7 Ways to Celebrate Diversity in October
October is finally here and there is so much to celebrate! We know that Halloween is coming up and costumes paired with candy is something to cheer for, BUT for us October is also about breast cancer, down syndrome and ADD/ADHD awareness month. We continue to celebrate hispanic/latin heritage and give recognition to global diversity and bat appreciation - yes the very cool, very creepy BAT! We are thrilled to share with you Marlo Bea's lit pick of the month and hope you enjoy..
1. I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves—inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.
2. I'm NOT just a Scribble by Diane Alber
Scribble, the book's main character, never thought he was different until he met his first drawing. Then, After being left out because he didn't look like everyone else. Scribble teaches the drawings how to accept each other for who they are. Which enables them to create amazing art.
This book not only has illustrations that any child can personally recognize but it also addresses inclusion without boundaries so that anyone can relate to it.
3. The Boy with Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee
Meet a boy with feelings so big that they glow from his cheeks, spill out of his eyes, and jump up and down on his chest. When a loud truck drives by, he cries. When he hears a joke, he bursts with joy. When his loved ones are having a hard day, he feels their emotions as if they were his own. The boy tries to cope by stuffing down his feelings, but with a little help and artistic inspiration, the boy realizes his feelings are something to be celebrated.
4. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting by Yuyi Morales
This original trickster tale, with its vivacious illustrations and dynamic read-aloud text, is at once a spirited tribute to the rich traditions of Mexican culture and a perfect introduction to counting in both English and Spanish.
5. The Bat Book by Charlotte Milner
Discover why these mammals are essential to the world we live in, learn just how much they matter, why they are under threat, and what we can do to help. Bright, bold, and beautiful illustrations accompany fascinating fun facts about these furry flying mammals in this adorable kids' book.
6. Cancer Party! by Sara S. Olsher
When Sara Olsher was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 34, her first thought was how to tell her six-year-old daughter without scaring her. Cancer Party! is the result of that conversation and experience. It is the book Sara wished she could have snuggled up on the couch and read with her child. Cancer Party! is a little bit science, a little bit silly, and a lot straightforward.
7. Oh, the Seeds You Can Sow by Jessica Lisk
Janie Grace is excited to finally get to work on her Papa's apple orchard, but little does she know, she is about to learn a lesson that will change her life forever. How can someone so small create such a big change? Join Janie Grace, a spunky seven-year-old, on a big adventure as she learns the value of planting just few good seeds in the world around her.
Janie Grace is excited to finally get to work on her Papa's apple orchard, but little does she know, she is about to learn a lesson that will change her life forever.
Want a little more?? Here you go..
Paletero Man by Lucky Diaz
Ring! Ring! Ring! Can you hear his call? Paletas for one! Paletas for all!
What’s the best way to cool off on a hot summer day? Run quick and find Paletero José!
Follow along with our narrator as he passes through his busy neighborhood in search of the Paletero Man. But when he finally catches up with him, our narrator’s pockets are empty. Oh no! What happened to his dinero? It will take the help of the entire community to get the tasty treat now.
Lil’ Loteria: A Bilingual (English/Spanish) Picture Word Bingo Game by Lil' Libros
Lil’ Loteria is a fun twist on a traditional classic that turns the game of bingo into a bilingual learning game! Kids learn memory and matching skills plus vocabulary words in English and Spanish.
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela thinks that six names is way too many! But as she learns more about how her names connect her to her family, Alma becomes very proud of all her names.
Be Bold! Be Brave! 11 Latinas who made U.S. History by Naibe Reynoso
A bilingual book that highlights 11 Latinas who excelled in various fields including medicine, science, sports, art and politics. By presenting the true biographical stories of these outstanding Latinas in rhyming verses, young readers will easily follow their journey to success. Some of the women highlighted include Antonia Novello (first female Surgeon General in the U.S.), Ellen Ochoa (first Latina to go to space), Sonia Sotomayor (first Latina Supreme Court Justice,) Rita Moreno (first Latina to win an Oscar), Selena, and Pura Belpre (first Latina to incorporate and promote bilingual literacy in Public Libraries).