The Cycle of a Dream: A Kid’s Introduction to Structural Racism in America by Dr. Kimberly Narain MD, Ph.D., M.P.H. is a delightful, beautifully illustrated, albeit brief journey through the history of Black people in America and how we have arrived at today’s current situation of heightened racial tension in the US. The author takes us right back to the time the first Africans were kidnapped from Angola and brought to the US to work the plantations of the South and enrich their white masters. She takes time to describe and understand in language children can grasp the many terms that underpin discussions on structural racism in America that are taking place today. From the decision of the courts in 1662 that the children of black slaves belonged to the slaves’ owners right through to the discrimination and economic disparities of today, the author addresses the problem in no-nonsense, straightforward detail. She concludes with some ideas on how young people can react and respond appropriately when witnessing discrimination and racism in their everyday lives.

I found The Cycle of a Dream to be a thoroughly refreshing and straightforward account of how the “American dream” has never been fulfilled for so many of the nation’s citizens of color. Overt and subtle racism has permeated every aspect of society, despite repeated efforts to “legislate” it away. What I particularly appreciated about Dr. Kimberly Narain’s excellent work was that she never spoke down to her young readers and gave them the bare facts of the mistreatment of the slaves and their descendants through the years. The illustrations are a beautiful addition to the story and although simple are evocative and powerful, adding greatly to the narrative. In this time when racial tension, police brutality, and income disparity are so much a part of our political discourse, what stood out for me was the author’s ability to define the terms that we so often use in our everyday vernacular to allow the young reader to grasp what is being said all around him and her, in discussion and in the news every single day. This was a wonderful introduction to the pernicious cancer of structural racism in the United States and perhaps, most importantly, it allows younger readers to grasp the concept and to discuss it with their parents, teachers, and peers, with knowledge and understanding. I would recommend that this book would be a great discussion document for younger grade-school classes, as well as a wonderful book to be read at a child’s bedside. It’s a great discussion generator and that is the key – discussion and understanding.

The Cycle of a Dream: A Kid’s Introduction to Structural Racism in America by Dr. Kimberly Narain, MD, Ph.D., M.P.H. tells stories of slavery starting in 1619 until more recently. Narain writes about how slaves were treated and how they worked to make white owners of big plantations rich because slaves were not paid for their work. We have seen people from all different backgrounds working together to overcome racism and we continue to see it. The one huge thing that has been done for racism is the Civil War. A huge part of that war was fought in our area and surrounding areas. This book mentioned Booker T. Washington as one that spoke out for racism. I am happy that his homeplace is only a few miles from us.

As always when I read about slavery, I cringe because it's difficult for me to read that a human being was treated that way. I was blessed to have parents and grandparents who taught me to respect blacks and whites alike. Both blacks and whites in the community I grew up in have a special love and bond for each other. Too bad every community and city are not like this, but sadly they are not. I think The Cycle of a Dream is a great book to read to your children. It makes a wonderful conversation starter for those who are not sure how to bring this subject up with their children. The beautiful illustrations were created by Mike Motz, who does a really great job of capturing what is written on the pages. This is a book that will benefit many people. I encourage you to pick up The Cycle of a Dream by Kimberly Narain for your own home library.