As a current elementary teacher who teaches American Slavery to 4th graders each year, I am constantly reflecting back on my own early childhood history education, and can't help but feel slighted at the gross omission of key details surrounding monumental moments in our nation's history, and in this case, the Civil War. What I … Continue reading Juneteenth: A Children’s Book Celebration
100 Diverse Picture Books to Celebrate the Holiday Season *Updated Dec. 2022*
The Truth About Mrs. Claus Written by Mean Harris & Illustrated by Keisha Morris Amalia the Elf loves everything about making teddy bears . . .Watching Grandma and Mama sew!Feeling the soft, velvety fur!Imagining the bears in their new homes!. . . except the bear-making part. Worried about disappointing her family, Amalia goes straight to Santa … Continue reading 100 Diverse Picture Books to Celebrate the Holiday Season *Updated Dec. 2022*
Literally Cultured’s Best Picture Books of 2021
Last year I began my annual round-up of favorite picture books of the year with one book for each month, and needless to say, choosing only 12 books was an agonizing feat. So this year, since 2021 decided to throw us some curve balls and seemingly break all the rules...I decided to reward myself (and … Continue reading Literally Cultured’s Best Picture Books of 2021
Kwanzaa: Books for Learning, Celebrating, and Growing Together
Kwanzaa's seven day celebration highlights the importance of culture, family, community, resilience, pride, and hope. Although our family has only been formally celebrating for a few years, these lessons are ones that should be carried throughout the entire year. Here we are celebrating by lighting a candle in the kinara and reading from the book … Continue reading Kwanzaa: Books for Learning, Celebrating, and Growing Together
Celebrate the Winter Season in an Epic! Way
When we were forced to go virtual during the onslaught of Covid-19 in March of 2020, as a 4th grade reading teacher I was frantic to find a virtual way to bring quality, diverse books to my students. Since then, Epic! has been my go-to for finding diverse and ACCESSIBLE books. Epic! is always free … Continue reading Celebrate the Winter Season in an Epic! Way
Read with PRIDE on Epic!
Although PRIDE Month is celebrated in the month of June each year, these inclusive texts promote self-affirmation, dignity, and equality that are perfect to read all year long! The increased visibility and representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, and their experiences, in children's books is essential when working against prejudice, but also fosters acceptance. … Continue reading Read with PRIDE on Epic!
Literally Cultured’s Best Picture Books of 2020!
If you're like me, then when you hear "2020" you tend to flinch a little bit. Beyond the obvious turmoil and heartache created by Covid-19, so many of us faced unimaginable obstacles and challenges that we are just thankful to have made it through another day. However, despite the troubles of the outside world, there … Continue reading Literally Cultured’s Best Picture Books of 2020!
Literally Cultured’s 2019 “12 Days of Diverse Christmas Books” Reboot!
As I plan for this year's winter book list and blog post of diverse titles, I couldn't help but reminisce on the books I shared from last holiday season! This upcoming 2020 list will focus on a wider array of winter holidays and traditions, whereas last year's picks were specifically chosen for Christmas. Tis the … Continue reading Literally Cultured’s 2019 “12 Days of Diverse Christmas Books” Reboot!
A Book List for Our Youngest Citizens: Future Voters & Change-makers
As we anxiously await Election Day 2020 there is no better time to begin addressing questions such as these with our "future voters": What does it mean to be a good citizen? What does it mean to be American? and most importantly...What really makes America great? This curated list of texts cover a variety of … Continue reading A Book List for Our Youngest Citizens: Future Voters & Change-makers
35 Diverse & Inclusive Books for ‘Back to School’
Hello Literally Cultured Readers! Wow! I can't believe a new school year is upon us, and whether a teacher, parent, or a caregiver -- will be one that will surely be different than we have ever experienced before. I myself am gearing up for returning to school as full-time online teacher. Among the myriad of … Continue reading 35 Diverse & Inclusive Books for ‘Back to School’
I Am Every Good Thing: Q & A with author Derrick Barnes
As a mom of three Brown boys, my pursuit of books with positive representation of Black and Brown boys is neverending... and Derrick Barnes answered the call. He quickly become one of my go-to authors, and following Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut and King of Kindergarten... I found myself anxiously waiting for "what's … Continue reading I Am Every Good Thing: Q & A with author Derrick Barnes
Black Man, the Superhero
Today marks the 4th anniversary of the murder of Philando Castile. I can't say for sure what about his death specifically impacted me so much, but four years ago today, I felt myself slip into a deep depression that was nearly impossible to get out of. The feeling of despair, heartbreak, hopelessness, and fear I … Continue reading Black Man, the Superhero
Book List: Black & Brown Boy Joy! Seeing our boys for all of the beautiful things they are!
Even though the rest of the world seems to be finally waking up to the injustices, oppression, and systemic racism that Black people have faced, and continue to face in this country, the idea of celebrating Black and Brown boys...who eventually become Black and Brown men, is something that many of us have been vested … Continue reading Book List: Black & Brown Boy Joy! Seeing our boys for all of the beautiful things they are!
Book List: It’s Never Too Early to Introduce Diversity & Activism into Your Home Library
This curated book list is targeted towards our littlest readers. These book picks are full of diverse, positive messages and images that depict a wide range of people, lifestyles, and experiences. Whether you are seeking to create a more diverse and inclusive collection for your little one, or looking to purchase a baby shower gift--- … Continue reading Book List: It’s Never Too Early to Introduce Diversity & Activism into Your Home Library
20 Children’s Books Celebrating Blackness
As a mother of three biracial boys, it has always been of the utmost importance to have a wide selection of books that not only represent themselves and the people they love and know in a positive light, but to also celebrate all of the beautiful and wonderful things about their Black identity. While it … Continue reading 20 Children’s Books Celebrating Blackness
30+ Asian American & Pacific Islander Picture Books to read online with Epic!
The month of May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and what better way to celebrate than the stories and illustrations from beautiful picture books! While many of us are still social distancing and participating in distance learning, the website Epic! is a FREE RESOURCE for educators! If you haven't heard of Epic!, … Continue reading 30+ Asian American & Pacific Islander Picture Books to read online with Epic!
Dear Khloe: Love Letters to My Little Sister
When I first connected with St.Clair Detrick-Jules I knew I wanted to do something special to honor her first book release, but also honor the special women in my life that I feel could contribute to the ever-evolving conversation surrounding Black hair. When it comes to Black hair, one would think our society had made … Continue reading Dear Khloe: Love Letters to My Little Sister
Stay Connected During Covid-19 with Diverse Picture Book Read Alouds
As teachers (or even parents) we know that children thrive with structure and routine. Establishing expectations allows for a sense of familiarity and comfort, no matter what the setting may be. Many non-teachers may be finding this out now as we hunker down with our families to practice social distancing for a few weeks...I don't … Continue reading Stay Connected During Covid-19 with Diverse Picture Book Read Alouds
FREEBIE: Social Justice Standards Posters (9-12)
As the K-12 Diversity Chair for a large central Ohio school district, I felt it was important for educators in the high school setting to have visual support when referencing Teaching Tolerance's Social Justice Standards. I initially intended for these posters to be used with student groups led by our diversity liaisons (we have one … Continue reading FREEBIE: Social Justice Standards Posters (9-12)
Say Her Name
Out of all the experience and knowledge gained this last weekend at #ncte19, this might be the takeaway that is closest to my heart. First of all, I love Zetta Elliott (that’s a given)...but this book, and these words, are everything. As some of you already know, I have been writing poems for about a year … Continue reading Say Her Name
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