Celebrate Deaf Communities: Booklist

Celebrate Deaf Communities: Booklist

by | Dec 11, 2020 | Booklists, Parents

The deaf community has a rich culture. However, their language and experiences are still not fully understood. They have in the past have been called Dummy, Dumb, Disabled, and so much more. Throughout the years, however, thousands of deaf activists have pushed for equal rights. They brought Closed-Captioning in television & media, interpreters for national conversations, brought data that American Sign Language (ASL) is a foreign language due its word structure, visual order, syntax, and meanings. Today it has been distinguished that there is even Black ASL

To celebrate the deaf community, we are highlighting books about deaf culture. Also, each year, December 3-December 10th, is celebrated as Clerc-Gallaudet Week. This week is to remember the partnership that Laurent Clerc and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet formed to establish a leading ASL school and university.

Below are fictional books about children’s and teens living with or living as a deaf individual. 

YOUNG READERS

Secret Signs Along the Underground Railroad, by Anita Riggio

A mother and her deaf son hide slaves on their farm. When a slave catcher is suspicious, he threatens them. Quickly, the deaf son plans to outwit the slave catcher so he can give a message to a woman in an Indigo shawl.

The William Hoy Story, by Nancy Churnin

William Hoy was a deaf baseball player who played for Chicago White Stockings (Chicago White Sox) from 1890-1901. Because William Hoy was deaf his family and society determined his future. However, Hoy was determined to play ball. At first, other players and officials discriminated against him. Later on, Hoy gave the Umpire signs so he knew when to bat or if there was a strike. Remarkably signs in baseball are currently used. With the noise of the players and audience it is easier to sign than speak. We can thank William Hoy for his determination, grit, and passion for baseball.

Moses Sees A Play, by Issac Millman

1 out of the 4 Moses themed books is about a deaf boy named Moses. In this story, Moses befriends a boy named Manuel. Moses teaches Manuel signs and learns how deaf actors perform.

 The Deaf Musicians, by Pete Seeger and Paul Dubois Jacobs

A musician loses his hearing and has to find another way to celebrate his musical gifts. He befriends other deaf musician during his ASL studies. Lee and his new deaf band members performed for audiences in the subway.

Helen’s Big World, The Life of Helen Keller, by Doreen Rappaport

Helen Keller had a mind that amazed the world. She was born hearing, but due to an illness lost her hearing & sight as a baby. This story shares her story and how her life-long teacher, Annie taught her how to read and write. Annie showed Helen the beauties of this world and the injustices.

The Sound of Silence, Growing up Hearing With Deaf Parents, by Myron Uhlberg

An intermediary is a person who translates for the other. Myron describes his experiences of being an intermediary for his deaf parents.

 

Dad Jackie, and Me, by Myron Uhlberg

It is the summer of 1947 where Jackie Robinson is playing with an all-white professional baseball league. Uhlberg’s father is ecstatic because his father experienced discrimination, oppression, and being underestimate his entire life just for being deaf. Uhlberg’s father saw Robinson as his hero. Though this story was fictitious, Uhlberg’s father was proud to see a Black man play with white players.

TEEN READERS

 

You Don’t Know Everything Jilly P, by Alex Gino

New big sister Jillian has a new baby sister. When her parents discover that their baby Emma is deaf, they are upset. The doctors take action on creating hearing aids and even recommending a Cochlear Implant. However, when Jillian pushes back and asks if they will be learning sign language, they dismiss it. Her parents want to give Emma the chance to live amongst Hearing individuals. Jillian pushes back on her parents wishes though. To cope, she befriends a deaf teen named Derek. Derek explains what she is doing right and wrong when it comes to deaf culture. Eventually Jilly discovers that she has much more to learn than doing to “save” Emma. Derek is a friend who gives knowledge raw that makes Jilly think and step back.  

El Deafo, by Cece Bell

An autobiographical graphic novel where Cece became Deaf at the age of 4 after becoming sick with Meningitis. In the 1970s deafness was still a growing research field. So Cece had to wear hearing aids accompanied by a box to hear sounds. At the start, she was taught to read lips and not sign language. When it was time for Kindergarten all of the children noticed her hearing box that she carried around her neck. She felt uncomfortable and alone many times. When she became more comfortable with her hearing aid, Bell named herself “El Deafo.” She also personified herself as “El Deafo” to visualize how to handle so called friends and classmates who treated her unfairly. By the time she reached Middle School Bell became a strong girl who was embracing her deafness. You can learn more about Bell’s story here.

Feathers, by Jacqueline Woodson

Novel set in 1971 where Frannie deals with race, living on the “other side” of the highway, faith, and her older brother Sean’s deafness. Frannie’s brother wants to connect with hearing people so he can be in a different world. Frannie also grapples with the new boy called “Jesus Boy.” He looks white and is the only “white” student in their school, but he affirms he is not white. Woodson tells a story of an adolescent girl who learns about the ways of the world.

Impossible Music, by Sean Williams

Simon is a teen who became deaf due to having a stroke. When he could hear, he relished music and was even thinking about studying music at the university. With his deafness, Simon pushes back. He does not want to learn sign language, dislikes his deaf education, and even wishes his hearing came back. The author goes back and forth when Simon recently became deaf and in the present tense on being deaf. Through it all, Simon is determined to make a sound, and he creates an experience that can be seen by deaf people and hearing.

 Show Me a Sign by Ann Clare LeZotte

Mary lives in a deaf community where hearing and deaf people sign. Their island is connected to the Wampanoag people who live next to them. This book is in the time period where black people were considered the lowest class, then Irishmen, and then the English freedmen. What is important is that Mary’s community did not see deafness as a disability but as a way of culture and communication. The story shifts when a man named Andrew Noble visits her community. He researches why the community in Martha’s Vineyard thrives compared to others. 

 

Wonderstruck, A Novel in Words and Pictures by Brian Selznick

Rose is deaf living in the 1920s where deaf people were taught to lip read and not encouraged to sign. Ben lives in the 1970s. He is struck by lightning and ends up becoming deaf. In both of their discoveries, Rose and Ben run out of their communities to discover who they are. Ben’s story is told through text and Rose’s story is told through visuals. This story connects their stories at the end where each character discovers who they are.

Booklist: Indigenous Lives

Booklist: Indigenous Lives

by | Nov 24, 2020 | Booklists, Parents

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving, we can also celebrate Indigenous people who lived in America before America was colonized. With November being Native American’s People’s Month, we wanted to share books with you that celebrates their lives and culture.

Below is a list of books focusing on intergenerational and connections to the environment.

 

INTERGENERATIONAL 

1. When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith
A story with text and images that shows how different people, generations, and friends can live. “I feel loved when my Elders are kind to me.” Kindness is a word that many people can relearn and this story shares many experiences about kindness. 

2. When We Were Alone by David Alexander Robertson
A story about a grandmother telling her granddaughter on how colonization changed her young life. Her native tongue was not accepted, she could no longer wear beautiful clothes, and her hair was cut short. But through these challenges, her grandmother still reminded her granddaughter that she found ways to keep her culture alive. Grandmother shares that she shared her native tongue, elongated their hair with plants, and thought of home when they were alone.

3. Saltypie, by Tim Tingle
A Choctaw Journey from Darkenss into Light
A young boy learns about the triumphs and struggles of his grandmother because she was an Indian woman. She tells him that trouble means saltypie, and sometimes you have to shrug it off. 

4. First Laugh Welcome, Baby by Rose Ann Tahe and Nancy Bo Flood
A Navajo family antipicpates the moment when the baby has their first laugh. Grandpa and grandpa take the baby to the Navajo nation. Throughout the story, you learn about cultural movements of mother, sister-nadi, and family When the baby laughs for the first time, clans celebrate. 

5. Bowwow PowWow, by Brenda J. Child
A young girl named Windy Girl learns about her family’s reasons to dance from her Uncle’s stories. Her uncle’s story expresses the relationship between her people and dogs. This is also a bilingual text to learn the language of the Ojibwe people.

6. A Day with Yayah, by Nicola I. Campbell
Yaya, their grandmother taught her granddaughter Nikki about the brilliance of the Earth as well as the language. She teaches her grandchildren how cucumbers can treat rashes by explaining that every plant is different. 

 7. When the Shadbush Blooms, by Carla Messinger with Susan Katz
Images display how Lenni Lenape people lived in the past and how modern-day Lenni Lape people live. Family gardens, clans enjoy sporting events, and gathering sap. What is unique to the Leape people follow the seasons of the Sun, Moon, and natural world. This book intertwines the culture and the ideals of their lives. 

CELEBRATION OF PEOPLE

8. Go Show the World, by Wab Kinew
A story celebrating historical and modern-day Indigenous people. Even though this book is about different people such as: Jim Thorpe, Dr. Susan Laflesche Picotte, Te-Wau-Zee, and so many more shine so that they could “show the world what people who matter can do.” 

 

9. My Heroes My People, African Americans and Native Americans in the West, by Morgan Monceaux and Ruth Katch
Story written in 1999 brings about the interconnected relationship of oppressed people and how they overcame circumstance. Jim Beckwourth was a slave but later became involved in fur trading. John Horse was a mixed-blood Black and Seminole who fought against their removal. 

 

INTERCONNECTION TO ANIMALS & ENVIRONMENT

10. Awasis and the World-Famous Bannock
A fictional story about a little girl accepting gifts from animals so that she could make her world-famous bannock. An indigenous story about the Cree people. 

11. In My Anaana’s Amautik, by Nadia Sammurtok
Inuit writer shares how a small child feels when carried in their mother’s amautik (a-MOW-tick) pouch where a baby can be carried. 

12. In the Sky at Nighttime, by Laura Deal
An illustrative story about an Indigenous’ families experience on what they see in the night sky. They see the raven, Northern lights, snowfall, and the moon’s glow.

National S.T.E.A.M Day

National S.T.E.A.M Day

by | Nov 8, 2020 | Booklists, Educators, Parents, Reading Strategies

 

National STEAM Day was November 8th. We are providing books and STEAM activities that your Pre-K, Elementary, or Middle Grade reader can do for 21+ days.

Enjoy these stories that feature real world activities and diverse scientists in STEAM. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Pre-K (Ages 1-3)

 

100 Easy STEAM Activities, by Andrea Scalzo Yi

This Book has dozens of activities for young thinkers. Below is a list of 5 activities from 100 STEAM that you could do with a 1-3 year old.

Activities 

  • Indoor Maze :Take streamers and hang them on the wall. Allow your young one to walk in and around.
  • Bubbles Rising: Use Alka-Seltzer and food coloring. Drop the tablet in the water to see the bubbles rise. Make it even more fun, see what other items can float such as popcorn, gummy worms, or raisins.
  • Glue & Food Coloring: Mix together and use as finger paint.
  • Lava Lamp: Fill a bottle with liquids such as water, food coloring, Alka-Selter, even oils. View how these solutions act differently.
  • Mirror Art: Set up different mirrors and watch how they reflect depending on their view. 

 

For speaking & reading building: Make a list of 5-10 vocabulary words per week on a large piece of paper, strips of paper, or other places so that these words are visible at your home. When performing daily activities: eating, cooking, cleaning, or playing, make sure you point them out and speak about these words each day.

 

How Many? by Christopher Danielson

Mathematical concepts discussing real-world objects. For example the author has open-ended questions. One page the reader counts whole grape fruits, the next page they are halved, and the next page, there is a spread of additional items to make grapefruit juice. Author displays the beauty in our world and how math is all around us.
Activity: When you have daily items such as clothing, diapers, bottles, or even food. Count the objects and make them halves or quarters to see them in a new mathematical way. 


I Am the Rain-by John Paterson 

A poem of where the reader can discover rain in different environment.
Activity: Water activities-Sink/Float, Bottle Squeeze, Bubbles


Dreaming Up by Christy Hale

Illustrates examples of children building with blocks, dirt, boxes, and more. The following pages display buildings designed by architects. You will discover real images of buildings such as Sclera Pavilion, Paper Tube School, Box House, and More.
Activity: When driving or walking talk about the objects that you see in your community. If your child likes specific buildings in the book, then print or show similar images that you find online.  

 

Elementary: Kindegarten-2nd Grade

Mario and the Hole in the Sky, by Elizabeth Rusch
How A Chemist Saved Our Planet

A curious boy named Mario loved the wonders in chemistry. At a young age, he acquired a chemistry set and studied chemistry as his life’s work. As an adult, he wondered how safe the new chemicals were. His research determined that chlorofluorocarbons or CFS were damaging our Earth. For a decade he spoke about how these emissions were damaging our Earth, and finally changes were made. Today, Molina still works on solutions so that our World will become healthier.
Activity: Learn more about Mario. Do something in your daily life that can better the Earth. 


Experiments with Magnets, by Christine Taylor-Butler
A nonfiction book that describes what scientists do and what a child can do with magnets.

Activity: Use this book and perform magnet experiments. First you will need magnets and objects that attract and do not attract. Don’t forget to discuss the scientific

Jada Jones Rock Star, by Kelly Starling Lyons

A fiction book about a little girl who loves rocks. Jada is having trouble making new friends but still keeps her excitement on discovering new rocks.
Activity: Find a rock and make an art project from it. 


Where’s Rodney? By Carmen Bogan

Rodney is a boy who loves nature. When his teacher wants him to sit. He wants to stand. But when Rodney goes on an outdoor field trip.
Activity: Visit a conservation park in your community. List or name 20 things that you can see during this visit.  


Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming

Papa is an inventor. He has numerous ideas for building a machine that works underwater. Enjoy the different ideas and iterations that this imaginative father designed so that he could swim with the fish.

Activity: Find an object that you use on a daily basis: spoon, chair, watch, computer, and etc. Just find one object. If possible purchase that object at a thrift store, break it apart and figure out how to make it better.

 

Elementary: Third-Fourth Grade

Whoosh! by Chris Barton

 The Story of Lonnie Bush, inventor of the Super Soaker

Activity: Download Here

 

The Girl With the Mind for Math, by Julia Finley Mosca  

A Hidden Figure who worked twice as her male counterparts. Raye Montague was a mathematician. During the time that she lived, Black women were assumed to take roles as laborers. Montague proved them wrong and designed specifications for a navy ship.
Activity: Engineering: Build a model ship from household items: construction paper, toothpicks, bobby pins, tape, and glue. See what you can use to make it float.

 

Wangari Maathai, by Franck Prevot

Planted 30 Million Trees in 30 years to change the environment in her country.

Activity: Environmental Think of ways on how you can beautify your neighborhood? Make signs to pick up trash, organize pick up trash day with neighbors, talk to city about recycling programs and incentives.

 

The Best of Times, by Greg Tang
Tang writes a series of math books for Elementary readers. In this book, you can find math riddles to practice multiplication. 


TickTock Banneker’s Clock, by Shana Keller

Benjamin Banneker was an inventor when Black men were legally enslaved.
Activity: Research Benjamin Banneker. Illustrate something about about Banneker using mixed media. 

Dream Builder, by Kelly Starling Lyons
The Story of Architect Philip Freelo

Philip Freelon is a dynamic architect who is unafraid to design bold architecture. His father, Allan Randall Freelon was an artist and taught Philip how to hear and see the beauty around him. Once Freelon graduated from North Carolina State University’s School of Architecture, he wanted Black architects to be included as designers. He designed the “Durham Station Transportation Center,” The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and more.
Activity: Learn more about a building that Freelon designed.

 

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Will Allen wanted to grow food in a community. He mobilized people to donate their food scraps, clean, and nurture worms.
Activity: Compost month and recycle for at least 1 month. Do you have less trash or more trash?

 

Queen of Physics, by Teresa Robeson
How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom 

Wu Chien Shiung was a Chinese born woman. Her parents built a school because girls did not receive the same education as boys did. Her name means “courageous hero.” In everything that Shiung did was courageous: attending school far from her parents, protesting before WWII started, and made a physics discovery on Beta Decay.
Activity: Read about 5 more prominent historical and modern day women in physics. Create a video slideshow about each woman. 

 

Fun With Multiplication, by Lorenzo McLellan

A fun storyboard with mathematical multiplication problems. This is a practice book where readers can practice matching pictures, guessing from patterns, and more.

Activity: Make your own math multiplication problems, illustrate your problems.

 

Buzzing With Questions, by Janice N Harrington
The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner
Charles Henry Turner studied animal’s behavior. He found joy in examining ants, moths, and even bees. One experiment determined that bees see color. Turner’s work was recognized throughout the science community. He did face racial discrimination, but did not let the problems of the world keep his work ignored. Turner taught the community, and worked tirelessly to teach others to “go and find out.”
Activity: Conduct an experiment using the Scientific Method. If you have a pet, involve them. If you have family, ask to study a specific behavior in your Scientific Method. 

 

The Vast Wonder of the World, by Melina Mangal
Biologist Ernest Everett Just
Ernest Everett Just was born in 1883 when the Civil Rights of Black individuals were not considered. Ernest Just had an inquisitive mind and found the importance of studying creatures such as: sea urchins, sand dollars, and star fish in their natural environment. Ernest Just received high honors from the NAACP and also worked at Howard University. His work on cell discovery and fertilization was new and controversial. Just left us with these remarkable words, “Life is exquisitely a time-thing, like music.”
Activity: Learn more about Ernest Everett Just’s where he studied Biology.

 

Starstruck, by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer
The Cosmic Journey of Neil DeGrasse Tyson

A biographical book about Neil DeGrasse Tyson. He was not only passionate about science but enjoyed other things such as wrestling and dance. Today Tyson shares his love for the stars to the world. Learn about his marvelous story.
Activity: Create images using glowing in the dark crayons of your ideal night sky. Have your friends join and see if you can view another way of viewing the stars. Learn about the Constellations.

 

Middle Grade: Fifth Grade-Sixth Grade

 

Urban Biologist, by Kari CornellAbout Biologist Danielle Lee

Danielle Lee is a Biologist. She earned her PhD and shares her love for science in her blog Urban Science. Lee has always been curious about the outdoors and animal behavior. Today, she researches African giant pouched rats. She observes these rats to determine how they can sniff out mines. Lee has spent a part of her life sharing science to young people, and she has a passion for science and seeing that other youth soar in science as well.
Activity: Discover Danielle Lee’s website. Discover the different categories of Biology and decide which categories that you would like to learn more about. 

 

 

Computers, by Christine Taylor Butler

 

Have you ever wondered who computed the first computers? Why were computers started in the first place? This book provides those facts and even more. The word computer derived from the people who had to make computational actions and instances.
Activity: Computers need electricity and circuits to work. Perform a circuit art craft here.

 

 

How Fashion Designers Use Math, by John C. Bertoletti

 

Making the perfect jacket, blouse, pants, or masks takes the right measurements and precision. Individuals who design and develop clothing have to use math to ensure consumers are pleased. This book shares the different stages on when math from purchasing of the fabric, shapes, measurements, and fitting.
Activity: If interested, watch a video on how to sew an object. List the different sizes and measurements needed to construct the item. 

 

Who Did it First? 50 Scientists, Artists, and Mathematicians Who Revolutionized the World, by Julie Leung

 

A collection of scientists, innovators, and artists from the past and present. Some individuals are unknown and have made a tremendous contribution to our society. 

 

Activity: Learn about about specific innovators that you like. 

 

A Math Journey Through the Human Body, by Anne Rooney

 

A nonfiction text displaying how math is a part of our daily lives. You can think of math on your height, skin, skeletal system, and digestive system. Math is everywhere, it just takes time to think about it. 

 

Activity: When visiting the grocery store, write mathematical equations (fractions or multiplication) about the food in your grocery bag. 

 

Unsung Heroes of Technology, by Todd Kortemeir

 

James West improved the microphone on cell phones and has over 40 patents. Katherine Johnson calculated paths for space rockets. Grace Hopper invented a code so that computers could “talk” to each other. This book Unsung Heroes of Technology highlights 12 incredible people who gave the world better access to technology. When we think about tech, we think about the CEOs or CTOs. However, draftsmen, engineers, mathematicians, and many more people brought these innovations to our hands. These individuals did not succeed without struggle, and their stories should be heard.
Activity: You can find more about each Unsung Heroes Here

 

It’s A Numbers Game! Basketball, by James Buckley Jr.

 

Discover how physics, time , measurement, and many other math principles are involved in basketball. Basketball is a sport, but there is much involved in making it what it is.
Activity: Download this Math Stats Activity Here

 

Changing the Equation, by Tonya Bolden

 

50+ US Black Women in STEM

 

A holistic book of Black women who trail-blazed when the world did not view them as rightful humans to participate. For instance, Rebecca Davis Lee Crumpler earned a MD in March 1864. This was a time when laws were being written to end slavery. Many other women in Genetics, Aerospace Engineering, Geology, and so many more.
Activity: Discover a woman scientist who is living, and write her a letter or Email (with an adult) to learn more about her field.

 

Ava Lovelace Cracks the Code, Rebel Girls Series

 

Ava is from the 19th century. In her time period, girls were not encouraged to study science and math. However, she was educated in math. She was introduced to the “Difference Machine.” This machine allowed humans to compute things faster. Lovelace is considered to be the first computer programmer because she was able to write out every detail and actions of the machine. The series “Rebel Girls” brings Ava Lovelace’s voice and personality to readers.

 

Activity: Create a flowchart that displays how it works from beginning to end. You can use the computer, television, your favorite toy, or anything else.

 

 

Teen Books on Social Justice

Teen Books on Social Justice

by | Oct 28, 2020 | Booklists, Educators, Parents

With racial injustice and social turmoil brought upon Black Americans, it is our hope that these books can provide clarity, inspiration, and better understandings. There is no ignoring what has occurred to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Berry, Emmet Till, and the thousands of other African Americans who have had their lives shifted due to racism and inhumane ideologies. For centuries, leaders and other unspoken heroes have spoken out. Thankfully, in 2020, more and more books are being produced so that narratives and experiences are not forgotten. Specifically, learn from these leaders so that the historical trauma does not continue to transpire for future generations.

A suggestion on building comprehension when youth are reading these books. Ask questions for building understanding:

Building Connections Reading Strategy: What does this remind you of?  What is happening in this book that is similar to experiences today? Is there another book with a similar setting? Tell me about an experience that is similar?  

Real World Vocabulary: First Amendment, Freedom of Speech, Peaceful, Protests, Freedom of Assembly, Civil Rights Movement, Justice, Vote

Below is a list of books focusing on historical and present day experiences.

 

HISTORY OR BIOGRAPHY BOOKS

 

1. March, Trilogy, by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin 

This trilogy of March is a visual biography about John Lewis’ beginnings and rise to challenging racism and social justice. He was a president of the SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) where he believed nonviolent protests would make a change. Book One discusses Lewis’ his upbringings and his fire for public speaking on his family farm. Book Two displays the organizations of the protests and how the March on Washington came to be. Book Three highlights details about stories that were national headlines such as: Selma, the organization of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, the signing of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the assassination of Malcom X, and even his experience of his travels to Africa. A highly emotional book, but places the glue so that the reader can see connections from the past to the present.  


2. Sit-in, by Andrea Davis Pinkney

“Practicing peace while others showed hatred was tougher than any school test.” This book highlights the young men who were frustrated with living in a segregated society and community. David, Joseph, Franklin, and Ezell sat at the lunch counter at Woolworth’s in 1960 and days on end as a form of protesting to live a nation freely. Their sit-ins inspired thousands of other college students to participate as well. You can find much more if you research Ella Baker who was one of the founding members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

 

3. What Do You Do For a Voice Like That? By Chris Barton
The Story of Congresswoman Barbara Jordan 

This biography story highlights the key parts of Ms. Barbara Jordan’s life. She was born in 1936 where Jim Crow, rebuilding of black communities, and coming out of America’s economic downfall. Jordan always had a knack for speaking. Her education involved legal studies, but she wanted more than that. So after running three times, Jordan became the first African American state senator since 1883, and the first black woman elected. “She delivered, battling to protect the rights of Mexican American voters and others against discrimination.” Barbara Jordan served our nation so that others could be free by using her voice.  

 

 4. Malcolm Little, The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcom X, by Ilyasah Shabazz

Malcom X’s daughter writes intimate details on how Malcom X’s early upbringings. The humanity and lessons of Malcom X’s mother and father are displayed. His father studied Marcus Garvey and spoke out at rallies about social justice. His father built his house, and worked hard to care for the entire family. Little’s mother believed in the power of literacy where she read to her children, taught them how to garden, and educated her children at home about morals and values. This story unpacks Malcom Little’s life from when he was a young boy to a high school adolescent. This story displays the life that made him who he was. 

 

 5. The Oldest Student, How Mary Walker Learned to Read, by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

Mrs. Mary Walker lived a full life. She was born in 1848 as a slave. At 15 years old, she was free. But as you know, free slaves were still oppressed for at least 100+ years. So the work that she did most of her young life was a cook, and cleaned homes. Walker’s life started off dark, but it grew brighter as she aged. She raised 3 boys of her own. She was a faithful member of her church. For more than 100 years of her life, she still could not read. At the age of 114, Mary was determined to read. At the age of 116, Walker read! She was featured in highly acclaimed magazines. She received recognition from her city and even the President of the United States. One of her most memorable gifts was that she was given her first airplane ride. Walker believed, “You are never too old to read.”

6. Roll of Thunder, by Mildred D. Taylor

The author writes, “I have tried to present a history of my family as well as the effects of racism, not only on the victims of racism, but also on the racists themselves.” This story was published in 1976.  This story discusses important truths on how Black people lived in the Deep South and the direct effects of racism. 


7. Light It Shine, by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Learn about the lives of Sojourner Truth, Biddy Mason, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Mary McLeod, Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm, and a few others. Pinkney shares narratives about these heroic women who shifted the narrative of the roles of Black women in America’s history.

 

 8. One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams Garcia

Delphine and her sisters are spending the summer in Oakland, California, 1968. She is witnessing conversations, discussion, and strategies of the Black Panther Party Movement during the summer of 1968. Delphine and her sisters are fed during the Panther’s Free Food program. She had good times, but just like other leaders she witnessed members being thrown into jail or murdered by the police. She learned the Black Panther Movement was to free the minds of Black people and to unite them. Author Garcia brings an innocent view of a party that shifted the narrative for the oppressed living in America.

 You can learn more here on history.com about the Free Food Program. 

9. Superman Smashes the Klan, by Gene Luen Yang

A graphic novel displaying the lives of Asian Family (Tommy & Roberta), Superman, and Chuck (Ku Klux Klansmen son) in 1946. This book has multiple stories taking place: Superman learning about how he was brought to Earth, the racism Tommy and Roberta’s family face for being Chinese, and gatherings of the Ku Klux Klan. Yang provides historical context at the end on how Blacks were targeted post slavery, and how Chinese immigrants and allies were targeted by Klansmen.


TOPICS ABOUT JUSTICE AND RACIAL EMPOWERMENT

10. Woke, A Young Poet’s Call to Justice, by Mahogany L. Browne

A collection of poems by Ms. Brown, Elizabeth Acevedo, and Olivia Gatwood Brown writes, “To be WOKE is to understand that equality and justice for some is not equality and justice at all. We must stay alert. The concept of being WOKE has always been a compass for community leaders and members.” These wordsmiths wrote heart-felt poems to activate the minds for our youth about social justice challenges. My favorite poem is “A Me-Shaped Box.” I love how it justifies how our world is filled with people living in boxes: houses, cars, shoeboxes, placing letters, and even imaginary boxes. The authors encourage readers to live without boxes so that stereotypes dissolve. 


11. Say Her Name, by Zetta Elliott
Poems to Empower

Say Her Name draws inspiration from modern-day events as well as historic events written from the 1960s and 1970s to address the lives of Black people. Elliott conquers bold ideas and philosophies into this book of her own poems. A teenage girl or boy can read this text to deepen their understanding on how our society came here. “Say Her Name” integrates national and international racial challenges inspired from The Black Panther film, Ida B. Wells, Black Feminists, Martin Luther King, James Brown, Phyllis Wheatley, incidents such as Trayvon Martin and so many others. Reading this book of poems with an understanding on the background of many of these poems so that one can research more. 

 

12. The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

 The Undefeated is a picture book spoken of the unspoken and spoken African Americans. Illustrator Kadir Nelson showcases individuals from slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction, Peaceful Protestors/Activists, Athletes, Artists, and many more. The images and text support one another to welcome the visual and written narrative of Black people from history. 

 

13. Something Happened in Our Town, Written by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard
A Child’s Story About Racial Injustice

A Realistic Fiction text on how families (1 white, 1 black) discuss the social unrest of Black Americans. Their notes detail, “This book provides messages of empowerment and positive community support, which help children to maintain a sense of balance and safety in our imperfect world.” The conversation is viewed through one family’s eyes and another. Take this book as a guide on how and why things are occurring in our present-day.

 14. We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices, Edited by Wade Hudson & Cheryl Willis Hudson

 A conglomeration of poems and stories written by diverse authors and wordsmiths. This book features approximately 52 wordsmiths who share positive messages, experiences, and empowerment so that youth can see one another beyond the stereotypes. The selections of these text include titles such as “All Nations Are Neighbors and I Wonder,” “The Art of Mindfulness,” “Find A Friend,” “A Talkin To.”

15. Take the Mic, Edited by Bethany C. Morrow

Topics that are complex and large are broken down into realistic fiction stories and poems. Authors discuss their experiences regarding Ancestral lands and heritage, Gentrification of Spanish, Black Lives Matter, Muslim heritage, Immigration, gender, LGBTQ, home & place, and more. If you want to have a young reader learn about experiences from a variety of individuals, then Take the Mic has a multitude of stories. 

Reading Guide

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How to Read Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

How to Read Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

by | Mar 9, 2018 | Booklists, Parents, Reading Strategies

  • How to Read Crown an Ode to the Fresh Cut, a modern-day story about a black boy getting a hair cut.

  • A picture book story for 2nd and 3rd grade readers.

Crown an Ode to the Fresh Cut celebrates the experiences of what it means to get a “Fresh Cut” in the barber shop. Barnes’ rhythmic language keeps the story flowing, and makes the reader understand what it truly means to get a haircut at a Black barber shop. Barnes even builds your imagination about the different characters in the shop and what they can be. This story opens the reader into another world and celebrates #Brownboyjoy.

 

Derrick Barnes provides a visual and auditory narrative of a young man’s visit to the barber shop. He provides details and vocabulary words that makes the story true to the story. When reading stories such as Crown an Ode to the Fresh Cut, here are some tips on how to engage with the story. This story lends itself to multiple skills. Below is a brief discussion guide.

1. Asking Questions

Keeping questions open-ended using “How, When, What, and Why. These questions can build dialogue. Example Questions: What was your favorite part? What was your least favorite? How did you feel when the boy described his experience? Describe 3 important experiences that the boy described. Why was the barber shop important to the boy?

2. Identifying Details

There are many ways to identify details. Since this story is a sequential experience. You can start by listing examples such as important words in the story. Descriptive Words slab of clay flawless blazing star intellectual Hair Words Dark Caesar trim locs cornrows.

3. Examples

Examples lend to thinking about what else happens in the real-world. What did [this scene] remind you of? Who is a tech CEO that you know? What else would you use x for? What makes you feel like a Hollywood star?

4. Imagery

The images and words rely on one another. Using the images to build understanding is a fun way to read the text in a different way. Review the colors and the images and read how you feel. Why some backgrounds have scenes and others don’t. What kind of artistic medium was used. (Watercolors, paint, crayon, etc) What mood were in on pages with the use of color. How did this page help you understand the meaning?   You can find the story here to enjoy. Please share your thoughts on this story.