Sail Away Story

In 2020, Puerta Abierta Atitlan, the school that I adore and founded nearly 15 years ago, welcomed a new student into our program. To respect the privacy of our student, I’ll refer to him as *Lucas*. Lucas transferred to our center as a 4th grader. Prior to his arrival, he had bounced between a few different schools in our community where he struggled to fit in.

Lucas likes sparkles, rainbow sneakers, nail polish, and fashion. In fact, he dreams of designing clothes in the future and, when his mind begins to drift in class, he’s known to be making sketches of run-way ensambles. Lucas accessorizes with hair clips, purple socks and unicorn prints. He also loves to play sports, read books and participate in the school robotics club.

La Puerta Abierta was founded on principles of inclusion and our center is committed to providing EVERY child with a meaningful, quality and loving education. And yet in 2020, I felt challenged with preparing our staff with adequate tools and resources for creating a welcoming environment for Lucas. Our school is located in a rural Mayan village with strong religious and cultural influences. Themes of gender, identity, racism and sexism are just beginning to be acknowledged.

In January of 2021 our school pledged to spend a year exploring themes of gender, identity and inclusion with the intention of nurturing a safe space for children like Lucas. I have discovered that children’s books have been invaluable tools with teachers and students alike, for delving into concepts that are still uncharted in rural communities like Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala.

After talking with many friends, educators, activists and parents, I have compiled a list of my favorite picture books that connect with concepts of gender, identity and inclusion.

1. BOW-WOW-MEOW by Blanca Lacasa and illustrated by Gómez is an exceptional book and has captured my heart. Lacasa introduces us to Fabio, a dog who really doesn’t like dog “things.” He doesn’t play fetch or search for bones. He doesn’t bark or hang his tongue out of his mouth when he is tired. Fabio’s family ALWAYS tries to inspire him TO BE a dog, but he simply doesn’t respond. Late one night, Fabio’s family discovers that he sneaks away from the house every evening TO BE a cat! He loves to climb walls, chase mice, play with yarn, and meow in the moonlight. Above all else, Fabio’s family observes that he is happy.

BOW-WOW-MEOW provokes discussion around inclusion, identity and and acceptance. This book is also available in Spanish as NI GUAU NI MIAU.

2. Award-winning Julián is a Mermaid, written and illustrated by Jessica Love, is a gem of a picture book, a story about Julian and his relationship with his abuela.

Jessica Love inspires the reader to explore the importance of being seen, accepted and loved. This book is also available in Spanish as Sirenas.

3. Daniela the Pirate, written by Susanna Isern and illustrated by Gómez, is a favorite at Puerta Abierta Atitlan amongst both teachers and students! We meet Daniela, a brave, courageous, smart, and capable girl who dreams of becoming a pirate on the legendary ship, the Black Croc. However, Capitan Choppylobe doubts that a girl can pass ALL the pirate tests. Could Capitan Choppylobe be inventing new challenges for Daniela, even more than the tests for boys, when he discovers that she is more than accomplished?

And even when Daniela passes the daring pirate trials, will she be accepted by the crew? Daniela the Pirate encourages discussion about gender roles, stereotypes and identity. This book is also available in Spanish as Daniela Pirata.

4. Me llamo Pecas, written and illustrated by Raquel Díaz Reguera, is near and dear to me. Pecas is the youngest sibling of three. She has an older sister and an older brother, and yet, throughout the entire book, we never learn if Pecas is a boy or a girl. In fact, Pecas inspires the reader to question if there truly are “girl” and “boy” activities, clothes, interests, etc. and if so, why? Me llamo Pecas is a powerful story that can be used to generate conversation around and question societal norms, stereotypes, gender and identity. For the moment, this book is only available in Spanish.

While I have discovered a variety of children’s picture books that explore themes of gender, identity and inclusion, the four stories listed above remain my all time favorites! They are approachable, workable in both Spanish and English, gorgeous in both word and illustration, and above all, impactful for both the child and adult reader. At la Puerta Abierta, these four books have opened conversation for our teachers and students, as we continue to learn how to provide safe spaces for all children, including Lucas.

I send a loud shout out to Nube Ocho, a publishing house that specializes in picture books for children and that is committed to values and diversity. Three of the four books on my list were published by Nube Ocho.

More  now than ever before, I find myself asking, “What can I do to support anti-racism movements and how might I aid in bringing about social change?”

I consider myself to be open-minded, empathetic, kind and just.   My first car, a 1985 maroon Honda Accord that was passed down from my mom to my sister to me when I  finally learned to drive, flashed a Celebrate Diversity  bumper sticker with a rainbow background.  In college, I chose to live in the international dorm at UC Berkeley with students from around the world.  I have been committed to learning a second language as an adult and I seek out cultural events to attend with my family.  For heaven’s sake, I write a blog called Sail Away Story…a celebration of children’s literature from around the world!

And yet, I am aware that I have so much to learn about the complexities and intricacies of white privilege and systematic racism.  I also know that the question above “What can I do?” has a different answer for every individual.

While some may be moved to protest in public places, others may be inspired to write powerful testimonies.  While some may be inclined to lead, others may be motivated to educate or be educated.

What can I do?  What is my calling in the movement of anti-racism and social change?

First and foremost, I acknowledge that I am learning.  I am asking questions.  I am reading articles.  I am listening.  I am accepting that my personal awareness plays a role in a collective awareness.

Second, I accept that as an educator and a parent, I can engage in meaningful action to build a better future for my children and the children in my care.  I can begin to generate social change by:

1.  Including diverse books in both my home library and school library.
2.  Reading diverse books to my children and my students.
3. Creating a safe environment in both my home and my school for children to ask questions about racism and social justice.
4. Listening deeply to our youth.
5. Modeling anti-racist behavior for my children.

While I recognize that the road to dismantle  institutional racism is long and rigorous, I know that there are small steps I can take now.

Earlier this week I virtually joined the KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives, created by Kwame Alexander, Jacqueline Woodson, and Jason Reynolds and sponsored by The Brown Bookshelf.   Today I ordered a copy of Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds.  Tomorrow I will read Renee Watson’s, Harlem’s Little Blackbird, The Story of Florence Mills to my daughters.

Perhaps you will join us!

Click on the link above to hear Renée Watson read from and discuss the creation of her book, “Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills,” with third grade students and compare the challenges she faced in her competitive career with those of her real-life protagonist, singer Florence Mills. The program in the Library of Congress Young Readers Center was co-sponsored by the nonprofit literacy organization, EverybodyWinsDC.

*Forward to 13 minutes to hear the story without previous commentary.

Renee Watson asks of white educators, librarians and youth workers to “not only share stories about our pain, but  about our joy too.”  Harlem’s Little Blackbird is Florence Mill’s story told by Renee Watson and illustrated by Christian Robinson.  The book is a  poetic biography about justice, equality, struggle, success and….joy.

Born to parents who were both former slaves, Florence Mills knew at an early age that she loved to sing, and that her sweet, bird-like voice, resonated with those who heard her. Performing catapulted her all the way to the stages of 1920s Broadway where she inspired everyone from songwriters to playwrights. Yet with all her success, she knew firsthand how prejudice shaped her world and the world of those around her. As a result, Florence chose to support and promote works by her fellow black performers while heralding a call for their civil rights.

Family Discussion:

1. What was Florence passionate about?  What are you passionate about?

2. How would you feel if someone told you that you couldn’t do what you love because of the way you look?

3. What are a few of the examples of racism/discrimination that Florence encountered during her life time?

Racism is  is when a group of people are treated unfairly because of their race. Some groups of people are even treated violently because of the color of their skin.

4.  Have you heard the word racism in conversations recently?  In what context?

5.  What are a few examples of racism that Black Americans face today?

6.  What small or big steps can you take to be anti-racist?

Family Activities:

• Learn more about Florence Mills here.
• Make a self portrait of yourself participating in an activity that you are passionate about similar to the portrait of Florence below:

• Explore the lives of other inspiring Black Americans who have influenced social change by reading their biographies.  A few of my favorite titles include: