Check out these valuable resources, reviewed by Rethinking Schools editors and Teaching for Change colleagues.
The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education, fifth edition
By Sonia Nieto and Patty Bode
(Allyn and Bacon, 2008)
472 pp. $82.80
A comprehensive text that explores the meaning, necessity and benefits of multicultural education with a thorough yet readable review of theory, research, and practice. The numerous case studies and snapshots provide an in-depth and personal look at these complicated issues.
The Cost of Privilege:
Taking On the System of White Supremacy and Racism
By Chip Smith
(Camino Press, 2007)
466 pp. $19.95
A clearly written description of the history and dynamics of white supremacy and the social construction of the white race. The concise marshalling of facts and figures clearly describes the social and economic features of privilege and oppression. The data presented on the economics of privilege are useful for math teachers, while the historical recounting of when people have crossed racial boundaries to fight for justice is inspiring. An activist intellectual, the author writes with attention to detail and accuracy, and with a grounding in past and present-day social movements.
*A Young People’s History of the United States
By Howard Zinn, adapted by Rebecca Stetoff
(Seven Stories Press, 2007)
Vol. 1: 192 pp. $16.95; Vol. 2: 256 pp. $17.95
At last, a young adult version of Howard Zinn’s influential history book, A People’s History of the United States. History from the perspective of immigrants, women, workers, enslaved people, abolitionists, antiwar activists, labor organizers, and many more, these books are a must for U.S. classrooms. Nicely laid out, with occasional pictures, these two volumes are appropriate for upper elementary through high school students. Volume 1: Columbus to the Spanish-American War. Volume 2: Class Struggle to the War on Terror. Education in this country would take a great leap forward if these two volumes replaced most of the U.S. history textbooks in our schools.
Can We Talk About Race? And Other Conversations in an Era of School Resegregation
By Beverly Daniel Tatum
(Beacon Press, 2007)
147 pp. $22.95
Based on four speeches that Beverly Daniel Tatum gave at Simmons College, this short, down-to-earth discussion of racism and multiculturalism would make an excellent book to use in a reading circle by teachers seeking a point of entry to discuss race. Weaving her personal history and experience with an analysis of the roots and manifestations of racism, Tatum’s newest book is likely to become an important companion to her popular Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?
Reading Against Democracy
by Patrick Shannon
272 pp. $24.95
Taking a broad historical look at the teaching of reading from the time of the colonies through No Child Left Behind, Shannon’s poignant text shows the influence of business, government, and “experts” in shaping reading instruction in our nation’s schools. Well-documented and researched, this book will provide necessary background and analysis to proponents of genuine approaches to the teaching of reading in years to come.
Amelia to Zora:
Twenty-six Women Who Changed the World
By Cynthia Chin-Lee
Illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy
32 pp. $16.95 hardback
A delightful alphabet book that will engage even older readers because of its diverse international selection of women and its eclectic illustrations. The short biographies of Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize winner from Myanmar, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, United Farm Workers leader Dolores Huerta, and 23 others are packed with valuable information, along with a short quotation from each woman.
Antonio’s Card/La tarjeta de Antonio
By Rigoberto González
Illustrated by Cecilia Concepción Álvarez
(Children’s Book Press, 2005)
32 pp. $16.95 hardback
A bilingual story of a young boy who is embarrassed by what his classmates say about Leslie, his mother’s partner, a tall, masculine looking artist who wears paint-splattered overalls. Antonio is embarrassed to publicly show his Mother’s Day card to Leslie. A thoughtful story that can be a jump-off to discuss a range of issues such as inclusion and families that are headed by two women.
The Bee Tree
By Stephen Buchmann and Diana Cohn
Illustrated by Paul Mirocha
(Cinco Puntos Press, 2007)
40 pp. $17.95 hardback
A magical story set in the rainforest of Malaysia, where a grandfather coaches his grandson to have the honor of gathering honey from the tall tualang trees. A beautifully illustrated book that combines science, traditional story, and a modern theme of overcoming fear. Eight pages at the end concisely describe Malaysia, the rainforest, and giant honeybees.
Dzání Yázhí Naazbaa’:
Little Woman Warrior
Who Came Home
By Evangeline Parsons Yazzie
Illustrated by Irving Toddy
(Salina Bookshelf, 2005)
32 pp. $17.95 hardback
This bilingual Navajo/English book with colorful, realistic illustrations tells the story of a young girl who is kidnapped by U.S. troops and taken to Fort Sumner. She and her family are eventually forced on the Navajo Long Walk and to endure hardship and sacrifice. Despite the difficulties, the young girl finds strength and a sense of herself in her Navajo culture.
John Lewis in the Lead: A Story of the Civil Rights Movement
By Jim Haskins and Kathleen Benson
Illustrated by Benny Andrews
(Lee and Low Books, 2006)
32 pp. $17.95
A strikingly illustrated book, with the story of John Lewis, civil rights organizer and present-day Congressman from Georgia. The book is appropriate for students in upper elementary grades and above. It details Lewis’s life, from his Freedom Rides to integrate Greyhound buses, to the March on Washington, to voting rights struggles in Selma, Ala.
By Richard Cox, Jamie Stobie and Janet Cole
(New Day Films, 2005) 76 min. ($145, community groups/public libraries/high schools; $290 institutions)
Examines how advances in technology can expand opportunities for social participation by people with disabilities. Although it touches only briefly on the struggle of disabilities activists that led to the Americans with Disabilities Act, this is a valuable look at the relationship between technology and inclusion. The stories included here also offer clues to how everyone benefits when we seek to address the needs of people who too often are marginalized.
*Mirrors of Privilege:
Making Whiteness Visible
By Shakti Butler
(World Trust Educational Services, 2007) 50 min.,
($150, community groups/public libraries; $350 educational institutions)
The best new film available for professional development on white identity, white privilege, and the role of whites in anti-racist work in schools and communities. Based largely on interviews with white activists, viewers can reflect on their racial identity development as they listen to the testimonies of people who reflect on their own journey.
Tracked in America
Put together by the American Civil Liberties Union and its Northern Californian affiliate, this interactive website explores how surveillance has been used against citizens and residents of the United States since World War I. Organized historically, there are teaching lessons, audio clips, and more. Materials useful to all teachers concerned with democratic rights, with downloadable lessons that focus on grades 9–12.
*Equal Area Projection and What’s Up South Map Puzzle
(Green Board Games, 2007)
500 pieces, $16
Students can rethink the world and learn geography through play. Africa, Latin America, and Australia are on top – and all the countries are represented in the correct size in relation to one another. This 500-piece jigsaw of the world is based on the Hobo-Dyer Equal Area Projection and the What’s Up South maps combined. Great for geography classes, after-school programs, and for use at home.
Resources compiled by Bob Peterson, Deborah Menkart, and Bill Bigelow.
*An asterisk indicates that the book is available from Teaching for Change.