Main Street: A Community Story About Redlining

Gr 2-5–Olivia, who has brown skin and textured hair, is told by her light-skinned and light-haired friends that her neighborhood is too unsafe for them to visit (at least according to their parents). Hurt and confused, Oliva exclaims to her dark-skinned, gray-haired neighbor Ms. Effie, “I wish I didn’t live here.” Ms. Effie explains with love and great detail the history of their Main Street community: how when she was a child during the time her parents were ready to buy a home, banks were drawing red lines around Main Street, while homes in nearby suburbs were given money and support along with blue and green lines. In the absence of government support, families on Main Street formed co-ops and worked together to overcome what obstacles they could, and continue to do so: “Even though the government abandoned us, we won’t abandon us.” Wilkerson’s lively digital illustrations support the text, including examples of maps. Back matter features an author’s note and ways readers can support their own communities. While heavy and detailed at times by necessity, this is an excellent jumping-off point for conversations around redlining and further learning.