Hi Reader, How inclusive and accurate was the history you learned in school? I often tell people that going to majority-Black public schools, I learned more Black history than many students did in the early 1990s. But I don't remember learning anything about Asian American history. Because of this knowledge gap, I learned so much reading Sarah-Sooling Blackburn's book for kids ages 8 - 12, Exclusion and the Chinese American Story (affiliate link). I share some of what I learned from the book...
10 days ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, When I started my business nine years ago, it never occurred to me that one day I’d need to explain to kids what birthright citizenship is and its history. I talked frequently about immigrant rights and the need for reforms that provided undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship. Still, I assumed it would always be taken for granted that children born in the United States are citizens. After all, it’s in the constitution! Yet, here we are. On day 1 of his second term, President...
17 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I'm excited to share not only a new blog post this week, but also a free download that will help you take a look at your children's book collection and how you can strengthen it. But first, a bit of a personal update. Last week, my city of Memphis experienced record rainfalls - 14 inches of rain in 4 days. On Thursday, our sump pump failed and our basement flooded. We spent more than I thought was possible getting it replaced, only for even heavier rains to arrive on Saturday. Our...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, Did you know that April 7th (next Monday) is Right to Read Day? As I'm sure you're aware, challenges and bans against children's books (especially those by authors of color and LGBTQ+ authors) have been rapidly rising the past few years. While this is a very serious issue, I also wanted to share a fun and easy way that kids (and adults) can celebrate the Freedom to Read. United Against Book Bans is encouraging folks of all ages to mail (or deliver) postcards to your local library...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
"A country that has pushed one group out of its political community will eventually push out others. The Trump administration’s barrage of attacks on trans people can seem haphazard, but as elements of a denationalization project, they fall into place. In his Inaugural Address and one of his first executive orders, President Trump asserted that only two sexes exist: male and female, established at conception and immutable. Trans people, in other words, do not exist. Executive orders aimed at...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Yesterday I met with an old friend to talk about how we might collaborate in local anti-racism efforts. He asked me how I was doing, with a sincere look that showed he really wanted to know. (I really needed someone to ask me.) We talked about what's keeping each of us grounded right now. He talked about reading the words of our elders in movements for justice, and how it reminds him that none of the crises we are facing right now are new. I thought about the courage of young...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
With just four days left in February, it's time to start thinking about the books you'll need for your home or classroom in March! March is Women's History Month! As you think about the women you want children to learn about, I hope you'll prioritize diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and more. Here are three booklists I have that can guide you: 31 children's books for Women's History Month (updated). There's something for everyone on this list, from...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, How are you doing on this emotional roller coaster called life? The last couple of weeks, I've had days where I had to give myself a lengthy pep talk just to roll out of the bed. Other days, I've felt clear in my purpose and how I can resist the hatred and injustice coming from all directions. Strangely, one thing that's helped me feel grounded is reading children's books about war in preparation for my latest blog post. Remembering how people throughout history have faced awful...
3 months ago • 3 min read
We're four days into Black History Month, but if haven't yet found the books or activities you'll use to observe it, read on! I recommend having a theme to guide you and make connections between the different people and events you learn about. As you figure out that theme, keep in mind a few do's and don'ts from anti-bias educator Britt Hawthorne: discuss Black empowerment, liberation, and joy highlight contemporary Black leaders and icons blame systems, laws, and policies when discussing...
3 months ago • 1 min read