Women's History Month - March 2021

 ~Our History Is Our Strength~

Each time a girl opens a book and reads a womanless history, 

she learns she is worth less.

                  -Myra Pollack Sadker, Professor, Author, Researcher and Activist

As recently as the 1970's, women's history was virtually an unknown topic in the k-12 curriculum. As educators, we are happy to see things have taken a drastic turn today in 2021. As librarians we strive to foster equality as part of our role, whether through promoting books with a positive message or providing safe spaces for progressive ideas to blossom.

Women's History Month provides students opportunities to celebrate and reflect upon the vital contributions made by women throughout history. The resources below will allow students to dive deeper into the experience of women who have contributed to positive change in their communities and around the world. 

Valuable Links

About Women's History Month

Library of Congress Resources

National Committee on Pay Equity

National Women's History Museum

National Women's History Project

Smithsonian Institution

Wide Open School

Books we recommend

"I do know one thing about me: I don't measure myself by others' expectations or let others define my worth. "

                -Sonia Sotomayor

"We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced."

                                            - Malala Yousafzai

Black History Month - February, 2021

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

– Nelson Mandela

Now more than ever, Black History Month is extremely important for kids and adults of all ages and backgrounds to recognize. Check out this post by History.com for the origins and back story of Black History Month. 

 As librarians, we strive to deliver as much information as we can in regards to every topic but this month is very special to all of us. It's the month where we spotlight our already popular books written by Black authors and/or books written about Black characters. 

Here are some of our favorite authors:

Jason Reynolds - Some of his more popular books are "All American Boys," "Miles Morales-Spiderman," and the "Track" series. 

Maya Angelou - "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is one of her most popular works. She is also known for her poetry. 

Toni Morrison - "The Bluest Eye," "Beloved," and "The Song of Solomon" are some of her works. 

Angie Thomas - A newer young adult author, Thomas has written "The Hate U Give" as well as "On the Come Up." 

Jacqueline Woodson - A 2020 recipient of The Hans Christian Andersen Award, her most notable work is "Brown Girl Dreaming." 

Tomi Adeyemi - A fantasy writer, Adeyemi is best known for her book "Children of Blood and Bone," the first in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. 

Derrick Barnes - His picture book, "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" received the Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award for this book. 

Here are a few book lists that have been made by others:  

The Chicago Parent website has a fantastic list of 13 Black History Books to Read With Your Kids 

Top 15 Children's Books for Black History Month compiled by Erin Dower on familyeducation.com. 

Afoma Umesi is a blogger who has recently compiled a list of 58 Black Middle-Grade Books. 

The Epic Reads website put out a list entitled 20 YA Books You Need to Read—Especially During Black History Month. 

 Please check out our previous post on books related to social justice and race relations here for more great titles and authors!