Social justice parenting How to raise compassionate, anti-racist, justice-minded kids in an unjust world

"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.)

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.