There are moments when I forget that our bookshelf at home and our library book bag are a little different than mainstream bookshelves and book bags. We intentionally curate a reading space that centers BIPOC authors and their work. Probably at least 25% of our books are by Latinx authors, whereas in the industry overall, only 6% of those in book publishing are Latinx.
WEEKEND HOMEWORK: DECOLONIZE YOUR BOOKSHELVES OR LIBRARY LIST
First, this is a reminder for us all to analyze our libraries (our bookshelves and our public library picks) and to decolonize them (WHY and HOW).
AND while you're at it, think about buying your Latinx books from a Latinx owned bookstore, like Booklandia in Oakland, California.
FEATURED READING IS RESISTANCE LATINX BOOKS
Here are some of the book kits and experiences we have available on Reading Is Resistance. We hope you'll take a look.
PICTURE BOOK READ +DISCUSS
Dear Primo by Duncan Tonatiuh
Too Many Tamales by Marilyn Reyes Ayala
PICTURE BOOK READ + LISTEN
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales
PICTURE BOOK REVIEW
Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
MIDDLE READER
The First Rule of Punk by Celia Perez
YA
All the Stars Denied by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
RECOMMENDED NEW RELEASES
And here are some recent new releases from some of our favorite Latinx authors. From gut-wrenchingly real to beautifully magical, you will be taken on a journey with these books.
YA
We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez
Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
MIDDLE READER
Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega
Paola Santiago and the River of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Incendiary by Zoraida Cordova
The Way to Rio Luna by Zoraida Cordova
It's inspiring to see the intentional focus on BIPOC authors in your reading space! Decolonizing our bookshelves is essential for promoting diverse voices. If you're looking to support Latinx authors further, consider using book writing services through britishbookpublishing to help amplify these narratives. Together, we can create a more inclusive literary landscape!