Supplementary activities
“Demetri Makes a Memory Quilt” offers rich vocabulary and encourages creativity. Families and educators can read this story with children to begin important conversations about the feelings that arise in a loved one’s absence. The following materials can build upon the book and help extend children’s learning:
Additional information
With more than 5 million children across the United States having experienced a parent’s incarceration, representation in children’s literature matters. In particular, one in nine Black children and one in 28 Latino children have experienced a parent’s incarceration, leaving communities of color more heavily impacted. Children with incarcerated parents and their peers can benefit from additional resources, offering opportunities for healing and connection.
- “Recommended Books For and About Children of Incarcerated Parents” by the New York Initiative for Children with Incarcerated Parents includes books for various age groups.
- “Coping with Incarceration” by Sesame Street in Communities offers printable activities and videos to help families start important conversations and answer kids’ questions.
- “Supporting Children and Families Affected by Parental Incarceration” by the Child Welfare Information Gateway highlights the importance of engaging with incarcerated parents early and often and provides resources to foster family relationships.
- “The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated” provides research, program lists, and materials for families and service providers.
RENÉE MENART 