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Beyond Heroes and Holidays
Resource Guide
Bibliographies and Annotated
Resource Guides
Day, F. A. Multicultural Voices in Contemporary Literature: A Resource for Teachers
Information about the lives and works of thirty-nine authors and illustrators representing twenty cultures. In addition to describing the books and the reading level, Day provides classroom teaching ideas. Heinemann, 1994. 244 pp.
Harris, V. (Ed.) Using Multiethnic Literature in the K-8 Classroom
Chapters on Asian Pacific American, Puerto Rican, Mexican American, Native American, and African American children's literature including a critique of the literature available, key issues which should be addressed and a list of recommended children's books. Christopher-Gordon, 1997. 300 pp.$30
Muse, D. (Ed.) The New Press Guide to Multicultural Resources for Young Readers
Over 1000 summaries and reviews of books for young people. The books are grouped under headings including: Folktales; Justice, Human Rights, Equity; Cultural Traditions, etc. Lesson plans and critical essays by prominent educators such as Sonia Nieto and Debbie Wei are included. Sections are divided into reviews of books appropriate to specific grade level. New Press, 1997.
Slapin, B. & Seale, D. Through Indian Eyes:
The Native American Experience in Books for Children
Articles, stories, poetry and in-depth reviews of books about Native Americans. Oyate, 312 pp.
Stott, J. Native Americans in Children's Literature
Essays on the Native American presence in children's literature. Includes summaries of works by and about Native Americans. Oryx Press, 1995. 239 pp.
Biographies/Autobiographies
This section includes only a few of the powerful biographies and autobiographies which can provide insights through life stories into issues of race and racism - and an activist response. The names in bold are in "Activists for Social Change" in the "Holidays and Heritage" section of this book. Due to space restrictions we have limited ourselves to biographies which are less frequently available in school libraries. Therefore biographies by or about people such as Maya Angelou, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Cesar Chavez are not included although we highly recommend their use.
Alvarez, J. In the Time of the Butterflies
Fictionalized account of the Mirabel sisters, leading opponents of the Trujillo regime in the Dominican Republic in the 1950s. Alonquin Books, 1994.
Appel, T. Jose Marti
Revered as a brilliant political theorist and shrewd organizer, Jose Marti fought for the independence of Cuba from colonialism in the late 1800s. His writings are read in schools throughout Latin America. Written for middle school readers. Chelsea House, 1992. 111 pp.
Barnard, H.F. (Ed.) Outside the Magic Circle: The Autobiography of Virginia Foster Durr
Tells the story of Civil Rights activist Virginia Foster Durr, who fought successfully to abolish the poll tax. University of Alabama Press, 1985.
Boggs, G. L. Living for Change: An Autobiography
Grace Lee Boggs is a first-generation Chinese American who has been a speaker, writer and activist for 55 years. University of Minnesota, 1998. 344 pp.
Brown, C. (Ed.) Ready from Within: Septima Clark and the Civil Rights Movement
Students can learn about the Civil Rights Movement through the life of teacher Septima Clark. Teachers can learn about teaching and organizing from this unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement. Africa World Press, 1986. 134 pp.$9
Burgos-Debray, E. I...Rigoberta Mench£: An Indian Woman in Guatemala.
Nobel Peace Prize winner Rigoberta Mench£ describes the indigenous traditions of child-raising, farming, health care and spirituality. She documents her people's fight for justice and, in graphic terms, the violent government repression. Verso, 1984. 251 pp. $17
Chin, S. When Justice Failed: The Fred Korematsu Story
Fred Korematsu challenged his arrest and the imprisonment of over one hundred thousand Japanese Americans during WWII. Steck-Vaughn, 1993. 105 pp.
Chisholm, S. Unbought and Unbossed
Shirley Chisholm tells the story of her remarkable life as the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. Houghton-Mifflin, 1970. 177 pp.
Clements, C. Witness to War: An American Doctor in El Salvador
Dr. Charles Clements' story of his work in the battle-ravaged countryside of El Salvador in the early 1980s. Video available with the same title. Bantam Books, 1984. 288 pp.
Da Silva, B. Benedita Da Silva: An Afro-Brazilian Woman's Story of Politics and Love
Brazilian Senator Benedita Da Silva lost two of her children to poverty. For more than 30 years she has been organizing her community and fighting for the rights of the poor. This is her story, as told to Medea Benjamin and Maisa Mendonca. Forward by Jesse Jackson. Food First, 1997.
Dallard, S. Ella Baker: A Leader Behind the Scenes
The life of civil rights activist Ella Baker written for young readers. Silver Burdett, 1990.
Davis, A. Angela Davis: An Autobiography
Angela Davis' account of her life as a political activist and professor since the 1950s. Random House, 1974.
Dees, M. & Fiffer, S. A Season of Justice: A Lawyer's Own Story of Victory Over America's Hate Groups
The life and work of anti-klan activist and lawyer Morris Dees. Touchstone, 1991.
Duberman, M. Paul Robeson: A Biography.
Paul Robeson's life as an anti-racist activist, singer, athlete and actor. Random House, 1989.
Duster, A.M. (Ed.) Crusade for Justice: The Autobiography of Ida B. Wells
Ida B. Wells used her talent as journalist and organizer to fight the lynching of Blacks in the United States. University of Chicago Press, 1970.
Equiano, O. The Interesting Narrative of
the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavas Vassa, the African
Olaudah Equiano was born to a noble family in the African kingdom of Benin in 1745. While a boy he was kidnapped, enslaved and taken to the West Indies. In 1767 he gained his freedom. He wrote this life story as part of his abolitionist work in London. Dawsons, 1969. (First published, 1789.)
Equiano, O. The Kidnapped Prince: The Life of Olaudah Equiano
This version was adapted by Ann Cameron for upper elementary and middle school students. Knopf, 1995. 136 pp.
Garland, A. W. Women Activists: Challenging the Abuse of Power
Fourteen women who made a difference in their community. Feminist Press, 1988. 146 pp.
Gorfinkel, C. (Ed.) The Evacuation Diary of Hatsuye Egami
Hatsuye Egami's story of the treatment of Japanese-Americans in 1942 at the hands of the American government. She writes about living in Tulare Assembly Center and the day-to-day activities of life in an internment camp. International Productions, 1995. 103 pp.
Kohl, J. & Kohl, H. The Long Haul: An Autobiography of Myles Horton
Myles Horton founded the Highlander Folk School which played a key role in the labor movement of the 1930 and the Civil Rights Movement. This book describes not only his life and work, but also his philosophy of education which could be applied to schools today. Teachers College Press, 1998. 256 pp. $18
Levering, D. W.E.B. DuBois: Biography of Race, 1868-1919
The life of W.E.B. DuBois who has written some of the most definitive texts on race relations in his in North America.
Mathabane, M. Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black Youth's Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa
Mathabane's life story provides insights into the impact of apartheid. Signet Books, 1986.
Mendes, C. Fight for the Forest
As a trade union leader, Chico Mendes won international acclaim as leader of the nonviolent campaign to protect the Amazon rainforest, on which the rubber tappers depended for their living. He was assassinated because he became too successful, becoming a threat to the big landowners and business interests who profit from the forest's wholesale destruction. The book includes a history of rubber. Useful for science and social studies classes. Latin American Bureau, 1989. 96 pp.
Mills, K. This Little Light of Mine: The Life of Fannie Lou Hamer
Fannie Lou Hamer grew up in a family of Mississippi Delta sharecroppers. She went on to take a definitive leadership role in the Civil Rights Movement, playing a key role at the Democratic Conventions of 1964 and 1968. Penguin, 1993.
Mohr, N. In My Own Words: Growing Up in the Sanctuary of My Imagination
Nicholasa Mohr, an award-winning writer of fiction for all ages, describes her life growing up Puerto Rican in Spanish Harlem. It includes powerful descriptions of the racism she faced in school. Students may be familiar with her novels including Nilda, Felita, and El Bronx Remembered. Written for middle school on up. Simon and Schuster, 1994. 118 pp.
Moody, A. Coming of Age in Mississippi
Anne Moody details the experience of growing up Black in 1940s Mississippi. Bantam Doubleday, 1968. 384 pp.
Myers, W. D. & Lawrence, J. Toussaint L'Ouverture: The Fight for Haiti's freedsom
The story of Toussaint L'Ouverture, once enslaved, who became the general of the Haitian army that rose up against the French, and whose actions resulted in the independence of Haiti and the end to slavery in that country. Paintings by Jacob Lawrence. 1996. 40 pp.
Otfinosk, S. Marian Wright Edelman, Defender of Children''s Rights
The life of Children's Defense Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman written for young readers. Blackbirch Press, 1991.
Rodriguez, L. Always Running --La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A.
Dramatic account of Chicano poet Luis Rodr”guez' life as a gang member in the 60s and 70s, his encounters with racism in schools and on the streets, and his political activism. Written for his teenage son, excerpts are very appropriate for classroom use. Touchstone, 1993. 260 pp. $12.
Santiago, E. When I Was Puerto Rican
This coming-of-age memoir tells the story of Esmerelda Santiago, who went from rural Puerto Rico to New York City and on to Harvard University. Describes one woman's struggle to find acceptance in two cultures. Vintage Books, 1993. 274 pp.
Stalvey, L. The Education of A WASP
Autobiography of a White woman's experience learning about racism during the 1960s. She began with a naive belief that everyone experiences equal treatment. Through her increasingly active involvement with African Americans she discovered the huge difference in how America works for Whites than for Blacks. University of Wisconsin (Madison) Press, 1989.
Thomas, P. Down These Mean Streets
This book by Piri Thomas has become a classic text about the experience of growing up Puerto Rican in 1940s New York. Vintage Books, 1991 (reissue). 334 pp.
Thomas, P. Seven Long Times
Through his prison memoir Piri Thomas documents the day to day realities of life in prison, including a prisoner rebellion. Arte Publico Press, 1994. 197 pp.
Wideman, J.E. Brothers and Keepers
The story of two brothers who grew up in Pittsburgh. John Edgar Wideman became a college professor and award-winning novelist; his brother, Robby is serving a life sentence for murder. Both voices are used to create an account of what it means to be black men in the United States. Penguin Press, 1984. 243 pp.
Yates, D. Chief Joseph: Thunder Rolling Down From the Mountains
Chief Joseph called for equal rights for people of all races. During the Nez Perce-American War, he urged reconciliation and mourned the dead on both sides. In the years following the conflict, he continued to advocate self-determination for native peoples. Study guide available for this and other titles in the Unsung Americans biography series. Ward Hill Press, 1992. 141 pp
Yates, J. Woody Guthrie: American Balladeer
Woody Guthrie was one of the greatest political songwriters this country has ever produced. This biography gives a detailed and loving portrait of his life and the troubled times in which he lived. Simple but compelling prose for adults and students alike. Ward Hill Press, 1995. 142 pp.
Zinn, H. You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train: A Personal History of Our Times
Historian Howard Zinn tells his own history of thirty years of politically engaged life, dedicated to racial and social justice. Beacon Press, 1994.
Family Involvement
McCaleb, S.P. Building Communities of Learners: A Collaboration among Teachers, Students, Families, and Community
Through research and examples of exemplary programs the author explains how schools can develop meaningful school/family/community collaborations. St. Martin's Press, 1994. 210 pp. $20
Multicultural Coalition of Southeastern Connecticut. Dealing with Racism in the Public School System
Practical guide that focuses on what parents and students can do when faced with discrimination at school. The booklet contains examples of in-school racism, outlines legal rights and offers solutions for change. Includes a list of organizations fighting racism in Connecticut. Published in English and Spanish. MCSCPC, P.O. Box 1834, New London, CT 06320.
Peterson, B. Teachers and Parents: The Milwaukee Experience
How teachers and parents in Milwaukee won control of an inner-city elementary school. The school now has a bilingual program, uses cooperative and anti-racist teaching methods and is governed by a council of parents and teachers. City College Workshop Center, 1992. 21 pp. $6.
Valdes, G. Con Respeto: Bridging the Distances Between Culturally Diverse Families and Schools, An Ethnographic Portrait
A study of ten Mexican immigrant families, with a special focus on mothers, that describes how families go about the business of surviving and learning to succeed in a new world. She places particular emphasis on the family beliefs about schools and education and contrasts those with school perceptions and policies. Teachers College Press, 1996. 237 pp.
Gender Specific
Kirk, G. & Okazawa-Rey, M. (Eds.) Womens 'Lives: Multicultural Perspectives
Multidisciplinary, multicultural introduction to Women's Studies. Examines issues effecting women's lives using global, national and local contexts and social, cultural and economic analyses. Mayfield Publishing Company, 1998.
Mankiller, W., Mink, G., Navarro, M. Smith, B., & Steinam, G. (Eds.) The Reader's Companion to U.S. Women 's History
A ground-breaking reference on the history of the United States. This is the first book to cover the experiences and contribution of women throughout history. Includes more than 400 articles by leading feminist historians, anthropologists, politicians, social scientists and legal scholars. Houghton Mifflin, 1998.
Morgan, R. (Ed.) Sisterhood is Global: The International Women's Movement Anthology
Contains articles from leading feminists from over 60 countries around the world. In-depth information detailing the state of the women's movement in their countries and addressing information crucial to women's lives and health. Includes an extensive glossary and bibliography and a list of the words for "sister" in many languages. Anchor Press/Doubleday, 1984.
Ruiz, V.L. & DuBois, E.C. (Eds.) Unequal Sisters: A Multicultural Reader in U.S. Women'' s History
Eighteen essays which address issues of race, ethnicity, region and sexuality in an attempt to provide a more accurate and more inclusive history of women in the United States. Routledge, 1994. 620 pp.
Sadker, M. & Sadker, D. Failing at Fairness: How Our Schools Cheat Girls
Explores how gender bias makes it impossible for girls to receive an education equal to boys. Includes examples of gender bias from American classrooms. Touchstone, 1994. 347 pp.
Stein, N. & Sjostrom, L. Flirting or Hurting? A Teacher's Guide on Student-to-Student Sexual Harassment in Schools
For grades 6-12. Lessons and activities on student rights, discussing sexual harassment, and creating "safe" environments. National Education Association, 1994. 106 pp.
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