Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books. These discussions will build our capacity for talking about race and define our roles in fighting against both every day and systemic racism.
Educator and activist Mariame Kaba writes a story about the experiences that a child might have as a person with an incarcerated parent. From the hesitant joy of temporarily seeing their father to not being given honest or clear answers about why their father is in prison, Kaba captures the many conflicting emotions that the main character often feels. While there are internal struggles, there is still love between parent and child, and the child tries their best to remain optimistic and celebrate the love that they have for their father. The book concludes with a note from the author that further explains the impact that the U.S. prison system has on families, particularly families of color. While children with incarcerated parents are being very much affected in high numbers, the author still expresses hope for the future.
Dad Bakes is a story inspired by muralist and author Katie Yamaskai's work with incarcerated mothers and fathers across the country. This heartfelt story subtley hints at past incarceration and is filled with quiet moments of reclaiming life and joy. It shows the love, devotion, strength and resilience a father has to successfully return to his community and provide a home for himself and daughter. The simple and straight forward text lends itself well to young readers. In the author's note Katie Yamaskai dedicates Dad Bakes to families affected by incarceration and the organizations that help them.
"...We belong to one another, so when someone returns to the community, it is up to all of us to support their healing and opportunities to thrive, as we collectively build a world where all people are valued..." - Katie Yamasaki
Children of Incarcerated Parents BILL OF RIGHTS
- I have the right to be kept safe and informed at the time of my parent’s arrest.
- I have the right to be heard when decisions are made about me.
- I have the right to be considered when decisions are made about my parent.
- I have the right to be well cared for in my parent’s absence.
- I have the right to speak with, see and touch my parent.
- I have the right to support as I face my parent’s incarceration.
- I have the right to not be judged, blamed or labeled because my parent is incarcerated.
- I have the right to a lifelong relationship with my parent.
TAKEN FROM: SFCIPP.ORG
This Bill of Rights was developed by the San Francisco Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership.
Adapted from the Embrace Race and MomsRisings' 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids About Race and Richland Library's Let's Talk Race team
Jail: a place where people who have been accused or convicted of crimes are confined or incarcerated. Generally, people stay in jail if they are sentenced for less than a year’s time or if they are waiting for their trial.
Prison: a place where people who have been accused or convicted of crimes are confined or incarcerated. If people receive a sentence for more than a year, they go to prison.
Incarcerate: to restrict the ability of a person so that they are not allowed to leave a jail or prison.
Definitions from A Caregivers’ Guide: How to Explain Jails and Prisons to Children*
*Caregivers, you may want to review this guide before reading together and discussing. Even if your child doesn’t have a loved one that is incarcerated, they may have a lot of questions. This guide will help you answer some of those questions.
Younger Children (Preschool-2nd Grade)
Older Children (3rd Grade & Older)
Take a look at the following websites to learn more:
Also, check out our Understanding Race, Equity and Inclusion resource for more books, podcasts, events and information.