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
I 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 Kao Kalia 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.