Tag: diverse authors

Raising Allies

Diverse Book Round-Up: Leaders, Activists and Wave-Makers

/

Hey Loves!

New Year, more book collabs! Lakeisha from Maya’s Book Nook and I have planned content out for the next six months to keep your book shelves and library hold lists diverse and interesting! For our first one of 2021, we are celebrating all things Activists, Change-Agents and Wave-Makers. With all of the historical first in our country, we are excited to share this book list! Don’t forget, all the books are linked to bookshop for purchase or library hold or you can find the complete list here.

A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara is a great way to both introduce and remind young readers of how everyone can act and help our world. It introduces terms such as democracy, feminist, and indigenous with diverse and captivating illustrations. It carries the theme that we must individually work for the greater good of all.

We March by Shane W. Evans tells the story of how protests lead to change. Starting from an early wake up, the story follows a family as they prepare to march. With their family, community and civil rights and religious leaders, the reader sees glimpses of the historic March on Washington for freedom. 

Child of the Civil Rights Movement by Paula Young Shelton and Raul Colón is centered around the Freedom Riders and their protest in Atlanta. This collection of short stories told from the child protagonists point of view follows a family returning back to the south to fight for equality and against the evils of Jim Crow and racism. 

Superheroes Are Everywhere by Madam Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris is full of examples of superheroes around us every day. Each page is filled with a special memory of Harris, a person who is a superhero to her and a prompt for the reader to recognize what those around them do. This book is great conversation starter for how your little one can be a superhero. The book ends with a superhero pledge because it is easier to be a superhero than you think.

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford tells the story of the incomparable Fannie Lou Hamer. From her childhood in Mississippi, being 1 of 20 children in sharecropping and seeing the harsh reality of inequity and her love of learning. The reader will be moved by the prose that explains her forced sterilization and all the hurdles she jumped through to be able to vote and register others.  This is very detailed and a little lengthy so it is suggested for older readers, age 8 and above.

Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi is a board book that features nine ways parents can raise their children to be antiracist. I’ve used this book as a baby shower gift since it was released. Not only do adults have to confront all of our biases, we have to be intentional when talking about race with little ones. As the research shows, it’s never too early to start the conversation.

Shirley Chisholm is a Verb by Veronica Chambers details the life of the most influential politicians, Shirley Chisholm. Not only was she the first Black woman in Congress, Chisholm was also the first to seek the Democratic nomination to be president. The vocabulary in this book is very rich and we had great conversations using verbs to describe our personalities after reading it. I love this one because it details her childhood and life prior to becoming a politician.

Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change by Robin Stevenson tells the stories of many of our favorite activists. I really like this one because often we hold these iconic figures to such a high regard, we forget that they were children at once. The stories told are extremely relatable and inspire both kids

Soldier for Equality: José de la Luz Sáenz and the Great War by Duncan Tonatiuh told a story that was new to me. Although he was treated unfairly, Luz always fought for what was right. He was bullied as a child for being a Mexican American and many showed prejudices towards him as he got older. To show that Mexican Americans loved the U.S., Luz volunteered to join the army during World War I. Unfortunately, he was still discriminated against and did not receive recognition for many of his contributions. Luz responded by helping to start the League of United Latin American Citizens, which is the oldest Latinx civil rights organization, to fight for equality upon his return home from the war.

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom is a book we were introduced to last year on Earth Day. This powerful tribute to water demonstrates its life-sustaining importance. The metaphors in this book are beautifully illustrated. We Are Water Protectors is a call to action for us all.

Allyship

Christmas and Winter Holiday Book Round-Up

/

Hey Loves!

Its the most wonderful time of the year! I mean, after the year we’ve had, let us all rejoice and enjoy the festivities! Speaking of festivities, I, like you, have had to alter them due to the pandemic. Thankfully there are amazing books to open our eyes and hearts and guide our experiences. I’ve teamed up with Lakeisha from Maya’s Book Nook to share this awesome book list with you. Don’t forget- all the links are available for you to shop or reserve from the library. Let’s get into it!

Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht is a whimsical tale about finding, taking care of and decorating the prized Christmas Tree. Beautifully illustrated with a host of diverse characters, this book is sure to have all excited for tree-trimming. (Spoiler alert: The book comes with a pop-up Christmas tree and it is gorg!) It definitely got my 2 very ready to pick out and decorateour tree!

Silent Night by Lara Hawthorn is a heart-stopping take on a treasured and timeless Christmas carol, Silent Night. Using the lyrics, the illustrations walk you through the journey to the birth of Jesus. Each image is depicted so well, I read it over and over

The Nutcracker in Harlem by T. E. McMorrow spins the classic tale into a jazzy and debonair story following Marie, the magic toy soldiers gifted from her Uncle, and the sounds of Christmas. Set in Harlem, the images are depicted with rich joy and festivities, as well as a battle for sweets calling for Marie to step up and lead. 

I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison follows the protagonist through the holiday exploring all there is to Christmas spirit. All readers can be taught or reminded of what Christmas spirit truly is-not getting presents, but rather the joy inside you that comes from all the little things-lights, jingles and activities in the holiday season. 

The Night Before Christmas by Rachael Isadora is one of my favorites. This tale, more than a century old, is retold with vibrant illustrations that are not like others. Stockings and ornaments with African-print fabric, children with braids, locs and Kufi hats and a jolly Brown Santa and his reindeer. With these illustrations, the tale is a more relevant experience for us and fills our heart with Christmas wonder. 

What’s Cooking, Jamela? by Niki Daly is a hilarious book that caused Maya to realize that the chicken on the farm is the same chicken we eat. She may or may not have refused to eat chicken for a few days. Jamela is supposed to take care of the chicken mama buys and fatten it up for Christmas dinner. The chicken ends up becoming a pet rather than a meal at the close of this story. It’s hard to find copies available for purchase, so you may have to check it out at your library or watch a read aloud on Youtube. 

Everybody’s Tree by Barbara Joosse is a new release this holiday season. Eighty years ago, a young boy helped to plant a spruce tree in his yard. Over time, the tree grew larger and the family members got older and older. The tree had grown so large, it was chosen to be the special evergreen for the town’s Christmas tree lighting. The tree becomes everybody’s as all of the residents gather around to witness the lighting.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto follows a young girl on Christmas Eve as she helps to prepare tamales for the family dinner. When Maria’s mother leaves the kitchen, and her diamond ring on the counter, Maria couldn’t help but to try it on. In an unfortunate twist of events, Maria believes the ring is missing. She and her cousins try to eat all of the tamales to find the missing ring. You’ll have to read this one to find out what happens next!

Way Too Many Latkes by Linda Glasser is a funny tale about Faigel, the maker of the best Hanukkah latkes in Chelm. This year, Faigel forgets the recipe! When she sends her husband to the rabbi for help with the recipe, Faigel gets into more than she can handle. Thankfully, the rest of the neighbors are invited to eat the neverending supply of latkes.

Miracle on 133rd Street by Sonia Manzano (who played Maria on Sesame Street) tells the story of when Mami bought a roast that was too big to fit in the oven. Jose and Papa head to the local pizzeria to see if they can cook the roast there. Although their neighbors weren’t feeling the Christmas spirit initially, when the amazing scent of the food starts wafting through the air, all are filled with joy as they come together.

Allyship

November Fun: Diverse Gratitude and Family Gathering Book Haul

/

Hey Loves!


The dynamic duo strikes again! Lakeisha from Maya’s Book Nook and I really have a thing for quality diverse books and today we are sharing all the things we love about November! Gratitude, good food, and fun family time! I’ll be using these books all of November. You can use this Bookshop link conveniently to purchase or add these books to your library holds. Let’s get right into it.

Full, Full, Full of Love by Trish Cooke is a fun and easy read while helping littles learn patience when waiting for a family meal together. The protagonist waits with his grandma for what seems like an eternity for all of his family to arrive for a feast. The wait is hard but Grandma makes fun. It’s after a few helpings of dinner and yummy desserts, he realizes these times aren’t just about the food and it’s not just the food that fills everyone. Being together makes them full of love. 

Thanks a Million by Nikki Grimes is the perfect addition to your poetry stash. This book of short poems is apt for the entire family, helping all focus on gratitude. Not only are the images diverse, the poems are diverse in abilities, soci-economic status, and gender. These poems cover gratitude for everything from nature, to neighbors to numbers. 

Gracias Thanks by Pat Mora is a lovely bilingual story that follows the protagonist, a little boy, through his day of showing gratitude for so much in his life. Written in English and Spanish, gratitude is shown for the poignant things like family, parents and nature but are done in a hilarious manner that’s enjoyable for all readers.

Feast For 10 by Cathryn Falwell is a little book packed with goodness. Although geared toward toddlers, my two still love this tale, counting from 1-10 all the ingredients for a family feast. Then, counting from 10-1, all the key ingredients that really matter, the soul in the food, the love that is shared and the people to share it with. 

My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith follows the happy heart of a little girl sharing all the things she delights in. They aren’t toys or material items but rather spending time with loved ones, being creative and cooking. The book inspires readers of all ages to focus on the intangible things all around them that could fill their heart with happiness. 

What is Given From the Heart by Patricia C. McKissack and April Harrison is one of the most touching books we’ve ever read.

Don’t Say a Word, Mama by Joe Hayes is a funny bilingual English-Spanish book that focuses on generosity. Two sisters, who love each other dearly, try to secretly out-give each other with the best gifts from their gardens. We love books with repeated lines and this one will have your little one yelling, “Don’t say a word, Mama!” 

I Am Thankful: A Thanksgiving Book for Kids by Sheri Wall was just released in August 2020. The rhyming text and vibrant illustrations follow several families and their holiday traditions. From visiting pumpkin patches to spending time with family near and far, watching parades, preparing special dishes, and serving the needy, this book is sure to get your family in the Thanksgiving spirit. I especially love that the author included several ways for little ones to show gratitude at the end of the book.

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp is an older book that contains a timeless message. Giving Thanks provides a model for how we should show our gratitude for all Mother Earth has provided us with; the water, stars, plants, animals, and more. This is a children’s version of the Thanksgiving Address, a traditional morning message of gratitude, that is still provided at Iroquois ceremonies.

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora is not specifically about Thanksgiving, but it’s always seasonally appropriate to read a book about good food, generosity, and community. Omu, which means queen in Igbo (a Nigerian language), is cooking up a delicious stew that makes everyone in the neighborhood come knocking on her door. Maya was genuinely concerned when she realized Omu had given all of her stew away. You’ll have to read this one to find out what happens next!

Family Activities

Halloween Diverse Books Round-Up

/

Hey Loves!

I’m back with another collab with Lakeisha from Maya’s Book Nook and this one is all about Halloween. True story- I love Halloween. Growing up with my dad, we went hard every 31st of October and it’s honestly the holiday I have the most memories of. If you’ve been following along vis socials, you’ve seen my kids Boo Baskets and our attempts to have lots of Halloween fun safely! This year, as COVID-19 continues to impact how we do things, what won’t change is the learning and fun we will have with books. Let’s get into it!

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes is a beautifully illustrated book that takes us through Halloween night. Black cats, carved pumpkins and witches, oh my! They join some other ghouls and at the haunted mansion they converge for a monstrous ball! This bilingual book provides great Spanish vocabulary and includes a Spanish/English glossary.

Monster Trouble by Lane Fredrickson is a cute rhyming tale that follows little Winifred on a quest for a good night’s sleep. She loves ghouls and thinks monsters are cute but when it comes to bedtime, she still can’t sleep. Fed up and tired, Winifred finds a gentle way to keep the monsters at bay.

Samurai ScareCrow A Very Ninja Halloween by Rubin Pingh follows two siblings on Halloween night. It can be rough always being followed around or copied by a younger sibling and it can be tougher being told you aren’t welcome. That doesn’t stop these two from showing each other love on Halloween night.

Shake Dem Halloween Bones by W. Nikola-Lisa is a jazzy tale of Halloween Night. As the city gets dark and quiet, it’s not time for the ghouls to come out and prank. It’s time for the music to crank! Join your favorite classic fairytale characters at the Halloween Ball. Written to a lively beat and poured with diverse illustrations, your kiddos will be grooving all the way to Halloween.

Día De Los Muertos by Roseanne Greenefield Thong breaks down this special Mexican Holiday for you and your littles. Removing lots of the culturally appropriated propoganda, this books allows the whole family to learn and celebrate by learning why this celebration is special and important.

Pumpkin Day by Candice Ransom is the perfect read before going to the pumpkin patch. The simple, rhyming text describes a family’s trip to the patch to find the perfect pumpkins. I love all of the adjectives used throughout the book, as they can be reinforced in daily conversations and activities.

Runaway Pumpkins by Teresa Bateman is a new release that just came out in August 2020. A bumpy ride back to school after a class trip to the pumpkin patch causes a latch to open on the bus causing all of the pumpkins to fall out. The only one left is a huge pumpkin strapped to the top of the bus. While disappointed, the students make the best of it by coming together to decorate the lone pumpkin. Just like the saying, make lemonade out of lemons, neighbors came together to make pumpkin pie (and other goodies) out of the smashed pumpkins that fell from the bus.

Pumpkin Countdown by Joan Holub is a good book to get your little ones counting. It features another field trip to the pumpkin patch, but this time, the class counts everything in sight! Lots of number practice on each page as you try to identify all of the things counted by the class.

How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow by Wendell Minor will take readers on a fantasy ride! Little readers will learn lots of synonyms for big, while reimagining what some of the country’s landmarks would look like if enormous pumpkins were involved.

Super Spooked by Gina Bellisario is a part of the Ellie Ultra chapter book series. Ellie is invited over to a friend’s house for a Halloween sleepover. Everyone is having fun until the lights go out and Fairy Frightmare sprinkles nightmare dust all over them. You’ll have to read this one to find out if Ellie can conquer her fears to help save her friends.

Family Activities

Fall Diverse Books Round-Up

/

Hey Loves!

Today I am joining forces with my girl LaKeisha from Maya’s Book Nook to bring the first of a few installments of diverse reads for your littles. If you’ve been around for just a little bit, you know I believe two of the essential keys to raising allies is exposure and education and both can be attained through quality books with diverse protagonist, authors, and illustrators.

This round-up is focused on all things Fall- apples, leaves, ethic holidays and celebrations- and everything in between. Let’s get to it!

The Shadow In The Moon by Christina Matula: This book details the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated primarily by those of Chinese Heritage. The protagonist and her Ah-ma take us through their celebration with a story that will have you and your littles on the edge of your seats and maybe wanting some of the mooncakes.

Sound of the Shofar by Leslie Kimmelman: Rosh Hashana is just one week away! (September 18, 2020). In this book, the meaning and celebrations both Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are expertly explained in a way that is easily understood by non-Jewish families. It details each special part of the meal(s), fasting, and service(s) with concepts anyone can apply.

In The Leaves by Huy Voun Lee: Don’t we all love a fall trip to the local farm? Cooler temps, fall colors, and just the joy of goats and hayrides brings smiles to everyone. After reading this book, you can be armed with 10 new Chinese characters to remember and practice during your trip. Have fun!

One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count With Me! by John Micklos Jr.: Fall is a good time to remember the beauty of all the seasons, especially after the Spring and Summer that COVID-19 brought. Through this book, you count and examine each season with all the fun each one brings.

Apple Countdown by Joan Holub: From 20 to 1, take a class trip Applebee Farm. Through numbers, the reader shares in all the fun and problem-solving classmates encounter.

Salsa by Jorge Argueta: Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15. With this book, the readers can explore the rich history and culture of the people group who cultivated this delicious appetizer. (Or if you are like me, meal. Salsa and chips is a meal.) The book, in English and Spanish, is beautifully illustrated and shares the love of the dish and the love between those sharing and making it.

Apple Picking Day by Candice Ransom: Who loves apple-everything season?!? We eat apples year round, but I like to take it up a notch in fall. Apple Picking Day would be a great read before taking the little ones apple picking. In the story, a brother and sister duo take us along as they visit an apple orchard. The simple, rhyming text is also good for early readers.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak: As a young girl travels through her town and the forest, she greets all of the signs of fall’s arrival. The breeze is cooler, the leaves are changing, and animals are migrating south. I love the simple text with its accompanying message of how each animal or part of nature is preparing for fall.

Moon Festival Wishes by Jillian Lin: We love learning about various holidays and the traditions that go along with them, so here’s a second book on the Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s also known as the Chinese Moon Festival. This bilingual book not only follows Mei and her family as they prepare a big meal, it also provides background on how the festival came to be.

In Autumn/ En Otoño by Susana Manso: Written in both English and Spanish, this bilingual board book introduces our youngest readers to autumn as a young girl describes her favorite things about this time of the year. The seasons series from Blue Manatee Press is popular with us because of its vibrant photographs!

You can view just about of all these wonderful books here. Happy reading and learning.

Love you. Mean it.