Culturally Sustaining Language and Literacy Practices for Pre-K-3 Classrooms


Book Description

Literacy educators are often unequipped to help young children contend with the world we inhabit, where linguistic, literate, and cultural pluralism are not always valued or sustained. In fact, educators are routinely bombarded by programs that position literacy as a simple, one-size-fits-all practice. This resource will help pre-K-3 teachers create and interpret literacy teaching processes, practices, and spaces that honor and extend children's fullness. It is coauthored by three New York City teachers from ethnically, racially, and linguistically diverse schools who share vivid examples and everyday stories from their own classrooms. Grounded in an accessible discussion of the value of culturally sustaining pedagogy and its potential to promote equity in elementary teaching, this book can be used as a practical introduction to CSP practices for early childhood teachers and teacher candidates. Book Features: Focuses on the capabilities of young children and their families, rather than perceived deficits. Showcases a theoretical model, key definitions, and an interpretive framework of culturally sustaining early literacy practices and processes. Offers concrete examples and stories that educators can use in their own settings. Contains user-friendly features to help readers visualize the processes and practices described in the book, including artwork and other artifacts from classrooms.




The Real History of Juneteenth


Book Description

Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and sentence highlighting for an engaging read aloud experience! Juneteenth is the celebration of the day enslaved people in Texas were told they were freed—two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Explore Juneteenth's little-told history, from the first Jubilee to the making of a national holiday. Have you ever considered what's missing from history books? In Left Out of History, explore the misunderstood and underexamined past in this engaging series. Compelling photographs and primary sources help bring previously buried history to light. Read WokeTM Books are created in partnership with Cicely Lewis, the Read Woke librarian. Inspired by a belief that knowledge is power, Read Woke Books seek to amplify the voices of people of the global majority (people who are of African, Arab, Asian, and Latin American descent and identify as not white), provide information about groups that have been disenfranchised, share perspectives of people who have been underrepresented or oppressed, challenge social norms and disrupt the status quo, and encourage readers to take action in their community.




She Persisted: Opal Lee


Book Description

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds—including Opal Lee! Opal Lee grew up as a Black girl in Texas at a time when Black and white people were kept separate and Black people had fewer opportunities than white people did. She knew that this wasn’t right, and she grew up to be a teacher and a community leader, determined to help create a better future for all people. A big part of her work and life was making Juneteenth a national holiday to mark the end of enslavement for Black Americans. She loved this day as both a celebration and as a way of teaching about the past. Opal’s work and dedication has helped millions of people learn about important parts of American history. In this chapter book biography by critically acclaimed author Shelia P. Moses, readers learn about the amazing life of Opal Lee—and how she persisted. Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Opal Lee's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum. And don’t miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Harriet Tubman, Claudette Colvin, Coretta Scott King, Marian Anderson, and more!




Every Season Sacred


Book Description

What does it look like to live a flourishing, messy, wonderful life together? As parents, we're tasked with nurturing and guiding our children, even as we navigate our own wonderings about faith. In the overwhelm and constant demands of life, is it possible to tend to our own souls and to our family's flourishing? With tender curiosity and contemplative wisdom, Every Season Sacred is a weekly invitation to grow spiritually alongside our children. Blending thoughtful musings and practical resources, author Kayla Craig meets parents right where they are, offering honest and hopeful reflections for every season of the parenting journey; encouragement to parent with intention and imagination, presence and purpose; and open-ended discussion prompts and prayers to explore and practice as a family. Every Season Sacred is an invitation to ask big questions, embrace faithful rhythms, and experience God's mysterious, loving presence together. You don't have to have all the answers--and if we're honest, many answers aren't ours to have. This is the beauty of faith. As you parent your children and explore your questions together, may God reveal sacred moments to you--in each season of your life.




Black Authors and Illustrators of Books for Children and Young Adults


Book Description

Black Authors and Illustrators of Books for Children and Young Adults is a biographical dictionary that provides comprehensive coverage of all major authors and illustrators – past and present. As the only reference volume of its kind available, this book is a valuable research tool that provides quick access for anyone studying black children’s literature – whether one is a student, a librarian charged with maintaining a children’s literature collection, or a scholar of children’s literature. The Fourth Edition of this renowned reference work illuminates African American contributions to children’s literature and books for young adults. The new edition contains updated and new information for existing author/illustrator entries, the addition of approximately 50 new profiles, and a new section listing online resources of interest to the authors and readers of black children’s literature.




The Story of Juneteenth


Book Description

Introduce little learners to the Juneteenth holiday with this 250-word board book about its origins and traditions. What are the origins of America's newest national holiday? With simple, age-appropriate language and colorful illustrations, this little board book introduces children to the events of June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform the people of Texas that all enslaved people were declared free and the Civil War had ended. The book also connects those events to today's celebrations. Thoroughly researched and historically accurate, The Story of Juneteenth distills a pivotal moment in U.S. history and creates an opportunity for further conversation between parent or caregiver and child.




American Holy Days, Second Edition


Book Description

Our national holidays have been trivialized by merchandising, consumerism, and long weekends. What do you know about the origins of the national holidays of the United States? Boardman Kathan presents the persons and events that each of our “holy days” commemorates. In so doing he explores the shaping of American history and identity, revealing often-misunderstood parts of our national story from a new approach. Each chapter looks at the many books and research written about the events commemorated by these holidays, showing their relevance for today. Kathan includes discussion of the spiritual or religious dimensions of these national observances, pointing out that although the United States was not founded as a “Christian nation” on biblical principles, people throughout American history have perceived a divine guidance—or what George Washington called “providential care.” This book reflects back on the original meaning of these days and seeks to inspire renewed forms of celebration, commemoration, and observance. Celebrating patriotic holidays can bring us together as a people, especially in times of stress and conflict. Schools, religious institutions, patriotic organizations, readers interested in history, in short the general public, will find this an enjoyable aid for recalling our history, reclaiming our values and traditions, and restoring a sense of community.




Museums, Children and Social Action


Book Description

Museums, Children and Social Action examines the role that museums play in reaching, teaching and inspiring children as global citizens of the world and, looking to the future, argues that the sustainability of museums will come from strengthening relationships with young visitors. Presenting a diverse range of programs, exhibitions and outreach from museums across five continents, Shaffer highlights how museums are already serving children and making a difference in their lives. Arguing that museums have a unique responsibility to connect this audience with relevant social issues and challenges, such as social injustice, racism, climate change and poverty, Shaffer simultaneously acknowledges that a large number of children are still on the margins of the institution and its mission. Recognizing the ways in which museums are currently serving children, the book also considers what museums could and should be doing as they plan for the future, raising critical questions about core values, community partners and social agendas. Museums, Children and Social Action is essential reading for academics and students engaged in the study of museums, social justice and childhood. It encourages museums to make it their mission to educate and serve this audience and their families for the good of children, as well as museums, while also considering what their institutions can do to make a lasting impact on children and their families.




Representations of Slavery in Children’s Picture Books


Book Description

Drawing on critical race theory, critical race feminism, critical multicultural analysis, and intertextuality this book examines how slavery is represented in contemporary children’s picture books. Through analysis of recently published picture books about slavery, Rogers discusses how these books engage with and respond to the historiography of the institution of slavery. Exploring how contemporary writers and illustrators have represented the institution of slavery, Rogers presents a critical and responsible approach for reading and using picture books in K-12 classrooms and demonstrates how these picture books about slavery continue to perform important cultural work.




Umoja


Book Description