This book by poet and activist Amanda Gorman sings with optimism for our personal power to make a difference for a better world. It is a celebration of change through grace and vision. In this "children's anthem," Gorman inspires us to act with our personal gifts while collectively being the best we can be. With images of famous people and musical instruments, the artist illustrates the beauty of individuals of diverse backgrounds coming together as one in community. Amanda Gorman is an African American youth poet laureate, born with a speech impediment and sensitivity to sound, who is now speaking eloquently with hope that we can all take action for a better world.
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This true story of Wangari Mathaai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, is an inspiring tale of environmental activism and the power each one of us has to help protect our world.
Literature Guide by Maureen Klein
Kwame Alexander’s award winning book “The Undefeated” is a poem to celebrate the creativity, perseverance, grit and impact of Black Americans on the history of the United States of America. It is both a call to action and a reminder to all that we must never give up.
In this book, we learn the true story of Malala Yousafzai, a Pashtun Muslim girl living in Pakistan who was shot for daring to be a girl demanding an education. Malala survived and decided to speak up for human rights and the right to universal childhood education.
When Stella loses pleasure in her classwork, she takes us “through the cracks” of a classroom and shows what is happening to all of the students who are not interested and engaged in their learning.
This is an important book that can inform and inspire the reader to use their voice together with others. It is a celebration of our common humanity and illustrates the importance of working together for positive change.
Literature Guide by Maureen Klein
Jacqueline Woodson has created a beautiful story about the confusion of children over racial tension. One of the most touching things about this book is that it is the children who give us hope for the future.
This book tells how artist Maya Lin formed the idea for her most famous artwork, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. She thought carefully about the meaning of the work, the form, and how she wanted people to feel.
“In a society where being an African American and female meant being an outsider or sometimes invisible, these women dared to go after what they wanted, to demand what they deserved. Some of them were reluctant leaders, while others were not even aware of their bravery, but their legaci