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All of the titles for this week are in the "Always Available" section.  The links on this slide should take you right to the book.  If you want to keep listening to the book, remember to "borrow it." To get back to the slide and Padlet, use the back arrow in the browser.

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Pollard Black Lives Matter Collection (Sora) 

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Pollard Black Lives Matter Collection (Sora) 

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Many different types of books are included in this collection. You will find nonfiction, biography, poetry, realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels.  But what all these books have in common is that they center the Black experience in the US.

Some focus on history and the racism that surrounds us - how it came to be and how we can fight it.  Others focus on the type of events that led to the Black Lives Matter movement - the deaths of innocent Black people at the hands of police or white supremacists who were never held responsible.  Still others are fantasies that connect to African folklore, or historical fiction about Black people who fought against racism and injustice.  And finally, some are about ordinary Black kids just growing up and trying to figure out where they fit in and who they are.

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Open a world of reading. Try Sora, the new reading app for students, by OverDrive.

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The titles for this week are from the summer reading list.  The links on this slide will take you Sora, where you can borrow an audiobook after the meeting if it's available.  If you prefer to read an ebook, you can search Sora and place a hold.  We also own all of these books in print at Pollard, and you may be able to place a hold to pick one up the last week of school. Let me know if you want to do that.  To get back to the slide and Padlet, use the back arrow in the browser.

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https://meet.google.com/lookup/b73yihtgok

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Every Friday we'll meet and read the first chapter of one or two books found on Sora. Several books in a genre or theme will be listed each week, and students can help choose which ones to read.

Note: “Always available” books are on Sora through the end of June, and anyone can check them out any time.  “On reserve” books are checked out to Ms. Doherty for the meeting. She will return them after the meeting so students can check them out, but copies are limited.

This padlet will be posted in the Virtual Library in Google classroom and updated each week with the new titles.  Join code: ue3laa2

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This book was super good. The suspect of the murder was very interesting because the reader kept thinking it was one person who did it but then it made more sense for it to be someone else. This was a very good mystery and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries.

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Out of Tune (A Riley Donovan Mystery #3)

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This book was super good. The suspect of the murder was very interesting because the reader kept thinking it was one person who did it but then it made more sense for it to be someone else. This was a very good mystery and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries.

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Man, this was so good. I always think Giles's thrillers are good but I think this is my fave so far. I just loved the voices, loved the pacing, loved the way he incorporated the dark web, fandom (and standom), and social justice, and also made it a friendship story, not to mention I thought the mystery went to a very cool place. I am such a fan and this was honestly even better than I thought it'd be.

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Nenia ☠️ Khaleesi of Bodice Rippers, Protector of Out of Print Gems, Mother of Smut, and Actual Garbage Can ☠️ Campbell

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Man, this was so good. I always think Giles's thrillers are good but I think this is my fave so far. I just loved the voices, loved the pacing, loved the way he incorporated the dark web, fandom (and standom), and social justice, and also made it a friendship story, not to mention I thought the mystery went to a very cool place.

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"If I believed in omens, this would be a bad one."

This is a difficult review to write, as I was so taken with McManus's debut last year, but as an adult reader I didn't feel her sophomore effort lived up to the hype I had created in my head. Obviously this is no one's fault but my own, and as a novel for YA readers I think it will be well received as it still gives off a similar vibe as One Of Us Is Lying, although I found this one to be much slower paced and less twisty than her previous work....more

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"If I believed in omens, this would be a bad one." This is a difficult review to write, as I was so taken with McManus's debut last year, but as an adult reader I didn't feel her sophomore effort lived up to the hype I had created in my head.

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4.5 STARS

What an amazing, introspective story about a complex issue which never seems to completely go away. A great YA selection for teenagers and adults alike.

SYNOPSIS
No one ever talked about the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot when I was growing up there in the 1980's. There was a brief mention of it in my Oklahoma History class in high school and I'm pretty sure most of my classmates were as surprised as I was to hear about it. It was just never discussed. It's hard to imagine something of that...more

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4.5 STARS What an amazing, introspective story about a complex issue which never seems to completely go away. A great YA selection for teenagers and adults alike. SYNOPSISNo one ever talked about the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot when I was growing up there in the 1980's.

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Publishing Date: March 2019

Publisher: Lerner

ISBN:9781541528109

Genre: SciFi/YA

Rating: 3.0/5

Publishers Description: PSS 118 is just your typical schoolexcept that its a rickety old spaceship orbiting Jupiter. When the school is mysteriously attacked, thirteen-year-old Jack receives a cryptic message from his father (the schools recently-fired-for-tinkering-with-the-ship science teacher). Amidst the chaos, Jack discovers that his dad has built humanitys first light-speed engineand given Jack...more

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Publishing Date: March 2019 Publisher: Lerner ISBN:9781541528109 Genre: SciFi/YA Rating: 3.0/5 Publishers Description: PSS 118 is just your typical schoolexcept that its a rickety old spaceship orbiting Jupiter. When the school is mysteriously attacked, thirteen-year-old Jack receives a cryptic message from his father (the schools recently-fired-for-tinkering-with-the-ship science teacher).

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Rating: 4.5 Stars

A Face Like Glass tells the tale of Caverna, an underground city, much like Alice's Wonderland. In Caverna, babies are born with the inability to show their emotions on their face and, as such, are taught how to mold their faces into expressions by wearing masks. If that wasn't strange enough, Caverna is a land of magic - although it is never seen as magical - for the wines can erase your memories, cheeses can help you see the future, and perfumes can command your thoughts. Into...more

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Stuti (Turmeric isn't your friend. It will fly your ship

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Rating: 4.5 Stars A Face Like Glass tells the tale of Caverna, an underground city, much like Alice's Wonderland. In Caverna, babies are born with the inability to show their emotions on their face and, as such, are taught how to mold their faces into expressions by wearing masks.

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This book is really creative, it starts as a contemporary and unexpectedly takes off into fantasy that in my opinion borders on sci-fi and thenThis book is really creative, it starts as a contemporary and unexpectedly takes off into fantasy that in my opinion borders on sci-fi and then returns to contemporary, kinda. Awesome and unexpected use of humor! My 5-star rating of this book also is because by the end Genie learns a lot about herself, and gains confidence in herself like many of the best female characters in YA literature. ...more (less)

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The Epic Crush of Genie Lo (The Epic Crush of Genie Lo #1)

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This book is really creative, it starts as a contemporary and unexpectedly takes off into fantasy that in my opinion borders on sci-fi and thenThis book is really creative, it starts as a contemporary and unexpectedly takes off into fantasy that in my opinion borders on sci-fi and then returns to contemporary, kinda.

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Timothy is given a year of house arrest and required to keep a journal the entire time for stealing a wallet to pay for his younger brother's medication. This is that journal and if reading it doesn't give you all the emotions, then I don't know what to tell you.

This. was. just. beautiful. I laughed. I cried. I cried a little more. I didn't want to stop reading about Timothy and Levi. Easily, five stars. Now it's time to read Knockout, the sequel to House Arrest.

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Timothy is given a year of house arrest and required to keep a journal the entire time for stealing a wallet to pay for his younger brother's medication. This is that journal and if reading it doesn't give you all the emotions, then I don't know what to tell you.

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They definitely kiss, and it's implied that they have sex, but not described. Nothing is explicit at all. They definitely kiss, and it's implied that they have sex, but not described. Nothing is explicit at all. Elizabeth Jeannel

There is, however, a great deal of cursing, so if you're wanting to avoid that?(less)
There is, however, a great deal of cursing, ...more

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They definitely kiss, and it's implied that they have sex, but not described. Nothing is explicit at all. They definitely kiss, and it's implied that they have sex, but not described. Nothing is explicit at all.

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So, here's the thing. I had a lot of books on my TBR shelf that had been sitting there for years, probably since I was in highschool. Gone was one of them. I recently cleared out my entire TBR (it took a while) because I realised I was never going to enjoy most of those books. Gone actually made it onto my physical bookshelf, however, so I picked it up the other day and started reading.

I think this is probably a really excellent series for anyone between the ages of 12-16. It's a really cool, ac...more

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Danielle The Book Huntress (Back to the Books)

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So, here's the thing. I had a lot of books on my TBR shelf that had been sitting there for years, probably since I was in highschool. Gone was one of them. I recently cleared out my entire TBR (it took a while) because I realised I was never going to enjoy most of those books.

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I think this is a clear case of why it's so important to read beyond a book's title page. Despite the racial slur in its title, I was required to readI think this is a clear case of why it's so important to read beyond a book's title page. Despite the racial slur in its title, I was required to read Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane in high school. I assume the book was selected because whoever designed the curriculum could recognize that the author's intent was not to offend, but rather to honestly depict his experience. In the case of Akata Witch, it is clear from my reading that the author's intent was not to offend Black Americans but rather to honestly portray the difficulty of fitting neatly into poorly demarcated racial/national hierarchies. Sunshine Jones...more

But I also think we have no business trying to determine what could or couldn't possibly be offensive to others - that should be up to the reader and if it offends them they are welcome to stop reading. (less)

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I think this is a clear case of why it's so important to read beyond a book's title page. Despite the racial slur in its title, I was required to readI think this is a clear case of why it's so important to read beyond a book's title page.

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Kids 13 and older can get 2 free audiobooks all summer long! See the attachment for directions.

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Contact Ms. Doherty @ sue_doherty@needham.k12.ma.us

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#Kidlit Rally for Black Lives, hosted by The Brown Bookshelf (video)

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#Kidlit Rally for Black Lives, hosted by The Brown Bookshelf (video)

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On June 4th, many famous children's and YA authors hosted a livestreamed Rally for Black Lives.  For the first half, they spoke from their hearts, recited poetry, told stories, and sang songs to help kids understand and process what is going on right now, why people are demonstrating, and things they can do.  For the second half, they addressed parents and educators, challenging adults to consider what their roles and responsibilities are in working to get rid of the racism that is found throughout all parts of American life.

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My 8th Graders had to read it as their summer assigned reading. Most of them enjoyed the book, though they were a little put off by the very frank comMy 8th Graders had to read it as their summer assigned reading. Most of them enjoyed the book, though they were a little put off by the very frank commentary by the woman in regards to "growing up" female (I have boobs!; boycraziness). But, that is part of life, is it not? And that is a huge part of what makes this book so relevant and worth reading. There are two instances of "bull****" and a couple of times where variations of "pissed" are used. There was tremendous opportunity for conversation in regards to tragedy, "what ifs", the meaning of friendship, priorities, fear, etc. I could go on and on. ...more (less)

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My 8th Graders had to read it as their summer assigned reading. Most of them enjoyed the book, though they were a little put off by the very frank comMy 8th Graders had to read it as their summer assigned reading.

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"I was afraid to go in the house, though, because that would mean running into her dad, who was none other than Jerry Rice. He was a god to me."

"After the injury, I thank God I had Slater around me. Slates has been a big part of my NFL success and my growth as a man as anyone. He is a positive guy, true at heart, and so giving. He's a devout Christian, and when he's praying for you, it's not just words. You know he's actively speaking to his higher power on your behalf."

More quotes...

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"I was afraid to go in the house, though, because that would mean running into her dad, who was none other than Jerry Rice. He was a god to me." "After the injury, I thank God I had Slater around me. Slates has been a big part of my NFL success and my growth as a man as anyone.

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She mentions it briefly and talks about her realization that when she had been busy trying to make it to the Olympics, someone took advantage of her, She mentions it briefly and talks about her realization that when she had been busy trying to make it to the Olympics, someone took advantage of her, and she had never realized that what was happening wasn't normal because it happened to everyone else too. I would also like to mention that it doesn't mention any specifics of what happened or anything that would be overwhelmingly uncomfortable or unsettling for the reader. ...more (less)

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She mentions it briefly and talks about her realization that when she had been busy trying to make it to the Olympics, someone took advantage of her, She mentions it briefly and talks about her realization that when she had been busy trying to make it to the Olympics, someone took advantage of her, and she had never realized that what was happening wasn't normal because it happened to everyone else too.

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Copies are checked out, but you can place a hold on Sora. 

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Copies are checked out, but you can place a hold on Sora. 

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They are about 98% the same. The "regular version" has more profanity in it, and a few storylines are a bit longer. For instance, the chapter about TrThey are about 98% the same. The "regular version" has more profanity in it, and a few storylines are a bit longer. For instance, the chapter about Trevor's time in jail includes some details about the people he met while he was there that are eliminated from the YA version. But for the most part, it's the same book. ...more (less)

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They are about 98% the same. The "regular version" has more profanity in it, and a few storylines are a bit longer. For instance, the chapter about TrThey are about 98% the same. The "regular version" has more profanity in it, and a few storylines are a bit longer.

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KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives: Anti-Racist Resources for Children, Families, and Educators 

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KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives: Anti-Racist Resources for Children, Families, and Educators 

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Resources provided by The Brown Bookshelf on their website as a follow up to the rally.

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"We who believe in freedom cannot rest."
-Ella Baker

Thank you so much to all who joined us for the KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives, created and coordinated by Kwame Alexander, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jason Reynolds. Please share your reflections on social media with the hashtag #KidLit4BlackLives. The Rally recording is currently available on our Facebook page, and we will update with future availability details.

The Brown Bookshelf remains committed to the ongoing work of amplifying and celebrating Black voices, of rejecting white supremacy, and empowering young readers. It continues to be "our collective mission, therefore, to promote understanding and justice through our art; to bolster every child's visceral belief that his or her life shall always be infinitely valuable." Strive for equity and engage in the work of liberation. Use our site in your home, classroom, and library to find just a small fraction of the incredible number of stories by Black creators from all across the Diaspora. Share the many different creator stories in our 28 Days Later archives. As Walter Dean Myers wrote, "There is work to be done." We are sharing the resources listed below, and invite you to do the work, every day, and move toward justice.

The time is now. It is a matter of life and death.
The Conscious Kid The Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners
The African American Children's Book Project (read our interview with the founder here.)
We Need Diverse Books Here Wee Read Fare of the Free Child Podcast 1619 Podcast Race Forward/Colorlines Color of Change
Just Us Books (read our Q&A with founders Cheryl and Wade Hudson here.)
The National Visionary Leadership Project Black Youth Project 100 Zinn Education Project Teaching for Change Teaching Tolerance National Museum of African American History & Culture Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility Black Children's Books & Authors
Kweli Journal (read our conversation with the founder here.)
Helping Kids Rise Rethinking Schools Clear the Air Disrupt Texts Cynthia Leitich Smith's Cynsations The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund Black Visions Collective ACLU Of Minnesota Dignity and Power Now

We Got This: Equity, Access, and the Quest to Be Who Our Students Need Us to Be (Heinemann) by Cornelius Minor

Being the Change: Lessons and Strategies to Teach Social Comprehension (Heinemann) by Sara K. Ahmed

Teaching for Black Lives (Rethinking Schools) ed. by Dyan Watson,
Jesse Hagopian and Wayne Au

Libraries, Literacy, and African American Youth (Libraries Unlimited) edited by Dr. Pauletta Brown Bracy, Sandra Hughes-Hassell and Casey H. Rawson

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KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives: Anti-Racist Resources for Children, Families, and Educators - The Brown Bookshelf

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"We who believe in freedom cannot rest." -Ella Baker Thank you so much to all who joined us for the KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives, created and coordinated by Kwame Alexander, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jason Reynolds. Please share your reflections on social media with the hashtag #KidLit4BlackLives.

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National Black Lives Matter at School is an organization struggling for liberation and racial justice in education for Black youth, educators, and all youth of color. We are a Black-led and multi-ethnoracial collective of educators, parents, organizers, youth, and community folx who are committed to creating a more just world so that all people may be able to access their full humanity. We work to address racial justice in education by promoting restorative justice, advocating for mental health support, increasing Black teaching staff, ending police presence in schools, and mandating Black history and ethnic studies. We encourage all educators, students, parents, unions, and community organizations to join our annual week of action during the first week of February each year.​

Our collective is guided by core principles that are grounded in a Black Feminist framework. Political views that have brought us together in doing this work, deep revolutionary transformational politics, opposition to neoliberalism, corporate reforms in education, defend and transform unions, Black Queer feminist anticapitalist politics, abolitionist politics and approach to restorative and transformative justice.

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National coalition organizing for racial justice in education.