Educator Book Recs #1: Black Writers

Are you looking to diversify your reading curriculum or classroom library?

My February Books are all by black writers in celebration of Black History Month.

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📕 The ABCs of Black History by Rio Cortez is a perfect read aloud for an elementary school classroom. With incredible information, bold and beautiful art, and lyrical writing, it's essential reading to teach little ones about amazing black individuals and moments who have paved the road before us.

📖 Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender and Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas would be amazing classroom library additions for 8th to 12th graders. Middle and high schoolers crave connection and relatability as they struggle to figure out who they are. They need to feel seen and heard in the books they read, especially as they might have the words to articulate what they need.

Students who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity, dealing with bullying, or struggling with unhealthy relationships may find what they need in Felix Ever After.

Students who loved The Hate U Give or can relate to gang life or family members who are involved in gang life will enjoy Maverick's story in Concrete Rose. 

📙 March Graphic Novel Trilogy and excerpts of Zora Neale Hurston's new anthology, Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick would be meaningful texts for instruction in Humanities courses.

Teachers can use March to teach about the Civil Rights Movement or the importance of POV. Hurston's different short stories can be used for lessons on figurative language, diction, or characterization, 

To my fellow educators, how do you see yourself using these texts in your work or classroom? Let me know in the comments below.

Best,
Tuma

P.S. Check out my past Book of the Month titles for more possible classroom texts. I can create more posts like this if it's helpful. Let me know in the comments!