Poverty and Homelessness in children's literature #ReadYourWorld
Talking about Poverty
The Boy and the Giant
Why would a kind giant who helps out a village not want to be seen? "Because people are scared of things that are different. And sometimes, they're not so nice." That's what Billy's grandad tells him when he doesn't believe that the "Giant of Gableview" is real. It is a lesson that all of us... Continue Reading →
All Are Welcome – A Book Celebrating Diversity
I realize that everyone is in summer bliss at the moment, but depending on where you live, school could be right around the corner. The school that my kids go to begins on August 14th, so teachers are gearing up for students to be coming in. While the news often focuses on all of the... Continue Reading →
Family is Family
One of the wonderful things about Multicultural Children's Book Day is books promoting the fact that no matter where we live, we are one family. There are a number of books right now that show that families are family no matter where you are or how you are made up. I love the notion of... Continue Reading →
The Way to Bea
I think that it is only appropriate that I finished this book a few days after writing about picture books that encourage children to embrace their individuality. The Way to Bea, by Kat Yeh, is a really wonderful book for middle graders that handles the same type of concept, but for older kids experiencing completely... Continue Reading →
Free to be Yourself
I love the idea of books that show kids that they can be whoever and whatever they like. One kid might love playing sports. Another might be a theater lover. One might want to play with trucks and another wants everything to be glittery and stylish. Friends don't have to agree on everything, as long... Continue Reading →
Sharing a World of Books
Finding books that open a child's mind to the larger world around them has always been important to me. For a long time, I brought books like that into our lives without even really thinking about doing it. Then, 5 years ago, I became a part of a blogging movement called Multicutural Children's Book Day,... Continue Reading →
Diverse Books, Now More than Ever
Diversity in children's literature has always held a strong place in my heart and is something that I promote at every possibility. When Charlottesville happened, I couldn't wrap my head around how our country had seemingly traveled backwards in time. I went back to check out books that focused on diversity, that focused on the... Continue Reading →
A New Year and the Year of the Dog
As the New Year approaches, we are often encouraged to make resolutions and usher in the coming year with thoughts of new beginnings, introspection, and the plan to be the best you in the coming year. For my column in OutreachNC, I was encouraged to write about books that touched on this subject. Most young... Continue Reading →