The Tiny Activist
Transform your bookshelf…one story at a time!
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28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World
For #sweetsandsocialjustice this week I went down a bit of a rabbit hole for the stunning book 28 Days, which celebrates iconic moments and contributions made by the Black community. I ended up finding a really cool article from the Smithsonian (which you can read here) about how enslaved chefs shaped American cuisine, one from First We Feast (link here), and one from the NYT (hopefully there’s no paywall and you can read it here). I eventually landed on making an apple cake in my trusty cast iron skillet.
Read MoreNo Voice Too Small
Edited by: Lindsay H. Metcalf, Keila V. Dawson, Jeanette Bradley Illustrated by: Jeanette Bradley For ages: 5-9 years Language: English Topics Covered: Activism, Youth Activists, Poetry, Own Voices, Environmental Activism, Violence, Indigenous Voices, American Citizens, LGBTQ, Education, Muslim Activist, Community. Summary: Y’all need to buckle up for…
Read MoreA Story About Afiya
Written by: James Berry Illustrated by: Anna Cunha For ages: 3-8 years old Language: English Topics Covered: Imagination, Poetry, Memories, POC-Centric Narratives, Black Culture & Identity. Summary: A Story About Afiya tells of a joyful girl named Afiya and her magic dress, which picks up…
Read MoreFirebird
Written by: Misty Copeland with Charisse Jones Illustrated by: Christopher Myers For ages: 4 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Trailblazers, POC-Centric Narratives, Poetry, Ballet, Historical Figure, Historical Events, Art, Growing Up, Hard Work, Inspiration. Summary: This book is a beautiful conversation between trailblazing ballerina…
Read MoreA Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice
Written by: Nadia L. Hohn Illustrated by: Eugenie Fernandes For ages: 4-8 years Language: English & Jamaican/Caribbean Patois Topics Covered: Historical Figure, POC-Centric Narratives, Poetry, Global Community, Trailblazer, Black Culture & Identity, Jamaica, Language, Literacy. Summary: Louise is a young girl living in Kingston, Jamaica. She loves…
Read MoreThey Call Me Güero; A Border Kid’s Poems
Written by: David Bowles Cover Art by: Zeke Peña For ages: YA upper elementary/middle grades Language: English & Spanish Topics Covered: Growing Up, Mexican-American Experience, Immigration, Prejudice, Culture & Traditions, Poetry, Own Voices, Latinx. Summary: Our narrator is a twelve year old boy known only…
Read MoreFreedom over me; Eleven slaves, their lives and dreams brought to life
Written & Illustrated by: Ashley Bryan For ages: 10-12 years (grades 4-6) Language: English Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Enslavement, Enslaved People, Historical Figures, Historical Events, Poetry, Historic Narratives, Narratives of Enslavement. Summary: This book is comprised of poems telling the stories of 11 enslaved people. Records…
Read MoreKeep Climbing, Girls
Written by: Beah E. Richards (Introduction by LisaGay Hamilton) Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie For ages: 4 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Self-Expression, Acceptance, Self-Acceptance, Independence. Summary: This is a poem about girl power! The main character is determined to prove her…
Read MoreA Song for Gwendolyn Brooks
Written by: Alice Faye Duncan Illustrated by: Xia Gordon For ages: 4 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Poetry, Black Culture & Identity, Women Poets, Own Voices, Trailblazer, Historical Figure, Historical Events. Summary: This book is a fascinating rendition of poetry surrounding Gwendolyn…
Read MoreAround Our Way on Neighbor’s Day
Written by: Tameka Fryer Brown Illustrated by: Charlotte Riley-Webb For ages: 4-7 years Language: English Topics Covered: Community, POC-Centric Narratives, Friendship, Poetry. Summary: This is a bright, fun, lyrical adventure through a close-knit neighborhood during the celebration of Neighbors’ Day (which could be described as a…
Read MoreCo-Founder: Corrie “the Boss”
Co-Founder: Lee “the Dreamer”
