Eliminating Book Deserts Donation Page

Welcome to my #EliminatingBookDeserts Page! 

I am a participant in this project because this past year has been challenging for all of us, especially the parents of our communities. Many lives changed, our homes became schools, and our resources have limited. The community book outlets that many rely on adjusted to safety guidelines, yet it is a route many cannot conquer. Library practices have changed to a drive-thru and no contact returns, making it difficult for those who cannot always buy books or ride to the library. This project helps provide books to those who seek them. It is a great way to support our children and teens during these trying times. But it is always a good day to donate.

How I Did It…

Today representation and being relatable is key, so I focused on the population we are giving back to, The Greater Atlanta Area, such as Dekalb, Fulton, and Cobb Counties, which are homes to more than 750,00 immigrants. Then I researched the question, “Do Kids feel represented through Books?”. And through my search, I notice more books about animals and inanimate objects than looks about minorities meaning that the youth do not see themselves in the characters or plotlines in books. So I felt compelled to not only gather books but also to include books that mirror the students in classrooms. I ultimately donated directly with the help of family and friends to gather books to donate. 

Advise

I highly recommend those who wish to participate in research about the struggles our youth is facing and look for books to enlighten their minds. Gifting a book is a precious gesture and gifting with a purpose is a plus. 

#BookGoals

My goal is to collect 10 or more books for all K-12 interests. 

Sample Books 

Here I included a list of books that I looked into from diverse Authors with protagonists of different backgrounds for kids and teens.

Books on Black History Month For Children 

Milo Imagines the World by Matt de la Pena  

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry                              

Sulwe By Lupita Nyongo 

Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy 

Dancing in the Wings by Debbie Allen  

All because you Matter by Tami Charles 

 Black History Month Middle to High School 

 Calling my Name by Liara Tamani 

The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed  

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America  

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson 

Concrete Rose by Angie Tomas  

The Hate you Give by Angie Tomas  

 Hispanic Heritage for Children 

Pepe and the Parade: A celebration of Hispanic Heritage by Tracey Kyle and Mireille Ortega 

Green is a Chile Pepper by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and John Para 

Abuela By Arthur Doros  

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales  

Islandborn by Junot Diaz 

 Hispanic Heritage for Teens  

am not your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erica L Sanchez 

Books By Julia Alvarez 

Clap when you Land by Elizabeth Acevedo 

The Music of What Happens by Bill Konigsberg 

The Freedom Writer Diary 

 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage for Children 

Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim 

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho and Dung Ho 

The Most Beautiful Thing by KaKalia Yang and Khoa Le  

Bee-Bim Bop by Linda Sue Park  

Am I small? By Nadja Wichmann 

 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage for Teens 

Books by Jenny Han 

The Silence of Bones by June Hur  

How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao 

The Weight of Our Sky by Hannah Alkaf 

When Dimple met Rishi by Sandhya Menon 

 Mental Health for teens

Rupi Kapur Collections 

Crank Series by Ellen Hopkins 

Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon 

Highly Illogical Behavior by John Corey Whaley 

That’s not what happened by Kody Keplinger. 

What I Donated…

I donated a variety of books, from children to young adult books. Some of the books contain protagonists and storylines based on different cultural traditions. I also included books that had a positive impact on my personal growth, and I want to pass on these books that helped me have a positive look at the future. Lastly, I included some of my favorite books, like Just Mercy and The Hunger Games.

Schools to Donate to

Jolly Elementary School 

1070 Otello Avenue Clarkston, Ga 30021

Salem Middle School 

5333 Salem Road Stonecrest, Ga 30038

Clarkston High School

618 North Indian Creek Clarkston, Ga 30021

How to donate

Your support is tremendously appreciated. You can donate by mailing books to any of the schools listed above with a note stating, “To the #EliminatingBookDeserts” If you would like to learn more about the Children’s Literature Conference. If you would like to learn more about The Children Literatures Association, click #EliminatingBookDeserts.