Please Pass the Skin Color

One brave young pig, a respectful conversation among friends, and a deeper understanding about diversity.

Diverse animal friends gain a better understanding about racial and cultural identities during an art activity. A courageous pig stands up for herself and others, which generates a thoughtful and respectful conversation among friends. This discussion leads to a greater awareness of how the friends recognize, respect, and celebrate their differences.

Based on the first author’s real-life experience coloring with friends at school, this book shows kids, through storytelling and beautiful illustrations, that we are all of different colors and backgrounds. No one color or background is most important.

The book also

•offers children an opportunity to better understand how their words can be perceived by and impact others;

•serves as a positive example of how friends can respectfully express their views and listen to one another to collectively create a deeper understanding of an issue; and

•provides parents and teachers with a way to begin discussions related to the recognition, inclusion, and celebration of differences.

Victoria "Tori" Lopez Holdsworth attends middle school at the Morristown Beard School in Morristown, New Jersey. Born in Guatemala, Tori joined her forever family and spent her early childhood in Minnesota. Now, she and her family live in Mount Olive Township, New Jersey. Tori loves working on her art; riding horses at Drakestown Equestrian in Long Valley, New Jersey; dancing; spending time with friends; and playing sports. Her love of serving others has led to her involvement in the Shining Stars dance troupe at the Theater Dance Center in Flanders, New Jersey. With this troupe, Tori dances as community service for patients in rehabilitation centers and the elderly in long-term care facilities. She also loves animals, especially her three cats and her puppy, Boots.

Janet M. Holdsworth, PhD, is an adjunct professor and lacrosse coach. She has a BA in history and political science from Wittenberg University, a MPA from the University of Charleston/University of South Carolina, and a PhD in education policy and administration from the University of Minnesota. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses in leadership, organizational theory, public policy, and history as an adjunct instructor at the University of Minnesota and Rutgers University. An award-winning lacrosse coach for two decades at the high school and college levels, Janet currently serves as the head coach at Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown, New Jersey and conducts leadership training workshops with student-athletes through her nonprofit, Winning for Life. Originally from Springfield (Delco), Pennsylvania, she currently resides in Mount Olive Township, New Jersey, with her husband, David, and their two children, Tori and Charlie.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Ana C. Robles, MA, began her studies and interest in art at the age of fourteen. She lived and was educated in El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. She graduated with a BA in graphic design from Veritas University, Costa Rica. In 2001, Ana married her husband, Francisco, and moved to Mount Olive Township, New Jersey, where she is now raising their children, Ana-Laura and Francisco. In 2013, she completed a MA in art education from the University of Florida. Since 2007, Ana has been teaching art to children and seniors in her art studio, Play, Paint and Create. Besides her great passion for art, Ana loves doing yoga, reading, and learning about other cultures.