After reading Lies My Teacher Told Me by J. Lowen, I thought this
article added another dimension to his argument.  In his book he
examines the white wash that historians have given American history in
their classroom textbooks.  Mildred Taylor reveals some of the
difficulty which is encountered when some of the honesty is revealed.
I quote her, "It is not polite, and it is full of pain" .

Taylor is an author of children's books who is recounting life before
the civil rights movements.  Her books, though highly readable and  of
Newberry Award caliber, have been met at times with resistence.
Parents sometimes do not want their children exposed to unpleasantness.
 Her books reveal some harsh realities of racism, but J. Lowen would
agree with her when she says, "I have recounted events that were
painful to write and painful to be read, but I had hoped they brought
more understanding".

Questions:
  Could her books be construed as racist, or can they be used to
understand racism?
  How could a teacher prepare the class before reading her book?
  Are her books really that good?
  How could a teacher prepare the parents before reading her book?
  What steps can be taken to reveal racist and racial truths in a
sensitive way?

Submitted by Lynnda Robeson