Earth Day is next month. I believe we all need to focus on our planet every day, however so many celebrate Earth Day. I always like to share books that help promote taking care of the planet and our natural resources and other life on our planet. Today I get to share a book that shares the story of whales in the water near New York City. The book is Whales in the City by Nancy F. Castaldo and illustrated by Chuck Groenink. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
This past weekend we returned from our spring break vacation in Florida. This year we decided to each choose a place we wanted to go and plan a day. Steve chose the Kennedy Space Center. He is a huge space enthusiast and wanted to see the rockets and buildings he has read about in real life. It was fun although I wish we had more time to explore even more there. It was the perfect timing as I have a book about a famous photograph taken during one of the first space missions. The book is Earthrise: The Story of the Photograph That Changed the Way We See Our Planet by Leonard S. Marcus. It is recommended for ages 10 to 14.
Today we are sharing another of the After-School Heroes Series. These are great easy reader chapter books and perfect for fans of superheroes. Today's book is Ghost-Spider's Unbreakable Mission by Mackenzie Cadenhead and illustrated by Dave Bardin. It is recommended for ages 5 to 9.
As a parent we all have had those nights. Those nights where the baby won't go to sleep no matter what we do. On one of those nights, Sandra Salsbury wrote the book I am sharing with you today. It is The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever by Sandra Salsbury. The reading age is 3 to 7, but I am sure there are some young kids who will be amused by this book and some parents who will remember those nights.
I have always believed in equal rights. I truly believe each of us is equal and deserves to be treated with kindness and respect (unless they are doing something to hurt you or those you love). I have shown this side of me throughout Crafty Moms Share and am a proud member of Multicultural Kids Blogs and reviewer (and have been cohost) of Read Your World Day (formerly Multicultural Children's Book Day). As a teacher I have worked hard to make students of different cultures, ethnicities, races, genders, abilities, etc. feel welcome and included. I began teaching in public schools in the mid 1990's. There was some diversity as to race in the schools I taught in but not much. Most was due to busing programs in Boston. I helped develop and run diversity programs in several schools in which I taught and went through various diversity training. I have even been an advisor/chaperone at Anytown. Each of these trainings and experiences have made me a better teacher. In general, I try not to get involved in politics or speak about them here. However sometimes I find I have to speak out. This is one of those times. My heart is breaking as President Trump is trying to get rid of DEI programs in schools as well as elsewhere. Today I am going to share why I feel it is so important to have DEI programs in schools.
