Multicultural Children's Book Day

#ReadYourWorld

When Life Comes Full Circle: How a Mobile Library Expanded My World

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Guest post from author Shereen Rahming

I was no more than seven or eight years old growing up in a tiny village in the relatively small country of Belize.  Almost everything I loved and knew existed in that single place.  The elementary school I attended was right next door in the community center grounds.  My classroom was in the main building which had mobile chalkboard walls that could be moved whenever we had our weekly Catholic Church services or any other community gathering.  Three different grades shared the modest open room.

Shereen Rahming

My favorite subjects quickly became any subject that taught and shared the stories of other people.  I wanted to hear, learn, and read more.  The only drawback was that the modesty of our resources meant that we lacked books to have a library.  Nowhere in the village or even neighboring town did a proper library exist.  My appetite for books that sparked my imagination and taught me about the world outside my little village was satisfied with the occasional delivery of books sent by my mother who was already living in the United States.  My whole young life revolved around life in the village, the school next door, and the few books and toys that my mother sent for me.

Then one day, news started circulating.  We heard that a mobile library would start coming to the village.  Now believe me when I tell you that this was somewhat of a big deal…at least to me, it was.  In a village where school resources were scarce, hearing that we would soon have a truck making a stop in the community center grounds once a month to offer books to the children was nothing short of receiving an early birthday or Christmas present, especially to one little girl.  Having never been to a library, I had no idea what to expect when my grandmother explained to me what a mobile library was.  It sounded great so I waited with anticipation.

The day came when the mobile library finally arrived.  I was so excited to get to the little truck that instead of running through the gates of our property, I crawled through an opening in the fence that separated our yard from the community center grounds.  I ran to get in line and waited patiently to get my very first library card.  When the nice lady handed it to me and I saw my name on it, I flashed a smile and ascended the steps of the truck. I stood there peering inside at all the books that filled the walls.  I walked in and perused the books on each shelf.  I ended up selecting a book about a bunny who had lots of adventures.  I took it home and read it right away.  Every book I ever borrowed was my new adventure, lesson, and doorway to a world far bigger than my own.

Fast forward more than thirty years later and that little girl’s love of books had only grown.  I am now a mom of two living in the United States and I have published my very own storybook.  As an author and publisher, I am blessed enough to encounter some truly amazing people who work in the world of literature.  One of those people is a man named, Stan Tucker, who has started his own mobile library in Georgia called the Leap for Literacy Bookmobile.

Stan Tucker and the Leap for Literacy Bookmobile

Photo credit

As I followed Stan’s story, I could not help but beam with delight.  How could I not when it evokes my precious childhood memories.  I smile every time I see the looks of joy and excitement on the little faces of the children who get to select a book from his library.

Stan Tucker

Photo credit

Eventually, I contacted Stan to tell him how wonderful I think his work is and to offer my book to him.  He accepted and now the little girl whose world opened up thanks to a mobile library, has her very own book in a mobile library where other children can hopefully be inspired in the same way.

I am in no way a great philosopher but I can’t help but look at the pictures that Stan posts including the one of a child holding my own book and I marvel at how life does indeed tend to come full circle.

I am reminded of a quote I once read that said, “Life is an echo.  What you send out, comes back.  What you sow, you reap.  What you give, you get.  What you see in others, exists in you.”

The little girl in that village over thirty years ago sent out love for stories, an imagination full of curiosity, and a wavering belief in herself.  And in the little faces of those children enjoying her story and other stories, she sees the same love, curiosity, and belief in all things possible.  Life has come full circle and it’s a beautiful view from where she now stands.

About Shereen

Author Shereen Rahming

 

Shereen Rahming is the author of Ahni & Her Dancing Secret, a graduate of UC Berkeley, a former teacher, and a current contributing writer for the Parent Voice Magazine. She was born in the small Central American country of Belize and immigrated to Los Angeles, California at the age of ten years old. Due to her Black and Latin heritage, she has a great appreciation for diversity and has become a passionate advocate for multicultural and diverse books.

Inspired by the lack of seeing book characters that looked like her as a child, she wrote Ahni & Her Dancing Secret for her daughter so that she would be able to see a character like herself in literature. She is currently working on a second book for her son. Her ultimate goal is to write and promote motivating stories that depict the true diversity of the world we live in and teach readers to appreciate and respect the beauty in themselves and others.

In Ahni & Her Dancing Secret, Ahni dreams of being a prima ballerina so she joins Madam Sabina’s dance school. But her spirit is soon broken when she discovers that the other students are far more advanced than she is and not as friendly as she expected. This charming story depicts the journey of little Ahni from an unsure hopeful to a confident dancer, by discovering the secret to success with the help of wise Madam Sabina. For ages 3-8.

Connect with Shereen via her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

 

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From Father to Author to Founder-A Non-profit Leader Shares his Story

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{guest post from Myron Campbell-Founder of the Differences Foundation}

Since I became an author, I seem to get the same questions and statements thrown my way…the main one being, “How did you become an author?” Or “What you are doing for the kids that not too many African American males are doing.”

I get these two the most, however, there are more. As I mention every time I speak to a group of people I never saw myself as an author. When I created my children’s book series The Adventures of Melvin Walker it happened by mistake. Honestly, it was the man upstairs plans for this to happen. These were stories I told my children at night before bed. We would pick up every night right where we left off the day before.

One night my wife says, “you should put your recorder on and record yourself.” I was a little hesitate at doing that. I didn’t want to sound crazy. So, I took her advice and recorded myself. Fifteen minutes later what I recorded ended up being the first 3 pages of my first book Melvin Goes To The Ballpark.

[Read more…]

Multicultural Children’s Books: What Parents, Readers and Educators Want

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Multicultural Children's Books: What Parents, Readers and Educators Want

Nothing is better than when you can get input and thoughts from those who are “in the trenches.”

From the people who are “all in” on a topic or issue.

This is the case (we feel) with  parents, grandparents, caregivers, librarians and educators. We wanted to know what THEY were concerned with when it came to children’s literacy, diverse books, ebooks-vs-physical books, notable diverse authors, multicultural book recommends and even the world of children’s book publishing.

So we asked 🙂

Our wildly successful #readyourworld Twitter Party on 1/27/17 was the perfect chance to ask some hard questions and get a feel for what was on the minds of those directly connected with our future leaders.

When it comes to multicultural books for kids, we asked questions like:

  1. Scholastic’s research on top trends in children’s literature found that LESSONS ON KINDNESS WILL BE KEY. What are parents, grandparents, caregivers, librarians and educators top concerns?
  2. One new controversy in children’s book publishing is who should write from a minority point of view? What do book lovers think?
  3. What diversity topics in children’s books do parents, grandparents, caregivers, librarians and educators wish there were more books on?
  4. Do readers and parents have a preference for traditional books versus ebooks? Does it change for children’s books versus adult books?
  5. Self published books versus big publishing companies. What makes you buy a self published book?
  6. What diversity children’s books, authors and/or illustrators do you think deserve more recognition?
  7. I’m noticing characters in stories that happen to be diverse, but that’s not the point of the story. How do you feel about that?
  8. What gets kids reading?
  9. What diversity topics in children’s books are you having trouble finding?
  10. What are the diversity children’s picture books and chapter books that you and your kids recommend and why?
  11. What is the message you want to tell publishers and authors with regard to diversity in children’s books?

Here are just a few of the amazing and revealing answers we received to the above questions:

Question: Scholastic’s research on top trends in children’s literature found that LESSONS ON KINDNESS WILL BE KEY. What are parents, grandparents, caregivers, librarians and educators top concerns?

@MsHlousek-Kindness is essential to reduce bullying and increase understanding.

@EducatorsSpin-From a Kindergarten teachers point of view we all need more Kindness. I think @Scholastic is on target with that focus.

@JborenJennifer-The fact that is trending right now gives me a glimmer of hope in the world📚

@HelpingKidsRise -Lessons on empathy and understanding top my list.

@BairdBev–As a teacher, I wanted to have books available for any nationality/need/concern. So many tho weren’t readily available.

@RealDadsRead–Our top concern today is “COMPASSION” How do we teach our children to always care for each other regardless of adults.

@msclift–having materials to teach and helping students learn compassion.

@KathieGl–While kindness & Acceptance are critical, I’d also like to see more on persistence.

@BooksMyKidsRead- As many have said, kindness, respect, and inclusivity top my list. But I also love seeing different culture’s traditions

@luzdelmes–My top concern is the limited time to discuss the topic in classroom since the lesson plans are the priority.

@romenendez14–I am concerned about creating little citizens that are sensitive and aware to others’ needs & their power to contribute.

@csoundar -empathy but told in stories; if our kids don’t know – their neighbours however diff are really the same, we have no hope.

@ScottSarahE-Empathy is built when children learn about themselves and others. Empathy will change our world.

@KatMuniWrites-Kindness is a big one and also helping kids feel the freedom to be creative and unleash their voices.

 

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Question:One new controversy in children’s book publishing is who should write from a minority point of view? What do book lovers think?

@MulticulturalB:I don’t mind writers writing on behalf of someone else, but it has to authentic & real world.

@AnnettePimentel -I think it is possible to include diverse characters in the story without being a minority author.

@Fathersincorp–Every one has a perspective. The writer has to be true to their voice and not try to speak “for.”

@StephWardRanger–I don’t mind writers writing on behalf of someone else, but it has to authentic & real world.

@csoundar–when anyone writing outside their real perspective -use “privilege” – claiming the multicultural platform for publicity.

@JennyLacika–accurate representation matters. or people with significant ties to the group they are writing get it right.

@TyneaLewis–Not everyone with a story to tell has the confidence or skill to tell it, so allowing someone else to be the voice is OK.

@KJlibrarian–Authors need to have understanding and sensitivity writing diverse lit. The experience must be authentic.

@monica_shah-Encourage local writers and self-publishing, local library can be good start.

@MamiTales-i think authors need to have a strong connection and understanding about the topic they write about.

@spiraledu-Minorities should write from their own point of view. It raises up & empowers minority authors/illustrators.

 

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Question: What diversity topics in children’s books do parents, grandparents, caregivers, librarians and educators wish there were more books on?

@hispanic_mama-I’d want to see books about the indigenous people from the Amazon jungle that will raise awareness of that beautiful area!

@StephWardRanger: Immigration, 2nd generation immigrants (esp. children’s POV), refugees, cultural celebrations, life in their new country.

@MePlus3Today-Showing diverse friendships and how it is possible to get along with others who aren’t exactly like you.

@McMSchools-more faves of girls who push traditional expectations. #GirlPower

@MrJTheLibrarian-Muslim and Arab cultures. Our nation desperately needs greater understanding of our Muslim and Arab brothers and sisters.

@JennyLacika–invisible disabilities, modern native experience, multiethnic characters.

@Toppel_ELD–More books that don’t just touch on “stereotypical” aspects of cultures or differences. More than just food and holidays!

@rtslitech-Just read Ticket to India learned so much about India and Pakistan. Could use more titles from this region of the world.

@Mwallauerteach–Any biracial,multi-racial,🏳️‍🌈 lgbtq families,refugee,immigrant any family in my class. I want in my room. Must have those books.

@NancyTandon–I’d love to see more books where 2 or more distinct cultures blend in one family.

@wordnerd153–Not a topic, but a type – high interest, low level books aimed at upper elem. ELL Ss. They seem to be stuck w/pic books.

@ItsMyCareer-In some capacity we need to address Mental Health.

@HelpingKidsRise-Would be great to see the culture within a culture. People within a culture often have different ways of life.

@abetterlifeblog-our ancestry is Irish/Scot. My son would love to read abt. life of his ancestors both there & when they immigrated.

@abetterlifeblog -More books about kids that are homeschooled! From day-to-day POV to books on historical figures that were homeschooled.

 

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Question: I’m noticing characters in stories that happen to be diverse, but that’s not the point of the story. How do you feel about that?

@HelpingKidsRise–Being diverse doesn’t always need to be the focal point. Books should mirror what we see and hope to see in life.

@msclift–I wish more authentic details were incorporated in stories with diverse characters esp main characters. Show the real.

@EducatorsSpin-Having more stories that share the diverse religions around the world help build awareness & not fear.

@abetterlifeblog–It’s great. That’s life. My son should see his friends reflected in the pages of books- Latin, AA, & Asian-just like IRL.

@booksmykidsread–I’ve noticed more general diversity. Doesn’t always need to be in your face. That’s how we know we’ve made an impact.

twoscoopsspider –the point of any story is to engage the reader to read more, empathize more and connect more.

 

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Question :Self published books versus big publishing companies. What makes you buy a self published book?

@romenendez14–There is something special about projecting a book on screen,using a wireless mouse & SITTING W YOUR KIDS as part of them!

@EducatorsSpin-Having a book to hold is still such a treasure for adults and kids. it’s captures a moment in time of someone’s world.

@LPGenschel–both have pros & cons. I am hoarding real books. I am old school. Love a page turn, what’s on the next page – suspense.

@Fathersincorp–I like self published books cause I like the “underdog” A lot of authors of color; including me, can’t get published.

@SharlinCraig–I look for top notch quality in self-published books.

@mammasmiles-the illustrations have to be really good. I do read a lot of self-published fiction on my

@Z_RiveraMorales–I buy self-published books for their story and because they fill a need.

@wordnerd153–Honestly, I wouldn’t purchase self-published books for my library b/c of the logistics. Easiest to order from Follett.

@abetterlifeblog–Content is the only measure. Don’t care who publishes it. That’s not what makes it worth reading or not.

@descendantOPR–Self-publishing for me is a good way for author to share his works immediately and honestly I found it better than other work

@StephWardRanger-Self Published feels a little more like a home cooked meal. Big publishers feel like that fancy restaurant. Both make me 🙂

@ItsMyCareer-Unfortunately low income families do not have the available resources for ebooks – laptops/tablets for all.

-I have mixed feeling. I’ve been disappointed in the quality of a few self-published books I’ve read.

@picturebksummit-You hit on excellent point! Indie pub authors *must* have stellar graphics & professional editor.

@Somemyrrh-Independent bookstores rarely stock small presses, which often have more diverse authors. Change that.

@abetterlifeblog-As an adult I appreciate ebooks because they’re easier but kids need the real thing.

 

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Question: What gets kids reading?

‏@MulticulturalB- Collaborate w/bilingual schools/organisations and make existing multicultural books standard there.

@kathymanchip-Funny, yes. Also relatability.

@JelitaJane-action, onomatopoeia, catchy illustrations, and funny characters.

@bookishbulldawg-Graphic novels have begun to be a hit for us also. Increasing our collection now.

@MsHlousek- Realistic fiction graphic novels have been especially huge this year with students.

@erin_buhr-That if we want to encourage all children to love books then all children need to be able to find them self in a book.

@MissPandaChines -Monthly book club at the school or in the library with different themes that relate to their life for teens.

@ItsMyCareer -Engaging our youth in the process of creating/writing content. By the kids for the kids.

@SHARONPLUS4 -Funny always works for my kids. My oldest also needs plenty of fantasy and drama to get engaged in books.

@bookreviewmama-Fun one liners,great illustrations &stories they pick up the book after we are finished reading together.

@Toppel_ELD -characters/experiences. Sometimes books are funny and sometimes they are just interesting or familiar!

@Toppel_ELD -Also, books that have great language. That sound good when you read them and that include fun, new words!!

 

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Question:What diversity topics in children’s books are you having trouble finding?

@EricaSwallow-I’d like to see more kid books about recent African immigrants, so my future children can see their father’s story.

@monica_shah-Please bring us some regional and moral stories from rural world , just like how my grandmom told me.

@GoodReadsRonna -wish there were more books featuring special needs children as main characters to empower young readers.

@thelogonauts-Great books featuring characters w/disabilities.

@AnnettePimentel -I want books that show early America as the racially & culturally diverse place it was.

@eva_landeo-indigenous populations, transgender acceptance – we need those for adults too!

@JuliejolarsonJo-I wish there were more books for young people who have parents with a physical disability. My husband was born without arms.

@StephWardRanger-Girls who are adapting to new country, celebrations/festivals w children participating, cultural comparisons (fiction).

@SHARONPLUS4-As a (white) single mom, raising (bi-racial) kids, I would love to find books that mirror our family.

@abetterlifeblog-books about families of the Christian faith that don’t paint it out to be fairy tales.

 

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Question: What are the diversity children’s picture books and chapter books that you and your kids recommend and why?

@Adalinc3-Christopher Paul Curtis is our family’s go-to- road trip audio book author. Engaging characters, compelling plots. #ReadYourWorld

@ericaswallow -A+ diversity kid’s books to read: “The Case for Loving” by & “Last Stop on Market Street” by

@GoodReadsRonna -Lynda Mullaly Hunt’s Fish in a Tree about dyslexia Hank Zipzer books too.

@KathieGl-Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu.

@Librarian_Reads-LAST STOP ON MARKET ST flies bc of its 3 shiny stickers. Inclusivity of national awards MATTERS. Both to Ss + buyers.

@Adalinc3–Double Happiness by Nancy Tupper Ling. Moving to new country. Very lovely book.

@CNE_Gutierrez–Stepping Stones by Margriet Ruurs-the artwork created by rocks from a Syrian artist that represent refugee stories of leaving the known for the unknown.

@ScottSarahE-3rd-5th graders love the Who Was series. So many choices!

@variouspagings-My nephew has a tree nut allergy and loved the book Nutley, the Nut-free squirrel.

@epagelhogan–El Deafo and Roller Girl.

@RubytheGeek-Geronimo Stilton’s graphic novels are great too. historical fiction in graphic novel form.

@NancyTandon–MY TWO BLANKETS by Irena Kobold. Gorgeous book. Beautiful story of blending into a world you didn’t ask to join.

@RubytheGeek-the dear america series is awesome. Great characters and historical fiction.

@BairdBev -My class loved “The Sandwich Swap”, Amazing Grace, Lion Dancer, The Name Jar.

@wordnerd153-All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook about incarcerated parents. Kinda Like Brothers for foster care.

@monica_shah-We recommend Panchatantra Stories from India, they are short stories n moral ones.

@bookishbulldawg–The Thing About Luck and Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian is always a hit

@wordnerd153-Just read Being Perfect, about a girl with OCD by Amazing! Already have kids asking for it.

recently published a book about mentor texts that celebrate Latino culture.

@MsHlousek-I connected a student to Matt de la Pena’s books last year & that was the first book the student actually enjoyed reading.

 

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Question 12: What is the message you want to tell publishers and authors with regard to diversity in children’s books?

@MsHlousek-Now more than ever there is a great need for diversity in children’s books with messages of tolerance and kindness

@Toppel_ELD-Authors need exposure & the know how and large publishing companies must be intentional about choosing diverse stories

AnnettePimentel-I want books that show early America as the racially & culturally diverse place it was.

@Adalinc3-If you publish it, it will be bought & enjoyed & our youth will grow up with more understanding & compassion to pass on.

@klburkinshaw1-By reading multicultural books, readers learn to see the whole picture, building empathy and compassion.

@themixedmama -diversity is beautiful and should be shown as much as possible! Our children need to see it. ♡

@MamiTales-We want to read our world. It is a very large place with tons of people and cultures. Reading brings us together.

@StephWardRanger-Keep publishing…we are only getting more diverse & have children looking to normalize their lives.

@sonlight00-we need them for the kids to live a more peaceful existence and to break down barriers!

@JeanGMike-Just consider you audience and know that you are shaping their little minds.

@MissPandaChines-Diversity is in us and it is in every child if we have more diversity books to feed their minds and open their world.

@StephWardRanger-Make them as realistic as possible. From the clothes, to the scenery to the storyline/challenges. Keep it meaningful.

@bookishbulldawg-I’ll say it forever, children and teens deserve to see themselves in books. Mirrors and windows!

@EMargritH-We live in a diverse world and should reflect that. Our kids deserve to see themselves on the page. Period.

@BairdBev-Publishers – tell all stories, all viewpoints – so that every child can see themselves positively in a book!

@abbynaverysmom-{Authors}even if your afraid to write about something, do it, it can mean the world to someone & get the message out.

@MtnFlwr1-To writers: believe in yourself and your message. Publishers are just waking up to these issues so don’t give up!

@KidLitTV_NYC -How about books from ? They are bilingual and so much fun

 

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