Darwin McBeth Walton

What Color Are You? was a ground breaking work on diversity in children’s literature and was named a landmark book by the Chicago Historical Society. As a teacher of mixed race classes, author Darwin Walton heard children’s questions and taunts to each other about skin color. After a search for materials on the subject, Ms. Walton found nothing of use and also noted that there were no children’s books (in the late 1960s) that contained pictures of African Americans or other minorities. She wrote this book to explain skin color differences to young readers using a scientifically based narrative for grades 3 to 5. When published it was one of the first diversity education texts that contained pictures of children of different races in school and at play together.

The text is rhythmic and color pictures by acclaimed UPI and Ebony magazine photographer Dr. Hal Franklin highlight the points made about skin color. There is also a glossary of terms, introducing young readers to the resources that serious books include.

This book is still relevant today and needed more than ever. Unfortunately it is out of print, although copies can be found through resellers. Hopefully a publisher will make it available again for our current generation of young readers.

Other books by Darwin Walton include: Overcoming Challenges, Dance Kayla (a best book of 1999 by Banks Street Selection Committee), In Nana’s Kitchen, Part of My Family, Families are Special, and Kwanzaa (A World of Holidays). She has authored two books about the Underground Railroad for children: Journeys of Courage and Jetty’s Journey to Freedom.… (more)