Is There Really a Human Race?

Is There Really a Human Race? By Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell holds strong discussion for young children about what it means to be a part of the human race. The bright and whimsical illustrations captivate young readers and hold the audience’s attention, while the rhythm and rhyme of the words on the page make for poetic expression, ideal for a read aloud by parents and teachers.

In the book, a little boy is slightly confused by the phrase “human race.” He moves through the story wondering if the phrase holds tangible meaning that he can see, and slowly realizes that he can be a piece of the human race just by living and having a good spirit and heart. In the beginning, he believes he is actually in a true running race, but he spends his time wondering when the race actually started! He ponders if his family is part of the race as well, and he looks at people in the world around him as if they are running alongside him. The main character realizes that the point of being a wonderful part of this human race is that all human beings have to work carefully with each other to make the world a better place to live in, simultaneously allowing the human race to be kinder, more loving, and more accepting of the unique qualities of all human beings.

The authors’ purpose in writing is to allow children to see the importance of working together with others to make our world a better place. Children often have a more difficult time conceptualizing the world as a whole, moving beyond seeing just their own selves as a part of this world, but they are intuitive in knowing how to open their hearts to all people, no matter how different they are from themselves. Both female authors of this creative book have allowed children and adults alike to see how everyone needs respect, love, and care in order to make this world a more gentle, cohesive place to live in.

The intended audience for this book is students ages 4-8, but I believe that it can be used with all ages. The message is one that can carry throughout all stages of life. The mood of this book is incredibly whimsical, humorous, joyful, and light, and the ending holds that feel good notion that we, as human beings, can all take the time to make changes to see a brighter future, a message that I believe can be heard by people of all ages and walks of life.

In looking at character identity and cultural sensitivity, the illustrations are what depict so many cultures, races, and a mix of gender throughout the story, making it easily accessible and relatable for all children. When students read this story, they will absolutely look at the pictures and be able to “find themselves” on the pages. With these types of stories, we want children to be able to see themselves in the book in order to make the story more applicable to their own life. I do believe this book was an easier story to pull in all different types of people drawn on each page because of the discussion of human race. Overall, this story is incredibly culturally sensitive and aware, giving children the ability to make deeper connections.

When I use this story in my own class of kindergarteners, they are captivated by both the words and illustrations. This story has led to some marvelous conversations about what it means to be human, how to behave in this world, and what they, at four, five, and six years old, can do in their own lives to assist in the necessary changes to make the world a better, more ideal place to live. It’s a pretty beautiful feeling to know that this book, paired with others like it, can affect small changes that can lead to big results!

Kaitlynn DeGrano - EDRL 524