Barefoot Librarian Newsletter October 2020
Barefoot Librarian Featured Book Reviews
Authenticity in Diverse Children’s Literature:
American Indians/Native Americans/Indigenous People of North America
I was recently asked to review a children’s book dealing with the Pilgrim’s and their Plymouth experience. The writing was engaging, presenting in an entertaining way what could be dry material. The author also did a skillful job conveying some sophisticated concepts about the religious situation of the times in simple, clear terms that the target audience, children ages six to eight, could understand. Yet I was hesitant to review it. As a white American, I felt I lacked the qualifications to review a book that depicts American Indians/Native Americans/Indigenous People of North America.
When it comes to the portrayal of American Indians/Native Americans/Indigenous People of North America in children’s literature I turn to American Indians in Children’s Literature for recommendations. This site was founded and is run by Debbie Reese who has earned several degrees including a Masters in Library and Info Science, a Ph.D. in Education and Masters in School Administration, and is ”… tribally enrolled at Nambe Pueblo in northern New Mexico.” The website’s creators “…publish analyses of children’s books, lesson plans, films, and other items related to the topic of American Indians and/or how this topic is taught in school.”
Recently the website posted a wonderful resource for educators: Tips for Teachers: Developing Instructional Materials about American Indians. I highly recommend this as a starting point when developing materials to teach about American Indians/Native Americans/Indigenous People of North America.
My final thoughts. There is a lack of diversity in the editorial staff members at many publishers. This can result in a lack of authenticity and accuracy in diverse literature. As teachers, librarians, and parents, we must be vigilant about the diverse materials we share with children. Finding resources like American Indians in Children’s Literature is essential. That sounds like a good topic for a future article. Stay posted.
I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask!
Written by Tiffany Turner
Illustrated by Natalia Cano
Shadowcast Publishing 2020
We are living in a world we could never have imagined. Parents and educators are facing many challenges with their children and students. More than ever resources are needed to help navigate these unchartered waters. Often schools and public areas require mask-wearing, but for many children this is scary and bewildering. When we face difficult discussions, we often turn to books to help start the conversation. I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask! by Tiffany Turner is the perfect title to use when addressing mask-wearing requirements and the pandemic.
The author, Tiffany Turner, has been a professional educator for over twenty years. Her book reflects her experience, expertise, and knowledge as a teacher. I Don’t Want to Wear a Mask! legitimizes children’s disappointments and worries about the way their school year ended last spring and what the new school year will be like. She gives clear, concise reasons as to why mask-wearing is important.
Albert graduated from preschool last spring. But the school year did not end as he expected. Because “…something terrible happened. A virus called COVID19 spread throughout the world.” Albert’s school, like so many others, had to close and he had to finish his last year of preschool online from home. And there was no preschool graduation celebration. On the last day of online preschool Albert’s teacher told her students, “…it will be important to do as your new Kindergarten teacher says, and things will be different than they were in preschool. Most of all, you will have to wear a mask.”
Albert did not want to wear a mask. He kept saying it over and over to himself as he laid down on his bed. His mother sat down on his bed and rubbed his back soothingly. She asked why he did not want to wear a mask. Albert told her, “Because things are so different. We can’t see our friends. We can’t play outside. And most of all, I don’t want to wear a mask.”
His mother explained that sometimes we must do things we do not want to because it will help others. Wearing a mask protects others, so it is important. It prevents others in the community – like the librarian, the postal worker, and the grocery clerk – from getting the virus. His mother told him, “They will be safe because of you.” “It would be something a superhero would do to help save everyone around him.”
When Albert heard superhero, his imagination took off. He could be a ninja, a pirate, or a secret agent. A different mask, a different superhero every day of the week! His mother said, “You can save the world now. Keep everyone safe by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and staying safely away from others.” On the first day of Kindergarten Albert “…felt great walking into the classroom and meeting his new friends because they were all wearing masks too. They were all superheroes together.”
Purchase now!
(The Barefoot Librarian may receive a commission from your purchases at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support of my business. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”)
Online Book Fairs can be hosted from anywhere in the continental U.S.!
Online book fairs with the Barefoot Librarian are easy as 1,2,3!
1. Contact the Barefoot Librarian to set up your book fair.
2. The Barefoot Librarian will send you a flier with your online book fair links & other book fair info.
3. Share the flier to the school’s families and supporters, as well as reminders during the book fair and start earning free books! (Or choose a cash option.)
Online book fairs advantages
1. Family & supporters can purchase books to support the school even if they live far away.
2. Ability to expand the number of days your book fair runs.
3. Books are shipped directly to the families.
4. You can run a Barefoot Books book fair and an Usborne Books & More book fair simultaneously.
5. Families can purchase all titles available on the Barefoot Books and Usborne Books & More websites, giving them a much wider selection to choose from.
Your school can easily boost its sales!
1. Host a book talk via a zoom meeting. (Whenever the Barefoot Librarian hosts a book talk for parents, the book she recommends always sell out.)
2. Record this zoom meeting for parents to watch at their convenience.
3. Have teachers fill out their Barefoot Librarian classroom wish list form.
4. Have teachers convert their wish list into a google doc to share with their parents.
Purchasing books from the
Barefoot Librarian is just a click away!
Barefoot Books – www.barefootlibrarianbooks.com
Usborne Books & More www.barefootlibrarianubam.com
Need help selecting just the right books to purchase?
Contact me anytime!
Barefoot Books creates “…beautiful books that celebrate diversity, spark curiosity and capture children’s imaginations.” Since 1993 they have been “…sharing books and gifts that inspire children to be compassionate, creative and curious.” Many of their books represent different cultures and diverse characters.
Usborne Books & More “Usborne and Kane Miller books are the most exciting, engaging, and educational books on the market today. They are high-quality, innovative, lavishly-illustrated, and best of all, they are the books kids love to read. Choose from over 1,800 bright, colorful, and fun titles covering a wide variety of subjects. From activity books, to neat fiction series, to internet-linked science and history encyclopedias, Usborne does books better.”
“Kane Miller has published award-winning children’s books from around the world for more than 25 years. They bring to life fantastic fiction stories for older readers and wonderful multicultural picture book stories for younger readers. All of these are stories that will make you smile, think, cry, or laugh ‘til you have tears in your eyes.”
Interested in selling Barefoot Books and/or Usborne Books & More?
Earn money by selling books online from your home.
Please contact me
I would love to hear from you!
Please contact me anytime with all of your book needs! I will be happy to recommend and sell you great books to enhance and enrich your lesson plans.
Happy Reading,
Eve
