Little Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally
Written by Julie Kratz
Illustrated by Edwards Maiello
Ages 5-10 | 74 Pages
Publisher: Next Pivot Point | ISBN-13: 978-1736515907
Publisher’s Synopsis: As Ally navigates through her school day, she watches her classmates face bullying and discrimination. Ally realizes that they all want the same thing – to be accepted as they are. Ally learns an important lesson, brought to light by her teacher, that our differences make each of us unique and special, and that we can be an ally to others to help them navigate through life.
Little Allies is a touching tale that reminds us of the importance of accepting each other, celebrating our differences, and working to become an ally. The colorful pictures show Ally’s willingness to stand by her friends, even when she doesn’t know how else to help. Adults in the story are also important allies, helping kids navigate challenges, learn ways to support, and cherish their uniqueness.
The bonus material at the end of the book will spark discussion at home or in the classroom.100% of online book sale proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit or organization focused on children’s diversity and inclusion development or providing equitable access to opportunities for all children.
PURCHASE LINKS
https://amzn.to/3uKvehZ
https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781736515907
ABOUT THE AUTHOR 
Julie Kratz is a highly acclaimed TEDx speaker and inclusive leadership trainer who led teams and produced results in corporate America. After experiencing many career “pivot points” of her own, she started her own speaking business, focused on helping leaders be more inclusive. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Julie is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host, and executive coach. She holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, is a Certified Master Coach, and is a certified unconscious bias trainer.
Her books include Pivot Point: How to Build a Winning Career Game Plan, ONE: How Male Allies Support Women for Gender Equality, and Lead Like an Ally: A Journey Through Corporate America with Strategies to Facilitate Inclusion, and Little Allies: A Children’s Story about Inclusion, Diversity, and Becoming an Ally.
Meet Julie at NextPivotPoint.com.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Life Is What It's Called - Why do you think this book is important for kids to read?
Julie Kratz - Kids are naturally curious about diversity. They see differences as additive. Yet, they don't know how to talk about it, and they need tools to help them. This book tells real-life everyday stories kids can relate to and has a discussion guide for adults with an ally promise so they can take real action towards inclusion.
Life Is What It's Called - How can teachers use this book in the classroom?
Julie Kratz - K to 5 teachers can read the book aloud in the classroom and feel comfortable asking the discussion guide questions to unpack it with kids. My ally certificate can be printed out for kids to decorate and sign so that they make an active promise to be inclusive with other children. We have the discussion guide and my ally promise certificate downloadable for free on our website thelittleallies.com.
Life Is What It's Called - How can parents use this book at home?
Julie Kratz - Many parents and caregivers have read the book aloud with their children at bedtime and they say it's opened up some very interesting discussions with their kids. They didn't know how to start talking about racial differences, disability, or gender differences, but this book helped open that door for them.
Life Is What It's Called - What inspired you to write this book?
Julie Kratz - After experiencing the pandemic pregnant and with a seven-year-old who was very curious about racial Justice, I felt uncomfortable navigating this delicate conversation with my children even as a diversity practitioner. I looked for books to help and was unable to find them. That is why I wrote Little Allies.
Life Is What It's Called - How has your background as an Inclusive Leadership Trainer and speaker helped you to write this book?
Julie Kratz - The stories I've collected over the years were integral for this book. It's impossible to be an ally at work if you are not an ally at home. It's seamless. There's no on or off switch.
Life Is What It's Called - How does this book compare to other books out on the market?
Julie Kratz - There are many children's books on diversity, but they are very overt in nature. They don't generally have stories with representation across all dimensions of diversity, and their messages are not as interesting for children.
Life Is What It's Called - What are your next writing projects?
Julie Kratz - We hope Little Allies will become a box set with many, many more stories to come.
Life Is What It's Called - Why is fostering change necessary?
Julie Kratz - Future generations cannot afford to keep having these tired conversations about diversity. We cannot kick the can to them to solve problems created by generations before them. They need tools for positive change.
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a Little Allies ART-Stravaganza prize pack!
One (1) Grand Prize Winner Receives:
- A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
- A $50 Target gift card
- An ART-stravangza kit for your budding artist including:
- A Sketchbook
- Skin Tone Colored Pencils
- Crayola Multi-Ethnic Skin Tone Washable Tempera Paints
- Paint Brushes
- Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Crayons
- Crayola Skin Tone Multicultural Markers
- A copy of Little Allies, autographed by Julie Kratz
- A Little Allies Slap Bracelet
- A Little Allies Sticker
The giveaway begins May 17, 2021, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends June 17, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Next Pivot Point.
I would share this with my granddaughter, who love to read.
ReplyDeleteMy kids get to choose at least one of their own things that they are involved in. That way, we are not all crazy and they have something they really look forward to.
ReplyDelete