal at Pond elementary, Carlos Diaz-Granados, said a parent brought it to his attention. And, after reading it, he removed the book from that

classroom:

“Thank you for reaching out. We will not be using 'Our Skin' at Pond.  After reading it myself, I felt that there are books that better serve our goals for teaching students about diversity, equity and inclusion.”  

The rest of the story, and pages from the book, are below.

Page from "Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race"

                         

Parent reactions to the book

“That is horrendous!!!! I can’t believe someone would teach hate.” 

—Elementary school parent

"That’s so disgusting that a book like that would be considered for any adolescent.”

—High school parent

Teachers in other districts also know about this book. And, they did not like that it was pushed on them to use in their classrooms.

You can view a read aloud of the book here: 

Our Skin a First Conversation About Race

Additional pages from the book:

                            

Note: You won't find this book in Rockwood's library database.

Purchase records show the school bought the book for a kindergarten teacher, not the libraries. The book was purchased along with other books that also focus on "skin."

Note: We only know about the book because a parent complained. To prove it was in the classroom, we did a records request. That's how we know the teacher had the district purchase it for her. 

But, teachers can also buy books on their own, and there aren't official records that show what books are on classroom shelves. 

We are asking the public to let us know how many other classrooms it's in. 

You can email us at whatisgoingoninrockwood@gmail.com.

Details:

ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM SHELF BOOK:

“Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race”

By Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, & Isabel Roxas

Status: 

Principal removed it from kindergarten classroom.

Parent Concerns: 

Divisive. 

Negative portrayal of white people.

Components of Critical Race Theory.