Brought to you by:   

families: 9 Articles

Celebrate Pride Month This June and All Year Long

families June 3, 2022 10:00 am

June is Pride Month! Here are some recently published and upcoming books about LBGTQ+ history and inclusion from Magination Press that are great for current celebrations, and all year long.  Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX by Jen Barton Title IX was designed to fight injustice based on gender. Today it’s protections extend to the transgender community.  Bernice Sandler and the Fight for Title IX is a lively engaging biography that drives home the message that it doesn’t take a person with power to make a difference. More often, it takes determination. When confronted with injustice, regular people can effect change. Includes extensive backmatter about how to be an activist. Read an interview with the author. Stitch By Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt by Rob Sanders Mentored by Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones first had the vision for what became the AIDS Memorial Quilt during a candlelight memorial for Milk in 1985. Along with friends, Cleve created the first panels for the quilt in 1987. The AIDS Memorial Quilt grew to be one of the largest public arts projects ever and helped grow awareness of HIV and AIDS. The Quilt is an iconic symbol of hope and remembrance and is Jones’ shining achievement. It has since toured the world and been seen by millions. ★ It's story is beautifully captured in the book’s smooth pacing and brief paragraphs. Readers will follow its journey from that march as it becomes both a monument to mourning and a means of changing the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS…the book is pretty darn impressive. Storytelling and history, beautifully stitched together.  —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books  Bronze Award, Florida Book Awards Read an excerpt from the discussion guide. Listen to the author read Stitch By Stitch aloud. Evelyn Hooker and the Fairy Project by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD This evocative biography tells the story of Evelyn Hooker, the extraordinary woman behind the research, advocacy, and allyship that led to the removal of the “Homosexuality” diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. “A true story of true allyship… this offers helpful materials for young researchers and audiences curious about LGBTQ+ history… Offers interesting information on a lesser-known hero.”  —Kirkus Reviews NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book Read an excerpt from the Note to Readers about becoming an ally. They’re So Flamboyant by Michael Genhart, PhD This fun and funny bird’s-eye tome to individuality, community, and harmony follows the reactions of a neighborhood full of birds when a “flamboyance” of flamingos moves in. “Clever book about stereotypes, uncomfortable feelings, acceptance, and inclusion. What’s more, readers will also learn about birds…The book, full of wordplay and alliteration, includes a list of birds and their associated collective nouns..”  —Booklist Read an excerpt from the Note to Readers about inclusion. Hear the author read They’re So Flamboyant aloud. And coming soon, in October 2022:  The Mother of a Movement: Jeanne Manford—Ally, Activist, and Co-Founder of PFLAG

Read More
Celebrate Pride Month This June and All Year Long 2022-06-02T17:26:12-04:00

As Babies Dream

families February 22, 2022 3:00 pm By Lesléa Newman
2

As Babies Dream by Lesléa Newman is a sweet, rhyming lullaby. It’s a calming ode to nature where a loving family embraces their child as night falls and dream time begins. From rivers to eagles, to lions and lambs, to leaves and rain, and to stars and the moon, the soothing sounds of the world become the inspiration for a loving night of restful sleep for a weary baby. Read an interview with Lesléa about creating As Babies Dream. Hear As Babies Dream read aloud!

Read More
As Babies Dream 2022-02-22T13:44:53-05:00

Celebrate Fathers and Father Figures

families June 17, 2021 10:00 am

Celebrate the father figures in your life! Whether you call him Dad, Papa, Father, Gramps, Opa, Abuelo, or Maddy—and no matter which pronouns they use—these people are an important part of families. Check out our stories about dads and father figures: My Maddy by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD explores what it’s like to have a gender-nonconforming parent from a child’s perspective.  “Most mommies are girls. Most daddies are boys. But lots of parents are like my Maddy. My Maddy has hazel eyes which are not brown or green. And my Maddy likes sporks because they are not quite a spoon or a fork. The best things in the world are not one thing or the other. They are something in between and entirely their own.” Read an excerpt from My Maddy’s Note to Readers here. Pockets Full of Rocks by Yair Engelberg presents a young daughter’s questions to her depressed father. He offers direct answers and promotes the hope that he will become his old self again. This gentle, hopeful book will help kids cope with a parent’s mental illness. Read an interview with the author here. Papa, Daddy, & Riley by Seamus Kirst explores Riley’s experience when one of her schoolmates asks which one of her dads is her real father. It celebrates the special, unique relationships children have with each of their parents and the love that makes a family. Hear Papa, Daddy, & Riley read aloud here.  Read a piece by Seamus Kirst about the power of inclusion here. Accordionly: Abuelo and Opa Make Music by Michael Genhart, PhD, tells the story of two musical grandfathers and a boy who uses their shared love of accordions to help them connect, even though they don’t speak the same language. It explores families’ rich cultural diversity and how, while we may be different, we all have much in common as well. Hear Accordionly read aloud here. Read a piece Dr. Genhart wrote about writing the book here.

Read More
Celebrate Fathers and Father Figures 2021-06-14T18:51:24-04:00