Anti- Bias Book Review: More Than Peach


Anti- Bias Book Review: More Than Peach




Bellen Woodard is now an 11 year old who is the CEO and founder of the More Than Peach project. She launched this project when she was 8 years old because she wanted everyone to feel included. She did not like that people referred to the color peach as “the skin color” when in reality there are so many different beautiful skin colors. When using other colors beside peach to color skin color people can see themselves being represented as well as others.
  • Illustrations
    • Show different people of color. 
      • Shows the different “Shades of the world”
    • Shows a student in a wheelchair
    • Shows natural hair types
    • Also shows her mom brushing her Afro 
    • The depictions of the characters are not exaggerated to make a specific race look bad
  • Effects on Children’s Self and Social Identities
    • Because of the different skin colors represented in the book many can see themselves in the book. 
    • Also because the author's goal is to make sure everyone feels valued and finds a true narrative that would be considerate of everyone. 
    • Helps the students realize that the color peach is not “the skin color crayon” but that there are other crayons that can be used as well “because it can be any number of beautiful colors.”
  • Engaging in Actions for Change
    • Since this is based on a true story this is very inspirational. The fact that she was able to transform the way of thinking of not only her classmates but also the adults and later on the world. 
    • She points out that your age doesn't matter and you can make a change and lead the way. “Together we can show the world the power of kidhood.”

I really loved this book. It made me think back to when I would use the peach crayon to color skins because people would refer to it as the skin color crayon. Back then I didn't think much of it but looking back I would have liked to use my skin color when coloring myself or my family. This book is such a good book and should be read to kids starting at a young age. It helps them see themselves in it and also realize that yes there are so many different skin colors and the peach crayon is not the only skin color crayon.



Bellen Woodard with her "More Than Peach" markers.

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