Here's What We Found

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai Illustrated by Kerascoet Recommended Ages 4-8 years Where to Buy: Bookshop Publisher's Description Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, shares her story of survival and perseverance in this positive and age-appropriate story. Malala's first picture book will inspire young readers everywhere to find the magic all around them. As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil. She would use it to make everyone happy, to erase the smell of garbage from her city, to sleep an extra hour in the morning. But as she grew older, Malala saw that there were more important things to wish for. She saw a world that needed fixing. And even if she never found a magic pencil, Malala realized that she could still work hard every day to make her wishes come true. This beautifully illustrated volume tells Malala's story for a younger audience and shows them the worldview that allowed Malala to hold on to hope even in the most difficult of times. * "This is a wonderful read for younger students that will also provide insight and encourage discussion about the wider world. ... The simplicity of Yousafzai's writing and the powerful message she sends, make this book inspirational for all." --- School Library Journal (starred review) Malala has dedicated herself to ensuring that every girl has access to education. Her Malala Fund is working for a world where every girl can learn and lead without fear. Find out more about Malala and her fund HERE. "One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world." ~ Malala Yousafzai Find more picture book biographies in our bookshop:

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links The world recently lost one of the most riveting, magnetic, and inspiring men. Muhammad Ali gained notoriety by being "The Greatest" heavyweight boxer of all time, but his greatness reaches far beyond the boxing ring. Muhammad Ali's life is filled with valuable lessons just waiting to be absorbed by anyone willing to learn. Muhammad Ali was a proud and smart man. He thought beyond what was taught in school. He dug deep and questioned everything around him. His curiosity and thirst for knowledge led him to become confident in who he was as a Black man in America in a time when blacks were made to feel inferior due to laws that worked to hold them down. Muhammad Ali was very outspoken about race, religion, and American History even though doing so cost him money, fans, and plenty of public strife. He was a fighter inside the ring as a professional boxer and he was a fighter outside of the ring as voice against injustice. FAST FACTS Date of Birth: January 17, 1972 Name at Birth: Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr Place of Birth: Louisville, Kentucky Name Change: 1965 - Muhammad Ali Career: Professional Heavyweight Boxer Nickname: The Louisville Lip Retirement: 1981 Career record: 56-5, with 37 knockouts QUOTES "I am the Greatest" "If you even dream of beating me, you better wake up and apologize." 'Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." "Don't count the days, make the days count." "The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life." NOTABLE EVENTS: Started boxing at age 12 when his bike was stolen Gold medal winner 1960 Olympics (Rome) Name change to Muhammad Ali in 1965 after joining the Nation of Islam Stripped of his championship for refusing to fight in Vietnam War in 1967 Draft conviction overturned in 1971 Diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1984

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer and activist. Nicknamed "The Greatest", he is regarded as one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century and is frequently ranked as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. Muhammad Ali's quotes share valuable lessons children (and adults) can learn from still today. Click on the book covers below to learn more about the books featured. 1. KNOW YOUR HISTORY "I know where I'm going and I know the truth, and I don't have to be what you want me to be. I'm free to be what I want." ~ Muhammad Ali Knowing your history and the history of the world you live in empowers you to live in freedom. You are able to make informed choices and choose a path that propels you toward the life you want. 2. STAND UP FOR YOURSELF "They did what they thought was right, and I did what I thought was right." ~ Muhammad Ali In 1966 Muhammad Ali was drafted to fight in the Vietnam War. He refused to go and publicly announced that he was a conscientious objector. As a result he was stripped of his championship and charged with a felony punishable with 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Ali stood his ground and refused to go to war. In 1971, after several appeals, Ali's charge was unanimously overturned by the Supreme Court. It took courage and an understanding of the law for Ali to do what he did. Standing up for yourself isn't as simple as it may seem. You have to be thoughtful and knowledgeable to pick your battles wisely. ​3. STRIVE TO BE EDUCATED "Where is man's wealth? His wealth is in his knowledge." ~ Muhammad Ali Cars, houses, and other material things are nice to have, but those things pale in comparison to the value of education. Reading, writing, and arithmetic are important parts of education, but are not the only parts of education. Being able to think for yourself and discern truth from fiction is just as important. Without discernment, you are left at the mercy of others to explain things to you. The danger of blindly following someone else's analysis is that you can be lead into situations you would otherwise denounce. 4. SEEK CONTINUAL GROWTH "A man who views the world the same at fifty as he did when he was twenty, has wasted thirty years." ~ Muhammad Ali Education never ends. Even after you earn diplomas and degrees, there is still much for you to learn. Listen to the world around you. Ask questions so that with each day you become a little bit better than you were the day before. 5. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF "I am the greatest. I said that even before I knew I was." "If my mind can conceive it and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it." ~ Muhammad Ali With hard work and commitment, you can become the best version of yourself possible. Stay positive and believe that you are capable of achieving your goals. 6. JUST LIVE "Don't count the days, make the days count." "Live everyday as if it were your last, because someday you're going to be right." ~Muhammad Ali Wallowing in self-pity or worrying about tomorrow is a waste of time. Live in the moment. Make the best of the time you have and keep moving forward.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links The White House recently announced that Malia Obama has decided to take a gap year before attending Harvard University. What exactly is a gap year and why has it become so popular in recent years? A gap year is a year taken by a student as a break from school. Gap years usually take place before or after college. After years of rigorous studies, students are often burnt out. Some people think that a gap year gives students a chance to decompress and reflect on the things they've learned over the years. Gap years have become more popular as many people focus more on finding their purpose and on making the world a better place than on finding success in terms of money. Harvard actually encourages students to take a gap year: "Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrollment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way—provided they do not enroll in a degree-granting program at another college. Deferrals for two-year obligatory military service are also granted. Each year, between 80 and 110 students defer their matriculation to the College." (From the Harvard website) Some parents worry that a gap year might set their student back, but students often end a gap year more refreshed and focused than ever. While a gap year can be a very positive experience, there are things that can be done to be sure students get the most out of their gap year. How to Plan a Successful Gap Year 1. CHOOSE YOUR WHY Understand why you want to take a gap year. Knowing your why makes it easier for you to choose the program that will best fulfill your needs. 2. APPLY TO COLLEGE Apply to college and request a deferment. This secures a spot for you at the college of your choice. This allows you to enjoy your gap year without worrying about what you will do after the year is over or having to scramble at the last minute to apply for colleges as your gap year comes to an end. 3. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH Decide if you want to participate in a readymade gap year program or if you'd like to create a more individualized program for yourself. There are tons of programs and opportunities to choose from. Gap Year Fairs are a great place to get information and meet like-minded families. Gap Year Fairs Accredited Gap Year Programs Americorps TeenLife Gap Year Programs 4. MAKE A PLAN Gap years don't have to be costly, but they can be without proper planning. There are scholarships and grants available to help fund gap years. Consider things like living expenses, travel costs, and healthcare when planning your excursion. This article from US News is packed full of resources to help you plan your gap year: Try Scholarships to Help Pay for a Gap Year, Time Off From College. 5. BE REALISTIC Life is full of the unexpected! Things don't always go as planned, but there's usually a way to adjust and make the best of things. Remember your "why" and make the most of your gap year, it'll probably be one of the best memories of your life! YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY: Decide if a Gap Year Makes Sense for you Advantages of a Gap Year Why Your High School Senior Should Take a Gap Year Why are Gap Years More Common in Europe Than the US? Gap Year Stats #gapyear #MaliaObama #College #Harvard #GapYearBenefits

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Why it matters: Children need to see themselves represented in positive ways in the stories they read. This helps build confidence, high self esteem, and a sense of pride in who they are. It can also cultivate a colorful imagination where children can imagine the most beautiful dreams about their futures. Children also need access to books that represent people who don’t look like them. Exposure to a diverse group of characters helps children build a positive connection with people who are different from. This positive connection cultivates understanding, empathy, and ultimately a stronger, more peaceful community. These kinds of stats are why we get so excited when we see new children’s books featuring diverse characters! Although the above study is from 2015, not much has changed - but we can make a difference. By supporting diverse authors and children's books, we send a signal to publishers that we want more diverse books! Be A King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Dream and You January 2, 2018 You can be a King. Stamp out hatred. Put your foot down and walk tall. You can be a King. Beat the drum for justice. March to your own conscience. Featuring a dual narrative of the key moments of Dr. King's life alongside a modern class as the students learn about him, Carole Weatherford's poetic text encapsulates the moments that readers today can reenact in their own lives. See a class of young students as they begin a school project inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn to follow his example, as he dealt with adversity and never lost hope that a future of equality and justice would soon be a reality. As times change, Dr. King's example remains, encouraging a new generation of children to take charge and change the world . . . to be a King. (Amazon) Festival of Colors January 30, 2018 Learn all about Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, in this lush picture book from bestselling mother/son duo Surishtha Sehgal and Kabir Sehgal. Spring is here, and it’s almost time for Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors. Siblings Mintoo and Chintoo are busy gathering flowers to make into colorful powders to toss during the festival. And when at last the big day comes, they gather with their friends, family, and neighbors for a vibrant celebration of fresh starts, friendship, forgiveness, and, of course, fun! (Amazon) When God Made Light February 13, 2018 From the author and illustrator of the best-selling When God Made You comes a new illuminating message about God's design affirming young readers. 'Let there be light!' that's what God said. And light began shining and then started to spread." Wild and creative illustrations from top children's illustrator David Catrow pair with Matthew Paul Turner's lyrical verse in this message of a God-made light that cuts through darkness to bring vision and hope to all young readers. This light radiates, chasing away the shadows, providing the wonder and fun of stargazing or firefly chasing. Most important, this light appears in each child--an inner God-given spark that grows and will be used to change the world. (Amazon) Hidden Figures January 23, 2018 Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award–nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and illustrator Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women who helped NASA launch men into space to picture book readers! Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…reallygood. They participated in some of NASA's greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America's first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world. In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career. (Amazon) Hurricane Child March 27, 2018 Caroline Murphy is a Hurricane Child. Being born during a hurricane is unlucky, and twelve-year-old Caroline has had her share of bad luck lately. She's hated and bullied by everyone in her small school on St. Thomas of the US Virgin Islands, a spirit only she can see won't stop following her, and -- worst of all -- Caroline's mother left home one day and never came back. But when a new student named Kalinda arrives, Caroline's luck begins to turn around. Kalinda, a solemn girl from Barbados with a special smile for everyone, becomes Caroline's first and only friend -- and the person for whom Caroline has begun to develop a crush. Now, Caroline must find the strength to confront her feelings for Kalinda, brave the spirit stalking her through the islands, and face the reason her mother abandoned her. Together, Caroline and Kalinda must set out in a hurricane to find Caroline's missing mother -- before Caroline loses her forever. (Amazon) Betty Before X January 2, 2018 In Detroit, 1945, eleven-year-old Betty’s house doesn’t quite feel like home. She believes her mother loves her, but she can’t shake the feeling that her mother doesn’t want her. Church helps those worries fade, if only for a little while. The singing, the preaching, the speeches from guest activists like Paul Robeson and Thurgood Marshall stir African Americans in her community to stand up for their rights. Betty quickly finds confidence and purpose in volunteering for the Housewives League, an organization that supports black-owned businesses. Soon, the American civil rights icon we now know as Dr. Betty Shabazz is born. Inspired by Betty's real life--but expanded upon and fictionalized through collaboration with novelist Renée Watson--Ilyasah Shabazz illuminates four poignant years in her mother’s childhood with this book, painting an inspiring portrait of a girl overcoming the challenges of self-acceptance and belonging that will resonate with young readers today. (Amazon) I Am Enough March 6, 2018 I Am Enough is the picture book everyone needs—a gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another—from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. This is the perfect gift for mothers and daughters, baby showers, and graduation. (Amazon) The Big Bed February 6, 2018 From the creator of the Honest Toddler blog, The Big Bed is a humorous picture book about a girl who doesn't want to sleep in her little bed, so she presents her dad with his own bed―a camping cot!―in order to move herself into her parents' big bed in his place. A twist on the classic parental struggle of not letting kids sleep in their bed. (Amazon) The Word Collector January 30, 2018 Some people collect stamps. Some people collect coins. Some people collect art. And Jerome? Jerome collected words . . . In this extraordinary new tale from Peter H. Reynolds, Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him - short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower. From the creator of The Dot and Happy Dreamer comes a celebration of finding your own words - and the impact you can have when you share them with the world. (Amazon) What If April 30, 2018 Creativity, the power of imagination, and the importance of self-expression are celebrated in this inspiring picture book written and illustrated by real-life best friends. This girl is determined to express herself! If she can't draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can't do that, she'll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream... Stunning mixed media illustrations, lyrical text, and a breathtaking gatefold conjure powerful magic in this heartfelt affirmation of art, imagination, and the resilience of the human spirit. (Amazon) Mommy's Khimar April 3, 2018 A young Muslim girl spends a busy day wrapped up in her mother’s colorful headscarf in this sweet and fanciful picture book from debut author and illustrator Jamilah Tompkins-Bigelow and Ebony Glenn. A khimar is a flowing scarf that my mommy wears. Before she walks out the door each day, she wraps one around her head. A young girl plays dress up with her mother’s headscarves, feeling her mother’s love with every one she tries on. Charming and vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty of the diverse and welcoming community in this portrait of a young Muslim American girl’s life. (Amazon) Join us on Instagram for more book recommendations by clicking here

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links One of the reasons we love books so much is because they fill so many needs in our lives. Books can help enhance our daily lives or sometimes even help us escape our daily lives. Books can teach us about people and cultures we might normally would never interact with. Lately, we've been counting on books to encourage kindness and connections. We want the children we share books with to learn positive values from the stories. These five books all share that theme while still being fun and full of adventure. Click on the covers to learn more about these books. Not Norman by Kelly Bennett This is a fun story with a great message: don't be so quick to judge people (or pets). Norman the goldfish isn't quite what the boy wanted as a pet. He wanted a pet that could run and catch or chase strings and climb trees - but definitely not a goldfish! The boy tries to convince his friends to take Norman but learns along the way that maybe Norman is a better pet than he thought. Rain by Sam Usher Sam wants to go out but it's pouring with rain, so he and Grandpa decide to stay inside until the rain stops. Sam drinks hot chocolate and reads his books and dreams of adventures while Grandpa gets on with his important paperwork. Grandpa seems to have a VERY important letter to write. Then that very important letter has to be posted, despite the rain and floods. As they finally go outside, Sam and Grandpa have a magical adventure. The beautiful illustrations complement the story and bring the words to life. We really loved the raindrops on the cover, which are raised and glossy and create a beautiful effect. Ladder to the Moon by Maya Soetoro-NG From Maya Soetoro-Ng, sister of President Obama, comes a lyrical story relaying the loving wisdom of their late mother to a young granddaughter she never met. Little Suhaila wants to know what her Grandma Annie was like. "She was like the moon," her mother replies. "Full, soft, and curious. Your grandma would wrap her arms around the whole world if she could." Ladder to the Moon is sweet tale of love that lives on even after we lose the ones we love. Illustrated by Yuyi Morales, this beautiful book one every child will love. The New Small Person by Lauren Child What a fun book! Little Elmore is happy being an only child. He is well loved and his very own room. Then a new small person comes along that knocks things over and changes everything! Worst of all, this new small person seems to be liked more than Elmore. We loved taking the journey with Elmore as he discovers that having a new small person hanging around just might not be as bad as he thought. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds Peter H. Reynold's mission was to create a book that inspired all kids to reach their potential. He hit the mark with The Dot! Readers are quickly connected to Vashti (the main character) as she struggles with self-doubt and her ability to draw. Vashti's teacher encourages Vashti to start with just one small dot, which she reluctantly does. As the story unfolds, we cheer for Vashti as herself doubt grows into confidence and belief in herself. The Dot has been so well received that it's been published in many different languages and even has an entire day dedicated to it.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Parent Teacher Conferences are a necessary part of academic success. Conferences give teachers and parents an opportunity to team up for the betterment of their student. But conferences can be a little nerve wrecking (dare we say scary?) for parents. Parents weren't given a guide on how to have a successful meeting with teachers. They don't always know what they should or shouldn't do or what they should or shouldn't say. And if there are any issues with the teacher or school, conferences can have an extra layer of fright to them. However, there's no need to fret. Most teachers are understanding and are happy to have engaged and caring parents to work with to help students be successful. HERE ARE A FEW EASY TIPS FOR PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE SUCCESS BE CONSISTENT Consistently stay abreast of what's happening with your child at school so you're not cramming at the last minute to figure out what's going on. It's a good idea to make note of questions and concerns as the school year progresses. This can be as simple as sticking a piece of paper on the fridge and jotting your questions or concerns on the paper as they arise. PREPARE QUESTIONS AND CONCERNES AHEAD OF TIME If you haven't started your ongoing question and concern sheet, now is the time to write everything down. While you may be able to think of these things at home, once in the meeting it's easy to forget. To make sure you get the information you need, write it down! Write down questions about things like your child's academic and social progress, the school, the classroom procedures, testing, and etc. BE OPEN MINDED You may hear things about your child that surprise you. Some of it may be negative and that's a difficult pill to swallow. Assume that the teacher wants what's best for your child and is only sharing negative information so that those issues can be worked on and ultimately fixed. THINK TEAMWORK Express desire to work with the school for the success of your child. When it comes to a child's success in school, teachers, parents, and even the community have to work together to support the child. TAKE NOTES Write down what is said so you can review it later. There is usually a lot of information being given. It may be difficult to keep up or completely understand all of it. Taking notes allows you to review the information at your own pace to be sure you understand everything. GET CONTACT INFO You've asked your questions and taken your notes, now you'll head home to review and process it all. Ask for the best contact method for any follow-up questions you may have. This opens the door for communication and shows the teacher your commitment to staying engaged in the educational process. FREE DOWNLOAD Download this free Parent-Teacher Conference Notes Guide to help you organize your thoughts and prepare for a successful meeting. MORE PARENTING RESOURCES IN OUR BOOKSHOP SEVEN QUESTIONS PARENTS MAY WANT TO ASK: 1. May I tell you about my child? 2. How is my child doing socially? 3. What can I do at home to support my child's success? 4. Is my child performing on grade level? 5. What are my child's strengths and weaknesses academically? 6. What are my child's favorite things to do at school? 7. What is the best way to contact you? #TeacherConference #Education

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans Publisher: Balzer & Bray/Harperteen Author/Illustrator: Kadir Nelson Purchase: Bookshop Publisher's Description The story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and inspiration and unwavering courage. In Heart and Soul, Kadir Nelson's stirring paintings and words grace 100-plus pages of a gorgeous picture book--a beautiful gift for readers of all ages, a treasure to share across generations at home or in the classroom. Heart and Soul is about the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton; it's about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws; it's about the brothers and sisters of all colors who rallied against those who would dare bar a child from an education. It's a story of discrimination and broken promises, determination, and triumphs. Kadir Nelson's Heart and Soul--the winner of numerous awards, including the Coretta Scott King Author Award and Illustrator Honor, and the recipient of five starred reviews--is told through the unique point of view and intimate voice of a one-hundred-year-old African American female narrator. This inspiring book demonstrates that in striving for freedom and equal rights, African Americans help our country on the journey toward its promise of liberty and justice--the true heart and soul of our nation. The paperback edition also features eight pages of discussion and curriculum material. Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans is a story of hope and courage. But it is also the story of injustice of a country divided by law, education, and wealth of a people whose struggles and achievements helped define their country (from inside flap) Thoughts The illustrations bring the book to life and create a tender connection with the stories shared. This book features stories and events that might evoke strong feelings like sadness or anger, but there are also parts of the book that might make readers proud or even laugh a little. Words from the back cover of the book say it best, "You have to know where you come from so you can move forward." This is a great book for all ages! Watch Kadir Nelson Kadir Nelson, one of this generation's most accomplished, award-winning artists, has created an epic yet intimate introduction to the history of America and African Americans, from colonial days through the civil rights movement. #childrensbooks #Reconstruction #History #BlackHistoryMonth

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: An Apple for Harriet Tubman Author: Glennette Tilley Turner Illustrator: Susan Keeter Purchase: Bookshop We all learned that Harriet Tubman was the greatest conductor of the Underground Railroad. Did you know she was also a Union Army nurse, a scout for the Civil War, a military strategist or that she loved apples? This captivating book shares information about Harriet Tubman that children aren't commonly exposed to. Publisher's Description Like other enslaved African American children, young Harriet Tubman had to work hard. In her master's orchard, she spent long hours picking the juicy apples she was forbidden to eat. Harriet vowed to one day be free and to grow apple trees of her own. When she was grown, she made her escape to the North. Then, repeatedly risking her life, she returned to lead many other African Americans to freedom. Interesting Facts Harriet Tubman was an integral part of the success of the Combahee River Raid that took place near Beaufort, SC. Ms. Tubman served as navigator and military strategist in the Combahee River Raid which freed hundreds of enslaved Gullah Geechee people. Today there is a Harriet Tubman Bridge that stretches across the Combahee River in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and soon there will be a monument in Beaufort, SC to commemorate Ms. Tubman's contributions to the area, the Civil War, and to the Reconstruction Era. "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." ~Harriet Tubman This is a recently discovered photo of Harriet Tubman. She is believed to be in her 40's in this photo. (Swann Auction Galleries)

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Fannie Lou Hamer, Misty Copeland, and Katherine Johnson all have something in common. They didn't let society's limitations dictate what they could achieve. Here are books that will inspire children to work hard for the life they want to create. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly This is the amazing true story of four African American female mathematicians at NASA who helped achieve some of the greatest moments in our space program. This book brings to life the stories of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, four African American women who lived through the civil rights era, the Space Race, the Cold War, and the movement for gender equality, and whose work forever changed the face of NASA and the country. Rosa by Nikki Giovanni (Author), Bryan Collier (Illustrator) Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed. Award-winning poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni's evocative text combines with Bryan Collier's striking cut-paper images to retell the story of this historic event from a wholly unique and original perspective. Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly "When it comes to justice, there is no easy way to get it. You can't sugarcoat it. You have to take a stand and say, 'This is not right.'" - Claudette Colvin On March 2, 1955, an impassioned teenager, fed up with the daily injustices of Jim Crow segregation, refused to give her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Instead of being celebrated as Rosa Parks would be just nine months later, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin found herself shunned by her classmates and dismissed by community leaders. Undaunted, a year later she dared to challenge segregation again as a key plaintiff in Browder v. Gayle, the landmark case that struck down the segregation laws of Montgomery and swept away the legal underpinnings of the Jim Crow South. Discover the life of Michelle Obama--a story about working for change by Christine Platt Michelle Obama is one of the most important women in American history. Before she served as the first Black first lady of the United States, Michelle was a smart and studious kid who wanted to give back to her community. She became a lawyer so that she could help people understand the law and get the legal aid they needed. When she became first lady, she continued to help people--especially young people--in many ways. Explore how Michelle went from being a young girl growing up on the South Side of Chicago to an American role model and leader in the White House. Firebird by Christine Taylor-Butler by Misty Copeland (Author), Christopher Myers (Illustrator) In her debut picture book, Misty Copeland tells the story of a young girl--an every girl--whose confidence is fragile and who is questioning her own ability to reach the heights that Misty has reached. Misty encourages this young girl's faith in herself and shows her exactly how, through hard work and dedication, she too can become Firebird. Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: The Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement Carole Boston Weatherford (Author), Ekua Holmes (Illustrator) "I am sick and tired of being sick and tired." Despite fierce prejudice and abuse, even being beaten to within an inch of her life, Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. Integral to the Freedom Summer of 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson’s interference, aired on national TV news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats. ...and so many more There are so many books we could have chosen to include in this list. This list just scratches the surface of the many children's books that feature barrier breaking African American women. For more great book lists, visit our Women's History Booklist or our Picture Book Biographies Booklist. #BlackHistoryMonth #AfricanAmericans #HiddenFiguresBook #RosaParks

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Children who learn to read early, learn to love reading Reading can have a huge impact on a child's life. Studies show that books in the home are the single biggest indicator of academic success - surpassing income, parents' education, family composition, and all other factors. That's why having access to books and making time to read is so important at every stage of life. 10 Powerful Benefits of Reading that Everyone Should Know Reading together helps families develop closer relationships with one another. Reading expands your vocabulary, which helps expand understanding and the ability to express oneself. Reading opens your mind to new people and places and helps to build empathy. Reading is relaxing and stress reducing. Reading helps flex critical thinking skill muscles as readers seek to figure out what happens next in the story. Reading teaches children social emotional skills as they read about diverse relationships, situations, and personalities. Reading enhances your imagination. Reading improves concentration and focus. Reading increases general knowledge about a variety of subjects. Reading creates a foundation for learning other subjects (math, science, etc.) One Final Thought One of the most overlooked benefits of reading is its ability to entertain! When you find the right book, reading is so much fun! If you're looking for your next great read, browse our booklists or our blog for diverse books for every age. While our mission is primarily focused on little readers, you'll find a few young adult and adult books on our lists too (Good Reads for Adults, Revolutionary Thoughts, Parenting). ...and remember to support local libraries by visiting, signing up for a library card, and borrowing a few good reads. Libraries rock and they're free! Happy reading!

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links As the school year comes to close, most kids look forward to the break from academics and early morning wakeups. Kids do need time to decompress and to just be kids, but 2-3 months with limited opportunities to learn can sometimes affect academic success. Did you know: Most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months. Low-income students also lose more than two months in reading achievement, despite the fact that their middle-class peers make slight gains Children lose more than academic knowledge over the summer. Most children—particularly children at high risk of obesity—gain weight more rapidly when they are out of school during summer break via The National Summer Learning Association What is Summer Slide? Summer Slide or Brain Drain is when skills learned throughout the school year are forgotten during the summer months. When students return to school in the Fall, they struggle to regain the skills they need to succeed in the new year. Parents can help prevent Brain Drain. Here are simple ways you can ensure your child has opportunities to learn and grow, while also having fun during summer break: 1. TALK TO YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER NOW The school year is quickly coming to a close. This is the perfect time to talk to your child's teacher about your child's strengths and weaknesses. Ask teachers what your child needs to practice over the summer. Find out if there are any programs your child's teacher would suggest your child participate in. The teacher may be able to suggest materials (books) that your child could benefit from as well. 2. CONSIDER A CAMP Camps are an excellent way to expose your child to academic, physical, and social activities. Summer camps begin enrolling as early as April. You can find available camps in local magazines, newspapers, or even at your child's school. Camps offer music, cooking, sports, technology, and more. Pick the camp that works best for your budget, your child's interests, and your time. 3. FIND JOB-SHADOWING OPPORTUNITIES Job shadowing exposes children to different occupations which helps children decide what work they want to do in the future. Talk to a co-worker, friend, or family member about having your child shadow them at work. Many local businesses also allow students to shadow. Find opportunities in your child's current chosen occupation as well as other occupations. Now is the time for your child to explore. 4. RESEARCH ART AND CULTURE PROGRAMS As school priorities shift, many arts and music programs have been cut. Summertime is the perfect time to expose children to the arts. Many museums and art galleries offer discounts throughout the summer. Exposure to arts and culture helps build kids' imaginations and creativity. 5. WORK ON LIFE SKILLS As much as we hate to think about it, one day our babies are going to go out into the "real world". To make this event a little less scary for kids (and parents) we have to teach them how to take care of themselves. Jot down a few age-appropriate life skills you'd like your child to master over the summer. 6. GET A LIBRARY CARD Read, read, read and it doesn't have to cost you a dime. Libraries are one of the most inexpensive outings your family can take. Many libraries offer free summer reading programs that come with fun incentives for reading. Libraries also offer book clubs, teen clubs, and even free camps. 7. CHOOSE A COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT Teach your child the importance of giving back. When kids participate in community service, they learn new skills, responsibility, and confidence in their abilities to help others. Choose age appropriate projects such as collecting canned goods, building a home, or cleaning up a local neighborhood. 8. MAKE IT FUN Find balance in each if the activities you choose. Be careful not to over schedule your summer. Choose activities that your child will enjoy. With a little research and a lot of preparation, you can stop the summer slide, by offering fun and engaging opportunities for learning.