Multicultural Children's Book Day

#ReadYourWorld

How MCBD Can Promote Your Diverse Kidlit

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Every day the MCBD Team checks our emails, and we are always blown away by the quality and beauty of the upcoming diverse books for kids from new, or veteran, authors. Most of these emails are requests for a book review, and though we are honored, we have to sadly decline.

Here’s why:

The Multicultural Children’s Book Team currently (this could change in the future) does not review books on our blog and social media. Our team is small and there are already just not enough hours in the day for us!

BUT we do have different opportunities available for authors to shine the spotlight on their diverse books and even unique ways to collaborate with us. Some are paid options, some are not.

Paid Options:

Right now (for a limited time) we are offering 2 new spins on our extremely popular  Social Shout Outs. Shout Outs are a vibrant marketing tool that gets your book in front of our robust social media channels. We are rapidly approaching 20K followers on Instagram and 15K on Twitter.  Until August 1, we are offering a Double-Up Shout Out ($49) and a MEGA Shout Out ($99.95) option.

Our regular Social Shout Outs ($39) are available all year long and all versions act as a fundraiser for our Free Diverse Books for Classrooms Project. Go HERE to learn more about these Social Shout Outs or feel free to let me know if you have any questions 🙂

ALSO: Every year we run a special Flash Sale on Platinum and Author level Sponsorships and that sale is in full swing right now! Our other levels (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) will be available on October 1, 2021. Get the details and lock in your spot HERE.

Free Options

1.We encourage authors and publishers to join the private MCBD Facebook Group. This group is a nice mix of parents, book reviewers, teachers, and authors, so you will be able to connect with like-minded people!

2.We are always looking for quality, diverse book-related guest posts on the MCBD blog. We’d love to know more about your author journey, why you wrote your new book, and more about the book itself. Reach out to admin@multiculturalchildrensbookday.com to request a copy of our guest blogger guidelines.

3.We are tentatively planning some Facebook Lives during December and January in honor of MCBD2022 so that could be an opportunity for you as well.

We believe that ALL authors have something unique and wonderful with their work. We believe that ALL authors deserve to be able to shout the news of their book from the rooftops!

So let us know if we can work together in some fashion and, as always, don’t hesitate to ask if there are any details that we can clarify for you.

#ReadYourWorld!

 

The 2022 Author/Platinum Sponsorship July Flash Sale has BEGUN!

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It’s time!

Back by popular demand is our MCBD2022 Platinum and Author Sponsorship July Flash Sale! 

The MCBD Flash Sale is an opportunity to save some money on both PLATINUM and AUTHOR Sponsorship levels for 30 days only!

(**Platinum Level has a limit of THREE spots**)

Lock in significant savings by purchasing your 2022 Platinum or Author Sponsorship before July 31.

 

YES! I want to lock in a PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORSHIP for MCBD 2022 for $1,579.00 $1,105.00  {CLICK HERE TO PAY VIA PAYPAL}

YES! I want to lock in a AUTHOR LEVEL SPONSORSHIP for MCBD 2022 for $129.99  $92.00 {CLICK HERE TO PAY VIA PAYPAL}

 

Go here to download the 2022 Sponsorship Packet to see what perks are included in each Sponsorship Level.

NOTE: All other Medallion Level Sponsorship options for MCBD2022 (1/28/22) will be available by September 1, 2021…but in the meantime…

Planning for MCBD2022 is already underway and we can’t help being in awe as to how far this non-profit initiative has come.

Mission:  Raise awareness for children’s books that celebrate diversity by getting more of these books into classrooms and libraries. Multicultural Children’s Book Day is celebrated on the last Friday of January ( and this will be our 9th year!

New to the whole MCBD Magic?

 Sponsor Benefits Include: 

  • Increased traffic to your website: To promote this fun event and project, The Co-founders of MCBD and staff along with our powerhouse Co-Hosts will be giving this full media and public attention. We will use all social media platforms to promote each contributor’s website and product. It is our way of saying thank you for joining
  • New readers, subscribers, and exposure for your books and
  • Name mention in final updates to reviewers who are reviewing books via blog or social media. (600-800+).
  • Being a part of a National Event that celebrates reading and inclusion.
  • Being part of a huge non-profit and initiative to help children be global.
  • Being part of the heavily searched hashtag; #ReadYourWorld
  • Having instant access to the MCBD Private Facebook Group that is 2,000 members strong and growing.
  • Social media presence and social proof that has the potential to open even more doors!

*Direct all questions and inquiries to info@multiculturalchildrensbookday.com

“I’m excited for this, last year I had great results with promotions after participating. It also made me feel much closer to the kidlit community and introduced me to great bloggers. Thanks for opening up the event to all publishers.”~Author Elsa Takaoka

We are already getting giddy about our much-anticipated Twitter Party that occurs on the day of the celebration because it continues to grow bigger (and more fun!) every year.

From October through February, Multicultural Children’s Book Day is especially active on social media and the buzz surrounding this event gets national even global support and recognition. The whirlwind that is Multicultural Children’s Book Day is a proven way to get books into the hands of young readers while also raising awareness with parents, caregivers, teachers, and librarians.

“Look what you started! It is amazing and has and will continue to have an impact on many children, families, and teachers.” Claire Noland- A Field Trip Life

 

YES! I want to lock in a PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORSHIP for MCBD 2022 for $1,579.00 $1,105.00  {CLICK HERE TO PAY VIA PAYPAL}

YES! I want to lock in a AUTHOR LEVEL SPONSORSHIP for MCBD 2022 for $129.99  $92.00 {CLICK HERE TO PAY VIA PAYPAL}

 

MCBD Social Stats 

  • Combined Pinterest: 161,739 followers 330K+impressions
  • Twitter: 9K followers
  • Instagram: 19K+ followers
  • Facebook: 5300+ likes
  • Facebook Group: 2000+ Members
  • Multicultural Children’s Book Day has its own social media traffic and here are our stats. NOTE: This number escalates tremendously during January!

We know that all levels of MCBD Sponsorships are an amazing and powerful way for authors and publishers to get visibility and readership for their work. Last year’s July Flash Sale was a huge success and authors and publishers appreciated the cost savings.

NOTE: All other Medallion Level Sponsorship options for MCBD2022 (1/28/22) will be available by September 1, 2021.

 

YES! I want to lock in a PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORSHIP for MCBD 2022 for $1,579.00 $1,105.00  {CLICK HERE TO PAY VIA PAYPAL}

YES! I want to lock in a AUTHOR LEVEL SPONSORSHIP for MCBD 2022 for $129.99  $92.00 {CLICK HERE TO PAY VIA PAYPAL}

 

*Direct all questions and inquiries to info@multiculturalchildrensbookday.com

5 Women of History Who Model Strength and Resilience

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Guest Post By Jodi Murphy

So many women trailblazers who made ground-breaking societal contributions have been written out of history. Half of humanity ignored! The vital roles of women have often been misrepresented, downplayed, or hidden from our history books.

We’d like to highlight the stories of 5 resilient women of history who achieved success despite overwhelming obstacles. Each faced a form of misogyny, prejudice, discrimination, and injustice only to rise above societal setbacks and make huge impacts in science, art, sports, technology, and human rights!

Five Diverse Women in History

FREE BONUS ALERT: There are activity guides available for free when you sign up for the Dorktales Storytime Podcast email list. SIGN UP HERE: 

Mary Golda Ross

Mary Golda Ross

Listen to Ms. Ross’ story on the Dorktales Storytime Podcast:


Mary Golda Ross was not only one of the first women to have a prestigious career in engineering, she was also one of the first Native Americans in the field. She rose through the ranks at Lockheed and was the only female engineer of 40 employees selected to be a part of Skunk Works – a top-secret division of the company. Ms. Ross accomplished incredible engineering feats throughout her career, including major contributions that would eventually help put humans into space. She became a mentor to young women and Native Americans, encouraging them to follow their passions.

Wilma Rudolph

Dorktales Storytime Podcast
Listen to Ms. Rudolph’s story on the Dorktales Storytime Podcast:


Wilma Rudolph was the first American woman to win three gold medals in track and field in the same year, earning her the title of “fastest woman in the world.” But Wilma Rudolph accomplished something even more precious than gold medals. When she was running in 1960, it was at the height of the Civil Rights movement. Black women and men were beginning the first, powerful wave of fights for equal rights and justice across the country. Ms. Rudolph was one of the most visible Black women and athletes in America after her performance at the Olympics. She used that platform to make a difference and was an outspoken champion for civil justice and women’s rights.

Maria Tallchief

Dorktales Storytime Podcast

Listen to Ms. Tallchief’s story on the Dorktales Storytime Podcast:


Maria Tallchief was a trailblazing dancer who leaped into fame to become America’s first Prima Ballerina. Her technical precision and unique style of dance—full of energy, speed, and passion—put American ballet on the map. She paved the way for dancers who didn’t seem to fit the mold or expectations of what a dancer should be. Ms. Tallchief was a member of the Osage Nation, and she always remembered her roots, remaining closely tied to her Osage history and speaking out against stereotypes and misconceptions about Native Americans.

Ruth Asawa

 

Listen to Ms. Asawa’s story on the Dorktales Storytime Podcast:

Ruth Asawa is one of California’s most beloved sculptors and was an influential advocate for arts education. She persisted through extreme prejudice and the injustice of Japanese internment camps to become a master at her craft. Ms. Asawa believed teaching the arts in school was a vital part of empowering young people, and felt hands-on learning was an invaluable experience. She championed these principles throughout her entire career. Today, her remarkable work lives on—from installations in famous museums to monuments in city parks, to The Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts.

Hedy Lamarr

Dorktales Podcast Hedy Lamarr
Listen to Ms. Lamarr’s story on the Dorktales Storytime Podcast:


Hedy Lamarr was a famous MGM Hollywood film actress, producer, and, off-screen, a brilliant inventor. She was known by the public as the “most beautiful woman in the world” and was adored for her performances on screen. But in between takes, she could be found in her trailer conducting scientific experiments. Ms. Lamarr’s most influential invention was called frequency-hopping, a technology to help the Navy protect their radio signals during World War II.

It took two decades for frequency-hopping to be taken seriously by the engineering community, but today it’s widely believed that her invention is what makes modern communication systems possible. Yes, we have Hedy Lamarr to thank for all of our cell phones, Bluetooth devices, GPS, and wi-fi networks!

Discover more Hidden Heroes of History podcast episodes and geeky retellings of classic fairy tales on the Dorktales Storytime Podcast. The podcast is a member of Kids Listen, an organization that advocates for high-quality children’s audio.

Jodi Murphy is the founder of Geek Club Books autism storytelling nonprofit and a member of the Multicultural Children’s Book Day Board of Advisors.

Read Your World-5 Classroom Books About Kindness

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Now more than ever, a message of hope, compassion, empathy, and understanding is needed.

Now more than ever, children need to see themselves reflected in the pages of the books they read. Readers of all ages need to be able to “read their world” to both see themselves, and those are who different, whether by culture, religion, sexual orientation, special needs, or ethnicity.

Now more than ever, we need to come together as a nation of beautifully diverse people.

These profound thoughts were on the introduction page of one of the very first free Downloadable Kits that the MCBD Team ever created. The Multicultural Children’s Book Day Classroom Kindness Kit and Diverse Booklist were created back in 2018, even after a handful of years, and this message has not changed one bit.

So in honor of the Number One in a series of free downloadable classroom kits our team has created over the years, here is a sneak peek at five of the books from our Read Your World Booklist on Kindness.

  1.  Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Winner of the Coretta Scott King Honor and the Jane Addams Peace Award, Each Kindness brings to mind that the smallest act of kindness can change the world.

Chloe and her friends refuse to let the new girl at school, Maya play with them. Each time Maya tries to play with Chloe and her friends she is rejected and turned away. Because of the unkindness, Maya stops coming to school altogether. Chloe’s teacher gives impactful lessons on how little things matter. Chloe realizes what she has done and feels regretful for the unkindness and lost opportunity of friendship with Maya.

  1. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

The Hundred Dresses won the Newbery Honor award in 1945 and has never been out of print. Wanda Petronski is a polish girl who goes to a Connecticut school. She is made fun of and ridiculed by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress every day.

Wanda claims that she has 100 dresses at home but everyone knows she doesn’t. Wanda becomes the focus of intense bullying. Her classmates realize they have gone too far when Wanda is pulled out of school. Too late for apologies, one of Wanda’s classmates makes the decision that she will never stand by and NOT say anything again.

  1. Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Wonder is the book that inspired the Choose Kind movement.

August Pullman is a boy who was born with a facial deformity that has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting in 5th grade, however, all of that changed and he found himself at Beecher Prep. His greatest wish in life is to be treated like a normal kid. His new classmates can’t get past his extraordinary face. Written from a variety of perspectives Wonder deals with a community’s struggle with empath, compassion, and acceptance.

  1. What Does It Mean to Be Kind? by Rana DiOrio

A girl in a red hat finds the courage to be kind to the new student in her class. Her kindness spreads, kind act by kind act until her whole community experiences the magical shift that happens when everyone understands—and acts on—what it means to be kind.

  1. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

It was the perfect summer. That is until Jeremy Ross moved into the house down the street and became neighborhood enemy number one. Luckily Dad had a surefire way to get rid of enemies: Enemy Pie. But part of the secret recipe is spending an entire day playing with the enemy!

In this funny yet endearing story, one little boy learns an effective recipe for turning your best enemy into your best friend. Accompanied by charming illustrations, Enemy Pie serves up a sweet lesson in the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends.

Kindness Activities

All of our free downloadable Classroom Kits include easy activities that will help to emphasize the chosen topic and complement the books on our booklist. Here’s a sample.

The Kindness Jar: Take a tall canning jar or any tall jar. As each person in the classroom or school community witnesses an act of kindness, they write it down on a slip of paper and place it in the kindness jar. At the end of each week read how much kindness has been generated in your classroom.

The MCBD Team invites you to grab your free Classroom (and Home!) Kindness Kit HERE.

Our FREE Kindness Classroom Kit containing:

  • Diverse Kindness Book List for ages 4 -12
  • Classroom Kindness Activities
  • “Be a Hero Be Kind” Kindness Poster
  • Multicultural Children’s Book Day Poster

 

Sign up is quick, easy, and FREE. Go HERE to grab your Kindness Classroom Kit and together we can Be a Hero, Be Kind.

Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use their official hashtag #ReadYourWorld

 

#OWNVOICES Books that Showcase the Diversity of our World

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(Guest post from Barefoot Books)

From the very beginning, Barefoot Books have represented a vast array of cultures and perspectives, while also providing children of all backgrounds a mirror of their own experiences.

Our newest releases are no exception! We are delighted to invite you to explore our Spring 2021 collection — this season, we’re as motivated as ever to create a space where there’s room for everyone—even a whole blue whale—as we celebrate diversity in all its forms. You will meet a non-conformist cat, travel the Inka Trail, celebrate Carnival, join a family reunion, and more.

This season’s collection is also a tribute to our precious planet. We’re delighted to present a wide selection of products that encourage kids to explore, learn about, and honor the great outdoors. Please enjoy browsing on our website, and contact us today if you would like to learn more or review Barefoot Books. We can’t wait to hear what you think!

Watch our Video!

Connect with Barefoot Books via their website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

AUTHOR QUESTIONS

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: “Dad” Richardson, co-author of Family Reunion

One of the main reasons was for a Black-American boy to see themselves in a book…to show they matter. Even though diverse characters in picture books are growing, protagonists of color still are underrepresented. We then thought about how the family has been the backbone of who we are for centuries. It was a natural setting to show the importance of the family in the Black-American community.

 

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: Mariana Llanos, author of Run, Little Chaski!

Mariana Llanos

I saw the possibility of writing about a universal value (kindness) in a historical setting (Inka Empire) to help lift up the amazing pre-Columbian cultures of our continent. My story was inspired by the love I have for my country, Perú, and my passion for history.

 

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

A: Baptiste Paul, author of To Carnival!

My inspiration for writing To Carnival!: A Celebration in St. Lucia would definitely be my childhood experiences. When I reflect back to my childhood, there were lots of playful, joyful moments in the midst of the poverty my family experienced. Growing up, I never took part in a Carnival parade but I enjoyed listening to the soca, calypso, and steel pan music. Those fun memories of growing up would help me create a character named Melba and empower her to experience something I couldn’t.

Contributor Social Handles

Run, Little Chaski!

Author: Mariana Llanos 

Instagram @marianawritestheworld

Twitter @marianallanos

Illustrator: Mariana Ruiz Johnson 

Twitter @mruizjohnson

Instagram: @marianaruizjohnson

 

Family Reunion

Author: Chad and Dad Richardson 

twitter @chadanddadrich

Instagram @chadanddadrichardson

 

Instagram @ashleigh_corrin

Twitter @ash_corrin

 

To Carnival!

Author: Baptiste Paul

Twitter @baptistepaul

Instagram @baptistepaul77

 

Illustrator: Jana Glatt

Instagram: @janaglatt

 

Moms on a Mission to Bring Diversity to Party Time

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{Guest post from Jackie Bunn and Lois Petren}

Co-founders of The Five Enchanted Mermaids, Jackie Bunn and Lois Petren, have been friends for over 35 years.

This dynamic duo met in Princeton, N.J. back in the early 1980s. In spite of their different backgrounds, the two women hit it off and soon discovered that they had quite a few things in common.  Besides a shared love of cooking, travel, working in New York City, and exercise, they were both married, had careers, and each had a couple of children. As the years progressed, Lois and Jackie’s life experiences and geographic locations changed, but the thread of friendship always connected the two across the miles.

After deciding to leave her job in a major financial services firm to be more available to her kids during their elementary school days, Jackie shared that she started a small business in 2017 selling party supply products online. It was during that time that she noticed a glaring gap in what was available to families of color when it came to party supplies.

“As my business grew, I noticed the lack of diversity in children’s party products. The images on party products simply did not reflect the real world.  I saw this both as an opportunity but also as something that was important to address. Why shouldn’t children be able to celebrate their birthdays with characters that looked like them with similar skin colors?  My research had shown that children loved mermaids and unicorns and so I decided to commission a unique design – a racially diverse group of five mermaids who were best friends. This was the birth of the “Five Enchanted Mermaids.”

Seeing the potential and need for this innovative line of products, Jackie reached out to her long-time friend, Lois, for help bringing The Five Enchanted Mermaid to life. Lois had recently retired from a career in IT with a major company and had been busying herself writing children’s books and had six published titles under the “Lulu and Lainey” series to her credit.

“Jackie had the idea to develop the personalities and character of each mermaid and she contacted me to see if I would be interested in a collaboration to write books featuring the group,” Lois recalled. “I enthusiastically said ‘yes’ and with that we worked together to ‘personalize’ each of the Five Enchanted Mermaids, naming them and building their personalities, likes and dislikes and especially important to the books, their unique superpower, which they could use to help children ages 3-7 at this important socio-emotional development stage.

Jackie and Lois shared that they live their values and commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion and they continue to believe that when children see a world where all people are accepted they will grow into adults who believe the same. The goal of the Five Enchanted Mermaids series is to model inclusiveness and create a world where everyone is heard, accepted, and respected.

When asked what they were most proud of with their vibrant books, dolls,  and party supplies, this is what the two businesswomen had to say:

Jackie:

Jackie Bunn

Jackie Bunn

I love – and am most proud of – the fact that our customers are drawn to our unique message on diversity and living in today’s real multiethnic world. The books and products based on the Five Enchanted Mermaids promote values of inclusion and self-esteem, which the world certainly needs today more than ever. In fact, our motto is: “We believe that every child deserves a mermaid that looks like them!” We even have a hashtag we use in marketing which is “#mermaidlikeme as well as #fiveenchantedmermaids. Our customers have thanked us for offering products that reflect the race of their child, or their child’s friends or family members.

In addition to loving the very cute mermaid characters and their underwater friends, adult readers of our books appreciate that we present age-appropriate valuable lessons for their children that are gentle conversation starters. In one of our recent books, Meet the Mermaids: Hi, I’m Sofia!, readers are introduced to Sofia, a Hispanic mermaid who teaches children about the benefits of honesty (her superpower!) and conversely the consequences of lying. Other books teach about courage, kindness, confidence, and independence.

Lois:

Lois Petren

We started with a Coloring/Activity book, which was quickly followed by the first series of three picture books addressing three aspects of “growing up” for 3-7-year-olds – overcoming obstacles, having a birthday party, and experiencing a first day at school.  The second series Meet the Mermaids focuses on each mermaid, her personality, and her “super skill.” As Jackie mentioned this teaches the child in a fun way and through the power of example.

Developing and creating these stories is like painting with ideas.  As I write a book, I am envisioning the best way for the images to portray the story I’ve written. To connect our overarching philosophy of inclusiveness with the storyline and childhood development, it’s key to portray human children of many races and colors doing things together.  We want the child reader to see themselves in our books.  Successfully translating these ideas onto the page provides a lot of satisfaction, especially when we get feedback from customers and readers that shows our message resonates with them.

The Five Enchanted Mermaids Promoting Diversity in Children’s Books, Party Supplies and Gifts

Jackie and Lois also shared that another favorite element in the world of the Five Enchanted Mermaids is the artwork used on the products and in the books. The jewel-tone colors of the mermaids’ tails and tops against all their different skin tones, set in the gorgeous turquoise of the undersea world and creatures of Atargatis, work together to create an enchanting story and feel.

As the Five Enchanted Mermaid brand has grown, the two friends have expanded their product line to compliment the books. Included in their catalog are gorgeous look-alike mermaid plush dolls that encourage role-playing and imagination for all ages.

The books and dolls can be purchased together, or sold separately and have been very well received by gift-buyers and parents.

Also included is a wide variety of delightful party supplies for all ages and budgets.

All products are available via the Five Enchanted Mermaid online Amazon store www.amazon.com/fiveenchantedmermaids

“It has been a great journey so far and makes us so happy when our mermaids bring joy to a child! Stay tuned for more books, gifts, and party products featuring the beautiful Five Enchanted Mermaids!”

Five Enchanted Mermaid Freebies

Parents, Caregivers, and Educators can sign up to receive updates on new product and book releases as well as special promotions and coupons at www.fiveenchantedmermaids.com/freebies

Connect with Lois, Jackie, and the Five Enchanted Mermaids via their website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.

Finding The Truth in Friendship

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{Guest post by Lisa Rose}

In 1997, after years of education and training, I finally had my own classroom. On the first day of school, I looked out at my students.  I really couldn’t tell one bald-headed black boy from the next. I had a horrifying thought: I am ignorant!  How could I, a grandchild of a family who was slaughtered in the Holocaust, lack understanding of a minority? The answer is exposure.

This experience happened over 20 years ago, and since that time, I have taught in many schools where most of my students are African American.  As a result, I have been immersed in both African American and Jewish communities and observe not only our differences but our similarities.  Because of this immersion in both communities, I became intrigued by stories of Black and Jewish friendships. So, when I discovered the story about how -, I was not only interested—but excited.

The story goes like this–when Marian Anderson sang at Princeton, she denied a hotel room because she was black.  Einstein, who attended her performance overheard this conversation and offered Marian a room in his house for the night.  This story became the picture book The Singer and the Scientist (Kar-Ben Publishing, 2021, ages 4-8).

Getting this story recognized as accurate, however, was no easy task. Einstein’s account of the event is well-documented. However, Marian Anderson’s autobiography tells the story in a different way. It says that her stay with Einstein was prearranged. Given this discrepancy, I had to evaluate all of the evidence.  My conclusion was that this event was embarrassing for Marian because she wrote her autobiography before the civil rights era. Marian was a reluctant activist. She would have downplayed the conflict. I submitted the story, but also noted Marian Andersen’s version in my author’s note.

This story was almost published by a different publisher, but they didn’t want the risk of an “alternative” version of the story. I was broken-hearted by this rejection. Yet, I persisted.  I continued to inquire and investigate. Finally, I presented my findings to Marian Anderson’s estate. Her estate certified that my version was the true version of the story. Years later, I submitted this story to Kar-Ben, the editor loved it and was satisfied with my research.

I am glad that I persisted. Not only did it get my book published, but it gave me an opportunity to do my part in addressing the very real and very contemporary issues of racism and anti-Semitism. I hope that my book will help many to realize the power of friendship and understanding.

A teacher’s guide is posted on my website. www.LisaRoseWrites.com. This guide will help parents and teachers to start many important conversations with young people: conversations about shared struggles and common dreams.

Unfortunately, although there are many instances of African Americans and Jews working together to make this country a freer and kinder place, antipathies between our groups have been on the rise.  Yet, if there is one thing that slavery, the Holocaust, redlining, blacklisting, and discrimination hopefully have taught us—it’s that hate and division don’t work. In the end, when we are exposed to diversity, we realize all of the possibilities different communities offer—better possibilities, possibilities of hope, and joy.

Author Lisa Rose

Author Lisa Rose

 

Bio:  Lisa Rose lives near Detroit, Mi. Her most recent picture book The Singer and the Scientist was published April 1 (Kar-Ben Publishing).  It is the story of how Albert Einstein and Marian Anderson met and became friends. You can learn more about Lisa and her books at www.LisaRoseWrites.com

Let us SHOUT just for YOU!

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Let’s do some Shouting!

No, not that kind of hollering… this kind!

For a limited time, the MCBD Team is offering two new ways to gain some effective and unique visibility on social media that is an “up-level” from our extremely popular $39 Social Media Shout-Outs.

 

From now until June 1, 2021, diverse children and teen book authors, organizations, publishers, and fans of diversity in children’s literature can get TWO innovative ways to get their info in front of the eyeballs of the buying public:

Social Media Shout-Out DOUBLE-UP! =$49

All of the perks of a regular Shout-Out but TWICE the exposure! One Custom Image, 2 Posts each on FB, IG, and Twitter in a 14-day period. ** THIS IS A LIMITED TIME PROMOTION THAT BEGINS APRIL 1, 2021 AND ENDS JUNE 1, 2021*** GO HERE to learn more or lock in your spot.

 

 

MEGA Social Media Shout-Out (Social visibility over the course of 30 days) $99.95

MCBD Social Shout Out

All of the perks of a Shout-Out DOUBLE-UP but A TON MORE exposure! One Custom Image, 4 posts each on IG and FB (one a week). PLUS 8 tweets (2/week). GO HERE to learn more or lock in your spot.

We look forward to Shouting Out your work!

 

Diverse Middle-Grade Books That Celebrate Poetry

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{Guest post By Tonya Duncan Ellis}

 

Roses are red.

Violets are blue.

April is National Poetry Month.

Whoo-hoo!

Clearly, my poetry writing skills are lacking, but I love reading and hearing poetry.

Started by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month was created to celebrate poets and poems. I was excited to include “Dreams,” a poem from Harlem Renaissance poet, Langston Hughes, in my book, Sophie Washington: My BFF.

According to Scholastic, poetry benefits children in many ways. Exposing kids to poems:

  1. Builds early literacy skills.
  2. Encourages them to play with language.
  3. Makes reluctant readers less intimidated by literature, since poems generally use fewer words than prose.
  4. Give kids an outlet to share feelings.

In recent years, there’s been an increase in middle-grade books written in verse or poetic stanzas. The list below includes some diverse middle-grade titles, written in verse, or that celebrate poetry, to check out.

Diverse Middle-Grade Books That Celebrate Poetry

Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander – Written in both prose and verse, this inspiring book chronicles the famed boxers growing up in Louisville, KY, where I was born and raised. Becoming Muhammad Ali showcases the fighter’s motivation, strong work ethic, and drive.

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – This National Book Award and Newbery Honor-winning story is written in verse and chronicles the author’s growing up in South Carolina and New York during the 1960s and 1970s, describing her journey to become a writer and find her place in the world.

Emmy In the Key of Code by Aimee Lucido -When she takes a computer coding class, twelve-year-old Emmy finds her place in her new city and school and connects with a new friend, Abigail. But bad news about their computer coding teacher and Abigail, threaten her happiness. Written in verse, the book uniquely combines, poetry, music, and computer code.

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton –Half-Black and half-Japanese main character, Mimi, aspires to become an astronaut, like the crew in the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, in this historical fiction novel written in verse. She struggles to fit in after moving to an almost all-White Vermont town and teaches readers the value of speaking out.

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai – A coming of age novel is written in verse, this novel is inspired by the author’s refugee experience fleeing Saigon, Vietnam to immigrate to Alabama. It’s a National Book Award and Newbery Honor-winning book.

Land of the Cranes by Aida Salazar –This haunting, fictional story, written in verse, shares the immigration experience of Betita, a nine-year-old girl. After her family flees Mexico to avoid the Mexican drug cartel, her father is arrested by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) and deported. She and her pregnant mother are detained in a detention camp outside Los Angeles, and their heartbreaking experience is described.

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga – Jude and her mother flee Syria to stay with relatives in Cincinnati in this Newbery Honor-winning book, written in verse. Jude struggles with leaving her father and brother behind, fitting in, and finding her place in her new home.

Red White and Whole by Rajani LaRocca –In this free-verse story, set in the 1980s, thirteen-year-old Reha is torn between two worlds: school, where she’s the only Indian American, and home, where her family expects her to honor Old World traditions. Then she finds out her mother has leukemia and vows to be as virtuous as possible in the hope that she can heal her mom.

Simon B. Rhymin’ by Dwayne Reed – Eleven-year-old Simon Barnes uses his rap talent to make a difference in his community in this book, written in prose. The author is a fourth-grade teacher from Chicago and creator of a viral back-to-school video “Welcome to the 4th Grade.”

Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson – Twelve-year-old Amara takes a birthday trip from Oregon to visit her Dad’s side of the family in Harlem, where she learns New York City and family history and the benefit of following your dreams. The main character’s father is a discouraged poet, and there are many references to poetry in the book, including an adaptation of the Langston Hughes poem, “Mother to Son.”

Sophie Washington: My BFF by Tonya Duncan Ellis – Sophie writes a paper about a Langston Hughes poem and is forced to make a choice between doing the right thing and risking a friendship, when her bestie asks her to plagiarize, in this illustrated chapter book, written in prose.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps-Ellie is bullied by her classmates and criticized by her mom about her weight in this affirming, free verse, a middle-grade novel. Her safe place is the pool, where she can stretch out like a starfish. With support from her father, her therapist, and a new friend, she learns to be at home with herself in any space.

 

Tonya Duncan Ellis is the author of the bestselling, award-winning Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Authors Guild.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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Women in World Folktales and Fables

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Guest post from Language Lizard

World Folktale Stories from Language Lizard

Historically, fables often feature talking animals in a short story format that teaches a simple lesson. The most well-known creator of fables is Aesop, a Greek slave believed to have lived around 560 BC. Some of his most popular fables are “The Tortoise and the Hare,”  “The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg,” and “The Lion and the Mouse.” There are also more modern-day fables, like Dr. Seuss‘s The Lorax.

Folktales are a little different. With folktales, children can explore various cultures because these stories have been passed down through generations by diverse groups of people. Folktales and fables provide an excellent way to teach kids about the consequences of good and bad behavior, the importance of cooperation, and the rewards of courage and ingenuity. Bilingual editions of these traditional stories allow parents and teachers to expose children not only to a different culture but also to another language.

This year, Language Lizard is highlighting three books from our collection that celebrate clever women from three different cultures. As a woman-owned small business, Language Lizard is committed to making sure young readers see themselves represented in the books they read. When learners more closely identify with characters, they make deeper connections to the material and can build effective literacy skills.

 

World Folktale Stories from Language Lizard | Strong Women Around the World

Yeh-Hsien: A Chinese Cinderella

-Retold by Dawn Casey

You’ve heard of Cinderella, but what about the story of Yeh-Hsien? Believed to be the original Cinderella story, Yeh-Hsien is a girl raised by a wicked stepmother, living a hard life with the most difficult chores. The stepmother kills her favorite fish, but Yeh-Hsien is amazed to discover that the fish bones are magical! Her greatest wish is to attend the village festival, but she loses her slipper there.

Mamy Wata and the Monster
– Véronique Tadjo

Mamy Wata is the queen of all the water. One day, when she is swimming peacefully in a big river, she hears the news: a terrible monster has been scaring the nearby villagers. So Mamy Wata lies in wait near the monster’s cave. But, to her great surprise, instead of finding a monster, she finds a sad and lonely man who has been bewitched. This colorfully illustrated book brings African culture to life on each page.

Buri and the Marrow
– Henriette Barkow

This entertaining Bengali story is about an old woman who travels through the forest to meet her daughter. The woman meets many creatures along the way – and they all want to eat her! She makes a plan to outsmart them, with the help of her daughter. But will the sly fox be fooled?

Language Lizard’s bilingual version of the Indian folktale Buri and the Marrow (in which Buri wears an Indian sari) exposes children to traditional Indian stories and foreign-language scripts. These are just a few examples of how you can use this week’s celebration to explore unfamiliar stories with universal themes. 

To celebrate World Folktales and Fables Week, Language Lizard is offering a 10% discount through March 31, 2021, on these three books. Use coupon code WFF2021!

Language Lizard wishes you an exciting World Folktales and Fables Week, exploring new characters, adventures, and cultures from far away lands!