Friday, June 28, 2013

Recommended Summer Reading

I have read a few books recently that I would highly recommend . When he is included in history books at all, Nat Turner's is usually mentioned only as the leader of an unsuccessful slave uprising that led to a more militant proslavery stance. In contrast, 101Changemakers: Rebels and Radicals Who Changed U.S. History, presents Turner as a person with a life story and a legacy that "inspired those opposed to slavery". You will read about people you know any some you never hear of that have made a difference. The book, edited by Michelle Bollinger and Dao X. Tran, uses Turner and others to inspire a new generation of rebels and radical. This book is good for middle school and up.

The Night Dad Went to Jail, by Melissa Higgins, takes readers into the life of a young child whose father is arrested and sent to prison. Information is provided throughout for parents and teachers to use as discussion builders with your child or students. It offers crucial insights that every educator needs. Good for elementary and up.

Based on the same character that inspired the Trevor Project (a national organization support LGBTQ youth), Trevor by James Lencesne brings home the importance of embracing uniqueness and celebrating diversity. From humorous rants about class assignment to sobering account to attempted suicide, Trevor gives the reader a glimpse if what it's like to be an LGBT teen. For mature middle school youth, high school and up.

Almost half a century has passed since the civil right movement, but the hunger for equality, the courage in the face of brutality and the awful patience necessary to outwit the slow pace of social change live on in the poems complied in Words of Protest, Words of Freedom: Poetry of the American Civil Rights Movement and Era, edited by Jeffery Lamar Coleman. This collection of poems takes you straight to the heart of the civil rights movement. Middle and high school.

Hunted, by Cheryl Raindfield, imagines a world where "Paranormals" (psychics and telekinetics) are oppressed and enslaved by "Normals". This young-adult novel, which reminds readers of the need for action and advocacy on the behalf of people without a voice, is a great tool to for discussions about social-justice issues. Middle and high school.

No More Teasing, a Kate Woo book by Fran Manushkin, tells a kid-friendly story of why teasing hurts-and how to stop it. It's easy for kids to understand and I recommend it for elementary school.

Enjoy your summer reading, for more recommendations on youth and adult books you can find me at kidsbookstomakeadifferencea@blogspot.com  or www.debrastutoring.com and my Facebook page Debra's Tutoring.

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