Here's What We Found

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Raising empowered children is a goal most parents have. There are several parenting books, programs, and countless social media pages dedicated to doing just that. One popular program used in many schools is The Leader in Me program by Steven Covey. Steven Covey has written books for adults, teens, children, educators, and even families. The seven habits used in each of the books are basically the same. The idea is that if a person practices these seven habits, they will find success and happiness in all areas of their lives. Here are the habits as listed on The Leader in Me webpage: HABIT ONE - Be proactive You're in Charge I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking. HABIT TWO - Begin with the end in mind Have a Plan I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen. HABIT THREE - Put first things first Work First, Then Play I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized. HABIT FOUR - Think win, win Everyone Can Win I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives. HABIT FIVE - Seek first to understand, then to be understood Listen Before You Talk I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking. HABIT SIX - Synergize Together Is Better I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others, we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble. HABIT SEVEN - Sharpen the saw Balance Feels Best I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others. Raising Empowered Children Raising empowered children can sometimes feel like a heavy task, but by getting support and ideas from various sources, we can raise children who are prepared to change the world.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Reading is one of the most important skills for children to learn. Reading crosses over into all other academic subjects. Knowing how to read (and comprehend) can lead to success in school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) children who are read to at home enjoy a substantial advantage over children who are not. The NCES also reported that children who were read to frequently are also more likely to: Count to 20, or higher than those who were not (60% vs. 44%) Write their own names (54% vs. 40%) Read or pretend to read (77% vs. 57%) Parents can help their children learn to read by reading together regularly. Here are some other methods to use when reading with your child: PREPARE FOR READING Before your child begins to read, make sure he has the basics mastered. Introduce a variety of books, subjects, and genres to your child. Make sure she can hold a book and turn the pages. As you read, use your finger to guide from left to right. Your child will pick up on these cues and begin to follow along. DON'T COMPARE Avoid comparing your child with other children. Each child develops at their own pace. Learning should be enjoyable. Being compared and pushed to perform above a level that your child is ready for can be a blow to a child's self-esteem. BE AN EXAMPLE Let your child see you reading. Designate a specific time for reading. You can use this time to read to your child or you can provide picture books with simple words for your child to read alone. RETELL THE STORY After reading, discuss the story. Talk about characters, setting, and events. Ask your child open-ended questions that encourage thought. Questions like "What was your favorite part" and "Who was your favorite character" are great for getting to know what your child thinks. You can use that information to help you choose more books that your child might enjoy. CREATE A READING AREA Keep a supply of pencils, crayons, scissors, paper, and other tools your child can use to draw pictures and make their own stories. This area could also include a few magazines your child could read and cut. Let your child help create the area so he takes ownership and pride in it. READ FAVES MORE THAN ONCE When you find books your child enjoys, read them over and over again. Memorizing a book and being able to predict what's next in the story helps build confidence. CHOOSE BOOKS AT THE APPROPRIATE READING LEVEL Give your child varying levels of books to use. He should have books he can read on his own and books that offer a little challenge. Be available to help your child when he is working on the challenging books. MAKE IT FUN There are a lot of ways to extend books into other fun activities. Read books based on movies. When you're done with the book, watch the movie. Look at the cover of the book and read the summary. Have your child draw a picture of what he thinks might happen in the story After reading a story, have your child draw a picture of his favorite part of the book. Find recipes that complement the stories you read and create a fun snack to go along with your book. Learning to read can be a challenging journey for some children, but as long as parents are there to support them and advocate for them, children are bound to find success.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links During summer break, students lose some of what they've learned during the school year. It's called the #SummerSlide. An easy way to prevent summer slide is to make learning a regular part of your summer plans. These math websites for kids can make summer learning fun. Check them out and spread the word! 1. Math Playground - https://www.mathplayground.com/ 2. PBS Math Games - https://pbskids.org/games/math/ 3. Hooda Math - http://www.hoodamath.com/ 4. Oxford Owl - https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/welcome-back/for-home/reading-owl/maths 5. Multiplication.com - https://www.multiplication.com/ 6. Education.com - https://www.education.com/games/math/ 7. FunBrain - https://www.funbrain.com/math-zone 8. Starfall - http://starfall.com 9. Cool Math Games - https://www.coolmathgames.com/ 10. ABCya! - http://abcya.com Meet Raye Montague--the hidden mastermind who made waves in the U.S. Navy! After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted--finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever. The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague is the third book in a riveting educational series about the inspiring lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you'll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Montague herself!

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Here's a list of fun and educational websites for children to visit and explore. Keep them engaged with a variety of great activities online. Starfall http://starfall.com PBS Reading Games https://pbskids.org/games/reading Highlights Kids https://www.highlightskids.com Oxford Owl https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk ABC ya! http://abcya.com Story Nory http://www.storynory.com Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org Story Online https://www.storylineonline.net Read Write Think http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources Scholastic Learn at Home https://www.scholastic.com/learnathome

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links This article was first published in February 2018. The information here is still relevant and valuable. Scroll down to see the children's books by Black authors and visit our bookshop because we have added MANY MANY more books by Black authors to the collection. Have you heard of the Reading Blackout challenge by Booktuber Denise D. Cooper? She challenged herself to only read books by Black authors for a year. We decided to accept the challenge and read children’s books written by Black authors or illustrators for Black History Month. Here's a great article about the challenge from BookRiot. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT: As of 2017, still only 28 percent of children’s/YA books published each year represent people of color, and when fewer still portray marginalized experiences. We need to change that! It's important to have #ownvoices stories. #Ownvoices is a term that describes a book that has been written by a member of the marginalized community that it depicts. Authors of color wrote only six percent of all children’s literature published in 2016, according to the latest data from the Cooperative Children’s Book Center. There are TONS of talented Black authors who write, and they need the opportunity to tell their own stories. That's why we have created this list of children's books written by African Americans as a starting point resource for the Reading Blackout. This list includes picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and even a few young adult titles. Many of these authors have several books, be sure to Google them for info on their other books. Visit our Online Bookshop links to find these books and more. BOOKSHOP: CLICK HERE WHO IS CARTER G. WOODSON? In 1915, Mr. Woodson and friends established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. A year later, the Journal of Negro History, began quarterly publication. In 1926, Woodson proposed and launched the annual February observance of Negro History Week, which became Black History Month in 1976. It is said that he chose February for the observance because February 12th was Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and February 14th was the accepted birthday of Frederick Douglass. Learn more here Looking for more book recommendations? Join us on Instagram by clicking here

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre Publisher: Carolrhoda Books Recommended Grades: 3-6 Where to order: Bookshop HERE PUBLISHER'S DESCRIPTION Celebrated author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Floyd Cooper provide a powerful look at the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence in our nation's history. The book traces the history of African Americans in Tulsa's Greenwood district and chronicles the devastation that occurred in 1921 when a white mob attacked the Black community. News of what happened was largely suppressed, and no official investigation occurred for seventy-five years. This picture book sensitively introduces young readers to this tragedy and concludes with a call for a better future. Take a look at a few pages featuring stunning illustrations by Floyd Cooper. A FEW DETAILS ABOUT THE MASSACRE The Tulsa Race Massacre (also known as the Tulsa Race Riot), occurred over 18 hours on May 31-June 1, 1921. A white mob attacked residents, homes and businesses in the predominantly Black Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event remains one of the worst incidents of racial violence in U.S. history, and one of the least-known: News reports were largely squelched, despite the fact that hundreds of people were killed, and thousands left homeless. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MASSACRE HERE. One note: Under the section labeled What Caused the Tulsa Race Massacre, the simple answer is that racism and white supremacy caused the massacre. Author Carole Boston Weatherford is a New York Times best-selling author. She recently released Beauty Mark: A Verse Novel of Marilyn Monroe and R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Her 50-plus books include the Caldecott Honor winners Freedom in Congo Square, Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement, and Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. She won a Coretta Scott King Author Honor for Becoming Billie Holiday, NAACP Image Awards for Moses and for Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America, the Arnold Adoff Poetry Award for The Legendary Miss Lena Horne, and an SCBWI Golden Kite and WNDB Walter Award for Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library. Among her most popular titles are Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-ins andThe Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip Hop. Baltimore-born, Weatherford teaches at Fayetteville State University In North Carolina. Find her here. Illustrator Floyd Cooper: The late Mr. Floyd Cooper is recognized and celebrated every year on the Friday of Children’s Book Week with Floyd Cooper day. The inaugural Floyd Cooper day was May 6, 2022. Learn more here: HERE FIND MORE BOOKS ABOUT BLACK HISTORY IN OUR BOOKSHOP Looking for more great books? Join our community of over 20,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram. Tap the phone below to follow and discover great books.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links We're excited to reveal the cover of Tiara's Hat Parade, a beautiful children's book that celebrates an inspiring African American tradition. Title: Tiara's Hat Parade Author: Kelly Starling Lyons Illustrated by: Nicole Tadgell Publishes: April 2020 Ages: 4-8 years Order it: Here BOOK SUMMARY Tiara's momma has a gift for making hats. Ladies come from all over to visit her studio and try on her creations. She makes fancy hats for church, dazzling hats for special occasions, and majestic hats to make you stand tall and proud! But when Momma has to close down the business and set her dreams aside, Tiara can see how sad she is. Can Tiara help Momma understand how much her hats mean to the community and bring back the magic? This heartwarming story about mothers and daughters pays tribute to an inspiring African American tradition. Tiara's Hat Parade debuts April 2020. It's published by Albert Whitman & Company. OUR THOUGHTS We're excited about Tiara's Hat Parade. We love children's books that expose readers to history and tradition in a fun and engaging way. We look forward to sharing the special African American tradition of donning beautifully elaborate hats when stepping out on the town, attending a special occasion, or heading to the church house to praise the Lord. CHURCH HATS AS AN AFRICAN AMERICAN TRADITION (Excerpt from History of Black Women Wearing Hats at Church) "A deeply rooted tradition in the African American community, wearing flamboyant hats to church has both spiritual and cultural significance. The centuries-old custom continues to flourish throughout the Southern U.S. and in strong black Northern communities, including Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit and Harlem. The dress hats, which are beautifully fabricated and extravagantly decorated, have evolved into an art form and an important cultural symbol. Prior to the 20th century, most American Christian women commonly followed Corinthians 1:11 and covered their heads in worship. For early African Americans, God's house was not only a sanctuary of hope and salvation in a brutal world, but it was also one of the few places where they were allowed to hold important positions of leadership. Sunday was thus a day of worship and celebration. African American women traded in their drab aprons and knotted head wraps for brightly colored dresses and straw hats gaily decorated with fresh flowers, ribbons and feathers. These heaven-reaching hats were designed to "catch God's eye" in hopes He would hear their prayers. Elaborately adorned headdresses hold enormous significance in African rituals. American slaves continued the custom of weaving geometric designs, attaching feathers and adding beaded jewelry to straw and fiber hats before attending church. In addition to instilling pride and confidence, the hats remind the wearers to carry themselves like queens. Culturally, church hats became a strong symbol of the ability to triumph over hardships. Worn with the head held high, African American women strut with "hattitude" while sporting these crowns." (Read more at History of Black Women Wearing Hats at Church) Author Kelly Starling Lyons grew up in Pittsburgh. She is the award-winning author of several books for children including Ellen's Broom, a Coretta Scott King illustrator award book, Hope's Gift, and One More Dino on the Floor. She lives in North Carolina. Find Kelly: www.kellystarlinglyons.com www.facebook.com/kellystarlinglyons Blog: The Brown Bookshelf (ALA Great Website for Kids) Kelly's New Releases: Going Down Home With Daddy (April 2019) Jada Jones: Dancing Queen (June 2019) Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice and Sing Inspired Generations (August 2019) Coming Soon from Kelly: Dream Builder: The Story of Architect Philip Freelon (January 2020) Tiara's Hat Parade (April 2020) Illustrator Nicole Tadgell is the award winning illustrator of more than twenty books and has numerous educational pieces published. “I love working on children’s books,” Nicole says. “Sometimes I pretend I’m the kid in the book, and do the things they do in the story to really get a feel for each book.”  Nicole also visits schools, gives lectures and conducts workshops. Nicole's work has been honored by the Children's Africana Book Award, the Americas Award, the Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award, and Growing Good Kids Award. When she's not drawing, Nicole enjoys practicing Tai Chi and watching Doctor Who. She lives in Massachusetts. Find Nicole at her website: https://nicoletadgell.blogspot.com

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: Who Are Your People? Publisher: Quill Tree Books Recommended Grades: PK-3 Where to order: Bookshop HERE Published: January 11, 2022 Book Description This inspiring picture book by New York Times bestselling author Bakari Sellers is a tribute to the family and community that help make us who we are. Perfect for sharing and gifting. When you meet someone for the first time, they might ask, Who are your people? and Where are you from? Children are shaped by their ancestors, and this book celebrates the village it takes to raise a child. In the vein of I Am Enough and Eyes That Kiss in the Corners, this powerful picture book with beautiful illustrations by Reggie Brown is a joyful recognition of the people and places that help define young readers and adults alike. Thoughts Who Are Your People? doesn't shy away from the hard to look at parts of history and instead uses it as an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and strength of the people who overcame those difficult times. Simple, easy to follow text is married with gorgeous imagery that brings the story and the reader's imagination to life. When asked in an interview with Publisher's Weekly what he wants readers to take away from the book, Sellers says he wants readers to dream. "I want readers, especially young people, to dream. I want them to dream new dreams and be able to dream big dreams. I hope their parents are inspired to dream themselves when they read the book to children or watch them read this book, and to usher in a new generation of leaders for today." Bakari Sellers (Author) Bakari Sellers made history in 2006 when, at just twenty-two years old, he defeated a twenty-six-year incumbent State Representative to become the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature and the youngest African American elected official in the nation. In 2014 he was the Democratic Nominee for Lieutenant Governor in the state of South Carolina. Sellers is a CNN political analyst and served in the South Carolina state legislature. He is also a practicing attorney who fights to give a voice to the voiceless. Find him here. (Illustrator) Reggie Brown loves drawing vivid scenes of Black children and families that include expressive, unforgettable characters that make children and adults want to read and re-read those stories. Reggie also has a passion for stories with genres like fantasy, superheroes, and science-fiction. When Reggie isn't drawing, he loves exploring San Diego, California, watching anime, and hanging out with his wife Demi and min pin Bruce. Find him here. Looking for more great books? Join our community of over 20,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram. Tap the phone below to follow and discover great books.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Valentine's Day is all about love! These picture books feature diverse characters and stories that celebrate love in different ways. Great for sharing on Valentine's Day or any time of year. "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." Maya Angelou The perfect Valentine's gift for your baby or toddler! In My Baby Loves Valentine's Day, celebrate all the lovely things that Baby discovers about Valentine's Day: Baby loves hearts made of paper and lace. Baby loves kisses and a loving embrace. Baby loves pretty red roses... Celebrate all the lovely things Baby discovers about Valentine's Day! This Own Voices board book, the perfect gift for a new baby, features rhythmic poetry from Jabari Asim and adorable art from Tara Nicole Whitaker. LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP Funny, emotional, and uplifting picture book about separation and love, to help children understand their emotions. Everyone loves everyone in Tess's house, but when Tess has to leave for school for the very first time, she is worried that her family's love might not stretch that far. Mom explains that love is like a string, it connects people together even when they are far away. At school Tess notices that all the children have strings! Some are new, some are old, some stretch a long way, and some even stretch right up into the sky. But what happens when a string breaks? Love is the third in a trio of feel-good picture books from author Corrinne Averiss (Joy (2018), Hope (2019)) - a pure delight from start to finish. A wonderful story that subtly tackles difficult topics of death, grief, separation, and overcoming anxiety. LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP This vibrant picture book, beautifully illustrated by celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, encourages children to show love and support for each other and to consider each other's well-being in their everyday actions. Consultant, international speaker and award-winning author Monique Gray Smith wrote You Hold Me Up to prompt a dialogue among young people, their care providers and educators about reconciliation and the importance of the connections children make with their friends, classmates and families. This is a foundational book about building relationships, fostering empathy and encouraging respect between peers, starting with our littlest citizens. LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP A little girl carries a big message--and finds it thrillingly amplified by the rallying crowd around her--in an empowering story for the youngest of activists. Mari raised her sign for everyone to see. Even though she was small and the crowd was very big, and she didn't think anyone would hear, she yelled out. Mari is getting ready to make a sign with crayon as the streets below her fill up with people. "What are we making, Mama?" she asks. "A message for the world," Mama says. "How will the whole world hear?" Mari wonders. "They'll hear," says Mama, "because love is powerful." Inspired by a girl who participated in the January 2017 Women's March in New York City, Heather Dean Brewer's simple and uplifting story, delightfully illustrated by LeUyen Pham, is a reminder of what young people can do to promote change and equality at a time when our country is divided by politics, race, gender, and religion. LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP Granny teaches her grandson to cook the family meal in this loving celebration of food, traditions, and gathering together at the table "On Sundays, everyone gathers at Granny's for Soul Food. But today, I don't go to the backyard or the great room. I follow Granny instead. "You're a big boy now," Granny says. "Time for you to learn."" At Granny's, Sunday isn't Sunday without a big family gathering over a lovingly prepared meal. Old enough now, our narrator is finally invited to help cook the dishes for the first time: He joins Granny in grating the cheese, cleaning the greens, and priming the meat for Roscoe Ray's grill. But just when Granny says they're finished, her grandson makes his own contribution, sweetening this Sunday gathering--and the many more to come. Evocatively written and vividly illustrated, this mouthwatering story is a warm celebration of tradition and coming together at a table filled with love and delicious food. LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison. Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he LOVES his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her -- and her hair -- happy. Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair -- and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere. LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP There is nothing more important to a child than to feel loved, and this gorgeous gathering of poems written by Nikki Giovanni celebrates exactly that. Hand-selected by Newbery honoree Ashley Bryan, he has, with his masterful flourish of color, shape, and movement, added a visual layering that drums the most important message of all to young, old, parent, child, grandparent, and friend alike: You are loved. You are loved. You are loved. As a bonus, one page is mirrored, so children reading the book can see exactly who is loved--themselves! LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP This fun, inclusive board book celebrates the one thing that makes every family a family . . . and that's LOVE. Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading one more book. In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what's most important in each family's life is the love the family members share. LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP In this sweet and lyrical board book from the creators of the bestselling Little You, gentle rhythmic text captures the wonder new parents feel as they welcome baby into the world. A celebration of the bond between parent and child, this is the perfect song to share with your little ones. Internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author Richard Van Camp teams up with award-winning illustrator Julie Flett for a second time to create a stunning board book for babies and toddlers. LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP Warm illustrations spice up this rhythmical ode to the joys of family and food -- full, full, full of pleasures. For the youngest member of an exuberant extended family, Sunday dinner at Grannie's can be full indeed -- full of hugs and kisses, full of tasty dishes, full to the brim with happy faces, and full, full, full of love. With a special focus on the bond between little Jay Jay and his grannie, Trish Cooke introduces us to a gregarious family we are sure to want more, more, more of. LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP Cuddle up with your little one and get ready to count to L-O-V-E, in this precious board book from New York Times bestselling and award-winning duo Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney! Count to love on fingers and toes. 1-2-3-4, touch your nose! Snuggle up with your little one to celebrate sweet baby love! You won't be able to resist this adorable board book full of cutie charms, belly kisses, and magic wishes, just-right for fans of bestselling books like Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes. With bouncing, rhythmic text from New York Times bestselling author Andrea Davis Pinkney and warm, winsome illustrations from Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator Brian Pinkney. This joyful celebration of roly-poly, perfectly huggable, oh-so lovable little ones that is just-right for the whole family, for Valentine's Day and all throughout the year! So, get ready to count to love... because once you start, you just won't stop! LEARN MORE: BOOKSHOP Looking for more great books? Join our community of over 20,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram. Tap the phone below to follow and discover great books.

Title: Root Magic by Eden Royce Publisher: Walden Pond Press (a Harper Collins Imprint) Recommended Grades: 3-7 Where to order: Bookshop Here Amazon: Here This post is part of the Root Magic blog tour. Thank you to Walden Pond Press for the opportunity to amplify this special and important book. Book Description Debut author Eden Royce arrives with a wondrous story of love, bravery, friendship, and family, filled to the brim with magic great and small. It’s 1963, and things are changing for Jezebel Turner. Her beloved grandmother has just passed away. The local police deputy won’t stop harassing her family. With school integration arriving in South Carolina, Jez and her twin brother, Jay, are about to begin the school year with a bunch of new kids. But the biggest change comes when Jez and Jay turn eleven— and their uncle, Doc, tells them he’s going to train them in root work. Jez and Jay have always been fascinated by the African American folk magic that has been the legacy of their family for generations—especially the curious potions and powders Doc and Gran would make for the people on their island. But Jez soon finds out that her family’s true power goes far beyond small charms and elixirs…and not a moment too soon. Because when evil both natural and supernatural comes to show itself in town, it’s going to take every bit of the magic she has inside her to see her through. “A poignant, necessary entry into the children’s literary canon, Root Magic brings to life the history and culture of Gullah people while highlighting the timeless plight of Black Americans. Add in a fun, magical adventure and you get everything I want in a book!”—Justina Ireland, New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation “I’ve written this book really just to explore stories I grew up hearing from my family members. I wanted to put out work that is very Southern, but also says that the Black experience isn’t a monolith. There are variations,” Royce said. (Read more via Charleston City Paper) Thoughts Just like you, I grew up seeing root work, African traditions, and African culture depicted in negative and often times scary ways on television and in print. Those images burned a belief into my mind that would take years to unravel, but I imagine, that was the plan. Root work is much more than what's depicted in media. It's a tradition, a culture, a spiritual practice that is meant for good. Like any religion or practice, there will be people who abuse it and use it for negative. Unfortunately, that aspect is the one that most often makes it into the limelight. Eden Royce recently penned an essay on the We Need Diverse Books blog where she writes, "I wanted to read a book that showed the original intent of conjure magic: Protection, fostering community, healing our bodies, our minds, and our hearts." That book (especially for middle grade readers) did not exist, so she wrote it, and it does not disappoint. I loved the historical references and how the book touched on important topics like racism and integration as a part of the story, without being the whole of the story. Gullah Geechee culture was at the forefront of the story and was a huge draw for me. Some people may find some of the details about root work too much (rituals, etc.). That's something to take into account. For me, it was just the right amount of reality without being too much for a middle grade reader who's into fantasy and magic. I also enjoyed the family bonds presented in the book. Even the grandmother who has just passed as the book opens, remains a strong influence throughout the book, which depicts the importance of family. I saw myself and my culture from the very beginning pages of this book. The funeral ritual of leaving something for a loved one who's passed still lives strong within my own family, so from the beginning I was hooked. I recommend this book for anyone wanting to be introduced to Gullah Geechee culture, enjoys fantasy and magic, and is looking for a book about family and coming of age. My Background I grew up surrounded by Gullah Geechee culture in Beaufort, SC. From blue bottle trees to haint blue porches, to the food we ate and how it was prepared - our culture was at the forefront of everyday life. While I LOVED every minute of it, Gullah Geechee wasn't always "cool". We got teased - A LOT. We even teased one another sometimes. The education system didn't help much. We were taught "proper" English with no reference to the primary Gullah Geechee language we already spoke. We were actually BILINGUAL all this time and never knew it. That's why this book means a lot to me. It's a way for Gullah Geechee people (and the world) to see the culture represented in a positive way. It's a window into a rich heritage that for far too long has been put down and pushed aside. Root work is a part of Gullah Geechee heritage Traditions like leaving offerings on a grave for loved ones, passing the baby over the casket, not sweeping a person's feet, burning the hair left in the comb after doing your hair, and soooo many more beliefs still thrive in African Americans today. These beliefs came from our ancestors who were stolen hundreds of years ago. They're a source of pride and a remembrance of our ancestors who survived the terrorism inflicted upon them. It's amazing that these traditions have survived for so long. I'm thankful that I grew to appreciate the language, food ways, and traditions that live inside me and I work hard to spread that pride to the young people I work with today. Root Magic is yet another tool to use to spread that pride and I'm over the moon excited about it. Resources: Root Magic includes an Educator's Guide Anastasia Collins (she/her/hers) has created an educator's guide to accompany Root Magic. The guide includes a pre-writing activity, discussion questions, and extension activities. Gullah Geechee Cultural History Interpreter Sara Makeba Daise also presents background and context for the setting and characters of ROOT MAGIC. Get the guide here. Follow along on the rest of the Root Magic by Eden Royce blog tour: January 5 Nerdy Book Club @nerdybookclub January 6 We Need Diverse Books @diversebooks January 7 Kimberly Rose @keideerose93 January 8 InkyGirl @inkyelbows January 9 Seren Sensei @sensei_aishitemasu January 10 Helping Kids Rise @HelpingKidsRise January 11 Storymamas @storymamas January 12 Bluestocking Thinking @bluestockingthinking January 13 Teachers Who Read @teachers_read January 14 A Foodie Bibliophile in Wanderlust @bethshaum January 16 Kickbuttkidlit @KickButtKidLit January 18 Moore Books w/B.Sharise @b.sharise January 19 Writers’ Rumpus @writersrumpus Discover other books about Gullah Geechee people and culture: Gullah Geechee Book List Looking for more great books? Join our community of over 20,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram. Tap the phone below to follow and discover great books

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: Root Magic by Eden Royce Publisher: Walden Pond Press (a Harper Collins Imprint) Recommended Grades: 3-7 Where to order: Bookshop Here Amazon: Here Book Description Root Magic is the story of twins, Jay and Jezebel, growing up on Wadmalaw in the 1960s. Charleston’s schools are being integrated; change and unrest are in the air, both in the broader world and at home. Their beloved grandmother has just died, and their uncle decides its time for these 11 year olds to learn their grandmother’s secrets — her potions, her root work. “I’ve written this book really just to explore stories I grew up hearing from my family members. I wanted to put out work that is very Southern, but also says that the Black experience isn’t a monolith. There are variations,” Royce said.  (read more via Charleston City Paper) Thoughts Disclaimer: we haven't had a chance to read Root Magic yet, but we love the idea of it. Being born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, my Gullah Geechee culture is close to my heart. Like many other Geechee folk, I grew up being teased for the way I talked. Despite being surrounded by the culture, there were little to no efforts of it being taught in schools. Thankfully, I grew to appreciate the language, food ways, and traditions that live inside me and I work hard to spread that pride to the young people I work with today. Root Magic is yet another tool to use to spread that pride and I'm over the moon excited about it. Add Root Magic to your to be read (TBR) list today! We sure did. This book publishes January 2021. Ordering is available now. Other books about Gullah Geechee people or culture: Gullah Geechee Book List Looking for more great books? Join our community of almost 30,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram. Tap the phone below to follow and discover great books.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links Title: Simon B. Rhymin’ Publisher: Little Brown Books Young Readers Recommended Ages: 8-12 Where to order: Bookshop Here Simon B. Rhymin is the debut novel from educator extraordinaire Dwayne Reed @teachmrreed - America's favorite rapping teacher. Mr.Reed, became a YouTube sensation after his Welcome to the 4th Grade video went viral. I purchased a physical copy of the book, but after hearing a sample of the audio version, I bought it too. The audiobook is like a Hip Hop musical for kids. The combination of the story, the music, and the catchy rap lyrics will keep readers engaged and tapping their feet. Simon B. Rhymin is about Simon Barnes, an 11-year-old who dreams of being a rapper that everyone calls NOTORIOUS D.O.G. But for now, he's just a Chicago 5th grader who's small for this age and afraid to use his voice. When his new teacher assigns the class an oral presentation on something that affects their community, Simon must face his fears in order to succeed. A lot of kids will relate to Simon's down to earth personality and his struggles with self-doubt. Most people will also connect with Simon's journey of figuring out how to use his voice even when he's afraid. Watching Simon push past fears and teasing to discover the strength within himself will be empowering to all. While the story is very entertaining, it also tackles serious issues like homelessness and bullying. I've been following Mr. Reed for a few years and have gotten a little peek into how he engages with his scholars (that's what he calls his students). As I read the book, I couldn't help but think that Simon's 5th grade teacher, Mr. James is based on the author himself. Like Mr. Reed, Mr. James is a rapping teacher who also calls his students "scholars". Mr. James is a cool, hip, engaging Black man whose mission is to empower his scholars and make sure that they feel seen and loved. Every scholar deserves a teacher like Mr. James, just as every scholar deserves a teacher like Mr. Reed. With Simon B. Rhymin, scholars get an opportunity to experience the magic that comes with having an amazing teacher who cares in and out of the classroom. This one is a page turner and lots of fun to read. It's sure to become a favorite with a lot of middle grade readers. About the Author: Dwayne Reed is America’s favorite rapping teacher from Chicago. In 2016, the music video for his hit song, “Welcome to the 4th Grade,” went viral and has since been viewed nearly two million times on YouTube. When he’s not writing, rapping, or teaching, Dwayne can be found presenting at educator conferences across the U.S., or loving on his beautiful wife, Simone. As a viral sensation, Reed spreads his message of inspiration and empowerment that reaches a weekly audience of more than 50,000 followers, subscribers, readers, listeners, and fans. Each month, hundreds of new and aspiring teachers attend his engaging live seminars and rousing, interactive workshops, to experience the thrill of teaching. As an avid philanthropist, Reed has partnered with other iconic brands that include 3M, Old Navy, and Arby’s to celebrate educators and raise awareness of youth issues. Mr. Reed also supports countless youth charities, after-school programs, and educational nonprofits dedicated to student-centered learning and academic achievement. Find him here: @teachmrreed Looking for more great books? Join our community of over 20,000 BOOK LOVERS on Instagram. Tap the phone below to follow and discover great books.