KRLemmons African American Literature, African American Young Adult Literature, Children's literature, Lesson Plans, Resources

Happy Birthday, Toni Morrison!

Toni Morrison was born February 18, 1931, in Lorain, Ohio.  For more information about this award-winning author, click on the following links:

http://www.findingdulcinea.com/features/profiles/m/toni-morrison.html

http://www.biography.com/people/toni-morrison-9415590

http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=5262

For lesson plans and ideas for using Toni Morrison’s book, Beloved, click on Thinkfinity, and type in Beloved in the search box.

KRLemmons African American Literature, African American Young Adult Literature, Children's literature, Lesson Plans, Resources

2013 Reading Challenge

I’ve looked into some Reading Challenges, and I decided to create my own personal Reading Challenge.  I’m going to attempt two challenges this year.  The first one is to read Coretta Scott King Award Books (CSK) and to read a minimum of 12 global books.  I confess that I’ve read some of the CSK Books. However, I need to read them again and post my comments and any applicable lesson plans, activities, or resources that tie-in  to the book.

In addition to the African American Historical Events posts, I will also begin posting the books I am reading for my challenge.

KRLemmons African Authors, Resources

Ambassadors for Literacy

Walter Dean Myers was recently appointed  the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress.  He is an excellent choice for this position.  He is a prolific writer of children’s and young adult books, and he relates very well to children and young adults.  I believe Myers will be very influential and successful in this role.  I wish him Godspeed.  For more information on this announcement, click on LOC.

Another person championing for literacy and books is Yohannes Gebregeorgis.  A native Ethiopian, he co-founded Ethiopia Reads, a philanthropic organization committed to bringing literacy to the children of Ethiopia.  He has a facebook page so you can learn more about him and his organization.

I’m sure there are more well-known “ambassadors” or “champions” for literacy.  If you know of some, please feel free to let me know.  However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention public librarians, library media specialists, teacher-librarians, educators, and others who promote reading and literacy.  Each time you read a story, or suggest a book to a reader, you are an ambassador for literacy and reading.  Whether or not your name is mentioned in a local or national paper, just know that you are making a difference in the life of a child or young adult.  Keep up the good work!