Darren Lopez

This is a children’s picture about stereotypes, using a non-racial, non-disability stereotype. The author wrote this based off real conversations that happened in their classroom while they were a teacher. They have tattoos and were thought of as less than, riffraff, and/or gang members. This book that not only covers “stereotypes are bad”, but also how tattoos can mean different things to different people. The artwork is fantastic but the covers a little ho-hum. Overall, this was a great read that could be used in classrooms or libraries for years to come.… (more)

Debut author Darren López brings us a rarity in the picturebook arena, a story that has not been told before. López takes us into the classroom of a teacher–with tattoos! I know what you’re thinking: the shock and horror of it all. Tattoos! And, students can get a peak at the tattoos every now and again when the teacher’s sleeves hike up. Scandalous.

Those of you that read this blog frequently know where I’m going with the tongue-in-cheek horror. I am not scandalized by a teacher that has tattoos; but, I know that some in our society recoil at the very thought, making some of the very same biased arguments the uneducated make in Tatuajes. Namely, that only criminals and people that do “bad things” have tattoos. After all, if you have a tattoo, you must be in a gang.

Tatuajes takes on the stereotypes, demonstrating in a non-preachy fashion how reductive such assumptions can be; and, it does so in language that is easily accessible and relatable to the target ages. Based in part on events that occured to López during his first year teaching in the D.C. School System, the interactions between our teacher, Sr. Mendoza, and his students are true-to-life, funny and fun!

The picture book does an exceptional job of relating how tattoos are essential to cultural and self-expression. It is a wonderful addition to any classroom and a great gift for any family that likes ink! The book is available is Spanish and English.… (more)

"But many people get tattoos to express important things in their lives."

My Teacher Has Tattoos by Darren López was a great book about a boy who catches a glimpse of his teacher's wrist tattoos when they peek out from under his shirt. He has to face his fears about what this means about his teacher's character.

This book would make a great tool for children due to its' important themes. The story teaches about stereotypes and how not to generalize groups of people or judge by a single quality. Another theme is how cultural bias can be passed down to children by parents. Children will place more value on their parents' beliefs and negative stereotypes can be reinforced in this way. The book also explores the importance of observation and questioning to a child's learning process. When they are allowed to learn in this way, they are more likely to make more informed conclusions about people. The book also normalizes body modification as cultural practice and freedom of expression. It normalizes body art and dispels the stigma that teaches that tattoos are automatically bad. It also dispels the myth that outward appearance is indicative of character. The book normalizes children's anxieties about the unknown and receiving mixed signals. Allowing children to name the fear & get honest feedback & guidance leads to more empathy & understanding. The book also broadens the worldview for children because it features Puerto Rican and other religious and cultural identities. Using examples from different cultures fosters open mindedness.

Some good companion books for this one are:
📕 Tell Me A Tattoo Story by Alison McGhee
📙 Why Does Mommy Have Tattoos by Marilyn Rondon
📗 My Aunt Has Tattoos by Abby Lyne
📘 Mommy Has a Tattoo by Phil Padwe
📓 My First Book of Tattoos by Robyn Wall

I loved the perspective of this book & think it is a valuable addition to any classroom or personal library. I appreciate the author's note where he shares his personal experience as a Puerto Rican & Colombian teacher with tattoos. Books like these are important because they teach acceptance of diversity and inclusion. Thanks to @soaringkitepress & @hearourvoicesbt for the gifted copy.… (more)