Welcome to Books for Our Children!
Great reading for young children of color and and the adults who care for them.
This newsletter is a modernized, reincarnation of a book that I wrote 24 years ago (Books for Our Children, Books for Ourselves: An African American Parents Guide to Reading Children's Literature) when my son was 3. To make what could be a long story short, I was eager to identify books that I could share with my son that would affirm his experience as a Black boy in the world. Within the pages of these books were stories of courage, perseverance, beating virtually insurmountable odds, beauty, love, and humor. I found books that took me to Africa, the Caribbean, the Deep South and back to my grandmother's kitchen. I found books that reminded me of long hot summer nights on the porch with my grandfather as he told me stories of his childhood. I found books that filled my soul, books that warmed my heart. Reading these beautiful books was a healing, transformative experience for me. Within these books I found myself, my family, the people I had known in my childhood. I found validation for the trials and tribulations of my ancestors, my parents, my husband, my friends, and those that my son has, and will undoubtedly continue experience in our complex, and flawed society. I found books with rich, soulful illustrations that could stand alone as works of art.
Cultivating a passion for reading is one of the most important gifts we can bestow upon the children we love. Children who are read to by adults develop into better readers, and subsequently are more successful in school. Reading opens the doors of the imagination and provides children with the opportunity to access virtually unlimited amounts of information. In our age of advanced technology some have suggested that books will become obsolete. They forget however, that it is through books that we develop the primary tool required to reap the benefits of the information age -- reading. This newsletter is designed for adults who are eager to read with the children in their lives -- parents, grandparents, aunt, uncles, cousins, siblings, family friends, educators – anyone who cares about children, enjoys reading, or wants to read more.
To learn more about Books for Our Children visit the About page.
To get this newsletter started I have selected a book that provides a unique perspective on engaging with a book.
Joyful Reading!
How to Read a Book by Kwame Alexander; Illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Ever thought about revealing the pages of a book in the way you would peel a clementine? Newbery Medal recipient Kwame Alexander’s simple poem explores the many ways and places we can read a book, and the many places that books can take us to explore. Accompanied by Caldecott Honor recipient Melissa Sweet’s vibrant collages, this book provides endless opportunities for exploration. If you look carefully you will find pages from Bambi within the illustrations. It can be read over and over again, as the images reveal the wonder that can be found in reading a book and a few images hidden under flaps and pull-out pages are sure to engage readers of any age.
Beyond the Book
Collage is a magical art form, bringing together paper, photographs, fabric, and other materials to create a visual piece. Making collages with children can be a great way to spend an afternoon. You’ll only need a few simple supplies that most of us have around – a piece of paper or cardboard to place your collage pieces on, glue, scissors, and materials to build your collage (magazines, photographs, fabric, buttons, and anything else that can be glued on your background). Use How to Read a Book as your inspiration and have fun creating!