From Refugees to Voting Rights, Books to Inspire a Just, Inclusive Society

Submitted by Judy Hanning on Mon, 2017-02-27 02:00
It has been said that reading is fundamental. And indeed, life lessons are achieved in the reading of books. They inspire us, teach us about faraway places and expose us to new ideas. So, why shouldn’t books be a tool to aid our country in her hour of need? Division among political, racial and other lines is at an all time high.

A divisive election has shown us that there remains much work to do to help promote a deeper understanding and acceptance of our human differences.

Books that touch on these sensitive areas, helping Americans of all ages to understand and grasp the different viewpoints that surround these issues are the key. Bank Street Books has a long history of providing books for teachers and students that widen the worldview and promote greater understanding. As a resource, it is now a good time to lean on books and providers of great books, like Bank Street Books, to help all Americans understand the times we live in.
At Bank Street, learning about identity—including race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more—is key to our curricula. We strongly believe that educators and librarians have a heightened responsibility to create safe and meaningful learning environments that nurture thoughtful, empathetic, and productive citizens of tomorrow.
~ School Library Journal

Key Takeaways:

1
During times like these, we learn how to come together regardless of diverse background.
2
Librarians and teachers are welcoming refugees and assisting in their education.
3
There is a list of books that will assist in students learning English and becoming equal to the American-born peers.
Read the full article here:
http://www.readingrockets.org/news/refugees-voting-rights-books-inspire-just-inclusive-society