By Monica Clark-Robinson Illustrated by Frank Morrison Reviewed by Mary Bishop This wonderful children’s story has me wondering, “where was this material when I was growing up?” Teaching the Civil Rights Movement by relaying the biographies of singular heroes has its merits, but showing how children, the brave and uncredited many, were a pivotal part […]
Tag: Diversity
Many Shapes of Clay, A Story of Healing
Written and Illustrated by Kenesha Sneed Reviewed by Melody Falleur-Fettig (2021-2022) A picture book provides many avenues to access the content. The images, ideas, and written words are carefully tailored by an author to tell their story. The book, Many Shapes of Clay, a Story of Healing, is a master work of meaning integrated delicately […]
Sweet People Are Everywhere
Written by Alice Walker Illustrated by Quim Torres Reviewed by Miles Hartfelder Often in elementary classrooms, students only learn about other countries and the people who live there during geography or history lessons. While this book doesn’t dive into the distinct cultures of individual countries, it does provide an opportunity for students to expand their […]
Radiant Child : The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
Written and Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe Reviewed by Mary Bishop Winner of the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award, this wonderful picture book tells the story of Jean-Michel’s early life as an artist. Steptoe’s accolades are well deserved, his sparse and poetic word choice evoke the bold and alluring style of Basquiat himself. […]
Who are you?
Written by Brook Pessin-Whedbee and illustrated by Naomi Bardoff Reviewed by Lucie Wharton-Moeur Early Elementary Picturebook The book Who are you? is a book designed for you and only you. The author describes this book as a personal experience for every reader and an experience that will change every time you read it. This book […]
I Dream of Popo
Written by: Livia Blackburne Illustrated by: Julia Kuo Reviewed by: Erin Healy I Dream of Popo is a story of a little Taiwanese girl who is very close with her grandmother (Popo). One day the girl’s family moves to The United States while her Popo stays in Tawian. The girl and her grandma keep their […]
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners
Written by Joanna Ho Illustrated by Dung Ho Reviewed by Lindsey Smith Everyday diversity, the idea of showing different people living ordinary lives, is a crucial consideration for any library. But if we know anything about children, it’s that they notice every little difference. If your students don’t look like those in dominant culture, you […]
ENOUGH! 20 Protesters Who Changed America
ENOUGH! 20 Protesters Who Changed America Written by Emilie Easton Illustrated by Ziyue Chen Reviewed by Jane Lyons This children’s book wonderfully illustrates historical and current protesters who have stood up to injustices in America. Emilie Easton’s inspiration for this story grew from her cousins who attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. […]
Your Name is a Song
Written by: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow Illustrated by: Luisa Uribe Reviewed by: Erin Healy Genre: Realistic Fiction Picture Book Did you know that all names are songs? That’s right. They each have their own unique flow, beat, and melody. Like many kids who have gone through school with names that cannot be found on gift store license […]
Between Us and Abuela: A Family Story from the Border
Written by Mitali Perkins Illustrated by Sara Palacios Reviewed by Miles Hartfelder (2021-2022) “We haven’t seen my grandmother in five years. But today is La Posada Sin Fronteras, and we are taking a bus to the border to meet her.” Between Us and Abuela is a realistic fiction picture book. It is the story of […]