★ 08/16/2021
“I totally understand that each of you wants what’s best for your children... but Social Justice Parenting means you also want (and take action toward) what’s best for all children,” writes education professor Baxley in her powerful debut. Her program for raising children so that they can recognize injustice and work to change it consists of five parts: reflection, open dialogue, compassion, kindness, and social engagement. Through anecdotes from her life, Baxley explains how to use those principles to reject racism (“Learn something new. Acknowledge the fear”), become an ally (a friend of Baxley’s who said something racist was corrected and accepted the criticism with humility), and teach kindness to children (parents must make it a value in their own lives, and kids will reflect it). She offers exercises, too, such as creating a shared journal to better communicate with a child, and gives modeled dialogue for conversations about death, sexual assault, and homelessness in one’s community. Baxley shines in her ability to be encouraging without being judgmental: “If this seems like a lot to take in, let me tell you that it’s okay to start with small steps.” This hopeful guide inspires. Agent: Lynn Johnston, Lynn Johnston Literary. (Oct.)
"Replete with excellent examples and advice that can help parents raise children with a healthy self-image and regard for the welfare of others." — Jane E. Brody, the New York Times
“With divisiveness ever widening in our country, reasonable parents want to raise humans who will build a better America. Mother of five and educator Traci Baxley boldly steps into the breach with advice that is frank, relatable, and right on time. This is the parenting road map our ailing country needs.” — Julie Lythcott-Haims, bestselling author of How to Raise an Adult and Real American
"Baxley shines in her ability to be encouraging without being judgmental. . . .This hopeful guide inspires." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Social Justice Parenting offers guidance and grace for parents who want to teach their children how to create a fair and inclusive world. Whether your family is ready to take baby steps or big steps, Traci Baxley explains how to approach tough topics in a way that is both empowering and reassuring." — Diane Debrovner, Deputy Editor, Parents Magazine
"Social Justice Parenting is a timely resource for parents, teachers, counselors, and all who care about children’s feelings, their character, and their future. In particular, Dr. Baxley's guidance on talking to kids about sexual assault is breathtakingly smart and sensible. Candid, deep, warm, and practical—this volume is a treasure." — Wendy Mogel, Ph.D., bestselling author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee and Voice Lessons for Parents
"Dr. Traci Baxley's deep understanding of development shines through in her step-by-step approach to raising compassionate, socially conscious children. Social Justice Parenting explains how parents can use their daily choices to lay the groundwork for true anti-racism and justice mindedness. This wise, informed, and relatable book is a must-read for anyone who cares about children and social justice - which should be everyone!" — Lisa Damour, PhD, author of Untangled and Under Pressure
“This book is not just for parents, but for anyone who hopes future generations live in a more inclusive, just, and equitable world. Traci writes with great heart, but also with clarity and honesty about the difficulties involved in helping kids understand racism. She does not just bring a fresh understanding of how systemic racism affects children, but practical advice for guiding children to make the right decisions. I'd recommend this book to anyone, whether they have kids or not.” — Celeste Headlee, award-winning journalist and author of We Need to Talk, Do Nothing, and Speaking of Race
"This book is for parents who want to discuss racial, social, and economic inequities with their young children in a healthy and beneficial way. . . . Baxley’s meaty book is sure to provoke thought and positive dialogue; a must-read." — Library Journal (starred review)
With divisiveness ever widening in our country, reasonable parents want to raise humans who will build a better America. Mother of five and educator Traci Baxley boldly steps into the breach with advice that is frank, relatable, and right on time. This is the parenting road map our ailing country needs.
Social Justice Parenting offers guidance and grace for parents who want to teach their children how to create a fair and inclusive world. Whether your family is ready to take baby steps or big steps, Traci Baxley explains how to approach tough topics in a way that is both empowering and reassuring."
This book is not just for parents, but for anyone who hopes future generations live in a more inclusive, just, and equitable world. Traci writes with great heart, but also with clarity and honesty about the difficulties involved in helping kids understand racism. She does not just bring a fresh understanding of how systemic racism affects children, but practical advice for guiding children to make the right decisions. I'd recommend this book to anyone, whether they have kids or not.”
"[Dr. Baxley's] book, which I found hard to put down, is replete with excellent examples and advice that can help parents raise children with a healthy self-image and regard for the welfare of others."
"Dr. Traci Baxley's deep understanding of development shines through in her step-by-step approach to raising compassionate, socially conscious children. Social Justice Parenting explains how parents can use their daily choices to lay the groundwork for true anti-racism and justice mindedness. This wise, informed, and relatable book is a must-read for anyone who cares about children and social justice - which should be everyone!"
"Social Justice Parenting is a timely resource for parents, teachers, counselors, and all who care about children’s feelings, their character, and their future. In particular, Dr. Baxley's guidance on talking to kids about sexual assault is breathtakingly smart and sensible. Candid, deep, warm, and practical—this volume is a treasure."
★ 08/01/2021
This book is for parents who want to discuss racial, social, and economic inequities with their young children in a healthy and beneficial way. It draws from Baxley's (prof. of education, Florida Atlantic Univ.; Equity Pedagogy) specialty in social justice pedagogy, and also calls on her lived experience as a Black parent of five biracial children. Here she defines a "Social Justice Home"—one that is accountable; grounded in the lives, interests, and experiences of each family member; pro-justice and empathetic; reflective and dialogic; and aware that all of us are in process. Baxley theorizes the social justice approach to parenting and offers guidance for turning philosophy into practice using five principles: Reflection, Open Dialogue, Compassion, Kindness, and Social Justice Engagement. Each chapter includes journaling prompts. VERDICT Baxley's meaty book is sure to provoke thought and positive dialogue; a must-read.
