This was a summer filled with hours and hours of planning. Like all those involved in education, it was atypical at best with little chance for respite, and yet, my commitment to summer reading (and #learnwithoutceasing) continued as best as possible. This summer, I made a commitment to diversify my bookshelf and read predominately authors of color. And, some incredible listens and watches from this summer, too. Here’s what I was able to fit in…
READS
Self-Reg: How to Help (and You) Break the Stress Cycle and Successfully Engage with Life-Dr. Stuart Shanker (An important read for all those who love, raise, and/or work with children. How might we strip the labels away and get to the roots of behavior to increase self-regulation? Dr. Shanker of the MEHRIT Centre talks us through it.)
Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism, and You-Jason Reynolds’ remix of Ibram X. Kendi’s original Stamped (Another one sitting read and should be required 8th grade reading across America. The prophetic and deep voice of Jason Reynolds combined with the research of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi.)
Untamed–Glennon Doyle* (If you’ve been a devotee of Glennon, have caught Morning Meeting with Ms. G., you might just see yourself in some of these stories.)
So You Want to Talk About Race–Ijeoma Oluo (Of all of the books on race I read this summer, this is my favorite. Honest, practical, and deeply important for those doing the work.)
How to be an Anti-Racist-Ibram X. Kendi* (Started this when it first came out and picked it up again as it hit the best seller lists. An interesting look at the definitions of racism and antiracism across multiple contexts. A consideration of dismantling power and systems before changing hearts.)
Waking Up White-Debby Irving* (Listened to and read. Mrs. Irving’s narrative of her own awakening to White Privilege and the ways she lived without racial identity. A good primer for those still not understanding WP or responding with “I’m a good person” in matters of race.)
Pandemic Planning for Distance Learning-New America Foundation (completely biased as this is co-authored by my friend, Kristina Ishamel, an expert on Open Educational Resources, Digital Learning, and Empathy.)
How to Get Your Kids to Stay Six Feet Away (from Everything)-NYTimes (basically if there is an article about CV-19, kids, teaching, learning, parenting, science–I’ve read it.)
The Burning–Megha Majumdar (The alternating narratives and use of vernacular make this a one sitting read that shows the worst of ambition that lives within us.)
All Adults Here–Emma Straub (An engaging and easy to become engrossed in tale.)
An American Marriage-Tayari Jones (Why did I wait so long to read this? A stunning, wrenching account of love, loss, and rebuilding under the guise of injustice.)
The Mothers-Brit Bennett (The mothers who watch us know it all.)
Dear Martin–Nic Stone (A must read for all upper middle school, early high school aged children and those who work with them.)
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes–Suzanne Collins (The prequel of Hunger Games. Good. I still have questions and definitely don’t like Snow any more/less.)
LISTENS
The Fire Next Time–James Baldwin (as read by Jesse Martin, this was my first experience with Baldwin before I dig deep into Eddie S. Glaude, Jr’s Begin Again. Incredible narrative of Baldwin’s experiences.)
Between the World and Me-Ta-Nehisi Coates (His letter to his son. Gripping, vulnerable, honest, authentic, and true. I had this one on the shelf for a long time, but listening to him read it himself was remarkable.
Hope Through History podcast-Jon Meacham (My favorite presidential historian walks us through pivotal moments of history that serve as hope amid turmoil. I am wildly anticipating his new biography of John Lewis due in October.)
Evolving Faith podcast-Sarah Bessey & Jeff Chu (In a series of replays from the Evolving Faith Conference, these two brilliant theologian-speaker-uplifters walk us through ever-growing faith. The Austin Channing Brown talk will make your hair stand on end.)
A Brave Space with Dr. Meeks podcast–Dr. Catherine Meeks (Dr. Meeks of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing at the Diocese of Atlanta engages in conversations about racial reconciliation. Highly recommend the episode with Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright.)
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown (Sister Brené as I like to call her, never fails to engage inspired conversations. Her conversation with David Kessler left me speechless.)
WATCHES
Aspen Ideas Festival Livestream (Held over five nights on YouTube, these conversations and big ideas were a 90 minute intellectual escape)
Good Trouble–a documentary on the life of John Lewis (amazon prime)
The Babysitters’ Club-reenvisioned from my beloved childhood favorite (netflix)
Hamilton-yes, I cried just as much as I did when I saw it at the Richard Rodgers. Phillipa Soo is a masterpiece all in herself. (Disney+)
Dear White People-poignant, funny, heart-wrenching (netflix)
Athlete A-a terrifying and courageous look inside the horrors of USA Gymnastics.
And, a series re-watch of Newsroom, LOST, and Doogie Howser, MD on Hulu.
What did you read, hear, or listen to this summer to fuel your work or your soul? Share with me!
Teach2Connect 