Last fall's Parenting for Peace program, Books As Bridges, yielded great ideas about using picture books to help kids (and adults) with perspective taking, deepen empathy, explore emotions, etc. The range of possible books is endless... and sometimes overwhelming. Here are a few book list sites I've come across, recently, that help me focus:
Rainbow Books : the American Library Association's selections of best LGBTQ books for kids and adults.
Amelia Bloomer : ALA's list of feminist books for kids
I'm Your Neighbor : a new list from Kirsten Cappy of Curious City, to encourage more integration and conversation among "New Mainers" and longer residing ones. I think this has been listed before, but Cynthia Leitich Smith's book lists are also fabulous resources for exploring new cultures through books...
Books That Heal Kids : I've mentioned this blog before, but I'm always happy to get her recommendations about books that promote social and emotional learning.
And, an old favorite -- Katie's alma mater Bank Street publishes monthly lists that always have great suggestions..
The Maine Book Award 2012-2013 nominees are available... older kids might choose to read a bunch and participate in the voting... past lists are also great guides to older-kid book choices.
Also for older kids, the Mixed Up Files of Middle Grade Authors... has book lists, teacher guides, etc. and The Pirate Tree reviews books through a social justice lens.
For those of you who tweet, the #kidlit thread has tons of links and suggestions, too...
Any favorite books discovered in your houses this summer?
