I've been really leaning into the gifts of mid-fall. The chill in the air, the desire to wrap up in a blanket and read, the slowing down. The way the sun here is so sharp when it appears and how soft the gray sky is most days. The rhythm of rain drops. The squirrels we have gotten to know as they bury and dig up nuts in our garden beds. The soft layer of leaves. The composting of the summer garden.
And I've also been enjoying giving gifts when I can, aligning my gifting with our values, and welcoming friends into a conversation sparked by books. As part of this, I've put together a little book themed gift guide featuring two illustrated kiddos drawn by my son Quincy. These kids are also featured on our newest mugs -- that's what we do in homeschool, folx! lol. And the rest of the book themed collections are really all about honoring a lineage of story through books and other adornments. We hope you enjoy and check out some of the beautiful artists and authors who are dear to us...
OUR NEWEST MUG
What goes well with a Reading Is Resistance reading guide, a friend, and a good book? A cup of your favorite tea, hot cocoa, or coffee in our new Reading Is Resistance mug. Illustrated by Quincy Newton, our readers for the resistance will accompany you on your beverage adventures.
THE BRIGHT STAR COLLECTION
When I first opened this beautiful new release from Yuyi Morales, I was immediately taken. Bright Star holds within it a tender desert journey and learning around belonging and migration. We think this collection has the same tenderness, softness, and depth of heart. Purchase information here:
Bright Star by Yuyi Morales (an all-ages picture book) from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Pastel beaded heart hoops (and so much more) from Semillitas Creations
A little hand crocheted deer friend from the LunaSol Crochet Shop
We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez (a YA book about migration, border crossing, and deep friendship) from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Make a donation to RAICES
THE BORN ON THE WATER COLLECTION
We've been reading and following the 1619 project from its first publication. And while I am still eagerly awaiting our copy of this newest book Born on the Water and have not yet held it in my hands, I have been reading everything about its impending release (mid-November) and have no doubt of the profound power, joy, truth, responsibility, and honoring that this book will bring to all of its readers. Purchase information here:
Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah Jones, Renée Watson, and Nikkolas Smith from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Hammered Brass Earrings from one of our favorite local jewelry artists Amaree and Reese
A Good Trouble Candle from Mimi's Fresh Tees and Zoe Apothic
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story by Nikole Hannah Jones from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Donate a copy of The 1619 Project or Born on the Water to a school or library
THE WE DREAM MEDICINE DREAMS COLLECTION
I first watched Dene artist and bioethicist Lisa Boivin's TedX Talk in 2016 and was immediately taken. Her recently published picture book We Dream Medicine Dreams is a touching work about connecting with our ancestors, death, and dreams. It is healing, connecting, and abundant. And we think this collection would be a beautiful gift to self or others! Purchase information here:
We Dream Medicine Dreams (picture book) by Lisa Boivin from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
A Lisa Boivin art print from her etsy shop Lisa Dene Artist
This cozy blanket "Sunset K'eyeedze," a collaboration with Eighth Generation and sold by Doyon Limited
I Will See You Again (a book for grown ups) by Lisa Boivin from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Make a donation to the Native Wellness Institute
THE TOGETHER COLLECTION
Confession: I read anything illustrated or written by Innosanto Nagara (who you may know from the board book A is for Activist). When I picked up Together (written by Mona Damluji and illustrated by Nagara), I had no idea how moved I'd be and how much I needed this story in my life and in my teaching. While so many "social justice" books focus on amazing acts by individuals, this book focuses on the power and awesomeness of community and how we make movement happen together. This immediately reminded me of some of the ideas from adrienne maree brown, connectivity to nature, and so much more that had my brain buzzing in the most positive ways! Purchase information here:
Together (board book) by Mona Damluji and Innosanto Nagara from the Reading Is Resistance Bookshop
Your favorite new soft black "Unity" t-shirt from Portland-based Mimi's Fresh Tees
A sweet mason bee house from Birds and Bees Nursery
We Will Not Cancel Us and Other Dreams of Transformative Justice (book for grown folx) by adrienne maree brown from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Donate to the Abolitionist Teaching Network
THE ALL YOU KNEAD IS LOVE COLLECTION
If you've ever asked me for a middle reader book recommendation, you've heard me sing the praises of the poignant, loving, insightful storytelling of Tanya Guerrero. Her book How to Make Friends with the Sea is one of my all-time favorites, and All You Knead Is Love (her most recent publication) is quickly becoming another of my most recommended reads. It's about baking, chosen family, and being true to one's multi-faceted identities. It contains recipes for self love that I think a lot of us could use right now! Purchase information here:
All You Knead Is Love by Tanya Guerrero from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Smiling Toast Dangles from Suzikute
Soft felted bread loaves from Daughter of Jane L.
Pan de Pueblo by Iban Yarza (recipes and histories for grown ups) from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Make a donation to Bread and Justice
THE SISTERS OF THE NEVERSEA COLLECTION
If you don't know about the Harper Collins imprint Heartdrum, curated by Cynthia Lietich Smith, you are in for a treat with all of their beautiful Indigenous-authored books for kids. Sisters of the Neversea, a middle reader book that came out this year, is enchanting. And it asks all of the important questions about the problematic stereotypes found in Peter Pan and across so many children's "classics." Magical. If you have a YA reader in your life (or if you ARE the YA reader in your life), you'll also love Lost in the Never Woods (by Aiden Thomas of Cemetery Boys fame), another Peter Pan-inspired story filled with mystery and more magic. Purchase information here:
Sisters of the Neversea by Cynthia Lietich Smith from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Dreamy art prints by Loika (illustrator of the the Lost in the Never Woods cover) at 3Days Summer
Beaded mermaid-inspired earrings from Creek Fire
Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas from the Reading Is Resistance Bookshop
Donate to the Children's Book Bank
THE HEALER OF THE WATER MONSTER COLLECTION
Another 2021 middle reader book from Heartdrum that has been a favorite read aloud at our house is Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young. Set on the Navajo reservation, it's a story of healing, family, and an adventure that readers will never forget. The cover illustrator Shonto Begay also illustrated a water-focused picture book called The Water Lady: How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Navajo Nation. We think this book pairing is really meaningful and ignites conversations about working together, climate crisis, and more. Purchase information here:
Healer of the Water Monster by Brian Young from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Prints from artist Shonto Begay
A super warm blanket from Eighth Generation
The Water Lady: How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Navajo Nation by Alice McGinty and illustrated by Shonto Begay from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Make a donation to the Water Protector Legal Collective
THE PLAYING THE CARDS YOU'RE DEALT
A book pairing we're really loving right now is the middle reader Playing the Cards You're Dealt by the wonderful Varian Johnson and Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood. Grappling with masculinity, love, family, and identity, these books celebrate, uplift, get us talking...and playing cards :) Purchase information here:
Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Ruby red heart dangles from Sahara's Essentials
A card deck from Art by Shariff
Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop
Every time you buy a book from the Reading Is Resistance BookShop, you sustain our work. And we hope these gift collections get your imaginations flowing and introduce you to some wonderful makers in our communities as well.For additional book picks, check out our curated lists at our BookShop. And send us pictures of you with your books!
With love to all of you in our community,
Zapoura and the Reading Is Resistance Team
Comments