INTRODUCTION
This reading guide is designed to accompany Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin’s’ picture book Click, Clack, Moo. We hold the belief that anti-racist practice is a process of learning (and unlearning) over time. Reading Is Resistance sees reading as an opportunity to seed deeper conversations and possibilities for action around racial justice in our communities.
Lesson content was written by Eli Porterfield and was designed to start and deepen anti-bias/anti-racist conversations in families and other learning communities. Editors were Raina Christian and Remonda Hanna.
BOOK THEMES
JUSTICE, ACTION, DIVERSITY
THE READ ALOUD
BOOK SUMMARY
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin tells the story of cows and hens that use a typewriter to stand up for themselves against their farmer. The book is centered around the struggle between the cows and hens against farmer Brown; the animals seek fair treatment and will not give milk or eggs until they receive their electric blankets to stay warm. Additionally, this book does an excellent job of demonstrating the anti-bias learning themes of justice, action, and diversity. Another important idea covered is how change can be achieved through peaceful protest and the use of words. Finally, the book addresses concepts related to fair labor practices and unionization through the actions of the animals.
FULL READING GUIDE (download here)
For the full reading guide including discussion questions based on anti-oppression capacity building, download below!