I don't own the rights to any of the content. This is a curated resource list of high interest diverse text.
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Bookie Blogger's Dynamic Elementary Reviews
Summary: This great tale of the togetherness among Black and Indigenous people explains that love prevails despite sorrow and struggle. Swift and Bentley unite and create a beautiful soul named Magnolia Flower. As Magnolia grows into womanhood, she meets a handsome man named John, who quickly gained the approval of Swift but not Bentley. The effort to keep them apart only ignited the flame that lived in their hearts. Will John and Magnolia last until the end of time? Will they revisit the place where their hearts became one?
Strengths: This is a great love story that depicts determination during a challenging time.
Weaknesses: The adaptation is great, but being able to hear this story directly from Hurston would have been irreplaceable.
Thoughts: This is a true reflection of why Hurston is one of the greatest writers of the land. Kendi and Wise do an extraordinary job using words to create imagery. This is a captivating picture of a love story using the history of oppression that portrays strength in love.
Strengths: This is a great love story that depicts determination during a challenging time.
Weaknesses: The adaptation is great, but being able to hear this story directly from Hurston would have been irreplaceable.
Thoughts: This is a true reflection of why Hurston is one of the greatest writers of the land. Kendi and Wise do an extraordinary job using words to create imagery. This is a captivating picture of a love story using the history of oppression that portrays strength in love.
The Katha Chest by Radhiah Chowdhury, Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu
Summary: This story is about Asiya who is a happy little girl that admires the women in her family. She is fascinated by the accomplishments and cultural legacies that have been passed along from generation to generation. One of the traditions that she is most proud about is the “Katha Chest” that belonged to her Nanu. Inside this chest the “kathas” each have a powerful story that describes the journey of her family. The rich fabrics and prints each have their own unique design that represent different time periods in her family’s history. Will there come a time when Asiya will hear the story of Nanu’s quilt?
Strengths: Although, this story is fiction, it is believable. Asiya’s imagination influences how she understands her family’s journey. Her thoughts and words are written in a simplified format that includes the five senses and descriptive details.
Weaknesses: There are no weaknesses. When reading any books heavily influenced by culture the pronunciation of words are challenging. However, that is what makes them specific to the elements of diversity.
Thoughts: The soft undertones of the illustrations and the rich patterns make the story realistic. The author and illustrator used their South Asian backgrounds to guide the reader and educate them on a rich part of India culture.
Summary: This story is about Asiya who is a happy little girl that admires the women in her family. She is fascinated by the accomplishments and cultural legacies that have been passed along from generation to generation. One of the traditions that she is most proud about is the “Katha Chest” that belonged to her Nanu. Inside this chest the “kathas” each have a powerful story that describes the journey of her family. The rich fabrics and prints each have their own unique design that represent different time periods in her family’s history. Will there come a time when Asiya will hear the story of Nanu’s quilt?
Strengths: Although, this story is fiction, it is believable. Asiya’s imagination influences how she understands her family’s journey. Her thoughts and words are written in a simplified format that includes the five senses and descriptive details.
Weaknesses: There are no weaknesses. When reading any books heavily influenced by culture the pronunciation of words are challenging. However, that is what makes them specific to the elements of diversity.
Thoughts: The soft undertones of the illustrations and the rich patterns make the story realistic. The author and illustrator used their South Asian backgrounds to guide the reader and educate them on a rich part of India culture.
Hey You! An Empowering Celebration of Growing Up Black by Dapo Adeola
Summary: Hey You, tells the story of embracing blackness. From conception through adulthood, it portrays love empowered by the community and family. It encourages individuals to be true to themselves. This story speaks to the qualities of choosing a freedom to be you. It touches on social justice, pride, and history. It promotes advocacy and the right to dream. What will “you” choose when the choice is your own?
Strengths: This story speaks to the reality of a lengthy list of things that people often struggle with daily. The inspirational words and relatable illustrations speak to the diversity within the Black race. The collaboration with eighteen illustrators is amazing! This is a story that you will read over and over throughout the years.
Weaknesses: Although, it touches on several aspects of life it lacks details, but the illustrations replace the words you typically find in print.
Thoughts: This picture book is empowering to people of all ages. It features the importance of the history of black ancestors all the way through the protest of “Black Lives Matter.”
Summary: Hey You, tells the story of embracing blackness. From conception through adulthood, it portrays love empowered by the community and family. It encourages individuals to be true to themselves. This story speaks to the qualities of choosing a freedom to be you. It touches on social justice, pride, and history. It promotes advocacy and the right to dream. What will “you” choose when the choice is your own?
Strengths: This story speaks to the reality of a lengthy list of things that people often struggle with daily. The inspirational words and relatable illustrations speak to the diversity within the Black race. The collaboration with eighteen illustrators is amazing! This is a story that you will read over and over throughout the years.
Weaknesses: Although, it touches on several aspects of life it lacks details, but the illustrations replace the words you typically find in print.
Thoughts: This picture book is empowering to people of all ages. It features the importance of the history of black ancestors all the way through the protest of “Black Lives Matter.”
PICTURE BOOKS
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LGBTQ
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Chapter Books
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Social Emotional Learning
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