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Monday, June 8, 2020

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.


Recent Reads...

Antiracist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi

This is a gorgeous board book that will be useful for parents and caregivers to start conversations about antiracism with the youngest of readers. Even as an an adult reader, I found it insightful and empowering, so it's really a book for all ages. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy. The book publishes this month.

Brick by Brick by Heidi Woodward Sheffield

This book is about a young boy and the love and admiration he has for his papi. It's also a sweet book about how one's dreams can come true with hard work. Spanish words and sound words make the text interesting and the illustrations, created through collage, are beautiful.

Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim

Danbi is starting kindergarten and, being new to America, is unfamiliar with the games and activities. It's not until lunchtime when she introduces her classmates to chopsticks and uses her imagination to bring a little magic to everyone's day that she begins to feel like she fits in. In the note at the end of the book, the author describes how her bicultural identity and her own first day of school in America inspired the story. This is a sweet story about new beginnings and the joys of connecting with others.

A Family for Louie by Alexandra Thompson

Louie, a French bulldog, enjoys fine meals at his favorite restaurants all over town, but he always eats alone. When Louie decides he needs a family, he goes in search of one. This is a very sweet story about a dog finding friendship and his forever home. Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

This Book is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewell and Illustrated by Aurélia Durand

Written for teens to understand racism and the role they want to take on as antiracists, this is another book for any-aged reader. The chapters contain writing prompts that helped me process ideas related to identity, my privilege and antiracist actions. This book is easy to understand and, with lovely illustrations, an engaging read. I hope this book finds its way into many classrooms and educators use it to have important conversations with their students.

13 comments:

  1. I've read about Antiracist Baby, but not about This Book is Anti-Racist, which sounds very good. I have Brick by Brick on my list & hope to get it soon. I miss the library, just cannot buy them all! Happy Reading, Lisa, & thanks!

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    1. I miss the library, too! We finally have curbside pickup here now.

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  2. These books all sound great! This Book is Anti-Racist sounds especially good. I've also seen a lot of praise for A Family for Louie. Thanks for the great post!

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  3. I just bought This Book is Anti-Racist when it went on a kindle sale a few days ago, so I hope to read it very soon. And that cover to Antiracist Baby is so stinkin' cute!! I can't wait to read it with my Littles. Thanks for the shares, Lisa!

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    1. This Book is Anti-Racist will give you lots to think about. Have a great week!

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  4. All these books sound great. I was interested in Antiracist Baby for my toddler grandkids, but then was told that while it is a board book, it's really not appropriate for their age.

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    1. I think it's for parents and toddlers. The nine steps outlined will give parents a guide and the book can be used to start conversations that hopefully will continue throughout a child's life.

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  5. I read This Book is Anti-racist months ago and I'm glad I read it when I did - it's hard to find a copy now! A lot to process in that one.
    Loved Antiracist Baby. Like you said, there was a lot for me to learn and think about. I made the rest of the family read it too :)
    Loved Brick by Brick!

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    1. I'm glad I bought This Book is Anti-Racist when I did because I've been hearing people say it's out of stock now.

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  6. I just got This Book is Anti-Racist based on your recommendation. Thanks!
    I just read A Family for Louie to a second grade class today and they felt such empathy for Louie. I also enjoyed Brick by Brick.

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  7. Brick by Brick sounds wonderful--I need to get it! I look forward to reading Kendi's and Jewell's work!

    Happy reading this week :)

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