Belonging, essential for understanding who we are and what our value is, also arises from contact with the history of our ancestors
“My great-grandfather was Italian.” “My grandmother arrived by ship from Spain.” “Wow, I have no idea what country my family is from…”. Have you ever stopped to think that knowing your ancestors is a privilege? We are talking about information that helps you understand who we are and where we come from🇧🇷 Unfortunately, however, this is not a reality accessible to everyone. A large part of the population, for example, had its history cruelly erased during the long period of slavery. This is the case for many, many Brazilian families.
When you connect with your ancestors, it becomes easier to understand where your characteristics, culture and history come from – and to value it all. The world is plural: all skin colors and hair types (to name just a few of these differences) are part of its composition. How funny it would be if everyone was the same and came from the same place, right?
Here you will find a selection with 10 children’s books to help your child understand black ancestry and boost important conversations on the subject in your home.
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1. The world in Black Power by TayóKiusam de Oliveira (Publisher Peirópolis) – BRL 41.25
If there is one word to define Tayó, a black girl with beautiful black power, it is the one who has gained fame in recent times: empowered! Very proud of her features and, above all, of her hair, the character in Kiusam de Oliveira’s book has great self-esteem. So she values ​​herself and faces aggression from some of her schoolmates, who say her hair is “bad”. For her, these children have a headache because of their “pretty, beautiful and fragrant” hair, which carries a world! In fact, they become a metaphor for all the cultural wealth of a people.
Two. Black StoriesHeloisa Pires Lima (Companhia das Letrinhas) – BRL 24.89
Only those who have been the target of racism (and sadly, Black people are, on a daily basis and from an early age), know the pain it causes. Reading the history of the black population and how it began here in Brazil helps to understand what wounds are, which remain open, and how to heal them in the best way. In the award-winning book Black StoriesHeloisa Pires de Lima brings historical information, reflections and some narratives from African mythology to answer: What is it like to be black in this country?
3. I hear what I hear: and the incredible story of Asta and JaserLázaro Ramos (Editora Carochinha) – BRL 47.90
Dan is a character from Bita world which speaks of belonging, diversity and ancestry. In the book, signed by the actor Lázaro Ramos, young readers follow an ordinary day in his life, with situations that awaken different feelings. During the narration, Dan shows that many of his emotions and the meaning of his life come from the history of his ancestors, Asta and Jaser.
4. SulweLupita Nyong’o (Editora Rocquinho) – BRL 44.30
Signed by the Kenyan-Mexican actress, the book tells the story of Sulwe, a girl who wonders why she is darker than everyone in her family and at her school. She just wanted to be as beautiful as her mother and her sister. That is, until a magical journey into the night sky transforms her gaze and makes him perceive everything in a different way – and a whole lot better!
5. blackberriesEmicidal (Companhia das Letrinhas) – BRL 24.80
The first children’s book written by the rapper Emicida, who is also a father, was born from a conversation he had with his daughter under a blackberry tree. As they picked the berries, he explained that the best ones were the darkest. The girl then said that this was fine, because she too was black. From there, a story emerged that teaches black children to recognize themselves, to value themselves and to be proud of who they are.
6. The adventures of the old baobabInaldete Pinheiro de Andrade (Little Zahar) – BRL 29.90
The baobab is a tree that can live more than a thousand years. In all that time, imagine how many events you can attend! In the book, an old baobab born in the African savannas decides to cross the Atlantic to find his relatives here. Along the way there is the struggle for survival, abandonment, but also encounter and solidarity. The narration, with the character of the tree, seen as a symbol of African resistance in Brazil, makes an analogy with the history of Africans and shows this connection with the other continent. The work recalls the past of battles and suffering, but also brings the hope of being able to witness new fruits, with the new generations, which will one day be the largest trunks in the world.
7. The girl who has ancestralAline Reflegria (Literando Editora) – BRL 24.99 (ebooks)
To tell the story of the character Maria, the author, who is a kindergarten teacher, even creates a verb: ancestry. The girl is the daughter of a white-skinned mother and a black-skinned father. So, she creates several questions about not looking like her parents and she goes looking for answers. Along the way, she learns a lot about herself, the diversity of skin tones, and her ancestors.
8. My Crespo is like a queenBell Hooks (Editora Boitatá) – BRL 37.95
Through a narrative inspired by a true story lived by the American author, the book talks about beauty, questioning the lack of representation, the white standard and the search for identity, in a world where diversity is undervalued. In addition to bringing reflection and empowering the little ones from childhood, work has a role in reaffirming self-confidence. With simple poems and direct language, teach children (and adults!) to be proud of who they are.
9. The little black princeRodrigo Franca (Nova Fronteira) – BRL 24.70
Inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic, Rodrigo França’s book was born from the need to put a black child as the protagonist. It used to be a game. After two years of exposure, the literary version won. The little black prince also lives alone on a planet, with only one tree: a baobab (see it again!). Only, unlike the original, which needs to destroy a tree that is overgrowing and destroying his world, the character must spread the seeds of the baobab on other planets, to keep it alive, through offspring.
10. baxAndr̩ Neves (Brinque-Book) РBRL 25.99
Awarded the Jabuti in 2011, the book is the result of research by the author and illustrator André Neves on Africa. Obax, the character who gives the work its name, is curious and has a great imagination. But no one believed their stories. So, he goes on an adventure, together with his friend the elephant Nafisa, and tries to prove what he said. However, when he returns to the village, he fails to convince people of all that he has been through. Until an unexpected event changes the whole vision of the girl. In addition to underlining the importance of imagination, the book strengthens the gaze on the many and very rich cultures of the African continent.
*Our editorial team selected products as of November 2022 – prices are subject to change. We may earn a commission for purchases made at suggested stores.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
