Jordan's First Day by Modello Brown
What's It About?
Introducing kids to difficult facts of life and how to begin to deal with those uncomfortable situations.Pack the lunches and head to the bus stop because school is back in session! If your little one is apprehensive, they’re not alone — back-to-school jitters are the norm for every returning student. And things are even more intimidating when you’re new in town and unsure of exactly who you’ll meet at school.
In Jordan’s First Day, author Modello Brown tells the story of one such student. Three-year-old Jordan has just moved and he’s anxious about making friends on the first day. Will the other kids welcome him, or will he be left out? And what if none of the other students look like him?
As a young Black boy, it’s understandable for Jordan to be conscious of the racial demographic at his new school. Thankfully, his friend Zoey assures him that “Littlewood Elementary is as diverse as can be. You’ll be welcomed with open arms … just wait and see.”
Sure enough, Zoey’s words ring true. Jordan’s relieved to find a place where he “did not feel strange, uncomfortable, or out of place, or as if he should change.” He soon meets Nona, Wan and Alison, three students who quickly greet Jordan. There’s one kid, however, who doesn’t follow suit; Nick, the school bully, who immediately targets Jordan for having the darkest skin of the class. Will Jordan’s new friends stick up for him, or will he have to deal with this racist bully on his own?
TOLERANCE AND TEAMWORK PAY OFF
Subjects like mathematics and language arts aren’t the only learning going on at school. In a group of their peers, it’s essential for kids to learn interpersonal skills — everything from communication to teamwork to empathy. School helps introduce children to people from different walks of life and encourages them to work together. But not every child rises to this opportunity — after all, prejudice can be taught just as easily as open-mindedness.
With precise, rhyming prose, Jordan’s First Day discusses racism with a gentle touch that’s easy for young readers to follow. The book shows the full breadth of the diversity at Littlewood Elementary, and how the students’ unique perspectives and cultural backgrounds make the learning environment that much richer. And when hate does rear its ugly head, the book demonstrates how there’s far more strength in unity than there is in standing alone.
In the end, Alison stands up for Jordan and tells Nick off, informing him that his behavior “is racism … and it is a disgrace.” But Alison isn’t the only one to speak up; all of Jordan’s new friends rise to his defense. With Nick swiftly defeated, Jordan and his friends promise to stick together to make sure each one of them feels welcome at Littlewood Elementary. With their new group — now called the Hip Hop Littles — Jordan and his friends are set to have a great school year being their best, most authentic selves. With their demonstration, your child, too, can set off into this school year secure in their identity and ready to take on the world.
About the author:
“I’m looking for a parent to say “I love these books, my kids love them, and all of the characters really teach kids positive behavior… Honestly, the true reward would be a kid saying they did something a certain way because of how one of my characters did it. At that point, I’ll know I’ve achieved exactly what I’m here for, my reason for writing.” – Modello Brown
Modello Brown grew up in the Englewood district of Chicago, Illinois in the early 90s. Being the honest and direct person that he is, he is never afraid to talk about the rough upbringing that he experienced. However, he regards himself as lucky to have been saved by the magic of music and art.
He is passionate about creating ways to teach young people about values, self-belief, and self-worth. The Hip-Hop Little series is one of the ways he hopes to capture the imagination of those children who might feel like they don’t have many options in life, and to provide them with tools Modello did not have himself growing up.
He is also a person who really knows the value of hard work, and believes in his passion. Between creating Hip-Hop Little stories, he also spends his days working on animation. Disney has been a huge inspiration since he was little. An inspiration that has fueled the majority of his artistic pursuits ever since. He also finds time to look up and learn about art, read inspirational books, and drive a truck at night to make a living!
One of the most important elements of Hip-Hop Littles is giving kids role models. His hope is every child who reads his books will see themselves reflected in one of the characters. This will help them to realize that any problem they have, other kids have too. They are not alone. In turn, this should give them the confidence to be themselves and to share their feeling without fear of judgment.
Ultimately, the Hip-Pop Littles series is about entertaining kids whilst teaching them that being themselves is something to be celebrated.
Buy this Book!
Amazon
