Social Justice at Storytime

Youth librarians and early literacy educators will find this book a helpful tool for making storytimes more inclusive and better representative of their community and the world at large.Written by two experienced librarians from one of the nation's most diverse metroplexes, Social Justice at Storytime provides a real-world, hands-on guide to storytimes that will help young people become more socially aware, empathetic, and confident. Storytimes can be a welcoming space for all members of the community. Anyone presenting storytime to young children can use these suggestions to broaden children's understanding of the often-confusing situations they see and hear around them. It is possible to discuss race, gender/sexuality, and diverse abilities in a child-appropriate way. Making social justice a part of an existing or new storytime practice provides an early literacy approach to including children in timely conversations.Readers of this thoughtful book will not only become more socially aware and empathetic, but they will also be equipped to choose diverse books and songs, make thoughtful and inclusive language choices, become more in tune with their diverse communities, and handle concerns from caregivers or administrators.

Learn how to consciously choose the language you use

1. What Is Social Justice?References2. The Importance of Social JusticeFoster Positive Personal and Social DevelopmentDispel Implicit BiasesPromote Unity, Equity, and Community EmpowermentNormalize Cultural DiversityReferences3. How to Implement Social Justice StorytimesWhat Is Storytime?How Does Social Justice Storytime Differ?References4. Storytime ComponentsSocial Justice ThemesBody AcceptanceCivil Rights and ActivismCommunity HelpersDiverseabilitiesEnvironmentalEveryday DiversityFamiliesFriendshipGender RolesGlobal CitizenshipHairImmigrant ExperienceLGBTQ+Mental HealthMulticulturalNamesPovertyRaceWomen's HistoryWorld CulturesDirect vs. IndirectChoosing Diverse BooksChoosing Diverse SongsReferences5. Language AwarenessPronouns at StorytimeGender-Inclusive LanguageGender-Neutral LanguageGender-Neutral and Nonbinary Picture BooksGender-Nonconforming Picture BooksGender-Inclusive Songs, Flannels, and ExtensionsMulti-Language InclusionReferences6. Embrace Your CommunityDemographics MatterOut and AboutNot Your Average Story . . . TimeReligious CommunitiesImmigrant CommunitiesEnglish-Language LearnersDisabled Library UsersCommunities of People Experiencing HomelessnessDigital StorytimesStorytime EquityReferences7. Use What You Know: Sample StorytimesStorytime PreparationBook SelectionSong SelectionExtension ActivitiesEvery Child Ready to Read®Community GuidanceStorytime RulesSample StorytimesVirtual Storytime-World Culture: JapanVirtual Storytime-World Culture: West AsiaWorld Culture: IndiaWorld Culture: MexicoWorld Culture: AfricaMulticultural: Fairy Tales RetoldEnvironmental: NatureEnvironmental: Reduce, Reuse, RecycleEnvironmental: BeesMental Health: HappinessMental Health: AngerMental Health: ConfidenceKindnessFriendshipPeople: GeneralPeople: Everyday DiversityPeople: Community HelpersPeople: Being DifferentPeople: Being Different, VersionPeople: BodiesPeople: RacePeople: MelaninSocial Justice: ActivismSocial Justice Storytime: Civil RightsReferences8. Addressing ConcernsSocial Justice and the LibraryNavigating Administrative and Parent/Caregiver ConcernReferencesAdditional ResourcesSubject IndexTitle Index