The Song of the Molimo

Reach for this book when your child starts noticing that history is often told from only one point of view, or when they ask difficult questions about how people of different races were treated in the past. It is an essential tool for discussing the dehumanizing practice of human zoos and the origins of racial stereotypes in a way that is accessible but honest. By following the friendship between a Kansas boy and Ota Benga, an African man exhibited at the 1904 World's Fair, the story bridges the gap between historical facts and human empathy. While the book deals with heavy themes of captivity and racism, it is written for the 9 to 13 age group, focusing on the confusion and eventual awakening of the young protagonist, Harry. Parents will appreciate how Jane Cutler uses the backdrop of the St. Louis World's Fair, a place of supposed progress, to highlight the contradictions of the era. It is a thoughtful choice for families looking to cultivate a sense of social justice and a critical eye toward how we treat those who are different from us.