What We’re Reading
Read-alouds to prompt discussions about fairness and bias and catalysts for change
Adventures of Sparrowboy
by Brian Pinkney
Henry the paperboy ponders a headline on the front page “Sometimes the headlines got Henry down. ‘Why does this stuff have to happen?’ he wonders.” During his paper route, he saves a sparrow, then transforms into Sparrowboy, and ends up helping a few people who need it. Brian Pinkney is Jerry Pinkney’s son. Ages 3 and older.
Confetti: Poems for Children
Pat Mora.
Ages 3 and older
Each Kindness
by Jacqueline Woodson
Esperanza Rising
by Pam Munoz Ryan
As a read-aloud, generates questions on social justice and marginalization among migrant families working on farms out west but very important for today. age 9/10 and older.
Every Girl Tells a Story
by Carolyn Jones
Grump Groan Growl
by bell hooks and Chris Raschka
Explores emotions, particularly processing angry feelings that come to life with Raschka’s vibrant brush strokes. For ages 3 to 5.” Bad mood on the prowl…No need to hide. Just let those feelings be.”
I Can Make a Difference
by Marian Wright Edelman
It’s Okay to Be Different
by Todd Parr
Langston Hughes: Poetry for Young People
includes the metaphoric and hopeful pieces “My People,” “The Dream Keeper,” and “Walkers With the Dawn,” all of which are appropriate and beautiful for kids ages 5 and older.
Let’s Talk about Race
by Jules Lester
My Name is Bilal
by Asma Mobin-Udden
Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates
by Jonah Winter and Raul Colon
Describes how Clemente’s important humanitarian efforts to help people in need of aid. For ages 6 and older.
Say Something
by Peggy Moss
Skin Again
by bel hooks
The Other Side
by Jacqueline Woodson
Uptown
by Bryan Collier
Awarded the Ezra Jack Keats award and Coretta Scott King Award. A beautiful appreciation of Harlem from the eyes and voice of a young boy. Ages 3 and older.
Wangari’s Trees of Peace
by Jeanette Winter
Ages 4 and older
