Synergy: Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter is an international group advocating against violence, oppression, and racism toward Black people. Originating in the African-American community, this movement has sparked demonstration around the world.

Read the recently published picture book for youth, then learn more at the website:

ALL BECAUSE YOU MATTER by Tami Charles with illustrations by Bryan Collier is a visually stunning picture book celebrating the life of a black child. The timely and powerful message focuses on struggle, hope, and love.

HELPING KIDS UNDERSTAND THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT is a project of the popular educational group BrainPOP. In addition to providing access to an animated, educational video that explains the movement, the page provides suggestions for educators and links to additional resources.

To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/2Ys2w6N.

To hear from the author and illustrator, go to https://youtu.be/zWQhFhunqh0.

ARC courtesy of Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic.

Synergy: The Children of World War II

World War II had a deep and lasting impact on children. While some young people lived and died in concentration camps, others were able to escape to England as refugees.

Read two recently published children’s books, then learn more at the websites:

THE MISSING: THE TRUE STORY OF MY FAMILY IN WORLD WAR II by Michael Rosen shares the experiences of the author’s family members along with his own stories of growing up with a legacy of lost family connections. Woven throughout the narrative are works of poetry and references to today’s issues of racism and refugees. This short book concludes with resources to help readers dig deeper into history.

HISTORYWORKS has posted audio files of Michael Rosen’s poetry. The project features over two dozen entries.

To listen to the poems, go to https://audioboom.com/playlists/4613930-michael-rosen-poems.

WE HAD TO BE BRAVE: ESCAPING THE NAZIS ON THE KINDERTRANSPORT by Deborah Hopkinson tells the heartbreaking story of children and teens who survived the Holocaust by escaping to England. Using dozens of true accounts, the author weaves together stories of survival and hope at a time of war. Organized into four parts, the book explores pre-war events, the tipping point, the flight, and the aftermath. The postscripts shares a timeline, glossary, resources, and other useful materials to extend the reading experience.

WHAT WAS KINDERTRANSPORT is a BBC Newsround article focusing on the mission that took thousands of children to safety during World War II. The article features text, historical photographs and interviews.

To read the BBC article, go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/46877532.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick and Scholastic.

Synergy: Principles of Tolerance

In its Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, UNESCO defines tolerance as “respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication, and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Tolerance is harmony in difference.”

Read the recently published children's picture book, then learn more at the website:

FOR BEAUTIFUL BLACK BOYS WHO BELIEVE IN A BETTER WORLD by Michael W. Waters and Keisha Morris tells the inspirational story of a boy growing up in a world of racism and gun violence who learns the importance of hope and activism. This timely, honest picture book includes a discussion guide to jump-start conversations about respect, nonviolence activism, and diversity.

The TEACHING TOLERANCE website helps parents and educators start difficult conversations about topics such as racism and violence.

Visit the Teaching Tolerance website at https://www.tolerance.org/.
Visit the UNESCO website at https://bit.ly/3lUZ6UI.

ARC courtesy of Flyaway Books.

Book: Ghost Boys

GHOST BOYS by Jewell Parker Rhodes tells the powerful and timely story of a black boy killed by a white police officer.

The story begins with the death of twelve-year-old African American boy. Jerome shares his experiences with bullying and poverty leading up to his death while playing in a park with a toy gun. In alternating chapters, Jerome’s ghost meets the daughter of the police officer who shot him. He also learns about the history of other ghost boys who met a fate similar to his.

Librarians will find this compelling story is effective in tackling tough issues including gun violence, racial bias, and class differences. The easy-to-read, fast paced story would work well in reading groups or as part of class discussions connected with current events.

Look for this title on the “best of intermediate level books” for 2018.

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette Book Group on April 17, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Like Vanessa

LIKE VANESSA by Tami Charles tells the story of an African American eighth-grader pursuing her pageant dreams.

Set in 1983, Vanessa Martin is thrilled when Vanessa Williams is crowned the first black Miss America. When her music teacher encourages her audition for the school’s pageant, she’s reluctant. However, over time she develops the confidence to compete. Told through first person narratives along with beautiful poetry and journal entries, readers will be drawn into Vanessa’s quest.

Librarians will find a large audience for this story of family and friendship. The elements of poverty, racism, and family secrets add depth to the story. Of particular note is the evolving relationship between Vanessa and her music teacher.

Published on March 13, 2018 by Charlesbridge. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Undefeated

UNDEFEATED by Steve Sheinkin tells the story of Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian football team.

In 1907, a group of young men met at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania. With hard work and the leadership of a skilled coach, these Native American athletes formed a football team that overcame prejudice to defeat Ivy League teams. Filled with primary source materials and source notes, readers will be amazed by the thought-provoking personal story along with the social issues associated with institutionalized racism.

Librarians will appreciate this well-researched work of nonfiction. Even reluctant readers will enjoy the football themed Table of Contents, the short, action-packed chapters and the conversational approach.

Published by Roaring Brook Press on January 17, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Watch Out for Flying Kids

WATCH OUT FOR FLYING KIDS by Cynthia Levinson tells the true story of teen circus performers from varied backgrounds who come together to confront issues related to racism, tribalism, and other social obstacles.

Following nine circus performers in two different circuses, this fascinating work of nonfiction describes a unique arts education movement that brings together teens with varied backgrounds. The story is told chronologically over a ten year period ending in 2014.

The many photographs and other illustrations will draw student interest. Sidebars provide background information and insights into the book’s many interesting youth. Engaging section headings within the chapters reflect the thoughts of youth. The book includes a pronunciation guide, prologue, afterword, author’s note, and index in addition to the body of text.

Librarians will find the youth circus theme provides an fascinating context for exploration of social issues. Consider using this book as a focus point for a discussion of diversity. Combine this book along with others focusing on social issues as part of a nonfiction literature circle. Use maps along with other nonfiction books to help students understand issues related to racism and tribalism.

Published by Peachtree Publishers on September 1, 2015. Review copy courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Blackbird Fly

BLACKBIRD FLY by Erin Entrada Kelly tells the authentic story of a filipina child facing the real-world drama and dilemmas of the middle grades.

From racial slurs to disloyal friends, Apple finds herself seeking solace in the world of music where she discovers new friendships and a renewed sense of identity.

The realistic banter between classmates and genuine emotional responses to typical tween experiences will make this a popular book for youth who enjoy realistic fiction featuring home and school settings.

This quiet work of realistic fiction explores critical issues related to popularity, bullying, and racism without the need for over-the-top plot twists and unnecessary subplots.

The titles of each chapter include subtitles featuring songs from the Beatles. These songs closely tie to the contents of each chapter adding to the musical aspect of the story. Be sure to check out the Apple Yengko’s playlist at http://www.erinentradakelly.com/the-apple-yengko-playlist/.

For libraries involved with the WE NEED DIVERSE BOOKS initiative athttp://weneeddiversebooks.org/, this book would be an outstanding addition to your campaign collection.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.erinentradakelly.com/.

Published by Greenville Books/HarperCollins on March 24, 2015.