Diversifying the Books on Our Shelves: If you like…Then also try….
2020 has proven to be the year of reflection for us. The year’s events and overall state of the world have caused many to pause and reflect on different aspects of their personal and professional lives. For us, one of those reflections revolves around what books we are choosing to share with learners. What message are we sending to learners with the books we choose? As educators, we hold a lot of power and need to make responsible decisions with regard to what we choose to include in our classroom libraries and read alouds.
Here is Alisha’s reflection and research:
It can be difficult to consider new read alouds when paired against titles we love year after year. Many of the books I used to choose to read to students were ones I loved as a child! I wanted to share my joy of those stories with others. But really, my greater responsibility is to find books that will spark joy, excitement, and a whole range of emotions in my students within my classroom – books that will more accurately represent the diversity of my students and the writing profession. So this year, I am making a conscious effort to break with some of my tried-and-true titles and to branch out in search of some new favorites. Luckily for me, a slew of magnificent educators and organizations have already been paving this road and doing the work. They offer wonderful insight and resources to share.
Some of my favorites to follow are:
| Twitter: Naomi Bishop @nomibish Dr. Laura M. Jimenez @booktoss Aeriale Johnson@arcticisleteach Grace Choi @MrsGraceChoi We Need Diverse Books @diversebooks Tricia Ebarvia @triciaebarvia Dr. Kim Parker @TchKimPossible Kid Lit Tv @KidLitTV_NYC | Instagram: Apron_education TheTinyActivists TheTutuTeacher |
After much scrolling and reading and following and retweeting, I compiled a list of books I want to try this year. Some I have already read and can’t wait to share and others are anxiously waiting on my list. I hope you will join me in adding a few of these new ones to your repertoire as well.
If you like Junie B. Jones, Ramona Quimby & Judy Moody (or other realistic fiction book series with a lead who identifies as female), then also try…
If you like Stink & Diary of a Wimpy Kid (or other realistic fiction book series with a lead who identifies as male), then also try…
If you like Charlotte’s Web (or other books with human and animal connections), then also try…
If you like Little House on the Prairie (or other historical fiction books), then also try…
If you like Magic Tree House (or other fantasy-type books with a little mystery), then also try…
If you like Young Cam Jansen (or other beginning chapter books), then also try…
One of our next steps is to plan how we will engage students with these texts and what tasks will best compliment them. Journaling is one way to connect reading and writing. As we navigate the opening of this school year, we will take time to think about how we can construct cohesive literacy experiences. Join us as we explore ways to use journaling in one of our summer webinars. Click here for more information and to register!
If you have books or authors to diversify our shelves, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at mathplusliteracy@gmail.com.
