In this autobiographical book, the author shares her experience as an elementary school student with selective mutism.  Anxiety around navigating cultural and language differences in the U.S. and the often xenophobic behaviors she and her family experience stop her from speaking at school but not at home.  Loving family, a keen sense of curiosity, a strong affinity for the natural world, and hope for future connection keep Kalia going even in the face of incredibly difficult obstacles. 
 
This book will start conversations about being a refugee, what xenophobia looks like, how anxiety feels in the body, and why offering friendship can mean the world.
 
This curriculum was written by Zapoura Newton-Calvert. Reading Is Resistance sees reading as an opportunity to seed deeper learning, conversation, and possibilities for action around racial justice and liberation in our communities. The Social Justice Standards from Learning for Justice, founded by the Southern Poverty Law Center, serve as guides for our work.  We also draw from abolitionist, decolonizing, heart/body-centered, and white anti-racist practices. 
 
Each digital download contains the following:
A welcome and book summary
An introduction to the Storyseed Curriculum Framework
Discussion questions that support anti-oppression learning for all readers
A list of additional resources to extend the learning
Recommended books to read next