I thought it would be best to have this in a separate post from this one with some of my reflections on white supremacy. Below, you can find a number of resources that I found challenging, comforting, inspiring, and helpful, in various and powerful combinations, in the weeks since the events in Charlottesville. Some quotes and annotations will give you an idea what you'll find in each link. It got so long, I just couldn't help it. Even if you don't read all of the articles, there are some really spectacular quotes to check out; the one at the top is a teaser, so you'll keep reading!

In all honesty, I don't know what to write following Charlottesville and walking in this place where a curtain over white supremacy has been lifted, and there's a lot of ugliness staring us in the face. So instead of trying to actually write, the first thing I did was to start compiling resources that amazing folks were posting all over, thinking that I could contribute by sharing them. That's fine, and you can find a bunch of links in this post, and I hope you find them as helpful and as inspiring as I do. But even though it's hard to know what to say, it feels it's more dangerous, and more cowardly, not to even try. So here I go.

I'm coming to terms with the fact that reading kidlit is just my favorite thing, and that I don't only do it for research purposes. Middle grade novels are my happy place, and there is SO MUCH GOOD STUFF OUT THERE! Sorry for shouting, it's just that I want to read (and share) all the books. That said, here's some of what I've gotten into so far this summer.

Okay, here we go! Welcome to The Liberatory Library! I'm venturing into the world of websites, blogs, and social media with a purpose: to talk and learn about education as the practice of freedom (thank you, bell hooks). I'm thinking about literacy instruction, the workshop model, student voice, and special education, and I'm also thinking about how all of that intersects with social justice and social change, with celebrating diversity and combating racism, with mindfulness and intentional teaching. AND I'm thinking about how to do so with JOY! 

This is a brand new endeavor, but here are three things I think you'll find here:

• Book lists and recommendations: I spend a LOT of time searching out and reading kidlit, including picture books, early readers, and middle grade novels, looking for fantastic, diverse books that my kids and I will love. I plan to share tons of books here!
• Theory and research: As I continue on my path to educate myself and deepen my thinking on these topics, I'll post resources and reflections.
• Classroom life: It's summer now, but pretty soon I'll be back to my life revolving around the community of small humans that I spend my days with, and I'll be sharing pictures and stories about our life together. In particular, I'll share books we're talking about, strategies that we're using, and writing projects that we're excited about. Also plenty of kid conversations, because my kids are hilarious.
  

So, check back here for more! Also, you can find me on Instagram and Twitter, where you can get blog updates, and where we can connect!

Meanwhile, Happy Summer!