Welcome to More Than A Book

As we all know, we are living in a time where it is no longer enough to just be aware.  We must raise our children to actively participate in changing how our society treats all of its citizens, especially those of marginalized groups.   The purpose of More Than A Book is to support parents in using children’s books to engage their kids in meaningful conversation about topics that aren’t always comfortable to talk about.  

The internet is full of so many great lists of books your family can read to embrace diversityThis word simply means differences.  It generally refers to differences in things like race, gender, religion, language, culture, or appearance. More & explore topics like racismThe belief that a person's personality, behavior, & values is based solely upon their race. It is also the belief that one group of people are better than another. More, gender identityThe gender (male or female) that shows how a person sees themselves instead of simply the gender given at birth. More, etc.  However, I struggled to find any lists that went beyond the titles and descriptions.  So I decided to combine my love of children’s books with my background in child psychology (as well as my commitment to actively continue learning) to help families really explore the story. Focusing on elementary-age kids, I develop questions and activities specific to each title that parents can use to engage their kids in meaningful ways; the book then becoming a tool and more than just a book.  While there are books that are enjoyable reads & simply promote an awareness and appreciation of diversityThis word simply means differences.  It generally refers to differences in things like race, gender, religion, language, culture, or appearance. More as part of what makes being a human so great; there are so many more with the potential to create meaningful understanding that can lead to changes in perceptions & actions.   

Each post will include a brief description of the book, discussion questions, and activity ideas. I will also include a link to an online read aloud as they’re available. I encourage families to check out books from the local library or purchase them whenever possible. The simple action of getting a physical copy of the book creates a ripple effect in which libraries, bookstores, and publishers see an increase in demand and will publish/acquire more book titles of this nature. By purchasing a book you also have the chance to help an author. In partnership with Bookstore.org, More Than A Book donates 100% of funds received from your purchase to Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery; a Black woman-owned Chicago bookstore. 

In addition to book discussions, I’m developing a glossary with kid friendly definitions of important words and topics. Links to videos, articles, and other topical resources will also be added over time.

Since I have to start somewhere (there are a lot of children’s books!), I am starting with a focus on racismThe belief that a person's personality, behavior, & values is based solely upon their race. It is also the belief that one group of people are better than another. More but hope to expand to include many other forms of diversityThis word simply means differences.  It generally refers to differences in things like race, gender, religion, language, culture, or appearance. More that make up the population of our country and the prejudices many people experience. 

It is my belief that it is only when we make a story More Than a Book that we can really help children understand concepts like privilege, prejudiceCreating ideas about someone we do not know based upon something like skin color or gender. Prejudices are generally negative. More, or racismThe belief that a person's personality, behavior, & values is based solely upon their race. It is also the belief that one group of people are better than another. More and teach them how to become someone who creates change and is a true allyA person willing to speak up or simply stand next to someone else (or a group of people) when they are being treated unfairly. An ally is also committed to learning and understanding more in order to help create changes. More to others.