Recently released, Beyond Freedom (Fall Rose Books, November 25, 2009) by Patricia Q. Wall should hopefully find its way into America’s classrooms, since it appears to be a valiant effort at trying to teach a part of American slavery that is oftentimes overlooked. "Wall said the research that went into the book was "very enlightening," uncovering an age in New England [...]

If you want to spice up your Thanksgiving Day festivities, do visit A Patchwork of Books blog . Book reviewer, Amanda, is the writer and she’s also a children’s librarian whose featured review, Duck for Turkey Day (Albert Whitman & Company, 2009) by Jacqueline Jules, is good add to your menu and your bookshelves.  Amanda writes… "Tuyet, a Vietnamese-American girl, is incredibly disappointed…and [...]

"Bronzeword: Championing the Diversity and Excellence of Latino Literature." -Jo Ann Hernandez from BronzeWord Latino Authors  W.A.R writer, Jo Ann Hernandez sent me a newsletter which features Latino(a) authors and their upcoming book tours.  LUCHA CORPI is a poet, novelist, and children’s book author, and is this month’s featured author.  This modified list of Corpi’s books comes via the [...]

In an effort to get these W.A.R. Reading Lists into more schools, the title of my posts will have to be searchable by using effective keywords, so I will strategize different variations. Also, this is a work in progress so pardon me on formatting and number of books.  W.A.R. writer, and author, George Stanley commented recently. [...]

Do you think book publishers are aware (or even care), how people like me interpret their catalogs? I’ll also note that the publishers I contacted for the W.A.R. series have not yet responded to my questions - I know, everyone’s busy. But Square Fish sent me their Winter 2010 catalog and I must say, the new paperback releases look awesome! They are featuring [...]

"Race is the core of this history, the heart of this history," he said. "It shows that the national parks are as much a cultural resource as a natural resource." -Shelton Johnson (comes via SFGate article – Park ranger asks: Where are the black visitors? by Peter Fimrite, Chronicle Staff Writer)  I saw this quote from [...]

Ebony Joy Wilkins is a writer and educator. She is the author of SELLOUT (July 2010 Scholastic Press). Briefly describe the impact racism had on you as a young person. I have heard people say, ‘I don’t see in color,’ and I believe that is admirable. Unfortunately, because of my experiences with racism as a child, [...]

*CLICK HERE IF YOUR VIDEO PLAYER DOESN’T WORK*  A group of library information students gathered for a virtual debate to discuss the effects of multiculturalism by using the Flat Classroom Project as a model. (via Eastchester sixth-graders debate diversity in global project by Randi Weiner) After reading the article and wanting to learn more, I stumbled upon this [...]

Carole Boston Weatherford is the award-winning author of more than 30 books, including Becoming Billie Holiday, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, and Birmingham, 1963.      Briefly describe the impact racism had on you as a young person.   At an all-black elementary school in Baltimore, my teachers celebrated my gifts [...]

Dear Amy, I so much enjoy your blog on SLJ. I remember that you wrote a great piece about CLAUDETTE COLVIN: TWICE TOWARDS JUSTICE last spring.  I thought you might like to see a YouTube I have just pulled together from photos and audio clips of author Phillip Hoose and Claudette’s recent appearances. You can [...]