Summer reading: A children’s book blowout
As a teacher-librarian at a TDSB school, one of my roles is to curate books that are responsive and reflective of our local and global communities. The stories have to be authentic and respectful of diverse lived experiences. I consider books a critical springboards to help us engage in meaningful and important conversations. Stories are one of the ways we can work together to disrupt stereotypes and the “single stories” prevalent about people in our communities. Here are my summer book recommendations which I hope will help us all learn a little more about each other, dig deeper into important topics and build a love of reading.
Picture Books The Many Colours of Harpreet Singh By Supriya Kelkar, illus. by Alea Marley Sterling Children’s Books, 32 pages, $22.95
“The Many Colours of Harpreet Singh” explores issues of identity, belonging and the power of friendship. Harpreet Singh loves colours and his patkas always match his many feelings. He has patkas for every occasion. When his mom gets a new job in a very snowy town, Harpreet starts wearing only white paktas because he is sad and wants to be invisible. Through the power of a new friend, Harpreet finds a sense of belonging and warms up to his new home. An incredibly powerful story with a Sikh main character!
Not My Idea: A Book about Whiteness By Anastasia Higginbotham Dottir Press, 64 pages, $28.50
“Not My Idea: A Book about Whiteness” explores white privilege and racism in an age appropriate way. It emphasizes the need to have these conversations with children, highlights everyday examples of differential treatment many black and racialized people experience and calls for actions that support racial justice. It disrupts ideas of colour blindness and shows us how we can move beyond simply teaching children to be kind. Children learn that even though these are big systemic issues, they can have an impact and work to make things fair for all.
Going Up By Sherry J. Lee, illus. by Charlene Chua Kids Can Press, 40 pages, $19.99
“Going Up” is a fun and creative story. It takes place in an apartment building and readers meet residents of various identities, abilities and lived experiences as they “go up” to a birthday party on the 10th floor. At each floor the elevator becomes more crowded but the excitement and happiness connects everyone. The word choice and illustrations gently disrupt the many stereotypes associated with various identities. Readers learn about the importance of building a community where all people are respected for their differences and feel a sense of belonging.
You Matter, by Christian Robinson Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 60 pages, $23.99
“You Matter” is a beautiful story that teaches us that, old or young, we matter and are connected.
An important story because sometimes our identities can make us feel excluded, ignored and silenced. A great way to send the message that we “see” people in our communities, value them and acknowledge their different experiences. It is powerful to be “seen” completely for who we are and to know that we are respected and loved for all parts of ourselves. A very affirming story that reinforces our importance and self worth.
Middle Grade Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices By S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed (eds.) Amulet Books, 272 pages, $22.99
“Once Upon an Eid:
Stories of Hope and
Joy by 15 Muslim
Voices” is an anthology of diverse and dynamic Muslim voices sharing their experiences of Eid. Readers meet many diverse, dynamic and well rounded Muslim characters who show us that Muslims are not a monolithic group. We learn about the different yet familiar experiences and feelings around this special holiday such as new Eid clothes, the Eidi (money gifts) and all the sweets. This book shows us that Eid is celebrated in many different ways and it brings people together.
Front Desk By Kelly Yang Scholastic, 304 pages, $22.99
“Front Desk,” is a story that deals with issues of friendship, family, belonging, racism and the immigrant experience. Mia
Tangs’s parents live and work in a motel where she manages the front desk. At school, Mia pretends she lives in a big house and has a dog so she can fit in. Through the exploration of different characters, readers learn their intricate stories as well as how anti-Asian sentiments and racism impact people’s everyday lives and the choices they have to make. A beautiful book that builds bridges of understanding.
This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action and Do the Work By Tiffany Jewel, illus. by Aurelia Durand Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 160 pages, $19.99
“This Book is AntiRacist: 20 Lessons on how to Wake up,
Take Action and Do the Work” is an age appropriate primer for anti-racism work. The author walks readers through the stages of becoming informed and critically conscious. Important questions are explored: Who am I? What are my social identities? How do they impact my experiences? What are the experiences of people different from me? What are the issues that reinforce racism? What actions can I take to be an ally and disrupt racist ideologies? A vital read for all.
Dictionary For A Better World: Poems, Quotes and Anecdotes from A to Z By Irene Latham and Charles Waters, illus. by Mehrdokht Amini Lerner Publishing, 120 pages, $29.99
“Dictionary For A
Better World: Poems, Quotes and Anecdotes from A to Z,” is an anthology of poems that help us think about how we can make the world a better place for all people. It is organized like a dictionary and lists words we need to build a better world like “acceptance, allyship, dialogue, humility, listen, etc.” The words are in age appropriate and relevant language for readers. A necessary book as we move towards more understanding amongst each other and learn to be better people in our communities.