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Diversity in TV, Theatre, and Books — Thinking about Autism

ByElizabeth Starborn

When people think of diversity and of diverse characters in books, television, or movies, they often only think in terms of skin color or religious views. But there are many aspects to diversity. Ensuring that there are characters, both kids and adults, who deal with physical, mental, or emotional challenges is an important part of…

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Under the Mambo Moon by Julia Durango — Book Recommendation

ByElizabeth Starborn

Earlier this month, we looked at the verse novel The Crossover. Today, we’re exploring another, very different verse novel. Enjoy! Title: Under the Mambo Moon Author: Julia Durango Illustrator: Fabricio VandenBroeck Publisher: Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge, 2011 Genre: Middle Grade novel in verse Audience Age: 9 to 12 Themes/topics: dance, diversity, South American dances and customs,…

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The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

ByElizabeth Starborn

Title: The Crossover Author: Kwame Alexander Publisher: New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014 Genre: Middle Grade fiction in verse Audience Age: 9 to 12 years Themes/Topics: basketball, parent/child relationships, brothers, illness, loss Opening Sentences: Dribbling At the top of the key I’m MOVING & GROOVING, POPping and ROCKING— Why you BUMPING? Why you LOCKING? Man,…

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Light Comes from Many Sources During the Holiday Season! — Book Recommendations

ByElizabeth Starborn

I have four books to share with you today. They’re all picture books, but they are not little-kid stories. They are all picture books intended for older kids, and they all talk about this season, and about the lights of the season. At this time of year, there seem to be lights everywhere. Lights on…

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A Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord — Book Recommendation

ByElizabeth Starborn

Right now, many people — kids and grownups — are scared, wondering what is going to happen in the next few years. Books can provide hope and help and a feeling of safety, as well as helping us to learn about each other so we can celebrate all the ways we are the same, instead…