Yesterday, being able to march in the second Women's March with my mother and daughter and a group of incredible like-minded women, I feel re-energized and empowered to do what I can to help make this country the best one it can be for m…
Each year, Black History Month is a wonderful time for Americans to celebrate the historical achievements and contributions of Black people in this country. But I dream of a time that these achievements will be given equal representation…
As a strong proponent of bookshelves filled with diverse books -- in our libraries, our schools, and certainly at home -- I've become much more aware of not seeking out books featuring heroes of color, but ensuring that a diverse group o…
Over the years, we've shared some of our favorite activities for Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Reading outstanding kids' books about activism , getting messy with some inspirational family craft projects (we're still loving this DIY mural …
The 2017 National Book Awards have just been announced, in time for those crisp autumn nights cuddling up with a good book. And while you should check out all the finalists in the fiction and nonfiction categories, we're sharing the Youn…
Thanks to a 19-year-old artist who originated the hashtag, the #DrawingWhileBlack campaign on social media caught on and became a veritable treasure trove of art on Twitter. I watched in real time thrilled to discover the talents of hund…
Issues concerning civil rights and racial justice in America have never stopped being news. At least if you're paying attention. However over the past few years, they've really become front and center in a more widespread way, thanks to …
We are enamored of those tees for our kids featuring superheroes, pop culture references, rock bands, and sports teams. And they love them. In part because they know that we love that stuff, and they're pleasing us to show their allegian…
This past week has been so difficult. For me, for all of us here...and probably for you. The events in Charlottesville have shined a bright light on bigotry and hate, which can do real damage to your soul. And if we feel scared and heart…
Lately, as my kids are getting older and the world has gotten (ahem) a little crazier, my 10- and 12-year-old have been questioning what's going on. I chat with them about my own observations and beliefs...and ask them about theirs. But …
When she decided she wanted to fly, she didn't let anything hold her back.
This weekend, Senator Ben Sasse issued a response to address the (rightful) outrage around his Friday night appearance with Bill Maher. He stated that he should have spoken up when Maher unacceptably used the N-word. He tweeted that "jus…
Once in awhile, a children's book comes along that's equal parts timely and and classic, and that's just how I'd describe the We are Shining , penned by the late poet laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner, Gwendolyn Brooks. It's filled with…
One of the best ways our kids can learn empathy and celebrate diversity is to see the myriad of ways different people live their lives all around the world. Which is why I am loving the brand-new children's book, This Is How We Do It , b…
If your news feed has been dragging you down lately, take heart. Volunteerism is a great way to put that energy to positive use, and spring is the perfect time for you and your family to discover ways to volunteer for your own local comm…
Hi, nice to meet you. I'm one of the many parents who tries desperately to squeeze in a few last-minute Oscar nominated movie screenings just before the actual ceremony each year so I have at least a moderate shot at the family Oscar poo…
If you've been looking for a good way to celebrate diversity with your very youngest kids during Black History Month (and well, every single month), a great place to start is Sesame Street. Because, of course! Our favorite kids' show has…
Do you know how many of the 2016 Oscars best picture nominees I've seen this year? Zero. Not a single one. Because, kids. But, I have one last chance to see them all before the big awards ceremony. And at a discount too. See, sometimes i…
This week, I am under the impression, for some reason, that lots of folks are searching for information on Frederick Douglass: Who was Frederick Douglass? What did he do that was so important? How did he earn a place in the new Smithsoni…
Today marks not only the beginning of Black History Month, but the birthday of the beloved, brilliant, prescient poet Langston Hughes, who would have been 114 today. As with all essential writers throughout history, his words live on lon…
I'm a child of an immigrant. And so I jumped at the chance to put together a list of some of my favorite children's books about the immigrant experience. I know first-hand just how difficult it is for someone to get to America for a bett…
As a mom-to-be, I've been looking for some inspirational prints for boys that I can hang on the nursery walls. After all, I've already started my campaign to create a compassionate son, starting with the essential feminist onesie , which…
Today, there's excitement about the Oscar nominations, but yesterday was the Academy Awards for book lovers. The ALA made its big announcement of the books worthy of the annual Caldecott, Newbery, and Coretta Scott King medal winners, as…
Over the years, we've put together so many fantastic ways to help honor the important, impactful work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., especially to help families be able to discuss how we might all carry on his legacy. We hope you'll chec…