December 2020 Booklist
Planning for the new year?
Reflect on the past.
As the year comes to a close, I want to share a few of my favourite, most impactful, reads of 2020 to reflect and prepare for the new year. I've accumulated a collection of new learnings this year (check out the library). Reading books, articles, going to workshops and book clubs are phenomenal avenues for personal and professional development when fused with participation. Below you'll find 5 reflective questions I'll be using to realign and reassess before approaching the new year. I've found the reflective portion of any new endeavour to be the most impactful component. It is through reflection we are able to thoughtfully prepare for a new chapter.
Favourite Reads of 2020 for Students:
You Matter
Authored & Illustrated by: Christian Robinson
Recommended Age: Pre-K to grade 1
When Christian Robinson was asked, why did you write You Matter? Robinson said ”not everyone is told that they matter... Not everyone is made to feel that their life matters...I wanted to show them AND anyone who picks up this book that it does.” Robinson’s read has an array of bright, thoughtful, pictures showcasing diverse representation with numerous points of discussion! This is the perfect read for little artists, check out Robinson's read-aloud of You Matter in their Art Studio. Perfect cross-curricular lesson tackling Social Studies and the Arts
Hey Black Child
Authored by: Useni Eugene Perkins
Illustrated by: Bryan Collier
Recommended Age: Grades 1 - 3
A poem full of encouragement and affirmations for Black youth. Useni Eugen Perkins has shared a piece many Black children have learned to recite word-for-word from memory. If you are looking to add a book to celebrate your Black learner(s) this book is highly recommended. Take a search on youtube for Pe'tehn's recital of the poem on Little Big Shots!
Lailah's Lunch Box: A Ramadan Story
Authored by: Reem Faruqi
Illustrations by: Lea Lyon
Recommended Age: Grades 3 - 6
I included Reem Faruqi's piece in one of our booklist highlighting representation, you can check it out HERE - The author showed some love on the post! This is an important read to showcase representation while sharing a personal narrative through Lailah's experience celebrating Ramadan in a new country and euro-centred school.
American Born Chinese
Authored & Illustrated by: Gene Luen Yang
Recommended Age: Grade 5 and Up (enjoyable for a diverse audience)
Yang states, “Kids that feel like outsiders are often drawn to the book…the idea of negotiating between two selves.” The emotions within Yang’s story appeals to many communities through highlighting a narrative about the Chinese immigrant experience. American Born Chinese is the winner of the 2007 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Novel and many other reputable awards. We read American Born Chinese for our very first book club, there were several excellent themes for critical discussion.
The Hate You Give
Authored by: Angie Thomas
Recommended Age: 12+ (subjective to students' maturity, enjoyable for a diverse audience)
Join Starr Carter as she brings light to sensitive conversations surrounding privilege, police brutality, and Blackness within her community and school setting. Fall in love with the characters as they share laughs and powerful dialogues.
Enhancing Your Pedagogy:
Must Read Book
Notes of a Native Son
For our second book club of 2020 we read James Baldwin’s Notes of a Native Son, a collection of essays examining “Black life and Black thought at the dawn of the civil rights movement” during the 1940s and early 1950s. “Notes is the book that established Baldwin’s voice as a social critic, and it remains one of his most admired works.” This is a must-read for any educators or parents looking to gain perspectives and insights.
Must Read Article
Brown v. Board of Education and the Interest-Converegence Dilemma
Authored By: Derrick A. Bell, Jr
Interest convergence is a concept connected to Critical Race Theorist and Civil Rights Activist - Derrick Bell. Bell is the first tenured African-American professor of law at Harvard Law School. No time to read the piece? You can reference our summary of the article HERE.
Reflective Questions:
- What lesson were you most proud of this year? Why?
- What topics where you nervous to approach? Why?
- What is a topic you are looking forward to learning more about?
- What was the hardest moment in the year? Do you need strategies to support you this year?
- What were your most impactful reads and learnings this year?
Feel free to share your favourites and reflections with me through email, Instagram, or twitter - I would love to connect with you!
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Correnda Downey
Founder
RacialLiteracy.ca
Toronto, On