Letter from the Editors

NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

Dear Readers, In this 2022 edition of MRA Today, we have collected educators’ insights about the many wonderful children’s and young adult books that shaped them as readers and empathetic, caring humans. As editors, we are grateful for their generosity of spirit, and the insights they have shared, wisdom that allows us to learn from each other and embrace multiple perspectives. Their insights helped us think about personal viewpoints and our teaching in new and powerful ways. The adult lessons that emerged offer us a collaborative reflection on “the Something”.... “And when the other mice ran up one side and down the other, across the Something from end to end, they agreed. Now they saw, too” (Ed Young, Seven Blind Mice). “Real education comes in unexpected places” like picture books! In Robert Fulghum’s classic “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”, we are reminded of important lessons learned around “ecology and politics and equality”. “Across the course of our lives, we wrestle with…” many complex issues. However, “the elemental notions about humanity were handed to us with great care when we were very young”. We are so fortunate to have children’s books to access sensitive topics, springboard brave conversations, and keep learning as adults. Every child has the right to see themselves in the books they read. Many times, adults have difficulty navigating the critical conversations children need to have with more experienced others. Fortunately for children - and for all of us - we can look to the rich array of children’s literature that teach the lessons we need. Lessons that include discussion of important and controversial perspectives such as Critical Race Theory, gender identity, banned books, global warming, loss, disability pride, inclusive education, and multiple perspectives. With divisive politics battling over what and how we teach, we suggest you look to children’s books to remind you of issues that you care deeply about. “It was an opportunity for me to learn and to grow. To be brave. To do something” (Kobi Yamada, What Do You Do With A Problem?). We hope that the lessons and literature shared within inspire conversation, courage, and action. Books can help us heal and grow as educators, as a community, and as a society. Thanks to the authors and illustrators of the selected books, thanks to the educators for sharing their reflections, and thank you all for reading! “The Rainbow Fish shared his scales left and right. And the more he gave away, the more delighted he became” (Marcus Pfister, The Rainbow Fish). We hope that this edition of MRA Today brings you joy, replenishment, and learning as we ease into a summer of reading. We hope your summer reading includes beautiful and inspiring books for all ages. Valerie and Patricia

Celebrating Diversity

Libraries and book collections that promote equity and inclusion

Windows, Mirrors, Sliding Glass Doors

Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop coined the phrase “Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors” to

explain how children see themselves in books and how they can also learn about the lives of

others through literature. Dr. Bishop makes the point that it’s crucial for children from marginalized groups to view themselves in the books they read.

Schoolwide’s mission is to:

• Choose diverse books by diverse authors • Curate inclusive classroom libraries • Partner with publishers who focus on the intersection of identity

Schoolwide’s Offerings

• Culturally responsive and SEL classroom libraries • Diverse small-book collections • Culturally relevant mentor texts and Read-Alouds • Family Literacy • PD Supports

CONTACT SCHOOLWIDE TODAY TO RECEIVE A FREE CATALOG AND SPEAK WITH MARTHA COAKLEY (LITERACY ADVISOR)!