Writing children’s books is difficult. Some universities actually offer an MFA in this area. But I think you stumbled on a weak spot in the market–you discovered something that hasn’t been done before. Maybe if these kids at school who are messing with Ethan had books on racism earlier in their lives, Lil E wouldn’t be having so many insults thrown his way. I think it’d be a good project for the two of you.

.
here’s the main website
http://www.whatareyou.com/

.
here’s the publisher’s website - no direct link unfortunately as they use clunky frames so just search for the title, it should come right up (the isbn is 0805059687)
http://www.henryholtchildrensbooks.com/search.htm

Unfortunately, in the mid-90’s there was almost nothing to help explain what this meant. The books available were mostly “look at this odd species” type. It was kind of like reading a book about types of penguins or something. I would avoid these.

Sadly, I did not meet anyone who checked both the Asian and Caucasian boxes until college. I spent a good chunk of freshman year comparing notes;)

Things are getting better though.

Here are some suggestions (solicited and unsolicited):

1) Print out some Secret Asian Man comics.
2) Expose Ethan to multiple famous people or literary characters who share his race. Obviously, his heroes can be of any race or culture, but it’s too easy to form new stereotypes if you’re limited to Connie Chung, the yellow ranger, and your mama. See also: Jackie Chan, Jack from Will and Grace. Call it when you see it.
3) Help Ethan understand that he isn’t responsible for teaching the world about multiculturalism. If someone asks “Where are you REALLY from?”, you’re allowed to blow them off (I provide latitude and longitude).
Not every moment has to be teachable.
Have discussions, but avoid pointing out every single thing you see. Be careful that you role model a life of being, not just explaining, who you are.

Um, that was an essay. Sorry, back to engineering homework. This is why I rarely blog.

jam, I just ordered American Born Chinese and 100% Hapa. ABC is actually a perfect example of what I was trying to get ahold of — Ethan and I were really having problems talking about stereotypes, partly because I was so bothered that he was asking for specific stereotypes about the Chinese in America. I find the stereotypes so bothersome that I was loathe to perpetuate them. I’m excited that the book has this kind of awful, stereotyped character that seems to be used in a clever way with, again, a clever resolution — it seems like a perfect learning tool. I know it’s a little bit old for him, but he’s really into graphic novels right now and I think he’ll definitely get into the book.

.
here’s some websites on the project
http://www.janm.org/exhibits/kipfulbeck/home
http://www.seaweedproductions.com/hapa/

.
here’s the book - it’s really nicely done - folks who come to my bookstore often sit for a long time just leafing through it - we’ve had many people thank us simply for carrying it
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index.php?main_page=pubs_product_book_info&products_id=5532&store=books

She talked of her own child and how he isn’t a very good witness to his own life. I’ll email you more about it offline.

What kind of comments/actions has he been experiencing? If he seems too upset, he may want to talk to his school guidance counselor.