On Dr. Seuss . . .

It has taken some time to understand last month’s news saga and controversy around Dr. Seuss.

As an educator, as an avid reader, as someone committed to DEI and antiracism, I took my time forming an opinion and evaluation. I wanted to listen with intention. I wanted to consider disciplines and connections.

I ended up turning my thoughts and analysis into an article, and this article is currently being featured on Educate, on Medium.

I am thrilled to be featured, and I hope you will take the time to read it 🤗.

February 2021: Black History Month

Despite a delayed return here, I did manage to carve out some time to prepare for Black History Month–I managed to sit down and quietly read, read great books, escape the news and be inspired. I have so much to say and so much to share–books for fun, for kids, for classrooms, for audible.

So, join me on Canon Reclaimed–on FB & IG–to see all the great texts, stories, and authors to include this month, and every month.

Shown: A few books from last year, a couple of recommendations coming up!

Diverse Literature Webinar

When you read and write and demand diverse literature—it gets noticed.

Last month, I was asked to create and present a webinar on Diverse Literature.

It was my first time leading a webinar—😮— and my first time on this platform. I was incredibly nervous. I knew what I wanted to say, I knew what I had to say, but this was a new forum and presenter experience; so, I didn’t know how to present it exactly, or how it would be received. I also wasn’t sure if my previous presentation skills would transfer, or what could transfer and how to adjust other elements.

I forgot to advertise about it here, but it’s still available! And, it got good reviews–so I have added evidence to say check out: Diverse Literature: How to Make the Right Choice.

**For equity & transparency: there is a cost, no pressure if you cannot afford it. Additionally, know that more attendees does not impact compensation. I received a flat $500 payment and merely wanted to share so that if you were interested, you could attend 🤗

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It’s Women’s History Month! As stated previously, I am maintaining a bookshelf for myself of reads dedicated to strong narratives about women, strong narratives for women, strong narratives written by women. Here’s a look at what I’ve read so far:

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How’s it look? I’m trying to include a range of genres and topics as well as women with varied backgrounds. Any ideas for what to read next?

A word on children’s books

I am avid reader. I have usually been a fiction reader, this past year I have been more of a nonfiction reader.

When I became a teacher, nearly 15 years ago, I had a few memories of books I enjoyed as a child, but not a huge collection of works–or works that were neatly paired with every standard.

Through teaching I have discovered an incredible appreciation and admiration for children’s books–picture books and young adult alike. It is through this journey that I have created an ongoing commitment to finding great books marked for children.

I scour Amazon Prime reading, I have an account with BookBub, I’m in touch with other teachers, I go to the library, I regularly go to the bookstore and look at what’s new. I’m always trying to find another great read.

I believe that reading books marketed toward children, towards young adults, keeps me young, keeps me connected to kids, and keeps me from languishing in the literature that was given to me as a child–yes, I did have access to great literature, but I did not have access to every genre of great literature. Yes, I did have access to great literature, but great literature is still being made, it didn’t stop when I was a child.

I enjoy reading, I enjoy reading more as a teacher. Teaching has opened a new realm of possibility to relive book memories, and create new ones; it has allowed me to venture beyond what I had been reading–and it gives added purpose to my reading (always looking for that next great classroom hit!). Children’s books are not just for kids. Young adult is not just for young adults. Great books are simply that: great books.