Foreword by Kirby McCurtis
With the help of this book's adaptable storytime activities, tools for
self-reflection, and discussion starters, children's librarians will
learn how to put anti-racism work into their professional practice while
fostering an environment that celebrates all identities.
As the weekly lists of best-sellers demonstrate, many people want to
engage with racial issues. But when it comes to talking about race, they
often don't know how or are hesitant to take the first steps. This
includes children's librarians, who are taking seriously our
profession's calls for diversity, equity, and inclusion. They already
know that popular storytimes can be an effective way to increase
community representation and belonging at the library. Incorporating
race into storytimes is an ideal way to foster inclusion by normalizing
conversations about these issues. This book will help public and school
librarians face their own biases, showing them how to have honest
discussions with children, their caregivers, and storytime attendees, as
well as their colleagues. In this book, you will discover
- several ready-to-use library storytimes that incorporate racial
themes, complete with sample activities and booklists;
- an anti-oppression framework, based on the author's own real-world
practice, that is customizable for different settings and situations;
- concrete suggestions for overcoming fears and awkwardness when it
comes to talking about race, with advice on practicing new language,
making space to connect around appropriate cultural books for read
alouds, and evaluating books for storytime;
- interactive self-reflecting worksheets which explore planning picture
book introductions and songs for inclusive storytimes, providing
age-appropriate glimpses into history, and suggested affirmations in
describing skin tone, hair, and language;
- advocacy talking points centered on social justice that will encourage
discussion with co-workers and other library staff; and
- guidance on community engagement, relationship building, and
intentionally trying to diversify your world in order to truly become
an anti-bias practitioner.
