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Native peoples are still here!
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Hi Reader, I've never met Dr. Debbie Reese, a children's literature scholar who is a member of the Nambé Pueblo nation, but I consider her a mentor. It's been years since I first heard her talk about what happens when you do an internet image search for Native Americans, but I still think about what she shared regularly. Typically, the top images are all of Native people of the past, not the present. This isn't true when you do searches for other racial and ethnic groups. When kids do realize that there are Indigenous people in their community, they may still have stereotypes about them, assuming they live in tepees or should dress in clothing that was typical in the 17th or 18th centuries. That's why Dr. Reese and so many Indigenous writers emphasize the importance of reading books about Native peoples and nations set in the present day. Dr. Reese feels strongly that even in the classroom, it's important to start with these books first to show that Native nations are still here. After that foundation has been established, you can read accurate history books written by Indigenous authors. I just made a major update to my blog post of Indigenous children's books set in the present day. There are now 28 books on the list for all ages, including a handful of young adult books. Here's a preview of what you'll find: 👶🏽an award-winning picture books that captures the frustration of having a toddler sibling who wants to "help" all the time (but the book still manages to be heartwarming.) 👣a thoughtful picture books that explores one child's Afro Indigenous heritage and how it gives him courage. 🦇a modern folklore chapter book perfect for a road trip about a Grandpa and his grandkids helping Great Grandfather Bat make it to the great ball game between the Animals and the Birds. 🏫a novel in verse told in six middle school voices that explores the controversy over Native American mascots. 🌲a YA novel inspired by the author's experience of leaving his Navajo reservation to enroll as one of the only Native students in an elite East coast boarding school.
We're also one-third of the way through LGBTQ+ Pride Month already (why does June move so fast)? If you missed the blog posts I shared during the end of the school year rush, you can find them here: Blog post: Middle grade/chapter books for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Blog post: Affirming LGBTQ+ picture books >>>Finally, Bookshop.org is having a sale on select LGBTQ picture books and middle grade books this month. Just use the code Pride26 at checkout to take 15% off these titles. Shopping at Bookshop supports independent bookstores and is also a vital source of support for all the free content I offer.<<< Happy reading, Rebekah Rebekah Gienapp (she/her/hers) | rebekahgienapp.com | Connect on Instagram | Coffees for Gaza | Knit 4 Justice |
Raising antiracist kids
Are you a parent, caregiver, or educator who wants to help children become brave justice seekers? Subscribe for practical tips, children's book recommendations, and resources for antiracist families and classrooms.
Hi Reader, Over the next 11 days, your family will be exposed to a lot of half-truths and myths about the history of the United States. Celebrating the Declaration of Independence's assertion that "all men are created equal" without acknowledging the same celebrated document talks about how Britain hasn't protected colonists from "the merciless Indian Savages." Upholding the uniqueness of the U.S. Constitution, with no recognition that many of its ideas were taken from the Haudenosaunee...
Hi Reader, This Friday is Juneteenth, the holiday that commemorates the actual end to slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Historian Jemar Tisby recently referred to Juneteenth as "the counter-narrative to America 250" because it focuses on truth-telling rather than myth-making. My newest blog post has 9 children's books, plus videos, activities, and resources for Juneteenth. Here's what's inside: 🖤a brand new picture book that reads like a love letter...
Hi Reader, Now that I've finished my work on the 2026 Summer Reading Guide, I've had time to create and update book lists for LGBTQIAP+ Pride Month, which starts in just a few days. I've read so many wonderful books for all ages, from laugh-out-loud picture books about rainbow families to thoughtful novels about tweens figuring out who they are. Before I share the book lists, I want to give you a gentle reminder of just how important it is to supports books like these and their authors in our...