An update from The One School, One Book Project of the Undoing Racism Committee:
Happy New Year! Here are January’s books and an introduction to the selection for February.
January’s theme was mixed again with an immigration story and a story about peace.
Mama’s Nightingale: A Story of Immigration and Separation by Edwidge Danticat, was selected for ICT and ASD grades 1st through 5th grade.
A touching tale of parent-child separation and immigration, from a National Book Award finalist. After Saya’s mother is sent to an immigration detention center, Saya finds comfort in listening to her mother’s warm greeting on their answering machine. To ease the distance between them while she’s in jail, Mama begins sending Saya bedtime stories inspired by Haitian folklore on cassette tape. Moved by her mother’s tales and her father’s attempts to reunite their family, Saya writes a story of her own—one that just might bring her mother home for good. With stirring illustrations, this tender tale shows the human side of immigration and imprisonment—and shows how every child has the power to make a difference.
Somewhere Today: A Book of Peace by Shelley Moore Thomas, was selected for ICT and ASD Pre-K and Kindergarten.
Somewhere in the world each day, people just like you are acting in kind, peaceful, loving ways. Perhaps they are visiting someone who is old, teaching a little sister to ride a bike, or sharing an experience with a friend from a different culture.
February’s theme is Black Lives Matter.
I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes, illustrated by Bryan Collier was chosen for all grades at both ICT and ASD sites, a truly one school, one book month!
Langston Hughes was a courageous voice of his time, and his authentic call for equality still rings true today. Beautiful paintings from illustrator Bryan Collier accompany and reinvent the celebrated lines of the poem “I, Too,” creating a breathtaking reminder to all Americans that we are united despite our differences.
Here is the read aloud link for the book with illustrations:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Here’s is the link to Langston Hughes reading his poem:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
We are actively looking for new people to join the committee. It is our hope that the committee will reflect the diversity we enjoy in our school community. Please write us at clovejoy [ at ] gmail.com with suggestions for books, enrichment activities, to share your feedback or get involved.