Althea Oliver

Mindy in the Middle Althea Oliver

Mindy is a 5-year-old who began to question why she looks different and why she was called names at school. She opens up to her grandfather after looking at album photos and seeing the different races within her family. Mindy's grandfather reassures her that she is beautiful and that no two persons are the same. This book seeks to encourage kids to talk about identity and by extension bullying. From as early as 5-years-old kids start to identify (whether positively or negatively) with race and identity. It is up to the parents and teachers to shape the children's minds and help them understand that we must accept all races, and that there is nothing wrong with the way they look. The book incorporates expository writing where the reader can engage with the child with questions so as to open up a discussion about the topic. Mindy is a mixed race girl with a story that will translate a powerful statement to children of the world, that We are all beautiful!