Here We are: Feminism for the Real world edited by Kelly Jensen |
Feminism Reinventing the f-word by Nadia Abushanab Higgens explores the history of feminism in the U.S., then goes on to highlight twenty-first-century feminists who are pushing for diverse beauty standards, improved access to reproductive control, freedom from sexual violence, LGBTQ rights, affordable health care and individual expression of femininity. After reading this book, you will be able to respond to "Am I a feminist?" with an informed voice Tessa's Picks, 6th-8th grade, Nonfiction, Social Justice, LGBTQ
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Identity and Gender talks about how family, culture, and values shape our identities and that it is important to be happy with who you are. Equality and Diversity discusses having the same rights, opportunities, and status as everyone else and recognizing the importance of different cultures in society, while still protecting their equality. Tessa's Picks, 5th-7th grade, Nonfiction,LGBTQ, People of Color, Social Justice
In the summer of 1944, 50 sailors, all of them African American, were tried and convicted of mutiny by the U.S. Navy. They had refused to follow a direct order of loading dangerous rockets and munitions on ships bound for battle in the Pacific after an enormous explosion had killed more than 300 of their fellow sailors and other civilians working on the dock. At the heart of this story is the rampant racism that permeated the military at all levels, leaving minority sailors and soldiers to do the drudge work almost exclusively while their white counterparts served on the front lines. Through extensive research, Sheinkin effectively re-creates both the tense atmosphere at Port Chicago before and after the disaster as well as the events that led to the men's refusal of this one particular order that they felt put them directly in harm's way. Much of the tension in this account stems from the growing frustration that readers are meant to feel as bigotry and discrimination are encountered at every turn and at every level of the military. The attractive and user friendly format is laced with primary-source material, including interviews with the convicted sailors, court records, photographs, and other documents, all of which come together to tell a story that clearly had a huge impact on race relations in the military. This little known event is placed in historical context with Thurgood Marshall, Jackie Robinson, and Eleanor Roosevelt figuring in the telling. Sheinkin, who writes non-fiction with a “you are there” immediacy, gives voice to 50 new American heroes. “ If you are not outraged, you are not paying attention.” Tessa's Picks, Nonfiction, 6th-8th grade, Social Justice, People of Color, Immigrants chose to leave their country to look for better opportunities. Refugees flee their homeland because of unsafe conditions. Here are three new books that look at their stories. Their Great Gift Courage, Sacrifice, and Hope in a New Land By John Coy, Photographs by Wing Young Huie Thought-provoking photography and text make this book on 21st century immigrants an ideal discussion starter for teachers and parents. Intimate, individual family stories combine to present the universal immigration experience and celebrate the diversity of our country. It is a vision of hope for the future and a heartfelt reminder of a significant American ideal. All ages. Stepping stones A Refugee Family’s Journey By Margriet Ruurs. In English and Arabic The author of this book saw an image on Facebook that touched her deeply. It was of a mother holding her baby and a father trudging along under a heavy load; it was composed of stones. One of the stones was signed—Nizar Ali Badr. Finding him on Facebook, she was moved by his images of love, anguish sorrow and joy. The artist was Syrian and much of his work was inspired by the war in his country. They joined forces to produce this book which tells the story of a Syrian family who are forced to leave behind everything they know and love. The lyrical text handles a heart breaking subject with such grace that it could be shared with children of all ages. There is hope of a bright future and peace. A Refugee’s Journey from Syria by Helen Mason Roj and his family are forced to flee their homeland of Syria when civil war bombings destroy their home. They escape secretly by boat and end up in a European camp for refugees. Students take a walk in Roj’s shoes and will gain a real understanding of the plight of the Syrian people. Interspersed with the story are facts about Syria and the efforts made around the world to help the millions of refugees. Students are encouraged to help refugees in their communities. Written in 2017, this current book is for children third grade and up. Tessa"s Picks, nonfiction, Issues Fiction What would you do if your family didn't have enough to eat? If they didn't have access to running water or electricity? What if you had no money to fix any of it? If you're anything like William, then you'd head to the library! In this true story, William describes how he combined knowledge gained from studying library books with scrap metal and junk to make a windmill that changed his life forever. This book is absolutely fascinating. Of course as a librarian I'm a sucker for any story about the transformative powers of libraries. William is remarkable and hearing his story in his own words was incredibly moving. Added morals about STEM, recycling, and life in Africa make this an ideal fit for classroom reading. It's an engaging read for students on their own too. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer Erica's Picks 4th - 8th grade Tags: Biography, Makers, Nonfiction, People of Color, Social Justice The giant squid is a tantalizing mystery. We have more close-ups photographs of Mars. We know more about dinosaur behavior. Much of what we do know about giant squids comes from pieces we have found and dissected--pieces often found in sperm whales. Despite how rarely giant squids are sighted by humans, sperm whales have been found with as many as 7,000 indigestible giant squid beaks in their stomachs. Get a glimpse into the life of these mysterious and beautiful creatures with Giant Squid by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann. This book is beautiful and a bit terrifying, much like the creatures it describes. What little we know is described in a poetic language that creates a rich atmosphere. The pictures are gorgeous, showing parts of the squid to emphasize its size and the sense that it's lurking just out of sight. This would make a great read-aloud for budding science enthusiasts. Giant Squid by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann Erica's Picks 1st - 3rd grade Tags: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Science During the Nazi invasion of France, thousands of Jewish people found sanctuary in the Grand Mosque of Paris. This book describes how Muslims in Paris helped their Jewish brothers and sisters during World War II. They saved lives in a myriad of ways ranging from writing false papers identifying Jews as Muslims, to secreting Jewish people and resistance fighters through hidden tunnels and out of Paris in emptied wine barrels. There are so many fascinating vignettes of courage and defiance in this book. The actions described were secretive by nature and never officially documented, but the authors have hunted down the scraps of information they could find to present these stories. Full-page oil paintings throughout illustrate the story. There's a glossary, bibliography, index and further information in the back. The Grand Mosque of Paris: A story of how Muslims rescued Jews during the Holocaust by Karen Gray Ruelle and Deborah Durland DeSaix Erica's Picks 3rd - 5th grade Tags: Nonfiction, Picture Books, History This book, while non-fiction, reads like an adventure novel. The story of Minamoto Yoshitsune is larger than life and the bravery, betrayals, and brutal ending felt like the best kind of Hollywood epic. When Yoshitsune was just a baby, his father was killed by a rival clan. Raised in a monastery, Yoshitsune was determined to escape and learn the way of the Samurai. Despite a late start in training, he became one of the most famous samurai of all time known for his fearless leadership in battle and the fierce loyalty he inspired among his men. But not everyone loved Yoshitsune, and when he was finally betrayed his death by seppuku would solidify the practice in Samurai tradition. Don't miss this thrilling tale! Samurai Rising by Pamela S. Turner, Illustrated by Gareth Hinds Erica's Picks 6th & up Tags: Adventure, Biography, Fast-Paced, History, Nonfiction, People of Color Have you heard of the great chocolate strike where children took to the streets to protest the rising cost of a chocolate bar? Do you know the difference between the varieties of cocoa bean? How scientists are working towards producing better tasting, more sustainable chocolate? What role does chocolate play in history? How does it influence cultures all over the world? If you like learning about history, science, social justice, and of course chocolate--then this is the book for you! I love all the different topics this book explores under the unifying umbrella of one of my favorite treats. It is absolutely jam-packed with interesting tidbits and poses many important and eye-opening questions about the future of chocolate and how it is produced today. Plus it includes a few recipes in case all this reading activates your sweet tooth. Don't feel guilty for indulging--there's plenty of health benefits to chocolate that Frydenborg is sure to point out! Chocolate: Sweet Science & Dark Secrets of the World's Favorite Treat by Kay Frydenborg Erica's Picks 5th - 8th Tags: Nonfiction, History, Science John Brown is a controversial figure: depending on your perspective he could be seen as an inspiration who stopped at nothing to fight for what he thought was right or as one of the earliest domestic terrorists. The truth lies somewhere in the murky area between these two extremes. Read this book to uncover the bloody and complicated history of slavery, the civil war, and John Brown. I really enjoyed the nuanced approach Marrin took towards John Brown but my favorite parts were when he pulled back to provide further context. His section on the history of slavery was excellent. Marrin doesn't pull any punches and he doesn't come down on any one side but allows the reader to explore the complexities of history and see multiple perspectives. A Volcano Beneath the Snow: John Brown's War Against Slavery by Albert Marrin Erica's Picks 7th - 8th Tags: Biography, History, Nonfiction |
Need a book?Then you've come to the right place! Follow the blog to see the latest recommendations from Erica and Jennie. Browse by subject to see past recommendations in each category. Book Talk VideosFind Erica's video book talks here
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