Anyway, I kept hearing that phrase “pay it forward” at various points during the past week.  I was curious about its exact meaning, so I looked it up.   It’s the idea that once something good happens to you, you turn around and do something good for someone else.

In the spirit of the holidays, we’re in the process of connecting with a few local shelters to provide books for their children.  We’re looking for a few good shelters, so if you know of any Chicago area shelters, leave us a comment.

I’m excited, because I think that when you have little else, stories offer hope.  We’re not doing it because we’ve had an Amazon type of year, so it was less about paying it forward.  It was more like paying it sideways.  As we grow as a company, we want to bring along kids that may not have the same opportunities as others.  We hope they will be inspired by the books and feel our sincere love and support.

Maybe this year was a tough one for your and your family because of all of the economic upheaval, but how will you pay it sideways this holiday season?

Happy Holdiays!

Of Thee I Sing

by Barack Obama

In a heartfelt tribute to his daughters, President Obama highlights several great leaders and their positive character traits.  This book is great for kids but also a wonderfully inspiring read for adults as well.

Black Cowboys

By Gina DeAngelis

The Old West was filled with cowboys, and this book tells of the stories and contributions of some of those brave and adventurous men.  A chapter book great for the 9-12 age group.  Although this one is not in our stock at the moment, we couldn’t resist sharing this great tale with you.  It’s a wonderful read for kids who are interested in books about the past.

In Her Hands:  The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage

By: Alan Schroeder

Share the story of an amazing, less celebrated African American sculptor during the Harlem Renaissance.  She overcame many obstacles to bring the world her amazing artistry.  Great for expanding on topics and themes related to celebrating heritage, art, and making the most of one’s talent.  Grades 3-6

America’s Black Founders: Revolutionary Heroes and Leaders

Nancy I. Sanders

This is likely not a book your child is going to want to sit down and read on their own, but it is a wonderful book for sharing some stories about the contributions of lesser-

known African Americans who helped shape this country.  You’ll definitely leave inspired and feel a sense of pride as you share this legacy of excellence with younger generations.  Great for slightly older kids–Grades 5 & up.

We Troubled the Waters

By: Ntozake Shange

Award-winning poet, Ntozake Shange pens a book brimming with resilience and hope.  She tells the stories of the courageous men and women who battled against crippling injustices such as the Jim Crow south.  Your child will learn of an America different from the one he or she is growing up in and hopefully be inspired by the power of everyday people to do extraordinary things.  Grades 6 & up.

Happy Reading!

To start, here is a book that will be sure to inspire and educate your older boy.  I should mention that you don’t have to be a boy to enjoy these books.  They’re equally inspiring and educational for girls.

Safe at Home by Sharon Robinson

This book was authored by the daughter of baseball great Jackie Robinson, but the subject matter goes beyond sports.  This boy must adjust to losing his dad and dealing with a move from his home in Connecticut to city life in New York.  We follow him on his path from grief to healing and watch as he regains his hopefulness in unexpected ways.  This book has many layers and themes that will provide opportunities for discussion with your child.  8-11 age range.

While it seems that sports are the order of the day for many books geared towards boys in the 9-12 age range, we’re striving to expand the book list and include more than just sports-related books or those gross-out books.  Over the next few weeks, we’ll be mentioning several historical books, too.  Of course, they often deal with themes of slavery, Civil War, and Jim Crow south, but in a way that younger children can learn from and appreciate.  Stay tuned and Happy Reading!   By the way, know of a great book for this age range?  Let us know.  We love to hear your suggestions.

Native American Heritage Month site

National Museum of the American Indians

When Clay Sings

by Byrd Baylor

This is a  wonderful book designed to spark a child’s imagination.  The pieces of clay are part of the lives of the American Indians in the southwest, and the children dream about the lives of the people who once held the clay.   Great for discussions about history, heritage, and imagination.

Cheyenne Again

by Eve Bunting

Set in the 19th Century, this young boy is taken off his reservation to attend school and learn the ways of the white culture.  This story, although sad at times, is a great story for lessons on acceptance, individuality, and pride in one’s self and culture.

Today, I’m thankful for MUSIC.  My little one loves to dance.  He hears the music and starts to move his fingers like he’s snapping, waves his hands and rocks from side-to-side.  It’s so fun to watch, and I appreciate his confidence and willingness to experience this simple joy in life anywhere he hears a song–at home, in the car, at music class, in the coffee shop–it doesn’t matter.  If he hears it, he feels it and responds with genuine happiness.

I’ve found some really great books all about music and musicians, and today I want to share The Bat Boy and His Violin with you.

The Bat Boy and His Violin

By: Gavin Curtis

Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

This amazing book won the Coretta Scott King Award which honors African American authors and illustrators.

Reginald doesn’t want to be a bat boy.  He wants to play his violin, but much to Reginald’s dismay, his Dad needs a bat boy not a musician.

However, his Dad has a change of heart when Reginald’s music does something unexpected…You’ll have to read this great book to find out the rest.

If you’re an avid children’s book reader, then you know illustrator E.B. Lewis’ work from countless books that reflect images of African-American children.  The watercolor like images in this book will capture your young reader’s interest from the first page.

We’ll share a few more great books filled with music and musicians designed to bring out your child’s inner artist.  Hope you enjoy this one.

Happy Reading!

I was particularly excited by their new exhibit–the African Presence in Mexico.  The meshing of cultures and experiences through this exhibit promises to be inspiring and educational, but you only have a few more weeks to visit.  The exhibit closes November 14, 2010.

While you’re there, in honor of Veteran’s Day, you should also check out Red, White, Blue and Black–a History of Blacks in the Armed Services.

Be sure to let us know if you enjoyed your visit!

Can we climb to the moon?  Lazo a la Luna/Moon Rope is a Peruvian folktale that answers that question.  This bilingual text follows Fox and Mole as they try to climb a grass rope to the moon.  Do they make it?  Sorry, no spoiler here.  You’ll have to read to find out and discover the moral of the story.  Don’t worry.  You won’t be disappointed.  The cut-out illustrations in deep, rich colors are vibrant and sure to capture your child’s attention.

Happy Reading!

We’re taking a moment to share a really great picture book about Cesar Chavez, the founder of the United Farm Workers.  He tirelessly devoted himself to justice for farm workers and led a non-violent movement for farm worker’s rights and safety.

This wonderful book celebrates the life of Cesar Chavez and carries his legacy to younger generations.  From birth to death, this book traces the life and legacy of Chavez combining simple text and beautiful, watercolor-like illustrations.

As we do our part to celebrate the contributions of many amazing people during Hispanic Heritage Month, we hope this book inspires you and your little ones.

Happy Reading

So, we’re excited to tell you about an event sponsored by Ms. Ross, Literacy Live, and WVON 1690.  It’s called Chicago Read-In. Here are a few details–

A totally free celebration of words and reading in its many forms

for all age groups

October 9, 201, 12-3 p.m.

DuSable Museum of African American History

If you’re not in the Chicago area don’t worry.  We hope to offer Ms. Ross’ books in our book shop really soon.

If you do attend this event, be sure to send us a comment and let us know whether you had a great experience.

Happy Reading!

The movie "Waiting for Superman" is fueling a bit of debate about our public school system and what should be done to fix it.

According to critics, the movie focuses on the failings of teachers’ unions and the tenure system and sings the praises of charter schools.   Recently, another new charter school opened in Chicago.  The CEO of Chicago Public Schools stated that there should be charter schools in every neighborhood.

But wait…aren’t there schools in every neighborhood already?   What will happen to the existing schools?  Will we cease to put any energies into improving the existing school structure, and completely replace the neighborhood schools with charter schools?  Will these schools be staffed by the same teachers and administrative folks?  Seems like that’s akin to merely shuffling the problem to a new facility.

My own two cents–there are failings on all sides–the school district, the unions, the teachers, the principals, the students, the parents, and the state board of education.  I’m throwing in the kitchen sink, because I think to oversimplify the problem means we’ll ignore the most viable solutions.  Charter schools are great.  Until the system is fixed, they are a band aid for a small minority of students who attend failing schools.

But don’t we owe it to the larger majority of students to make systemic changes that will make a difference in the quality of education they receive?  My friends, I, like many of us, don’t have the solution.

I do know one thing–

As parents, there are things we can do at home to combat the attitude that we find in some of our schools.

So, here’s my plug.  Let’s sit down and read.  No, I don’t think reading is a cure all (wouldn’t it be nice if it was??), but it sure does feel good to enjoy a good book and some quality time with your kiddos.

What are your thoughts on the movie and our education system in general?  We love a healthy, respectful conversation.

Happy Reading!