Resources
Book List
Super Spots by Nakeyia Jones (Age 2-5)
Nia teaches her classmates about her skin condition, vitiligo. Hear it read on YouTube here.
The Day You Begin By Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by Rafael López (Age 3-8)
A book about feeling different and connecting with others despite this.
Lucy’s Umbrella by Sara Madden (Age 3-8)
Lucy has vitiligo and finds beauty in nature and herself.
One of a Kind By Chris Gorman (Age 3-8)
A book about a kid who loves punk rock and being unique.
I am Not a Fox by Karina Wolf, Illustrated by Chuck Groenink (Age 3-8)
A book about Luca, who looks like a fox but acts like a dog, and finding where he belongs.
Sunflower Sisters by Monika Singh Gangotra, Illustrated by Michaela Dias-Hayes (Age 4-10)
A book about celebrating all skin shades, and finding confidence and joy in your skin.
The Skin You Live In by Michael Tyler, Illustrated by David Lee Csicsko (Age 4-10)
A book about social acceptance, friendship, confidence, and diversity.
Skin Deep: A Child’s Story by Phyllis A. Russell-Gilmer (Age 3-8)
A book that explores the emotions of a child who has vitiligo.
Vitiligo Doesn’t Scare Me by Kim Kirkland (Age 2-12)
A book that teaches kids that vitiligo is nothing to fear!
Amiri’s Birthday Wish by Florenza Denise Lee (Age 5-12)
For Amiri’s birthday, her family plays a Guessing Game!
The Itchy-saurus: The Dino with an Itch That Can't be Scratched by Rosie Wellesley (Age 6-12)
Itchy the dinosaur has itchy skin and sees Doc Bill to get some soothing cream.
Year of Yes: How To Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes (Teen-Adult)
A book from the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal about saying “yes” to things that scare you.
The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser (Teen-Adult)
A book about reaching your goals by first loving yourself.
Movie List
Inside Out, 2015
A fun movie about the emotions of an eleven-year-old who is adjusting to a big move.
Ratatouille, 2007
A movie about a rat with a dream to be a culinary chef.
Soul, 2020
A movie about a middle school band teacher who learns about the meaning of life and passion.
Hotlines
SafeLink: 1-877-785-2020
Domestic violence hotline
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
The Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or Text ‘START’ to 678-678
LGBTQ+ organization
Childhelp: 1.800.4ACHILD or 1-800-422-4453
National Child Abuse Hotline
Loveisrespect.org: Call 1-866-331-9474, 800-787-3224 (Teletypewriter number), or Text ‘LOVEIS’ to 22522
Support for teens and young adults with questions or concerns about dating and relationships.
Research
Learn about the impact of past CIOS workshops:
In 2022, CIOS members conducted a study on the Impact of a Comfortable in Our Skin interactive workshop on social media awareness and self-confidence in adolescents
CIOS workshops make a difference — take a look at their findings below!
Abstract: Social media use contributes to body dissatisfaction and reduced quality of life among adolescents. This study examines the impact of social media use and skin conditions on body image and suggests that a Comfortable in Our Skin (CIOS) pilot community-based workshop may promote healthier body image and social media usage among urban adolescents.