Abolitionism and Slavery
African American History, Issues and Rights
African and African Diaspora History, Issues and Rights
Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights
Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements
Disability History, Issues and Rights
Environmental Justice Issues
Genocide
Globalization
Hate and Oppression
Health and Nutrition
Human Rights and Democracy
Humane Education and Animal Rights
Immigrant and Refugee History, Issues and Rights
Independence
Indigenous History, Issues and Rights
Labor and Economic Issues
Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights
Literacy
Media Literacy
Middle Eastern Americans and Middle East History, Issues and Rights
Peace Education/Counter-Recruiting
Police Violence and Prisons
Queer History, Issues and Rights
Race
Religions
The Arts
War and Imperialism
Women’s History, Issues and Rights
Youth Activism
Abolitionism and Slavery
13 Honest Books About Slavery Young People Should Actually Read, by Claire Fallon. A handful of picture book recommendations for children that treat the subject of slavery honestly and appropriately. (E) http://huff.to/1OE3Jde
A Forgotten History: The Slave Trade and Slavery in New England. This site contains supplemental materials to a unit that examines slavery in New England, and the effects of the trade on slaves and slavery for the new Americans of the time. Materials include videos, graphic organizers, lesson plans, and web links. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/uyVzP3
After Slavery: Educator Resources, by Lowcountry Digital History Initiative. Reprint of article from theNew York Times in 1867, along with guiding questions about the Charleston protests against streetcar segregation. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1Qw05Xe
America Responds to Dred Scott, a lesson plan from Teach US History. Lesson plan includes four audio files of critical figures responding to the Dred Scott decision. (H) http://bit.ly/1TTeJKD
Angelina and Sarah Grimké: Sisters of Social Reform. Students learn about two women who worked to abolish slavery, and about the importance of goals and ambitions. (E) http://bit.ly/2coz8F4
Been Here So Long: Selections from the WPA American Slave Narratives, by the New Deal Network. Seventeen of the approximately 2,300 American Slave Narratives collected by the Federal Writers Project are included in this collection, along with lesson plans. (H) http://bit.ly/uy2uKF
Breaking the Silence, by UNESCO. This site is designed to provide teachers with a variety of resources and ideas about how to teach the transatlantic slave trade. It includes lesson plans, maps and insights from other teachers. (M, H) http://bit.ly/14KLWLR
Considerations for Early Childhood and Elementary Educators on Slavery and Resistance, by Teaching for Change. Essay with many resources on the “do’s and don’ts” of books for young children on the topic of slavery. Includes a link to a list of more than 50 recommended books for young people of all ages. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1Kvu9MA
Frederick Douglass Fights for Freedom, by Bill Bigelow. This lesson introduces students to the many ways African Americans resisted enslavement, using the autobiographical narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass, published in 1845. It includes a video of Danny Glover reading Douglass’s speech questioning what Independence Day means to African Americans. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/twIr1s
Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life, by Ashley Bryan. Using original slave auction and plantation estate documents, Ashley Bryan’s moving and powerful picture book contrasts the monetary value of a slave with the priceless value of life experiences and dreams, which a slave owner could never take away. (E) http://bit.ly/2iuy8Va
From Slave Ship to Freedom Road, by Julius Lester. A picture book aimed at giving older children the history of slavery with the supplementary use of “imagination exercises,” direct questions to the reader, and Lester’s personal commentary to encourage students to think critically about the history of slavery. (M, H). http://bit.ly/1lSpXQX
“If There Is No Struggle…”: Teaching A People’s History of the Abolition Movement, by Bill Bigelow. This role-play puts students in the position of abolitionist groups working together to end slavery. (E, M) http://bit.ly/QsfVje
Indentured Servitude and Slavery, by Michael Ray. This six-minute digital history of slavery includes the voices of slave survivors, as well as pictures that depict the struggles and inequities that these individuals faced. (H) http://bit.ly/1pCbpBh
John Brown’s Holy War. This companion site to the 1999 PBS documentary on abolitionist John Brown uses a timeline, an interactive map, short biographies and histories, and a teacher’s guide to explain the story of Brown’s life and times. (M, H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/vnXBc
Learning Guide: 12 Years A Slave, by James Frieden. This learning guide provides teachers with information, discussion questions, and assignments regarding the film, “12 Years A Slave.” (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1XnYPui
Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence, by Gretchen Woelfle. Everybody knows about the Founding Fathers and the Declaration of Independence in 1776. But the founders weren’t the only ones who believed that everyone had a right to freedom. Mumbet, an enslaved Massachusetts woman, believed it too. She longed to be free, but how? Would anyone help her in her fight for freedom? Could she win against her “owner,” the richest man in town? Mumbet was determined to try. (E) http://bit.ly/1YtEcty
Perspective on the Slave Narrative, by EdSITEment. Lesson about the Narrative of William W. Brown, A Fugitive Slave (1847). The book is analyzed as a work of literature as well as for its contribution to the abolitionist movement. (H) http://1.usa.gov/hjAWP5
Reconstructing the South: A Role-Play, by the Zinn Education Project. This role-play lesson engages students in thinking about what freed people needed in order to achieve – and sustain – real freedom following the Civil War. It’s followed by a chapter from the book Freedom’s Unfinished Revolution, on what would happen to the land in the South after slavery ended. (H) http://bit.ly/2j6MTLE
Rethinkin’ Lincoln on the 150th Birthday of the Emancipation Proclamation, by Bill Bigelow, Huffington Post. This article questions the portrayal of President Lincoln as an abolitionist in the movie Lincoln. Bigelow also discusses how he and his students approached the study of the Emancipation Proclamation, beginning with Lincoln’s inaugural address. (H, TR) http://huff.to/UpgZq8
Rethinking the U.S. Constitutional Convention: A Role Play, by Bob Peterson. This teaching activity is a role play on the Constitutional Convention, in which students learn about the social forces active during and immediately following the American Revolution. Students also explore who should be allowed to vote (and the extent to which gender, race and property ownership play a role in that) and whether slavery and the slave trade should be abolished. (E, M) http://bit.ly/18gNBZ1
Slavery and Defiance, by Gayle Olson-Raymer. Teaching with Voices of a People’s History of the United States. Questions and teaching ideas for Chapter 9 of Voices of a People’s History of the United States on Black and White resistance to slavery before the Civil War. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/IYQGHD
Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride, by Andrea Pinkney and Brian Pinkney. Step-Stomp Stride tells the story of abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth, one of the most extraordinary and courageous women in American history. (E) http://bit.ly/JfU2SR
Text to Text: ‘Twelve Years A Slave,’ and ‘An Escape That Has Long Intrigued Historians,‘ by Michael Gonchar and Tom Marshall. A learning guide that provides teachers with key comparisons and discussion points between the film, 12 Years a Slave, and the 1853 slave narrative of the same name. (H, TR) http://nyti.ms/1T2Oyyq
The Abolition of the Slave Trade, by the New York Public Library. This extensive multimedia website explores the history and events leading up to the abolition of the slave trade. (M, H) http://bit.ly/ctBe3C
The Election of 1860 Role Play, by Bill Bigelow. Allows students to explore the political debates of the time and the real reasons for the Civil War. (H) http://bit.ly/1LXgK0y
The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro, by Frederick Douglass. Full text of a speech delivered by Douglass in Rochester, New York, on July 5, 1852. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1xt0vT3
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano, by Margarita Engle. A lyrical biography of a Cuban slave who escaped to become a celebrated poet. Born into the household of a wealthy slave owner in Cuba in 1797, Juan Francisco Manzano spent his early years by the side of a woman who made him call her Mama, even though he had a mama of his own. Denied an education, young Juan still showed an exceptional talent for poetry. (M) http://bit.ly/1QOeuQB
The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Database and Lesson Plans, by Voyages. A team of teachers and curriculum developers from across the US developed lesson plans for grades 6-12 to explore the transatlantic slave trade database. These lessons allow students to engage the history and legacy of the transatlantic slave trade in diverse and
meaningful ways. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1SlotMh
The Women Who Gave Us Christmas, by William Loren Katz. An article about the women who organized Christmas bazaars to finance the abolition cause, and used the fundraisers as a chance to spread anti-slavery messages. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1QvQJe8
William Wilberforce, by BBC. A biography of William Wilberforce, a social reformer who used the infamous diagram of a transatlantic slave ship to bring an end to the British slave trade. (M, H, TR) http://bbc.in/1zcZ8H8
Write the Truth, by Bob Peterson, Rethinking Schools. Peterson describes an inquiry project in which his fifth graders investigated which US presidents owned slaves, and then wrote letters to textbook publishers to demand that this information be included. (E, M) http://bit.ly/svqysP
African American History, Issues and Rights
“Domestic Terror”: Understanding Lynching During the Era of Jim Crow, by PBS and The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow. Terror and violence were used to sustain the Jim Crow system throughout its bloody history. Many of the stories and images contained in the series depict disturbing scenes of terror that need to be discussed in the classroom. This unit considers violence in the struggle for civil rights — when and why violence was employed. (H) http://to.pbs.org/1RyOW4x
“What We Want, What We Believe”: Teaching with the Black Panthers’ Ten Point Program Teaching Activity, by Wayne Au. This lesson leads students to study the Black Panthers’ Ten Point Program to help assess issues in their own communities and to develop Ten Point Programs of their own. (H) http://bit.ly/KbuoS7
“With All Deliberate Speed” – Separate Is Not Equal, by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Behring Center. This section of the Smithsonian’s “Separate Is Not Equal” site focuses on how the vagueness of “with all deliberate speed” worked to segregationists’ advantage. Photographs and political cartoons are included, as are links to other relevant sections. (M, H) http://bit.ly/KdFFmx
#BlackLivesMatter Protest Music –22 Track Mix Tape for the Movement. Hip-Hop artists who have been directly involved in the movement as well as some Hip-Hop legends and superstars, have come out with a steady stream of movement music. This should just be the beginning, with a public challenge put out recently to musicians by Questlove, of the Roots, to make more protest music: “I urge and challenge musicians and artists alike to push themselves to be a voice of the times that we live.” Check out the mix tape of the songs that have come out so far. (M, H)
http://bzfd.it/1RRC9wJ
#FergusonSyllabus: Talking and Teaching about Police Violence, by Prison Culture. A tremendous set of activity ideas, lesson plans, and resources for teachers and young people investigating police violence. Includes extensive integration of the arts and other media. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1oV3uV9
#NotOneDime, by “a coalition of community organizers, faith leaders, and fed-up American citizens.” Full website, including the history, demands, and resources related to the economic boycott organized in the aftermath of the non-indictment in Ferguson. (M, H, TR). http://bit.ly/1T3u7E4
7 Black Women Science Fiction Writers Everyone Should Know, by For Harriet. Quick blog post drawing attention the works of seven Black women sci-fi writers, and their must-reads. (H, TR)http://bit.ly/1OYJnKJ
A Digital Collection Celebrating the Founding of the Historically Black College and University, by HBCU Library Alliance. This site hosts a large collection of digitized primary sources from member libraries to celebrate the founding of the Historically Black College and University. The collection, which features photographs, manuscripts, images of campus buildings, alumni letters and more, serves to present HBCUs as cultural, political and social institutions. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/wWhYPU
A Revolution of Values, by Zinn Education Project. This teaching activity contains excerpts from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech titled “Beyond Vietnam,” and a PDF for classroom use and teaching ideas. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1HXdpSN
A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, by Michelle Green. Motivated by her love for the game and inspired by the legendary Jackie Robinson, Mamie Johnson is determined to be a professional baseball pitcher. But in a sport that’s controlled by White men, there is no place for a Black woman. (E) http://bit.ly/1R4t4NY
A Teacher’s Guide to The Souls of Black Folk, by Penguin USA. Several units of lesson plans, including an exploration of Du Bois’s disagreements with Booker T. Washington, Jim Crow laws, and Emancipation and its aftermath. (H) http://bit.ly/2mh3ajn
A. Philip Randolph Exhibit, by the George Meany Memorial Archives. This online exhibit includes photographs, articles, a bibliography and classroom activities about labor leader and civil rights activist A. Philip Randolph. (H) http://bit.ly/IDxZnP
African American Odyssey, by Library of Congress. Comprehensive online display of materials and primary resources related to the African American experience. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/aXfZMt
African American Odyssey: Free Blacks in the Antebellum Period (Part 2), by Library of Congress online exhibition. This site features information and primary sources related to the contribution of free Blacks during the Antebellum Period, including the establishment of Liberia. (M, H, TR) http://1.usa.gov/17yUxDV
After Slavery: Educator Resources, by Lowcountry Digital History Initiative. See Abolitionism and Slavery section. http://bit.ly/1Qw05Xe
Beyond Brown: Pursuing the Promise. A PBS documentary and companion website exploring both the history of Brown v Board of Education and its unfulfilled or broken promises. The website includes educator resources and interactive lesson plans. (M, H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/hyvhby
Black Owned Business Directory, by #NotOneDime. A growing list of black-owned businesses to support. (TR)
http://bit.ly/1Rsgclj
Blacked Out History: REBELLION, by Dream Defenders. An incredible collection of digital art pieces for every
day of February, highlighting and educating users about lesser known events in history related to struggles for freedom. (M, H, TR) http://ddblackedouthistory.tumblr.com/
Black Panther Party Research Project. This academic site is designed to provide information for individuals who want to locate primary and secondary sources about the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense, the organization co-founded during October 1966 by Bobby Seale and the late Dr. Huey P. Newton in Oakland, California. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/Jqmo0n
Born On This Day: Talladega’s Juliette Derricotte, by Lauren Kientz Anderson for #MyHBCUstory. Short biography and photo of Derricotte. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/24GbFFu
Educational Resources on Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series, by the Phillips Collection. As part of the Phillips Collection’s commitment to sharing and expanding Jacob Lawrence’s legacy and achievements with broad and diverse
audiences, the museum has produced interactive features based on and inspired by the artist’s extraordinary work. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2jFS85M
Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement, by Barbara Ransby. Site features a multitude of resources pertaining to the life of Ella Baker and an array of social justice projects. The site also includes a database of social justice events in several categories. (H) http://bit.ly/SfYDqJ; http://unc.live/1qkriCg
#FergusonSyllabus: Talking and Teaching About Police Violence, by Prison Culture. A tremendous set of activity ideas, lesson plans and resources for teachers and young people investigating police violence. Includes integration
of the arts and other media. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1oV3uV9
Hidden Figures: A Discussion Guide, by Journeys in Film: Educating for Global Understanding. This free downloadable viewing guide accompanies the film Hidden Figures. The guide is designed to support dialogue with families, educators, middle and high school students to understand the historical context of the women featured in the film. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2mccaXt
Hidden in Plain Sight: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Radical Vision, by Craig Gordon. A teaching activity guide includes objectives and essential questions for teachers and students based on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1967 book, Where Do We Go Here: Chaos or Community? (H, TR) http://bit.ly/21SrOpS
I Am a Man, a digital library from Wayne State University. This website contains comprehensive information about the Sanitation Workers Strike and the surrounding political and social context. It includes many primary source documents and multimedia clips to support teaching and learning. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2laUBF0
I See the Promised Land: A Life of Martin Luther King, Jr., by Arthur Flowers and Manu Chitrakar. African American writer, griot and blues singer Arthur Flowers and Indian scroll painter Manu Chitrakar combine their very distinctive
storytelling traditions in an extraordinary jam session, creating this stunning graphic narrative-style biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. (E) http://bit.ly/1LbGvPY
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, by Bette Bao Lord. This children’s book depicts a young girl’s learning about Jackie Robinson and drawing parallels between their experiences as minorities in the US. Ideas for activities and teacher resources are also available. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1NISHXi
Independent Black-Owned Newspapers in the United States. Includes a hyperlinked list of historic and current independent, Black-owned newspapers. Also includes a video about the development of the Black press entitled, The Black Press, Soldiers without Swords. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1TvHY6A
Julian Bond, Presente! by Teaching for Change. An article, with a number of hyperlinked resources, about the work of longtime activist, professor, politician, and writer Julian Bond. Includes links to interviews with Bond, as well as many of his speeches. (TR) http://bit.ly/1TPnANk
Kwanzaa books at Teaching for Change Books. A collection of children’s books on Kwanzaa. (E) http://bit.ly/t7iv0g
Liberation Curriculum, by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute. Lesson plans, primary resources and articles based on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Archives at Stanford University. (H) http://stanford.io/1DNVv1M
Maya Angelou, a PBS documentary by Bob Hercules & Rita Coburn Whack. With unprecedented access, filmmakers trace Dr. Angelou’s incredible journey, shedding light on the untold aspects of her life through never-before-seen footage, rare archival photographs and videos, and her own words. Debuted Feb. 21, 2017, and free to stream. (H) http://to.pbs.org/2jwY8gZ
Montgomery Bus Boycott, by Zinn Education Project. a list of books and other teaching materials. (E, M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/1TI508w
Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champion, by Walter Dean Myers. Myers examines the depth and complexity of the larger-than-life legend and heavyweight Champion of the World. (E) http://amzn.to/1TsL77d
Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence, by Gretchen Woelfle. See Abolitionism and Slavery section. (E)
http://bit.ly/1YtEcty
Mutual Aid Toolbox, by Big Door Brigade. We cannot rely on the government to provide what people need, especially when vulnerable people are under attack by government agencies and agents. This toolbox is a list of models and tools for starting mutual aid projects that help support people facing eviction, deportation, criminalization, poverty, isolation and violence. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2kL2cup
NASA Modern Figures Toolkit, by NASA. This is a collection of resources and educational activities for students in grades K-12 to accompany the film Hidden Figures. Each activity and resource includes a brief description, as well as information about how the activities and lessons align with education standards. Resources include videos, historical references and STEM materials. (E, M, H) http://go.nasa.gov/2mYcyJ3
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia. A discussion guide for the book, One Crazy Summer, a story about sisters’ experience at a Black Panthers-sponsored summer camp in the summer of 1968 in Oakland. Includes questions for discussion, extension activities, and information about the author. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1waLFOd Link to purchase book: http://bit.ly/1QhC878
One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance, by Nikki Grimes. In this collection of poetry, Grimes takes a fresh look at the poets of the Harlem Renaissance by combining their work with her own original poetry. Using “The Golden Shovel” poetic method, Grimes has written a collection of poetry that is as gorgeous as it is thought-provoking. Also includes original artwork in full color from some of today’s most exciting African American illustrators. (E, M, H) http://amzn.to/2jK1j5x
Oral History Interview with Septima Poinsette Clark, July 30, 1976, by Documenting the American Truth. Septima Clark recalls some of the successes of her work with the SCLC, especially the passage of the Voting Rights Act, as well as the challenges of the work. Clark notes how several leaders needed to learn techniques for serving poor rural people, and she often was compelled to correct their misunderstandings. Transcripts and downloadable audio file available. (H) http://unc.live/2kjVizD
Platform from the Movement for Black Lives. In response to the sustained and increasingly visible violence against Black communities in the US and globally, a collective of more than 50 organizations, representing thousands of Black people from across the country, have come together with renewed energy and purpose to articulate a common vision and agenda. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2aIgQAK
Preamble of the Free African Society, by Detroit Public Television series on Africans in America. Full text of the preamble and articles of the Free African Society, which provide a succinct portrait of the organization. (H)
http://to.pbs.org/1QXMSZD
Putting the Movement Back Into Civil Rights Teaching, by Deborah Menkart, Alana Murray, and Jenice L. View. The book includes interactive and interdisciplinary lessons, readings, writings, photographs, graphics and interviews, with sections on education, labor, citizenship and culture, and reflections on teaching about the civil rights movement. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/uPIYBc
Racism and Stop and Frisk, by Kathryn Himmelstein. A math lesson from the book, Rethinking Mathematics, in which students use qualitative and quantitative data to construct arguments about racism and stop and frisk. (H)
http://bit.ly/1W9s53q
Resources on the Ferguson Movement Moment, by Catalyst Project. Organic, linked resources related to teaching and learning about Ferguson and #BlackLivesMatter. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1p8dY3n
Scarred Justice: The Orangeburg Massacre 1968, film by Judy Richardson and Bestor Cram. A 57-minute documentary film that brings to light the story of the attack by state police on a demonstration in Orangeburg, South Carolina that left three students dead and 28 injured. (H) http://bit.ly/2j8KUGj
Schomburg Center Research Guide: Dr. Maya Angelou, by Alexsandra Mitchell. Extensive collection of archival materials related to the life and legacy of Dr. Angelou, including links to manuscripts and rare books, newspaper clippings, photographs and prints, arts and artifacts, and moving image recordings. (M, H, TR) http://on.nypl.org/2oefvs7
Seven Principles, by Sweet Honey In The Rock. A song that teaches the seven principles of Kwanzaa. (E, M, H)
http://bit.ly/vNc77L
Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence, by John Duggleby. The paintings of Jacob Lawrence tell stories of enslavement and freedom, human migration and renaissance, struggle and triumph. A collection of his stunning paintings provides the backdrop for this biography, which tells the story of one of our finest living painters. With more than 25 full-color reproductions and an insightful glossary, this engaging biography is an excellent starting point for
discussions about American history. (E, M) http://amzn.to/2k9ymjx
Sing for Freedom: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Its Songs, by Guy and Candie Carawan. This new combined edition of We Shall Overcome and Freedom Is a Constant Struggle weaves together the lead sheets of 115 songs, 135 moving documentary photos, and stirring firsthand accounts. Grouped together in chapters on each of the key stages of the US civil rights movement, they create a stunning vision of this critical moment in world history. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1Koz2fW
Slavery and Defiance, by Gayle Olson-Raymer. See Abolitionism and Slavery section. http://bit.ly/IYQGHD
SNCC Project Group. This site provides a history of Julian Bond and SNCC, including a short audio clip of Bond talking about SNCC, as well as links to other resources. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/JzQtH3
Southern Tenant Farmers’ Union: Black and White Unite?, by Bill Bigelow and Norm Diamond, Zinn Education Project. This teaching activity examines efforts by Black and White workers to overcome deep divisions and racial antagonism. Students are faced with a “What would you do?” assignment that helps them grasp many of the difficulties in achieving some degree of racial unity. (M, H) http://bit.ly/rYmZcW
Strange Fruit, by Joel Katz. This documentary explores the history and legacy of the Billie Holiday classic. The film examines lynching, the interplay of race, labor and the Left, and popular culture as forces that gave rise to the Civil Rights Movement. Site includes a protest music overview and a resource page with websites, books, articles and lesson plans on protest music. (H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/dm2psW
Teaching #Blacklivesmatter, by San Francisco Public Schools. This libguide provides teachers with resources and tools that can be used to teach #Blacklivesmatter. Resources include syllabi, lesson plans, videos, grand jury documents and more. (TR) http://bit.ly/1BjYnxM
Teaching #Ferguson: Connecting with Resources, by Art Museum Teaching. Compiled, organic, growing list of resources – all hyperlinked and annotated – related to teaching about #Ferguson in K-12 classrooms and beyond. (TR)
http://bit.ly/1VLFEWu
Teaching Maya Angelou with The New York Times, by NYT Learning Network. A collection of linked articles, teaching resources, and ideas from the New York Times and elsewhere, for teaching and appreciating the life of Maya Angelou. (M, H) http://nyti.ms/2lGPyzP
Teammates, by Paul Bacon. A children’s book, which tells the story about the integration of baseball and the experiences of Jackie Robinson as the first African American baseball player to be admitted to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers, an all-White team. Teacher resources and ideas for activities are also included. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1Qhz3Up
The African American Experience: North Carolina Freedom Monument Project. These lesson plans help students become familiar with the life and contributions of anti-slavery activist and writer David Walker. (M, H) http://bit.ly/Juaqke
The Black Family in the Age of Mass Incarceration, by Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Atlantic. “American politicians are now eager to disown a failed criminal justice system that’s left the US with the largest incarcerated population in the world. But they’ve failed to reckon with history. Fifty years after Moynihan’s report, ‘The Negro Family,’ tragically helped create the system, it’s time to reclaim its original intent.” (H, TR) http://theatln.tc/1LP0eVD
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, by Stanley Nelson. The first feature-length documentary to explore the Black Panther Party, its significance to the broader American culture, its cultural and political awakening for Black people, and the painful lessons wrought when a movement derails. Guide for educators included. (H, TR)
http://to.pbs.org/1oI7BE6 http://bit.ly/1ooi5Zk
The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage, by Selina Alko. This children’s book depicts the true story of Mildred Loving, Richard Perry Loving, their three children, and the Supreme Court case that allowed them and all other interracial couples to marry. (E) http://bit.ly/1U8s2nR
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali, by Walter Dean Myers. This book follows the extraordinary career and accomplishments of Muhammad Ali, focusing on Ali’s impact on race relations inside and outside the sports world. (M, H) http://bit.ly/OZvv4G
The Many Faces of Paul Robeson, by the National Archives. Integrated history and language arts unit based on
the life of outspoken civil rights activist Paul Robeson. Includes and integrates various primary source materials. (H) http://bit.ly/2kkcuWj
The Niagara Movement: A Declaration of Principles. Engage students in reading the list of principles, beliefs and demands of the Niagara Movement, which preceded the establishment of the NAACP. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1TLUlM1
The Official Kwanzaa Website, maintained by Dr. Maulana Karenga, the creator of Kwanzaa. This website
provides information about the symbols, values and rituals of Kwanzaa. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2wtSIp
The Riots in Detroit, from Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Movement, from PBS. Introduction to the Detroit Rebellion, including multimedia resources including music, brief video, a gallery of photographs, and linked media coverage of the events. (M, H) http://to.pbs.org/21jVVU0
The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow, by PBS. This documentary series explores segregation from the end of the Civil War to the dawn of the modern civil rights movement. The first episode includes the work of Ida B. Wells. The website features teaching resources. (H) http://to.pbs.org/1XrUTVi
The Untold Story of Aretha Franklin’s Irrevocable “Respect.” Informative essay about Franklin’s power, originally published in Elle Magazine. (H) http://bit.ly/1SDWGCE
This Is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration, by Jacqueline Woodson. The story of one family’s journey North during the Great Migration, told by tracking the history of a rope that is passed down through three generations. (E) http://amzn.to/1oWJ7Yj
Thurgood Marshall: A Teacher’s Guide, by Isela Pena. Background information, annotated bibliography and
recommendations for teachers of linked resources and lesson plans. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1UQ4nup
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, by Kadir Nelson. This picture book shares the story of the Negro Leagues. For too long students have learned only about Jackie Robinson integrating the White leagues, but not about the leagues organized by African Americans, where Jackie Robinson was one of many outstanding players. (E)
http://bit.ly/aUvEyV
What’s in a Name? W.E.B. Du Bois vs. W.E.B. De Bois, by Aldon Morris, author of The Scholar Denied: W.E.B. Du Bois and the Birth of Modern Sociology. Blog post reflecting on the misspelling of Du Bois’s name in a tweet from the US Dept. of Education. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2lgQVS4
What’s My Name, Fool?: Sports and Resistance in the United States, by Dave Zirin. Zirin’s book examines US history with a focus on racism, sexism and homophobia in sports, along with the profound connection between sports and patriotic nationalism. Chapter 3 focuses on Muhammad Ali, his critical consciousness and activist spirit. (H, TR)
http://amzn.to/1p5CwtA
Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, by Martin Luther King, Jr. MLK’s last book before his murder explores the frustration of Blacks in the North borne out of unrealized hope for change of the civil rights movement. While the book explains his critique of the Black Power movement, chapter one provides a good lens for understanding the roots of urban ‘riots’ or ‘uprisings.’ (H, TR) http://bit.ly/i1W6rv
Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree, by William Miller, Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu. Based on the
autobiographical writings of acclaimed novelist Zora Neale Hurston, this book tells the “poignant saga of how one of our most significant storytellers learned to dream.” (E) http://bit.ly/Jun2Yn Teachers Guide: http://bit.ly/2ekve4K
African and African Diaspora, History, Issues and Rights
Dec. 12, 1963: Kenya Gains Independence, by The Learning Network, New York Times. This article summarizes Kenya’s road to independence from Great Britain, and offers discussion questions to connect today’s conflicts to colonial roots. (H, TR) http://nyti.ms/TgLLo6
Africa Access. Organization whose aim is to help schools, public libraries and parents improve the quality of their children’s collections on Africa. This site includes an online database of reviews of children’s books about Africa, bibliographies for specific research topics related to Africa, and awards for the best children’s books on Africa published in the US. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/K1g9m
African American Odyssey: Free Blacks in the Antebellum Period (Part 2), Library of Congress online exhibition. See African American History, Rights and Issues section. http://1.usa.gov/17yUxDV
Caribbean Connections Series, by Teaching for Change. Teaching for Change has developed this six-book series
that brings the Caribbean experience to the classroom. (H) http://bit.ly/16GLJyb
Colonization and Independence in Africa, from the Choices Program, Brown University. African experiences of colonialism were diverse. Nevertheless, there are common themes within the continent’s colonial history. This resource from the Choices Program explores these themes generally, as well as specifically through four country case studies: Ghana, Algeria, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The readings and activities help students consider the perspectives of Africans and the ways in which they responded to European colonialism. (H) http://bit.ly/1jiHVZr
Desmond and the Very Mean Word, by Desmond Tutu and illustrated by AG Ford. When Desmond takes his new bicycle out for a ride through his neighborhood, his pride and joy turn to hurt and anger when a group of boys shout a very mean word at him. He first responds by shouting an insult, but soon discovers that fighting back with mean words doesn’t make him feel any better. With the help of kindly Father Trevor, Desmond comes to understand his conflicted feelings and sees that all people deserve compassion, whether or not they say they are sorry. (E) http://bit.ly/247ZsJi
How Big is Africa Poster, by African Studies Outreach Program, Boston University. This website features a poster of the map of Africa with other countries superimposed to compare their sizes. Links to other K-12 resources, as well as children’s and young adult books, are also provided. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1Qd8Uk4
I Didn’t Know There Were Cities in Africa!, by Teaching Tolerance. Article with “do’s and don’ts” in teaching about modern Africa. (E) http://bit.ly/9pooY
Island Treasures: Growing Up in Cuba, by Alma Flor Ada. These autobiographical tales from renowned Hispanic author and educator Alma Flor Ada are filled with family love and traditions, secrets and deep friendships, and a gorgeous, emotive picture of the island of Cuba, where Alma Flor grew up. (E) http://bit.ly/1pdpvPv
Marcus Garvey Lesson Plan, by Stanford History Education Group. Lesson plan on the central historical question: Why was Marcus Garvey a controversial figure? Includes links to videos and relevant primary documents. (H) http://stanford.io/2kzWag1
Nelson Mandela: The Authorized Comic Book, by Umlando Wezithombe, The Nelson Mandela Foundation. A
graphic novel about the life and times of Nelson Mandela produced for school children in South Africa and now available for readers in the US. (E, M) http://bit.ly/NMcns4
Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai: Shaking the Tree, by Marieke van Woerkom. To mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, students think about women they admire, learn about African leader Maathai, and discuss the Peter Gabriel song Shaking the Tree. (H) http://bit.ly/t11Crk
Online Resources from the African Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. A very rich list of links to resources for teaching about Africa for all grade levels on a variety of topics. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1oj0DgL
Preamble of the Free African Society, by Detroit Public Television series, Africans in America. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/1QXMSZD
Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal, by Margarita Engle. Multiple voices in free verse share little-known stories of the thousands of workers from the Caribbean who suffered and lost their lives while building the Panama
Canal. (M) http://bit.ly/1pdoHdw
South Africa: Overcoming Apartheid, Building Democracy. This website presents first-hand accounts of the anti-apartheid movement. It includes interviews with South African activists, raw video footage documenting mass resistance and police repression, historical documents and suggestions for teachers. (H) http://bit.ly/rvUu4V
South African History Online. This website gives the historical context of the demonstrations across South Africa in 1960, one of which resulted in the Sharpeville massacre. Eyewitness accounts and other useful primary sources are provided. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/XiIHeL
Speech to the All-African Peoples’ Conference in Ghana, Dec 1958, by Pan-African News Wire. Full transcript of Shirley DuBois’s powerful talk. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1KUQARd
The Abolition of the Slave Trade, by the New York Public Library. See Abolitionism and Slavery section.
http://bit.ly/ctBe3C
The Apartheid Museum. The Apartheid Museum in South Africa hosts an online exhibition with educational resources for teaching about the history and legacy of apartheid. (M, H) http://bit.ly/12HQ1jN
Tutu and Franklin: A Journey Towards Peace. This documentary, with accompanying study guide, is about Nobel Peace prize laureate, Archbishop Tutu, and the late Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Dr. John Hope Franklin. Set in a former slave port off the coast of Senegal in West Africa, the two discover surprising truths about their personal histories and their nations’ struggles for racial peace. They are joined in these conversations by an international, interracial group of 21 teenagers. This PBS site includes a teacher’s guide. (M, H) http://to.pbs.org/Keum86
Wonders of the African World, by
PBS. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores a wealth of African history and culture in Wonders of the African World. (H, TR)
http://to.pbs.org/3BHM0I
Asian /Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights
10 Examples of #AAPI’s Rich History of Resistance, by Reappropriate. This post on Reappropriate’s blog describes ten examples of Asian American resistance. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1eFq1tS
A Century of Challenge and Change: The Filipino American Story. The aim of this curriculum is to highlight the historical and cultural experiences of Filipino Americans within a multicultural and global context by emphasizing ethnic
pride, cultural connections, critical thinking and community activism. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/266pmy4
A Chinese New Year Celebration, by IndyKids. Bilingual essays by students discussing what Chinese New Year is about and what it means to them. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1ezU9co
A Lesson on the Japanese American Internment, by Mark Sweeting. High school US history teacher describes a teaching activity he uses to teach about the internment. (TR) http://bit.ly/KeuN2m
A Place Where Sunflowers Grow, by Amy Lee-Tai. This children’s book tells the story of a young girl and her
family’s experience in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. Lee-Tai invites the reader to explore the injustices hundreds of thousands of innocent Japanese Americans faced. Teacher resources and ideas for activities are
included. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1mdeKuK
Aani and the Tree Huggers, Classroom Guide by Jeannine Atkins. Collection of activities to be used with Aani and the Tree Huggers, a children’s book about the Chipko Movement in India, in which women and children protected their forests from loggers. (E) http://bit.ly/25YELka Purchase the book here: http://bit.ly/1Xug5Kk
Ancestors in the Americas, by Loni Ding, PBS. This series and companion website provide stories, timelines and historical resources helpful in teaching about the experiences of Asian Americans. (M, H) http://to.pbs.org/rMYJYG
Asian American Books.
An extensive catalog of resources and services that underscore the importance and diversity of the Asian American experience. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2unIYN
Baseball Saved Us, by Ken Mochizuki. Shorty, a young Japanese American boy, and his family are
forced to move to an internment camp during WWII. Shorty’s father builds a baseball field to try to restore normalcy for the children, and they rally around the idea. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements
of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E) http://bit.ly/1p2VMQM
Becoming American: The Chinese Experience, PBS curriculum and documentary. This documentary describes the ways the first arrivals from China in the 1840s, their descendants, and recent immigrants have “become American.”
Facing History offers a teaching unit to accompany the film. (E, M, TR) http://to.pbs.org/MQcxL
Chachaji’s Cup, by Uma Krishnaswami. Neel loves listening to his grandfather Chachaji’s tales of great Hindu gods and demons and of his adventures in the Indian Army. But it is the tale of his great-uncle’s favorite teacup that teaches Neel the most, for Chachaji’s cup holds far more than sweet, spicy masala chai. A double-page spread addresses the partition of India and the resulting migration. (E, M) Link to the book: http://amzn.to/2ixn7Ep; link to a video of the author
explaining the impetus for the book: http://bit.ly/2k0NX8e
Children of the Camps, documentary film by Dr. Satsuki Ina. The film depicts the experiences of six Japanese American children who were held in internment campus during WWII. The film’s website includes teaching resources that explore the historical context of internment as well as its effects on children and communities involved. (M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/1gevpqr, http://bit.ly/tUcc4T
China and Revolution: History, Parody and Memory in Contemporary Art. Online gallery of an exhibition titled, “China and Revolution: History, Parody and Memory in Contemporary Art,” examines the relationship between poster art made during the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (GPCR) from 1966 to 1976 and the work of contemporary artists who respond to the events of that period. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1pfYVVO
Chinese American Women: A History of Resilience and Resistance, by National Women’s History Museum. This online exhibit highlights the experiences, innovation and resistance of Chinese American women during their first 100
years in the United States. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/18FrvTD
Chinese Immigrants in America: An Interactive History Adventure, by Kelley Hunsicker. This book describes the experiences and perspectives of Chinese immigrants in the US in 1850. The book enables readers to interact with history by allowing them to choose what they would do next. By making choices, readers uncover historical details about the lives of Chinese immigrants who worked as gold miners, railroad workers and more. (E) http://bit.ly/QfGB5Q
Dignified and Determined: Labor Activism of Filipina/o American Farmworkers, by Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, Dawn B. Mabalon, Maricel Elacio, Erica Parpan, Ingrid Gonzales, Ron Quimel, Frederick David and R.J. Lozada. This
lesson plan, which focuses on Filipina/o American farmworkers, examines how we view the labor and activism of the Pinay/Pinoy pioneers. Generally, these lesson plans will help students and teachers be more critical of how they perceive and understand labor, work, class and economic justice. (H) http://bit.ly/1fPbdx0
Escape to Gold Mountain: A Graphic History of the Chinese in North America, by David H.T. Wong. Told as the history of the Wong family, this accessible volume offers readers both a panoramic and an intimate look at the Chinese experience in North America. This is a story of racism, exploitation and violence, but also of warmth and solidarity. (H) http://bit.ly/2mxipHy
Explore the Japanese American Internment Through Film and the Internet. This site hosts a vast array of resources for teaching about the internment. Educator section has unit plans and discussion questions. (H, TR)
http://bit.ly/1qnwUvy
Fred Korematsu Speaks Up, by Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi. The first in a new series of middle grade books about civil rights and s/heroes, this book examines how Fred Korematsu first evaded and then fought the incarceration of Japanese Americans all the way to the Supreme Court. (E, M) http://nbcnews.to/2jCou1U
Gandhi, by Demi. Demi’s book is a straightforward, illustrated biography of Indian Independence Movement leader Mahatma Gandhi’s life. (E) http://bit.ly/J31EdX
George Takei Guides ‘Allegiance,’ a Musical, Not a Starship, by Laura Collins-Hughes. An article on the subject of the Broadway musical, Allegiance, which brings forth the experiences of Japanese American families in internment camps during World War II; inspired by actor George Takei’s memories from childhood. (H, TR)
http://nyti.ms/1MoOWaO
Growing Up Filipino: Stories for Young Adults, by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard (ed). 29 Filipino American writers explore the universal challenges of adolescence from the unique perspectives of teens in the Philippines and the
US, organized into five sections – Family, Angst, Friendship, Love and Home. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1QW58lX
I See the Sun in Myanmar, by Dedie King. Aye Aye’s father is a fisherman on the river and her mother is a nurse at a nearby hospital. The story provides an elementary introduction to Buddhist culture and the tradition of metta, a practice of saying phrases of loving-kindness. The day unfolds with the verses of metta that Aye Aye whispers to herself. Her wishes of kindness and compassion for those around her mirror the deep-rooted Buddhist culture of Myanmar. (E) http://bit.ly/2jUWSDM
Know Your Rights, by Asian Americans Advancing Justice. Resources and materials on various topics
affecting the Asian American community, including citizenship clinics, language, voting rights, and more. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2n6wecZ
Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel/Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel, by Anthony Robles. This English/Tagalog bilingual picture book begins with a note from the author about his Filipino grandparents, who came to the US as farmworkers and brought Makibaka, the spirit “of struggle, of love, and of laughter,” with them. The book tells the story of a contemporary boy who organizes his community to resist gentrification. (E) http://bit.ly/KYQR68
Landed, by Milly Lee. Landed tells the story of Sun, a young Chinese man who emigrates to America during the age of the Chinese Exclusion Act. Lee bases the story on that of her father-in-law, and provides informative historical background. (E) http://bit.ly/2l8kwRx
Lights for Gita, by Rachna Gilmore. The author introduces readers to Divali (Diwali), one of the most important holidays observed by Hindus all over the world, through the eyes of Gita, a young immigrant girl. The site includes a teacher’s guide and other books about Hinduism. (E) http://bit.ly/KCeUSp
Lunar New Year, books reviewed by The Asian American Curriculum Project. A review of children’s books
from several Asian cultures about the Lunar New Year. (E) http://bit.ly/aabooks
My Name Is Yoon, by Helen Recorvits. This picture book is about a Korean girl who has difficulty adjusting to her new life in America. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E) http://amzn.to/22B02f5
Red Land, Yellow River, by Ange Zhang. When Mao’s Cultural Revolution took hold in China in June 1966, Ange Zhang was thirteen years old. His father was a famous writer. Shortly after the revolution began, many of Ange’s classmates joined the Red Guard, Mao’s youth movement, and they drove their teachers out of the classrooms. This dramatic, painful autobiographical story is complemented by photographs, many drawn from Ange’s personal collection, as well as a non-fiction section that explains the historical period. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1pejDWe
Shanghai Messenger, by Andrea Cheng. Shanghai Messenger is about a young girl, the child of an American father and Chinese mother, who travels back to China to visit her extended family and explore her roots. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E) http://bit.ly/tVVSjp
Sita’s Ramayana, by Samhita Arni. The Ramayana – one of the great legends of ancient India – is presented here in the form of a visually stunning and gripping graphic novel. Told from the perspective of the queen, Sita, it explores ideas of right vs. wrong, compassion, loyalty, trust, honor and the terrible price that war exacts from women, children, animals and the natural world. (E) http://bit.ly/1QDOQed
Strangers from a Different Shore, by Ronald Takaki. This book offers a good survey of Asian American history. (E,
M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/tHoLeH
Sylvia & Aki, by Winifred Conkling. This historical novel is based on the true stories of Sylvia Mendez and Aki Munemitsu Nakauchi, who were third-graders during World War II. When Aki’s family is forced to leave their home for a Japanese American internment camp, the Mendez family moves in. Sylvia Mendez looks forward to her first day of school, only to be told she cannot enroll. This leads to the groundbreaking Mendez v Westminster desegregation lawsuit that preceded Brown v Board of Education. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1az5oy5
Thailand: The “October Movement” and the Transformation to Democracy, by Kittisak Prokati. This chapter of the book, 1968: Memories and Legacies of a Global Revolt by Philipp Gassert and Martin Kimke, discusses the student protest movement and the subsequent social change in Thailand. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/Th1M9h
Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, by Grace Lin. This K-3 book allows reader to join a Chinese American family as they celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. (E) http://bit.ly/W1RkEb
The Chinese Experience in 19th Century America, developed by Roberta Kugell Gumport and Marcella M. Smith, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This unit focuses on the Chinese immigrant experience. Their arrival raised issues of social and cultural diversity, discrimination and national identity – issues that are still debated today. One section focuses on the process of exclusion, including immigration laws. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/KnPSNz
The Story of India: Tracking Early Hinduism, by PBS.org. In this lesson for the middle to high school level, students explore the foundation of Hinduism by examining the ancient texts that defined it, and learning about the major deities. Then students create a scrapbook of images and text that represents their journey of learning. (M, H, TR)
http://to.pbs.org/1cqVvVc
The Visibility Project. The Visibility Project is a video story collection and photo portraiture series featuring Queer Asian American women, transgender, and gender non-conforming people. The project combines art, media and social justice to document personal experiences and share histories. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1vj1wOr
Vietnamese Americans Interdisciplinary Curriculum Guide, by Teaching Tolerance. This curriculum guide sheds light on the complexities of the Vietnamese American experience. (M, H) http://bit.ly/9Q1L0r
We, the Children of India, by Leila Seth. Leila Seth, the first female chief justice of an Indian state, de-mystifies the Preamble to the Indian Constitution in language for children. Seth explains terms such as justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, while sidebars and speech balloons give further background and context. By the end of this slim volume, we learn not only what the Preamble is, but also how it was written, the people behind it, when and how it was signed and a little about how Indians won freedom and found a way forward. (E) http://amzn.to/2mif0x1
We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future, by Deepa Iyer. During the presidential election race, Donald Trump called for a complete ban on Muslims entering the United States, surveillance against mosques, and a database for all Muslims living in the country, tapping into anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim hysteria to a degree little seen since the targeting of South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh people in the wake of 9/11. In the American Book Award–winning We Too Sing America, activist Deepa Iyer shows that this is the latest in a series of racial flashpoints. (H) http://bit.ly/1KtM1pM
Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements
“A School Year Like No Other”: Eyes On the Prize: “Fighting Back: 1957-1962,” by Bill Bigelow. This lesson celebrates the determination and sacrifice of those in the forefront of this struggle. It also attempts to examine some of
the resistance to school integration. Students watch the video segment from Eyes on the Prize, and, through writing, they are invited to “become” the individuals whose lives shaped and were shaped by these key civil rights battles. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2hWXuee
“What We Want, What We Believe”: Teaching with the Black Panthers’ Ten Point Program Teaching Activity, by Wayne Au. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/KbuoS7
100 Years of Progress Poster, by Yes! Magazine. This poster highlights celebrated “firsts,” landmark court cases, such as Brown v Board of Education, and legendary protests such as, the March on Washington, as well as lesser-known political, social and cultural milestones that have gradually marked the way. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1mNGFv1
Civil Rights and Racial Equality: Teacher Resources, by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Center. A collection of lesson ideas, activities and action projects related to the life of Bobby Kennedy and extending to civil rights issues of
today. Includes a link to a “Become a Defender” unit developed in partnership with Rock Your World, that serves as a comprehensive social action curriculum. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2kX59fr
A Revolution of Values, by Zinn Education Project. See African American History, Issues and Rights section.
http://bit.ly/1HXdpSN
American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs, a documentary film by Grace Lee. As she wrestles with a Detroit in transition, contradictions of violence and nonviolence, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, the 1967 rebellions, and non-linear notions of time and history, Boggs emerges with an approach that is radical in its simplicity and clarity: revolution is not an act of aggression or merely a protest. Revolution, Boggs says, is about something deeper within the human experience – the ability to transform oneself to transform the world. Includes a classroom discussion guide and toolkit for dialogue-based screening. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1U2m4aJ
Beyond Brown: Pursuing the Promise. See African American History, Rights and Issues section.
http://to.pbs.org/hyvhby
Black Panther Party Research Project. See African American History, Rights and Issues section. http://bit.ly/Jqmo0n
Brown v. Board: An American Legacy, by Teaching Tolerance. This article provides readers with the chance to reflect on the landmark Supreme Court case by highlighting events leading up to the case, analyzing the effects of the decision and connecting it to events since the decision. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/17z9Ufs
Civil Rights Martyrs, by the Civil Rights Memorial. Chronology briefly describing the lives of martyrs of the civil rights movement – activists who were targeted for death because of their civil rights work, random victims of vigilantes determined to halt the movement, and individuals who, in the sacrifice of their own lives, brought new awareness to the struggle. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1oWUxuX
Coretta Scott, by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. Poetic prose coupled with stunning illustrations make this biography a great read-aloud civil rights resource for elementary classrooms. (E) http://amzn.to/1TvUfYP
Diane Nash and the Sit-Ins, by PBS Learning Media. In this video interview, civil-rights leader Diane Nash recalls her
role in the 1960 Nashville sit-ins, the 1961 Freedom Rides, and the 1965 voting rights campaign in Selma, Alabama. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2oc9rBp
Freedom Summer Project, by Wisconsin Historical Society. This site encourages teachers, writers, historians and others to use its more than 100 manuscript collections about the Mississippi Freedom Summer Project of 1964. Documents include official records of student organizations, personal papers of movement leaders and activists,
internal memos and more. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1q7K6m6
Glossary of Nonviolence, by The King Center. Alphabetized listing of keywords related to the core principles of nonviolence. A fantastic vocabulary primer for young people engaged in the study of nonviolence. (E, M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/1WwogaQ
Hidden in Plain Sight: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Radical Vision, by Craig Gordon. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/21SrOpS
I Am a Man, a digital library from Wayne State University. This website contains comprehensive information about the Sanitation Workers Strike within its political and social context. It includes many primary source documents and
multimedia clips to support teaching and learning. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2laUBF0
I See the Promised Land: A Life of Martin Luther King Jr., by Arthur Flowers and Manu Chitrakar. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1LbGvPY
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, by Bette Bao Lord. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1NISHXi
Julian Bond, Presente! by Teaching for Change. See African American History, Issues and Rights section.
http://bit.ly/1TPnANk
Liberation Curriculum, by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://stanford.io/1DNVv1M
Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, by Jonah Winter. As Lillian, a 100-year-old African American woman, makes a “long haul up a steep hill” to her polling place, she sees more than trees and sky – she sees her family’s history. She sees the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment and her great-grandfather voting for the first time. She sees her parents trying to register to vote. And she sees herself marching in a protest from Selma to Montgomery. (E) http://amzn.to/2mhWp45
Makers Profile: Diane Nash. Video of Nash speaking about her first encounters with the Jim Crow South, desegregating lunch counters, and courageous leadership. (M, H) http://aol.it/1PIlaMy
New Poor People’s Campaign Organizing Packet, by Kairos. Historical background, primary source documents and other resources related to the Poor People’s Campaign, as well as materials to support organizing a new Poor People’s
Campaign. The packet addresses water shut-offs, Ferguson and Watts uprisings, and more. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2oJpNBj
Montgomery Bus Boycott, a list of books and other teaching materials from Zinn Education Project. (E, M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/1TI508w
Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champion, by Walter Dean Myers. See African American History, Issues, and Rights section. http://amzn.to/1TsL77d
One Crazy Summer, by Rita Williams-Garcia. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1waLFOd Link to purchase book: http://bit.ly/1QhC878
Oral History Interview with Septima Poinsette Clark, July 30, 1976, by Documenting the American Truth. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://unc.live/2kjVizD
Pump Up the Blowouts: Reflections on the 40th Anniversary of the Chicano/a School Blowouts, by Gilda L. Ochoa. Reflections on teaching students about the 1968 walkouts by Chicano students in California. Teaching ideas are included. (H) http://bit.ly/2j5w03l
Putting the Movement Back into Civil Rights Teaching, by Deborah Menkart, Alana Murray and Jenice L. View. This book includes interactive and interdisciplinary lessons, readings, writings, photographs, graphics and interviews, with
sections on education, labor, citizenship and culture, and reflections on teaching about the Civil Rights Movement. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/uPIYBc
Race and Voting in the Segregated South, by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. This site offers the history of race and voting in the segregated South through the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and describes how grandfather clauses disenfranchised Black voters. Ideas for discussion, writing, further reading and classroom activities
are also offered. (H) http://bit.ly/18kxLwd
Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights, a film by Nevline Nnaji. Through the personal stories of several former Black female former civil rights activists, Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights unearths the lesser-known story of Black women’s political marginalization. The male-dominated Black Power movement and the predominantly White, middle class feminist movement virtually shut out Black female participation in the 1960 and 1970s. The film covers the eventual mobilization of Black and other women of Color into a united feminist movement. (H) http://bit.ly/1W6kjHp
Remarks on the Signing of the Civil Rights Act, by Lyndon B. Johnson. When he signed a new Civil Rights Act to provide fair housing for all Americans, President Johnson spoke about the significance of the historic occasion, and
urged the American public to support the new law. Video of the speech is at this link. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2m66xgA
Rosa, by Nikki Giovanni. This tribute to Rosa Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed. Award-winning poet, writer, and activist Nikki Giovanni’s evocative text combines with Bryan Collier’s striking cut-paper images to retell the story of this historic event from a unique and original perspective. (E) http://bit.ly/1nhgzqs
Selma: From the Bridge to the Ballot, by Teaching Tolerance. This 40-minute film tells the story of a courageous
group of students and teachers who, along with other activists, fought a nonviolent battle to win voting rights for African Americans in the South. This free film kit comes with a teacher’s guide, a timeline of events, and a map of
Alabama showing key locations. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1KTdVSf
Sing for Freedom: The Story of the Civil Rights Movement Through Its Songs, by Guy and Candie Carawan. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1Koz2fW
SNCC Project Group. See African American History, Issues, and Rights section. http://bit.ly/JzQtH3
Spartacus Educational. This site offers a history, quotes and links about James Farmer. (M, H, TR)
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAfarmerJ.htm
Standing on My Sisters’ Shoulders, by Joan Sadoff, Robert Sadoff and Laura Lipson. This award-winning documentary chronicles the civil rights movement in Mississippi in the 50s and 60s from the perspectives of the women who lived it. The film has historical footage and original interviews with Fannie Lou Hamer, Annie Devine, Unita Blackwell, Mae Bertha Carter, Victoria Gray Adams and more. These women fought for the right to vote, equal education and desegregation. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1edggGz
Strange Fruit, by Joel Katz. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/dm2psW
Teaching the Montgomery Bus Boycott, by Civil Rights Teaching. Lesson plans, books, primary documents, and films that teach “the strategic brilliance and courage of the African American community in Montgomery.” (E, M, H)
http://bit.ly/21bKE8c
Teammates, by Paul Bacon. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1Qhz3Up
The 1937 Woolworth’s Sit-Down: Women Strikers Occupy Chain Stores, Win Big, by Dana Frank. Woolworth’s department store was the Walmart of the early 20th century. The women who worked the counters, cash registers, and storerooms were overworked, underpaid, and sexually harassed. This is the inspiring story, in the form of a $4.95 pamphlet, of how these courageous women fought back against corporate exploitation and oppression, by accomplishing the first successful all-female sit-down strike in American history. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1L6FOYi
The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, by Stanley Nelson. The first feature-length documentary to explore the Black Panther Party, its significance to the broader American culture, its cultural and political awakening for Black
people, and the painful lessons wrought when a movement derails. Guide for educators included. (H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/1oI7BE6; http://bit.ly/1ooi5Zk
The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage, by Selina Alko. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1U8s2nR
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali, by Walter Dean Myers. See African American History, Issues and Rights section.
http://bit.ly/OZvv4G
The History All Around Us: Roosevelt High School and the 1968 Eastside Blowouts, by Brian C. Gibbs. A teacher uses the activist history of Theodore Roosevelt High School in East Los Angeles to pose the question: “What would you be willing to do to create change?” (M, H) http://bit.ly/2j5DrYh
The Other Rosa Parks: Now 73, Claudette Colvin Was First to Refuse Giving Up Seat on Montgomery Bus, by Democracy Now!. In this interview with Democracy Now! Ms. Colvin discusses the important events in Alabama during the mid-1950s. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/14iaOIv
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights, by Steve Sheinkin. The story of 50 African American sailors charged with mutiny during World War II for challenging working conditions after a deadly munitions
explosion. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2l0MDj5
The Riots in Detroit, from Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Movement, from PBS. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/21jVVU0
Viola Desmond Won’t be Budged, by Jody Nyasha Warner. In Nova Scotia, in 1946, an usher in a movie theatre told Viola Desmond to move from her main floor seat up to the balcony. She refused to budge. Like Claudette Colvin and Rosa Parks, who many years later, in 1955, refused to give up their bus seats in Alabama, Desmond’s act of refusal awakened people to the unacceptable nature of racism and began the process of bringing an end to racial segregation in Canada. An afterword provides a glimpse of African Canadian history. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1TM3HaL
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, by Carole Boston Weatherford. This is the story of Fannie Lou Hamer, in poetic form. It is infused with Hamer’s own quotes and colloquial style that defined her skill as a leader and speaker for the Civil Rights Movement. This book charts Fannie Lou Hamer’s life from her family beginnings as a sharecropper to
her run for the Mississippi State Senate. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2k8N4Ht
Walkout, a film produced by Moctesuma Esparza. Walkout is the stirring true story of the Chicano students of East L.A. who, in 1968, staged several dramatic walkouts in their high schools to protest academic prejudice and dire school conditions. (111-minute film) (H) http://bit.ly/2iW7mqP
Warriors Don’t Cry: Connecting History, Literature, and Our Lives, by Linda
Christensen. Role-play and writing activities for language arts and social studies on the Little Rock Nine, Brown v.
Board of Education, and schooling in general. Designed for use with the memoir Warriors Don’t Cry. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/RHiFzh
We Are The Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, by Kadir Nelson. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/aUvEyV
What’s My Name, Fool?: Sports and Resistance in the United States, by Dave Zirin. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://amzn.to/1p5CwtA
Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?, by Martin Luther King, Jr. MLK’s last book before his murder explores the frustration of Blacks in the North that rose out of unrealized hope for change of the Civil Rights Movement. The book explains his critique of the Black Power Movement, and chapter one provides a good lens for understanding
the roots of urban “riots” or “uprisings.” (H, TR) http://stanford.io/1RCjnWP
Women Make History: An Untold Story of the Civil Rights Movement, by Civil Rights Teaching. Interactive lesson, including all accompanying materials, about the critical role of women in the movement. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1TvMKB8
Disability History, Issues and Rights
“I was there…”, by Barbara Toomer, ADAPT.org. Barbara Toomer, a disability rights activist and member of ADAPT, writes about her experience protesting and raising awareness for accessible transportation. A link to audio of Toomer reading her narrative is also included. The second link is to the ADAPT website. (E, M, H,
TR) http://bit.ly/Vo2Sr2 and http://bit.ly/QU0LDE
10 Quick Ways To Analyze Children’s Books for Ableism, by Chloë Myers and Hank Bersani Jr. This Rethinking Schools article helps teachers to become aware of the omission of persons with disability in children’s literature. This exclusion lessens the likelihood that the histories, experiences or feelings of people with disabilities will be discussed in our classrooms. (TR) http://bit.ly/tBev3J
Assessing Access: Early Grades Activity, by Teaching Tolerance. A resource and lesson plan that can be used to analyze how individuals and groups with disabilities in American society have struggled for equal rights that the
principles of American democracy promise. (E) http://bit.ly/J389NK
Beyond Victims and Villains: Contemporary Plays by Disabled Playwrights, by Victoria Ann Lewis. This anthology, the first of its kind, explores how disabled artists depict the world they inhabit with their disabilities.(H)
http://amzn.to/2mtDfHs
Bumblebees, by Jenna Kanell. Winner of several “best film” awards, this 4-minute video captures a snapshot of the world of a young man with disabilities. Despite being told as a child he would never walk or speak, Vance accomplished what doctors thought was impossible. But now he has a new challenge: dating. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1SXODAJ
Deaf Jam, directed by Judy Lieff. This film follows Aneta Brodski, a deaf teen living in New York City, who discovers the power of American Sign Language poetry. As she prepares to be one of the first deaf poets to compete in a spoken-word slam, her journey leads to an unexpected collaboration. The website includes clips and a deaf history timeline. (M, H) http://to.pbs.org/PrShXc
Disability History Museum.
This site was designed “to promote understanding about the historical experience of people with disabilities by recovering, chronicling, and interpreting their stories.” This searchable collection offers documents and images related to disability history in the United States. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/JAD9r
Disability Social History Project. This site contains a wealth of information, including a list of “Famous and Not So Famous” people with disabilities, a timeline, and a history of the word “handicapped” via the Serendipity link. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/163FXqn
Heathens Among Us: The Origins of American Sign Language, by the Disability History Museum. Today’s deaf culture is rooted in American Sign Language. ASL was created at specialized educational institutions. This lesson outlines the collaboration between Thomas Gallaudet, Mason Cogswell, and Laurent Clerc, a joint effort that fostered the creation of American Sign Language. (H) http://bit.ly/VJ2OU8
History Through Deaf Eyes, by Gallaudet University. The DEAF EYES project at Gallaudet University was established to bring Deaf history to the public and expand our understanding of United States history. It includes an online exhibition, book and a documentary. (M, H) http://bit.ly/U73AW2
I’m Here, by Peter Reynolds and SARRC (Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center). A short film, based on an original story and art by Peter H. Reynolds and produced by FableVision, movingly conveys the loneliness that a child on the autism spectrum often experiences, and the life-changing impact each of us can have when we reach out and embrace them. (E) http://bit.ly/2jUTt8m
Inclusion on the Bookshelf, by Teaching Tolerance. An article about the importance of using children’s books that include characters with disabilities. Includes a list of recommended books. (E, M) http://bit.ly/5GBVIR
Keep Your Ear on the Ball, by Genevieve Petrillo and Lea Lyon. This children’s book features Davey, who is blind and very independent, except when it comes to playing kickball. After his friends reject him from their team, they learn to work together to respect Davey’s unique abilities. (E) http://bit.ly/13elPRb
Lesson Plan: Legislation, by the Museum of Disability History. Students will be able to demonstrate how legislation passed since World War II has been important to the lives of people with disabilities. Students will rank the importance of this legislation from most important to least important. (E, M) http://bit.ly/RXFXey; worksheet: http://bit.ly/PguNlu
Museum of disABILITY History. This site features an extensive virtual exhibition of images from disability history, as well as lesson plans on various topics for all grade levels. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1jDKHWi
My Brother Charlie, by Holly Robinson Peete and Ryan Elizabeth Peete. In this story, told from a sister’s point of view, we meet a family whose oldest son – who is autistic – teaches them important lessons about togetherness, hope, tolerance and love. (E) http://bit.ly/2kI0mNa
My Friend Isabelle, by Eliza Woloson. This book is about Charlie and Isabelle’s friendship. At first, Charlie sees only the differences between himself and Isabelle, who has Down syndrome; but in the end, he realizes all of the similarities they share. Book description is on 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which offers a summary of this book and other social justice children’s literature titles. (E) http://bit.ly/154hueW
Observing Deaf History Month, by Alexandra Gomez. This article provides readers with information about milestones
in deaf history, as well as links to fiction and nonfiction books about deaf people. (M, H, TR) http://on.nypl.org/VDs76u
On a Roll, film directed by Joanne Caputo. Greg Smith is a talk radio host, father, son and activist. In this film, he reveals the challenges he faces as he navigates life from his power wheelchair. (H) http://to.pbs.org/SJEWas
Reap What You Sow: Harvesting Support Systems, by the National Youth Leadership Network. The Reap What You Sow curriculum teaches people how to build a support system that promotes their personal power. The curriculum was created by disabled youth educators and supported by adult allies. It is designed for youth with disabilities, family members and allies. (H) http://bit.ly/1V03mRP
Susan Laughs, by Jeanne Willis. This books features few words and relies on beautiful illustrations to tell readers about Susan, a little girl who does typical childhood things. On the final page of the book, it is revealed that Susan is in a wheelchair. (E) http://bit.ly/1aCt32n
Temple Grandin. This movie was shown on HBO as a mini-series. It chronicles the life of Temple Grandin, a woman with autism, who revolutionized livestock handling in the USA and has written several books about her life with autism. (M, H) http://itsh.bo/bmNqNc
The Collection: Oral Histories/Archives from the Disability Rights and Independent Living Movement, hosted by UC-Berkeley. This collection consists of more than 100 oral histories with leaders and shapers of the disability rights and independent living movement from the 1960s onward, and an extensive archive of personal papers of activists and records of key organizations. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2iUUKMT
The Sound of Colors: A Journey of the Imagination, by Jimmy Liao. The story follows the narrator, a woman who has lost her sight, through her journey around the city. She navigates the subway and the city she knows, with language and descriptions that tap into her imagination, as well as her innermost thoughts and feelings. (E) http://bit.ly/JycaYp
Environmental Justice Issues
50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save the Earth. This book shows children how elements of their environment are connected to the rest of the world. Clear, practical tips show kids how they can conserve energy, recycle waste and take
on important environmental projects. (E, M) http://bit.ly/13GCrhY
A People’s Curriculum for the Earth: Teaching Climate Change and the Environmental Crisis, edited by Bill Bigelow and Tim Swinehart, Rethinking Schools. This book features some of the best articles from Rethinking Schools magazine, alongside classroom-friendly readings on climate change, energy, water, food, and pollution, as well as on people who are working to make things better. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1VKElav
Aani and the Tree Huggers, Classroom Guide, by Jeannine Atkins. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1Xug5Kk
An Inconvenient Truth. This film exposes the myths and misconceptions that surround global warming and inspires actions to prevent it. The site includes a study guide and interactive activities. (H) http://bit.ly/sw1Unz
Environmental Justice: Opposing a Toxic Landfill. A clip from Earthkeeping: Toxic Racism introduces the beginning of the environmental justice movement, the opposition to a toxic landfill in Warren, SC, and how those protests led to wider awareness of and dialogue about the environment and communities of Color. (M, H) http://bit.ly/PEn2Fw
Bill Moyers Journal Unit on Silent Spring. This is a lesson plan designed for middle to high school classrooms, which focuses on the first chapter of Silent Spring. (M, H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/tjT0B4
Climate Kids: NASA’s Eyes on the Earth, by NASA. Article entitled, “Huge machine harnesses the tides,” educates young children about tides and tidal energy. (E) http://bit.ly/21bJY2O
Endangered Species, by Sox Sperry with Project Look Sharp. A 185-page kit with 40 slides offering a historical overview of American representations of endangered species, from the slaughter of the American buffalo to palm plantations in Sumatra. The kit includes a teacher’s guide for each image, student readings, and both print and video case study lessons. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/NnSSoq
Environmental Protection Activities and Online Games, by the Institute for Humane Education. Among other great resources and lesson plans, this website hosts several online games that help students explore issues of environmental
sustainability. (M, H) http://1.usa.gov/13D4Xxt
Flow: For the Love of Water, directed by Irena Salina. This film builds a case against the growing privatization of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply, with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2w3gIl
Forestry and Natural Resources Lesson Plans, by Penn State’s Dept. of Ecosystem Science. Educator-generated lessons for K-5 students. (E) http://bit.ly/1QvPfR3
Fueling Our Future, by Facing the Future. Students compare energy use and CO2 emissions in the US and China (or in another country).They research energy impacts and sustainable energy solutions, write a resolution, and stage a mock “World Energy Summit.” (M, H) http://bit.ly/2dVbt4o
Got Coal? Teaching About the Most Dangerous Rock in America, by Bill Bigelow. This teaching activity gives students the opportunity to play and analyze a game created by The American Coal Foundation. Students will also write from different perspectives and watch excerpts from films to expand their knowledge of coal mining and think critically about the industry’s motives and goals. (TR) http://bit.ly/2n9WMxu
Heroes of the Environment, by Harriet Rohmer. Heroes of the Environment contains 12 true stories of people across North America doing things to help the environment. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E) http://bit.ly/1lSjLIN
How We Know What We Know About Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming, by Lynne Cherry and Gary Braasch. The science behind the climate change headlines, in a nonfiction book geared to young people. (M) http://bit.ly/2j8SMHO
I’m Not Too Little to Help the Earth, by W.Y. Taylor. This book teaches young children about things they can do during their everyday routines to help the Earth. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E) http://bit.ly/u3Nh1k
Intimate Portraits of Flint, by Wayne Lawrence and National Geographic. Collection of images, with accompanying quotes from residents of Flint poisoned by contaminated water. Article on this governmental crime, from DOGOnews, included in the second link. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1pphbMm and http://bit.ly/1L6DLDu
Introducing Kids to the Idea of Environmental Racism, by Teaching Tolerance. In this lesson plan for young children, students explore the concept of environmental racism and learn about various environmental hazards that disproportionately affect communities of Color. (E) http://bit.ly/2myObks
Lessons from Mother Earth, by Elaine McLeod. Tess has visited her grandmother many times without really
being aware of the garden. But today they step outside the door and Tess learns that all of nature can be a garden, and if you take care of the plants that are growing, you will always find something to nourish you. This gentle story demonstrates the First Nations’ tradition of taking care of Mother Earth. (E) http://bit.ly/1QBznLT
Luna & Me: The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save a Forest, by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw. This beautifully illustrated picture book takes some liberties in telling the story of Julia “Butterfly” Hill and her two-year tree-sitting stint in an ancient redwood to prevent its destruction by the Pacific Lumber Company. (E) http://amzn.to/2nhfS0F
Measuring Water with Justice, by Bob Peterson, Rethinking Schools. This article discusses several strategies for
teaching about the costs of producing water, who should have rights to drinking water and how oil spills affect ecosystems and communities. (E, M, TR) http://bit.ly/rxObc5
Mni Wiconi: The Stand at Standing Rock, by Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Short, powerful informational video describing the #NoDAPL struggle at Standing Rock. Works well as a primer for students unfamiliar with the basic issues related to the struggle. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2g3OmlJ
Napi Funda Un Pueblo/Napi Makes a Village, by Antonio Ramirez. The government is building a dam, forcing the Mazateca people to make a new village for themselves on inhospitable land. Napi recounts what she remembers of this time. The text, in Spanish and English, is written by noted muralist and artist, Antonio Ramirez, and illustrated by Domi in her well-known brilliant artwork. (E) http://bit.ly/1R7e6H0
Oil Spills & Wildlife, by TeacherVision. These resources will help you teach students about oil as a natural resource, and why oil spills can be earth-altering accidents that kill animals, destroy habitats, and damage ecosystems. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1WR9IAg
On Coal River, by Francine Cavanaugh and Adams Wood. This film takes viewers on a gripping, emotional journey into the Coal River Valley of West Virginia – a community surrounded by lush mountains and a looming toxic threat. The film follows a former coal miner and his neighbors in a David-and-Goliath struggle for the future of their valley, their children, and life as they know it. (H) http://bit.ly/2hVKGq7
One Well: The Story of Water on Earth, by Rosalie Strauss and Kids Can Press. Children’s book about how water has the power to change everything, and how the way we treat the water in the well will affect every species on the planet, now and for years to come. Link to accompanying teacher’s guide. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1S97MSN
Our Land, Our Life, by Oxfam America. This video explores Carrie and Mary Dann’s story of their struggle to protect the sacred and environmentally sensitive land that belongs to the Western Shoshones. (M, H) http://bit.ly/GTJmK
Peace Education, by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. This site houses three free units about the impact and issues surrounding nuclear weapons. Includes: Concepts about Conflict; Chernobyl; Famous Whistleblowers; and Pressure Groups, among others. The issues explored allow students to investigate a range of arguments and consider a controversial issue in a fun and interactive way. Designed for British students, but could be adapted to an American classroom. (M, H) http://bit.ly/WyMKUE
Race, Poverty and the Environment. This journal links issues of racism and poverty with environmental justice.
Some recent resources are available for free download; older resources require a purchase. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1r0QFKy
Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder, by Thomas Locker and Joseph Bruchac. Engaging biography of Carson’s childhood, accomplishments, and her passion for nature. (E) http://bit.ly/1UFgIBP
Rosalie Edge, Hawk of Mercy: The Activist Who Saved Nature from the Conservationists, by Dyana Furmansky. The author draws on Edge’s personal papers and interviews with family members and associates to portray an implacable, indomitable personality whose activism earned her the names “Joan of Arc” and “Hellcat.” (H) http://amzn.to/2lV6cw4
#StandingRockSyllabus, by the NYC Stands with Standing Rock Collective. This syllabus project contributes to the already substantial work of the Sacred Stones Camp, Red Warrior Camp, and the Oceti Sakowin Camp to resist the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which threatens traditional and treaty-guaranteed Great Sioux Nation territory. The different sections and articles place what is happening now in a broader historical, political, economic and social context going back over 500 years to the first expeditions of Columbus, the founding of the United States on institutionalized slavery, private property and dispossession, and the rise of global carbon supply and demand. (H, TR)
http://bit.ly/2dQye3P
Standing with Standing Rock: A Role-Play on the Dakota Access Pipeline, by Ursula Wolfe-Rocca, Bill Bigelow and Andrew Duden. This role-play helps students recognize the issues at stake in the historic struggle of the Standing Rock Sioux to block construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2j9JkW3
The Elders Are Watching, by David Bouchard. As Native elders have advised from time immemorial, this is a gentle plea to respect the natural environment. (E, M) http://amzn.to/2kjhCZe
The John Muir Exhibit: Educational Resources, by the Sierra Club. Teacher and student resources, including many primary sources, for John Muir’s writing, focused on the impact of Muir’s life on environmental protection and justice.
Includes content in social studies, science and other subjects. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2l9xVpi
The Legacy of Luna: The Story of a Tree, a Woman, and the Struggle To Save the Redwoods, by Julia Hill. The story of Julia Hill’s activism on behalf of a forest facing destruction, as told by the woman herself. (H)
http://amzn.to/2njIWW3
The National Park Services Teaching Resources. Lesson plans and student activities in history, science, and math, related to our national parks. Can be searched by topic, grade level, content area, and more. (E, M, H)
http://1.usa.gov/1Wb4fnz
The National Park Services Traveling Trunks. Educational materials from a park that can be sent right to your classroom for loan. (E) http://1.usa.gov/1Rm8qh1
The Story of Stuff, by Annie Leonard. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute free downloadable video that explores consumption and exposes the connections between various environmental and social issues, while providing suggestions for action. (E, M, H) Website: http://bit.ly/vXj7EC; Reading Guide: http://bit.ly/1TQdXO0
This Is My Planet: The Kids’ Guide to Global Warming, by Jan Thornhill. This book takes a comprehensive look at climate change, beginning with basic information about how the planet works and moving through an in-depth look at human societies and three specific environments – polar, ocean and land. (E, M) http://bit.ly/Maz8YJ
Water: How Can We Increase the World’s Access to Clean Water?, by Concern Worldwide. Concern Worldwide has developed a resource guide, educator toolkit and interactive mock summit in which students get involved in the current debate over what economic policies should be used for the distribution of water. (M, H) http://bit.ly/22tf0DU
Why Are the Ice Caps Melting?, by Anne Rockwell. This book offers young students information about the
greenhouse effect, how global warming is affecting the planet, and ways in which readers can fight global warming. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an
annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E)
http://bit.ly/vuuSCG
Genocide
Confronting Genocide: Never Again?, by The Choices Program. This site contains supplemental materials to a unit
that examines how the US responded to five cases of genocide, including the Armenian genocide. Materials include videos, maps, graphic organizers, surveys and web links. (M, H) http://bit.ly/136NnUk
Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization: The Genocide of the Armenians. This resource provides students with the latest scholarship on the Armenian genocide. (H) http://bit.ly/18ZZ9Uk
Goodbye, Antoura: A Memoir of the Armenian Genocide, by Karnig Panian. Panian’s memoir is a story of loss, resistance and survival, but told without bitterness or sentimentality. His story shows us how even young children recognize injustice and can organize against it; how they can form a sense of identity that they will fight to maintain. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2lFpvGK
Holocaust and Human Behavior, Facing History and Ourselves. Comprehensive set of teaching resources on the
Holocaust. As students read and reflect, they investigate the forces that undermined democracy in Germany, betrayed a generation of young people, and ultimately led to the Holocaust. In doing so, students discover that many of those forces threaten our own society today. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1KVlskh
Holocaust Resource Collection, Facing History and Ourselves. A comprehensive collection of resources for engaging students of all ages in examining the history of the Holocaust and developing their skills of ethical reasoning, critical thinking, tolerance and empathy. There is also a link to the organization’s genocide resource collection. (M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/2fO3xR1
Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals: Online Exhibition of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This online exhibit provides resources, photographs and more to learn about the Nazis’ persecution of homosexuals. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1V7IvMz
One Survivor Remembers, by Teaching Tolerance. This documentary tells the unforgettable story of Gerda Weissmann Klein’s six-year ordeal as a victim of Nazi cruelty. The free teaching kit includes the film and lesson plans. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/17OwOL
Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story, by Ken Mochizuki. As a Japanese diplomat in Lithuania in the 1940s, Chiune Sugihara had a chance to help thousands of Jews escape the Holocaust through Japan, but it was against
his government’s orders. When his five-year-old son Hiroki asked, “If we don’t help them, won’t they die?” Sugihara decided to assist the refugees. Site also contains related teaching materials. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2lHAOOe
Teacher’s Guide for Cobblestone Armenian Americans, by Lucine Kasbarian. This teacher and classroom guide provides lessons to teach about the Armenian genocide, genocide denial, social justice, ethnic preservation and ethnic identity. This guide accompanies the May 2000 edition of Cobblestone children’s magazine. (E, M, H) Book: http://amzn.to/1YyIWO3 and Teacher’s guide: http://bit.ly/22AZDJQ
Globalization
Fair Trade in the Classroom, by Global Exchange. Through this Valentine’s Day unit, students learn about child labor and how it is exploited by big chocolate companies. Students take social action by telling these companies that they should sell Fair Trade products instead. (E, M) http://bit.ly/95yZbZ
Flower Workers Lesson Plans, International Labor Rights Forum. This lesson plan explores workers’ rights in the cut flower industry and how consumerism on Valentine’s Day in the US affects workers abroad. (E, M) http://bit.ly/tFAlAq
Labor Rights in the Classroom. Workers all over the world suffer from conditions that many would consider unbearable. These conditions are, in part, a result of corporations taking advantage of workers and their rights. The lessons on this website help students to understand how consumerism and corporate greed here in the US affect workers around the world. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1VkYSFm
Reverse Trick or Treat, by Global Exchange. This kit enables children to work toward ending the exploitation of adults and children working in the cocoa industry and raise awareness of Fair Trade. Trick-or-treaters hand out Fair Trade chocolate to adults, with informational cards attached, to explain the problems of the cocoa industry and how Fair Trade offers a solution. (E) http://bit.ly/1gCxUkI
The Story of Change, by Annie Leonard. Follow-up video from The Story of Stuff, The Story of Change asks if shopping can save the world. The Story of Change urges viewers to put down their credit cards and start exercising their civic muscles to build a more sustainable, just and fulfilling world. (M, H) http://bit.ly/Vo6GIQ
The Story of Stuff, by Annie Leonard. See Environmental Justice Issues section. Website: http://bit.ly/vXj7EC; Reading
Guide: http://bit.ly/1TQdXO0
Win-Win Solutions: An Introduction to Fair Trade and Cooperative Economics, by Equal Exchange. Composed of four units, this curriculum raises students’ awareness of core issues surrounding food production and trade. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2m0N8xt
Hate and Oppression
10 Ways to Fight Hate, by Teaching Tolerance. This guide sets out 10 principles for fighting hate, along with a collection of inspiring stories of people who worked to push hate out of their communities. (M, H) http://bit.ly/bCyQvl
Giving Beyond Measure–Diary of Anne Frank, by Learning to Give. Lessons that compare and contrast the life of Anne Frank in the annex with our lives today. Much of the focus is on philanthropy, moral reasoning, human rights and social justice. (M) http://bit.ly/NjtS38
Holocaust and Human Behavior, Facing History and Ourselves. See Genocide section. http://bit.ly/1KVlskh
Islamophobia Is Racism: Resource for Teaching and Learning About Anti-Muslim Racism in the United States. This reading list reframes “Islamophobia” as “anti-Muslim racism” to more accurately reflect the intersection of race and religion as a reality of structural inequality and violence rooted in the longer history of US (and European) empire building. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2p3miWB
Know Your Rights on Campus: A Guide on Racial Profiling, and Hate Crime for International Students in the United States, by Harvard’s Civil Rights Project. This guide provides students with the facts they need to protect themselves in school. Written with college students in mind, this is also a helpful resource for high schoolers. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/KfwgKL
Ku Klux Klan Activity from Harper’s Weekly, by Oakham School in Oakham, England. This activity about the Ku Klux Klan from Harper’s Weekly includes instructions, primary documents, and the text of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871. (H) http://bit.ly/1tvMDFK
Mix It Up at Lunch Day, by Teaching Tolerance. Teaching Tolerance provides free Mix It Up lessons and activities for teachers to use to organize a successful Mix It Up at Lunch Day and promote social border crossing all year long. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/SWiezA
Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals: Online Exhibition of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This online exhibit provides resources, photographs and more to learn about the Nazis’ persecution of homosexuals. (M, H)http://bit.ly/91L1sK
North Carolina’s Lumbee Fight for Justice: The Battle at Hayes Pond, by Carolina K-12 Schools. In this lesson, students learn about North Carolina’s Lumbee and their heroic resistance to hatred and bigotry on this night, known as “The Battle of Hayes Pond.” Students will explore the night’s events and design an Active Citizenship Award to honor the Lumbee for their vigilance in fighting for their rights. (M) http://unc.live/2meNGMU
Ohio Univ. Students to Classmates: “We’re a Culture, Not a Costume,” by Jorge Rivas, Colorlines. This article tells the story of Ohio University student group, “Students Teaching About Racism in Society” (STARS). The group created an educational campaign called, “We’re a Culture, Not a Costume,” in response to racist costumes often worn on Halloween. Includes links to campaign posters. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/seCYEf
One Survivor Remembers, by Teaching Tolerance. See Genocide section. http://bit.ly/17OwOL
South African History Online. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/XiIHeL
Strange Fruit, by Joel Katz. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/dm2psW
The Diary of Anne Frank, Teacher’s Guide, by PBS. This guide is a detailed resource on the book, The Diary of Anne Frank, and the historical and social context of the time in which it was written. There is a list of additional resources at the end of the guide. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1igZMuB
The Dreyfus Affair,
a video from PBS. This video from the PBS series The Story of the Jews examines the Dreyfus Affair – a trial that
began in 1894 that shook the French population and had a lasting impact on Theodor Herzl, an influential Zionist leader. Site includes support materials, including discussion questions, handouts and teacher resources. (H)
http://bit.ly/2lH4oWX
The Story of Anne Frank, Lesson Plan, by Scholastic. This lesson plan will introduce students to Anne Frank and the time period during which she lived. The lesson goal is for students to be able to articulate that certain groups of people dislike others because of their race, religion or other social identities. (E) http://bit.ly/17hKLtb
Unlearning “Indian” Stereotypes, by Rethinking Schools. Narrated by Native American children, the DVD Unlearning “Indian” Stereotypes teaches about racial stereotypes and provides an introduction to Native American history through the eyes of children. Includes a teacher’s guide and other resources. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/tr5Tf
Using Picture Books to Explore Identity, Stereotyping, and Discrimination, by Loraine Woodard. In this unit, students explore three picture books to better understand and to promote discussion and action on ideas of identity, stereotyping, and discrimination. (E, M) http://bit.ly/b3u2eC
What Do Halloween Costumes Say? by Teaching Tolerance. This site provides a variety of activities to raise
awareness about the potential of stereotyping in Halloween costumes. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1nyjLIm
Health and Nutrition
AVERT: Averting HIV and AIDS. A variety of resources and information, including quizzes, handouts, videos and
lessons for teachers and teens about living with and preventing HIV/AIDS. (M, H) http://bit.ly/uq5WS7
Cadberry’s Letters, by Jennifer Racek. Developed for pre-school-age children, Cadberry’s Letters uses simple, easy-to-follow language to explain Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and the daily care that goes along with it. Children will learn about Pancreatic Enzymes, Chest Physical Therapy and more. Bright, full-page illustrations bring the story to life and feature a lot of the equipment and medications CF patients may use in their daily lives. (E) http://bit.ly/2lI4jPO
Critical Condition and other films about healthcare. Films about healthcare from P.O.V. and Media That Matters. (H) http://to.pbs.org/sGen3S
Deconstructing Barbie: Math and Popular Culture, by Swapna Mukhopadhyay. Math activity from the book, Rethinking Mathematics, that engages students in considering the question: “What would Barbie look like if she were as big as you?” (M, H) http://bit.ly/1W9s53q
Early Childhood Resources on Domestic Violence, by the Nebraska Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Coalition. This resource offers information about a variety of resources for young children, parents and professionals on the subject of domestic violence. Resources include books, curricula, videos and games. (TR) http://bit.ly/1kQd4Cz
Eating Animals, by Jonathan Safran Foer. Eating Animals explores the many stories we use to justify our eating habits–folklore and pop culture, family traditions and national myth, apparent facts and inherent fictions–and how such tales can lull us into a brutal forgetting. With a focus on the meat industry, the book also explores the way cows and chickens are treated for the production of our milk and eggs. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/32Rc0a
Elbow Is Not a Sexy Word: Approaches to Sex Education, by Jody Sokolower. From Chapter 3 of Rethinking Sexism, Gender, and Sexuality, by Rethinking Schools. (TR). http://bit.ly/1P5IlwH
Finding Solutions to Hunger, by Kids Can Make a Difference. An educational program for middle and high school students focused on the root causes of hunger and poverty, the people most affected, solutions and how students can help. (M, H) http://bit.ly/cYEDNd
Food First: Institute for Food and Development. A list of books published by the Institute for Food and Development that examine the connections between human rights, social justice and food. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1qeUHJT
Food, Inc. Classroom Discussion Guide, by TakePart.org. This guide, to be used in conjunction with Food, Inc., helps students connect the issues behind mass production of food and abuse of government subsidies of major food corporations to the challenges of keeping food healthy and affordable. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2mOaRQt
Fresh Food or Fast Food, by IndyKids, May/June 2009. This issue of the progressive newspaper for kids includes a special feature on food justice. There is also a teacher’s guide. Click on the May/June 2009 link and scroll to P.3. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1lcaGcy
Health: The Big Picture, by The Change Agent. Issue 28, March 2009 of The Change Agent explores students’ experiences dealing with health challenges and their individual and community-based responses to those challenges. It also contains information about the US health insurance industry, student-recommended home remedies and more. The resource is available after free registration at: http://www.nelrc.org/changeagent/backissues.htm (TR)
http://bit.ly/2dUHrc3
Meat.org: The Website the Meat Industry Doesn’t Want You to See. A website with films and resources about animals killed for food. Free vegetarian starter kits and DVDs available. Warning: Explicit and disturbing imagery. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/17fyrKa
Media Education Foundation on YouTube. Media Education Foundation’s channel on YouTube offers video clips of Jackson Katz, one of the writers of Tough Guise, talking about the documentary. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/UeG6hD
NO! Confronting Sexual Assault in Our Communities. This documentary explores the impact of sexual violence on Black women and girls. As incidents of violence and sexual assault increase, this film can be used to support both women and men as they learn to navigate the challenging terrain of sexuality without violence. The second link is to a facilitator’s guide to the film. (H) http://bit.ly/filmNO and http://bit.ly/guideno
Reshaping Body Image, by Teaching Tolerance. This lesson is intended to help students examine how people of varying shapes and sizes are typically viewed in our society. How and why do perspectives on beauty and body image change over time? (H) http://bit.ly/dVObJ0
SexEd Library, by SIECUS. Easy access to lesson plans, organized by topic, covering sexual and reproductive health, puberty, abstinence, relationships, sexual orientation, body image, self-esteem, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, unintended pregnancy, and more. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1ODP0xL
Sex Education Resource Center, by Advocates for Youth. This website has an education resource center that
offers educators K-12 lesson plans, curricula, national standards and state legislation about sex education. (H)
http://bit.ly/6aiCSa
Teachers’ First HIV and AIDS Resources. This website offers a collection of reviewed resources to help teachers and students learn more about HIV/AIDS. Resources include unit and lesson plans, links to relevant websites and videos, among others. (TR) http://bit.ly/1t9G5zc
The New Sex Ed: Empowered Youth Strengthening Communities, by Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice. These organizing tools and resources present sexuality education justice that is holistic, relevant to ALL people,
and grounded in young people’s communities. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1qkzjCU
The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Young Readers Edition: The Secrets Behind What You Eat, by Michael Pollan. Based on Pollan’s best-selling book of the same title, this version is written for teens. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/utIarp
Tough Guise. Tough Guise is aimed at a general student audience to analyze masculinity as a social construction, a performance, or a role; in short, a tough guise. The film links violence to the construction of masculinity around domination and violence. (H) http://bit.ly/1fbU4yc
Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?, by PBS. This seven-part series exploring race and socioeconomic disparities in health, investigates how the social circumstances in which we are born, live and work can get under our skin and disrupt our physiology as much as germs and viruses. The website includes a classroom section, discussion guide and video clips. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/eSKw
Human Rights and Democracy
14 Children’s Picture Books About Homelessness, by the Institute for Humane Education. A book list that offers opportunities to explore homelessness. (E) http://bit.ly/20Yhm25
A Kids’ Guide to Hunger & Homelessness, by Cathryn Berger Kaye. This book aims to explain the issues of hunger and homelessness and includes stories of how children around the world have helped their communities deal with these issues. It is also a workbook that includes facts, quotes, write-on pages and resources. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E) http://bit.ly/rMioaO
A Lesson on the Japanese American Internment, by Mark Sweeting. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section http://bit.ly/KeuN2m
A Place Where Sunflowers Grow, by Amy Lee-Tai. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1mdeKuK
A Shelter in Our Car, by Monica Gunning. This children’s book, narrated by a young girl, Nettie, depicts a Jamaican family’s struggle with homelessness in America. Elements of social justice, such as homelessness and classism, are explored through this story, as well as information provided for readers to work for change in homelessness in America. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1Y636hg
Amnesty International Website. Students can use this website to research human rights violations by topic or
country, and can join ongoing campaigns against abuses worldwide. (H, TR) http://www.amnesty.org/en
Baseball Saved Us, by Ken Mochizuki. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1p2VMQM
Blacked Out History: REBELLION, by Dream Defenders. An incredible collection of digital art pieces for every day of February, highlighting and educating on a piece of lesser known history related to struggles for freedom. (M, H, TR) http://ddblackedouthistory.tumblr.com/
Camouflaged: Investigating How the U.S. Military Affects You and Your Community, by NYCoRE. This resource collection is a tool for educators to help students explore the role of the military in their lives and in their communities. (M, H) http://bit.ly/JTwH94
Class Action: An Activist Teacher’s Handbook. Published by Jacobin magazine. This booklet is aimed at those engaged in struggle–for tabling and flyering, fuel for reading groups and public debate. Most of the material is written by current or former educators from Chicago, New York and elsewhere. The booklet aims to show not just the perniciousness of budget cuts, but their connection to a broader corporate offensive on our communities. (TR) http://bit.ly/1jGlv4t
Death Penalty: What is it? What Do We Think About it?, by Marieke van Woerkom. Through this lesson, students will study Troy Davis’s case and explore different perspectives and facts about the death penalty. Resources include facts, readings, video links, and more. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/pSZhOi
Digital Archive of Dr. King’s Position on Vietnam, by The King Center. Digital archive of clickable primary documents related to Dr. King’s work to protest the Vietnam War. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1TYEo3a
Explore the Japanese American Internment Through Film and the Internet. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1qnwUvy
Flow: For the Love of Water, directed by Irena Salina. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/2w3gIl
Food First: Institute for Food and Development. See Health and Nutrition section. http://bit.ly/1qeUHJT
For All the Children (Para Todos los Niños). This film documents the life of Sylvia Mendez, who was a third-grader in 1943. When she and her siblings were banned from attending the segregated all-White school near their Orange County home, the Mendez family fought back. (E, M, H, TR) The following is a link to a radio interview with Mendez: http://bit.ly/KfnMn1, and a resource from Teaching Tolerance http://bit.ly/LN3Ohv
Full text of the Charter 77 Manifesto. Primary source document of the entire manifesto. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1ON5UtR
George Takei Guides ‘Allegiance,’ a Musical, Not a Starship, by Laura Collins-Hughes. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://nyti.ms/1MoOWaO
Granito de Arena/Grain of Sand; Un Poquito de Tanta Verdad/A Little Bit of So Much Truth; Desde el Filo de la
Navaja/ From the Edge of the Blade. These three films document different aspects of the community-based movement against the state government in Oaxaca. The first film documents the three-decades-long struggle by the teachers’ union to democratize their union. The other films specifically focus on the 2006 “rebellion,” which led to the temporary toppling of the state government. (TR) http://bit.ly/2dH3EKP; http://bit.ly/2e9nxxJ; http://bit.ly/1qLDSvh
Guide to Humanizing Schooling, by Detroit Future Schools. This guide includes tools, best practices and step-by-step curriculum planning exercises for educators who have a vision for transforming their classroom. (E, M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/1SyA0Ur
Holocaust and Human Behavior, Facing History and Ourselves. See Genocide section. http://bit.ly/1KVlskh
Human Rights and Service-Learning: Lesson Plans and Projects, by Kristine Belisle and Elizabeth Sullivan, Amnesty International-USA and Human Rights Education Associates (HREA). The manual contains lessons and service-learning projects. The lesson plans are divided into five human rights topic areas: environment, poverty, discrimination, children’s rights to education and health, and law and justice. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2mObd9C
Human Rights in Action. The UN’s cyberschoolbus page for students to explore the history of human rights, and ways to advocate for human rights. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1SexHM4
I Have the Right to Be a Child, by Alain Serres. This picture book introduces the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). It takes the key articles of the Convention and translates them into language children can relate to with full-page artwork, offering ways for teachers to open discussions about our rights. Topics include food and water, healthcare, housing, gender, the environment, race, education, poverty, disability, citizenship, family, war and freedom of speech. (E) http://bit.ly/1QO5J9r
Iqbal, by Francesco D’Adamo. This is a powerful story based on the real life and death of a Pakistani child sold into slavery. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1tRoxV7
It Ain’t Just About a Vote: Defining Democracy for Movement Building, by Project South. This toolkit asks students to take a broader look at democracy and citizenship. Each exercise was created specifically to begin conversations on
the larger, longer-term view of democracy, struggle and movement building. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1XuheSq
Love in 7 Portraits, by National Geographic. Photographers share one of their favorite photographs that they feel captures the essence of love. Consider asking students to share a photograph of their own depicting love in their lives. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1Rkfczq
Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words, by Karen Leggett Abouraya. The inspiring, true story of Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani girl who stands up and speaks out for every child’s right to education. Though she and two of her schoolmates were targeted by a Taliban gunman, a life-threatening injury only strengthened her resolve. (E, M)
http://amzn.to/1LMjopK
Money in Elections: What Is It Doing to America?, by Alan Shapiro. Three student readings, discussion questions and suggestions for inquiry engage students in exploring the role of money in electoral politics. (H) http://bit.ly/sUIgLr
Mother Teresa, by Demi. This informative and eloquent biography highlights the key moments in the life of the diminutive, but determined, nun. (E) http://amzn.to/1on8WAr
Non-Violent Resistance (Satyagraha), by M.K. Gandhi. This volume focuses on Gandhi’s vision of satyagraha, whereby one appeals to reason and conscience and puts an end to evil by converting the evil-doer. The book begins with an explanation of satyagraha and proceeds with detailed discussions of the self-training and courage necessary to achieve it. (H, TR) http://amzn.to/1SQMT1I
One Well: The Story of Water on Earth, by Rosalie Strauss and Kids Can Press. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/1S97MSN
Rabbit Proof Fence. The film, based in Australia, sheds light on the experience and determination of indigenous children in the face of forced deculturalization. The site includes lessons that accompany the film. (E, M, H)
http://bit.ly/LiFste
Resistance 101: A Lesson for Inauguration Teach-Ins and Beyond, by Teaching for Change. To help introduce a history of resistance to injustice, Teaching for Change created this lesson for middle and high school classes to use for
Inauguration Day Teach-Ins and other events. Resistance 101 is an introductory lesson, enabling students to “meet” people from throughout US history who have used a range of social change strategies. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2jSK7dX
Rethinking the U.S. Constitutional Convention: A Role Play, by Bob Peterson. See Abolitionism and Slavery section. http://bit.ly/18gNBZ1
Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation, by Duncan Tonatiuh. This book teaches about the Mendez v Westminster desegregation case in California in which Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end segregated education almost 10 years before Brown v Board of Education. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1zgX6rK
Should Undocumented Workers Have a Shot at the American Dream?, by Alan Shapiro at Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility. This lesson plan presents four readings and activities that invite students to learn about and debate immigration policy, and devise their own legislation to address the issue. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/WkSlHn
Sound Smart: The Hollywood 10. Film clip in which historian Yohuru Williams discusses key facts about the Hollywood 10, a group of film directors, screenwriters and producers blacklisted for alleged Communist affiliations in 1947. (H) http://bit.ly/1F9mHDg
South Africa: Overcoming Apartheid, Building Democracy. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues
and Rights section. http://bit.ly/rvUu4V
Speak Truth to Power: Human Rights Defenders Who Are Changing Our World, by the R.F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights. A human rights curriculum that uses the experiences of courageous defenders from around the world to educate students and others about human rights, and urge them to take action. Lesson plans and resources on Vaclav Havel included. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1QHnFMP
Teacher Activist Groups. The Network of Teacher Activist Groups (TAG) is a national coalition of grassroots teacher organizing groups that engage in shared political education and relationship-building in order to work for educational justice, both nationally and in their local communities. Teachers can look for a local group or find a local cause and get involved. (TR) http://bit.ly/ihT9QP
Teaching Against Trumpism, by Radical Teacher. Thoroughly vetted, well-organized list of syllabi, lesson plans, resource guides, multimedia and more, compiled by educators and activists to assist educators in teaching against Trumpism. (TR)http://bit.ly/2lRHkC6
Teaching With Documents: Photographs of Lewis Hine: Documentation of Child Labor. This site contains reproducible copies of photos documenting the role of child abor in the development of the industrial United States. (M, H) http://1.usa.gov/3qo8vl
The Apartheid Museum. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/12HQ1jN
The Death Penalty: Suggested Lesson Plans for Teachers, by Death Penalty Focus. Created by Death Penalty Focus, a non-profit organization dedicated to the abolition of capital punishment, this series of lesson plans includes an extensive bibliography and a request form to invite wrongly-convicted individuals and other guest speakers into the classroom. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1dkQCAb
The Election of 1860 Role Play, by Bill Bigelow. See Abolitionism and Slavery section. (H) http://bit.ly/1LXgK0y
The Hollywood Ten, by Ironweed Films. Who were the Hollywood Ten? This 1950 documentary gives us a closer look at the ten blacklisted film writers and directors who defied the government and the sentiments of their day by refusing to testify during the HUAC anti-Communist hearings. John Berry, who directed the documentary, was blacklisted himself upon its release. (H) http://bit.ly/2jgyNLF
The Human Rights Education Program (HRE) of Amnesty International. The Human Rights Education program was designed to support teachers to promote the human rights principles and positive value system that are set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Site includes curricular guides, letters for parents, lessons to use with popular films and more. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/d1D1BS
The Knotted Line, by Evan Bissell. The Knotted Line is an interactive, tactile laboratory for exploring the historical relationship between freedom and confinement in the geographic area of the United States. With miniature paintings of over 50 historical moments from 1495-2025, The Knotted Line asks: how is freedom measured? Just as important, The Knotted Line imagines a new world through the work of grassroots movements for self-determination. Curriculum guide for teachers included. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1QO2Zc3
The Meaning of Sacco and Vanzetti, by Howard Zinn. On November 7, 2008, Howard Zinn offered a 35-minute lecture on “The Meaning of Sacco and Vanzetti” at the Dante Alighieri Society Italian Cultural Center, in Cambridge, MA. Zinn discussed the relevance of the Sacco and Vanzetti case for America today. (M, H, TR) Download the video from the Zinn Education site: http://bit.ly/2iMMHo8
The Pedagogy of Teacher Activism: Portraits of Four Teachers for Justice, by Keith Catone. Through the artful science of portraiture, The Pedagogy of Teacher Activism presents the stories of four teacher activists – how they have become social change agents – to uncover important pedagogical underpinnings of teacher activism. (TR)
www.activistpedagogy.com
#TrumpSyllabus, created and compiled by Karsonya Wise Whitehead, Alicia Moore and Regina Lewis. A compilation of lesson plans written by and for K-12 teachers (and college educators) for teaching about the 2016 presidential campaign, resistance and revolution, White privilege and White supremacy, state-sanctioned violence and sanctuary
classrooms, fake news and Facebook, and freedom and justice. Each lesson plan is presented in its entirety and includes warm-up and group activities, essential questions and objectives, resources, and connections to the Common
Core Standards. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2j7rtya
Unsung Heroes: Encouraging Students to Appreciate Those Who Fought for Social Justice, essay by Howard Zinn and lesson by Bill Bigelow. This teaching activity includes an essay written by Howard Zinn about the “unsung heroes” in the fight for social equality and justice. The essay is followed by an outline of a lesson written by Bill Bigelow that encourages students to become students-as-historical-activists and portray an “unsung hero” at the end of his/her life. Bigelow’s lesson includes questions he used to guide students’ research and an explanation of the hunt activity he used to help students become familiar with the historical activists before committing to one. (M, H) http://bit.ly/16ttlqo
Water, How Can We Increase the World’s Access to Clean Water?, by Concern Worldwide. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/22tf0DU
We Are All Born Free, published by Amnesty International. Published to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, We Are All Born Free uses pictures by internationally renowned artists to illustrate the meaning of these rights. (E) http://bit.ly/v1jRdL
Why Protest? A zine by Project NIA. Why Protest? is available for free downloading in the hope that everyone who can will make their own copies to share with their communities. Hand it out at protests, use it to start discussions about why protest matters, and pass it along to the people in your lives who are newly engaged in politics. (E, M, H)
http://bit.ly/2mQbpqB
Women’s March Platform: Guiding Vision and Definition of Principles, by grassroots organizers of the Women’s March on Washington, January 21, 2017. Recognizing that women have intersecting identities and are therefore affected by a multitude of social justice and human rights issues, this platform outlines a representative vision for a government that is based on the principles of liberty and justice for all. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2jBYN0a
Humane Education and Animal Rights
Amos’s Sweater, by Janet Lunn. Amos the sheep is old and cold and tired of giving up all his wool. But, despite his noisy objections, Aunt Hattie shears Amos once again and knits his wool into a brightly colored sweater for Uncle Henry. Poor Amos decides that this time he has had enough–and he sets out to reclaim what is rightfully his. (E) http://bit.ly/1nuzw9i
Animal Protection Activities, by the Institute for Humane Education. Activity topics include the connections between animal and human oppression, the inconsistencies in how we make choices about how we treat others, and more. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2m0xO49
Animal Rights Weekend Warrior, by Ingrid E. Newkirk. Created by the co-founder of PETA, this set of cards offers 52 projects that students can do to help animals. Each card describes a different way children can improve the life of an animal or to effect change for thousands of animals – whether it’s cheering up a lonely “backyard dog,” “veganizing” a cafeteria, educating the neighbors or providing baths to local birds. (E, M) http://amzn.to/vzuuJ8
Council of All Beings, by the Institute for Humane Education. What does a mountain wish for? A wolf? A cow? A river? Participants “become” a being or part of nature, and share with the Council the lives, concerns, hopes and wisdom of their assumed being. (E) http://bit.ly/1nK7xwg
Eating Animals, by Jonathan Safran Foer. Eating Animals explores the many stories we use to justify our eating habits – folklore and pop culture, family traditions and national myth, apparent facts and inherent fictions – and how such tales can lull us into a brutal disregard for animals. With a focus on the meat industry, the book also explores the way cows and chickens are treated in the production of our milk and eggs. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/32Rc0a
Endangered Species, by Sox Sperry with Project Look Sharp. See Environmental Justice Issue section.
http://bit.ly/NnSSoq
Equal Justice Alliance Website. The Equal Justice Alliance is a coalition formed in October 2006 to preserve freedom of speech and assembly by attempting to stop the passage of the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA). (H, TR)
http://bit.ly/vxxhuM
Food First: Institute for Food and Development. See Health and Nutrition section. http://bit.ly/1qeUHJT
Food, Inc. Classroom Discussion Guide, by TakePart.org. See Health and Nutrition section. http://bit.ly/2mOaRQt
Meat.org: The Website the Meat Industry Doesn’t Want You To See. A website with films and resources about animals killed for food. Free vegetarian starter kit and DVDs available. Warning: Explicit and disturbing imagery. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/17fyrKa
The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Young Readers Edition: The Secrets Behind What You Eat, by Michael Pollan. See Health and Nutrition section. http://bit.ly/utIarp
Testing Cosmetics and Household Products on Animals, by PETA. Information from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals about the realities of animal testing and alternatives to it, including a “Cruelty-Free Shopping Guide.” (M, H) http://bit.ly/axbwyw
The Camel in the Sun, by Griffin Ondaatje. Inspired by a retelling of a traditional Muslim hadith, this is the story of a camel whose cruel owner realizes what suffering he has caused only when the Prophet appears and shows love to the animal. (E) http://bit.ly/1LRpzOP (TR) Educator guide at http://bit.ly/1R7EIOm
The Nonhuman Rights Project. This organization is working toward legal rights for nonhuman animals. The website includes a blog, a breakdown of state-by-state legal action on behalf of nonhuman animals, and current news stories featuring animals. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/eEsNCS
The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Young Readers Edition: The Secrets Behind What You Eat, by Michael Pollan. See Health and Nutrition section. http://bit.ly/utIarp
What Price Beauty, by the Institute for Humane Education. This activity encourages students to explore and to think critically about the personal care products they use and the impact of the ingredients on themselves, other people, animals and the environment. (H) http://bit.ly/1n4khhl
Immigrant and Refugee History, Issues and Rights
A Century of Challenge and Change: The Filipino American Story. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/266pmy4
A Place Where Sunflowers Grow, by Amy Lee-Tai. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1mdeKuK
Alfredito Flies Home, by Jorge Argueta. Alfredito and his family are getting ready to return to their old home in El Salvador for Christmas, their first time back since they left as refugees. (E) http://bit.ly/24R4JW1
Ancestors in the Americas, by Loni Ding, PBS. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/rMYJYG
Becoming American: The Chinese Experience, PBS curriculum and documentary. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/MQcxL
Chinese American Women: A History of Resilience and Resistance, by National Women’s History Museum. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/18FrvTD
Chinese Immigrants in America: An Interactive History Adventure, by Kelley Hunsicker. See Asian/Asian Pacific
Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/QfGB5Q
Dos Conejos Blancos/Two White Rabbits, by Jairo Buitrago. In this moving and timely story, a young child describes what it is like to be a migrant as she and her father travel north toward the US border. (E) http://bit.ly/1SzKxmR
Drop the I-Word Campaign, by Race Forward, the Center for Racial Justice Innovation. Race Forward’s Drop the I-Word campaign to eliminate use of the word “illegal” was launched in September 2010 as anti-immigrant sentiment and hate crimes against communities of Color increased. Site includes a video and a toolkit for activists and educators. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/28NFQEW
Education Not Deportation: A Toolkit for Educators, by TeachDream. A full, free PDF toolkit for educators and school communities to support and stand with those who are undocumented, as well as other immigrant students and families. (TR) http://bit.ly/2lr95kP
Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings, a memoir by Margarita Engle. In this poetic memoir, which won the Pura Belpre Author Award, acclaimed author, Margarita Engle, tells of growing up as a child of two cultures during the Cold War.(M, H) http://bit.ly/24uyGek
Escape to Gold Mountain: A Graphic History of the Chinese in North America, by David H.T. Wong. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2mxipHy
Explore the Japanese American Internment Through Film and the Internet. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian
American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1qnwUvy
Fear and Learning at Hoover Elementary, produced by Laura Simon. This documentary film follows the social and
political context that led to the success of the anti-immigrant ballot initiative, Proposition 187. The film was produced by a Mexican American fourth grade teacher who taught at Hoover Elementary. (M, H) http://to.pbs.org/13YChA1
Growing Up Filipino: Stories for Young Adults, by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard (editor). See Asian/Asian Pacific
Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1QW58lX
Invisible Americans: Stories from the New Immigrants, by Black Swan Arts & Media. 20+ stories culled from over 400 oral histories collected over a 6-year period by African-American children and children of immigrants in Oakland, California from interviews with their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Listeners hear family stories, read by a broad range of community members and actors, set to a musical score, and placed into the larger context of the American immigration experience by leading scholars and community activists. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1njIE0l
Know Your Rights, by Asian Americans Advancing Justice. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2n6wecZ
Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel/Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel, by Anthony Robles. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/KYQR68
Landed, by Milly Lee. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2l8kwRx
Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey, by Doug Kuntz. When an Iraqi family is forced to flee their home, they can’t bear to leave their beloved cat Kunkush behind. So they carry him with them from Iraq to Greece, keeping their secret passenger hidden away. But during the crowded boat crossing to Greece, his carrier breaks and the frightened cat runs from the chaos. This moving true story captures the hope of this war-torn family to be reunited with their cat. (E) http://amzn.to/2lb28mZ
My Name is Maria Isabel, by Alma Flor Ada. María Isabel, a Puerto Rican child growing up in the US, begins having problems in her new classroom when her teacher changes her name to Mary. This compelling portrait of an experience common to many language-minority children inspires discussions on self-identity and biculturalism. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1RLamOy
My Name Is Yoon, by Helen Recorvits. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://amzn.to/22B02f5
Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story, by Ken Mochizuki. See Genocide section. http://bit.ly/2lHAOOe
Rep. Gutierrez House Floor 6/27/12 – Spot the Immigrant, C-SPAN Video Library. In this five-minute video, Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL) presents a “spot the immigrant” quiz during a discussion regarding the Supreme Court decision on the “Show Me Your Papers” law (Arizona, SB1070). (M, H, TR) http://cs.pn/ZLWTss
Rethinking Bilingual Education, by Rethinking Schools. A new edited collection of articles about bringing students’ home languages into our classrooms. The stories offer powerful examples of social justice curricula taught by bilingual teachers. The volume also includes ideas and strategies for ways to honor students’ home languages in schools with no bilingual programming. (TR) http://bit.ly/2njKRdr
Shanghai Messenger, by Andrea Cheng. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/tVVSjp
Should Undocumented Workers Have a Shot at the American Dream?, by Alan Shapiro at Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility. See Human Rights and Democracy section. http://bit.ly/WkSlHn
Strangers from a Different Shore, by Ronald Takaki. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/tHoLeH
Teaching about Immigration, a recommended book list by Teaching for Change. Titles recommended for teaching immigration and the immigration experience, with a focus on the United States. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1oGhp14
The Chinese Experience in 19th Century America, developed by Roberta Kugell Gumport and Marcella M. Smith, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/KnPSNz
The New Americans, by PBS. This film follows a diverse group of immigrants and refugees as they leave their homes and families behind and learn what it means to be new Americans in the 21st century. Accompanying lessons trace the history of immigration, and question the fairness of immigration policies. Film available on iTunes. (H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/d8tEdW
Vietnamese Americans Interdisciplinary Curriculum Guide, by Teaching Tolerance. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/9Q1L0r
We Came to America, by Faith Ringgold. A timely and beautiful look at America’s rich historical diversity, with an appropriate complication of the “nation of immigrants” narrative that includes recognition of indigenous peoples and
the forced migration of the slave trade. (E) http://bit.ly/2llxdp8
Independence
Dec. 12, 1963: Kenya Gains Independence, by The Learning Network, the New York Times. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues and Rights section. http://nyti.ms/TgLLo6
Chachaji’s Cup, by Uma Krishnaswami. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. Link to the book: http://amzn.to/2ixn7Ep; link to a video of the author explaining the impetus for the book: http://bit.ly/2k0NX8e
Colonization and Independence in Africa, from the Choices Program, Brown University. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1jiHVZr
El Grito: A Lesson Plan, by Patricia Schwarz. In this elementary-middle school lesson plan, students read a book written by students to learn the story of Mexico’s fight for independence. Vocabulary activities, extension activities, links to build background information and other resources are included. (TR) http://bit.ly/1cNPPpp
Frederick Douglass Fights for Freedom, by Bill Bigelow. See African American History, Issues and Rights
section. http://bit.ly/twIr1s
National and Patriotic Songs of Barbados. Have children listen to this collection of national, independence songs from Barbados. (E) http://bit.ly/1TLaP6D
Pedro Albizu Campos Leads the Puerto Rican Independence Movement. This resource, housed at NCTE’s website, provides a few suggested lessons on looking at Albizu Campos as well as other figures in nationalist movements. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/9YHK87
Indigenous History, Issues and Rights
1492, a song by Nancy Schimmel. A great song to use to teach about Columbus’s arrival, as told from the Native American perspective. (E) http://bit.ly/unw71d
1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving, by Catherine O’Neill Grace and Marge Bruchac. Produced in collaboration with the Wampanoag Indian Program at Plymouth Plantation, 1621 weighs Wampanoag oral traditions and English colonial written records against the popular myth of “brave settlers inviting wild Indians over for turkey dinner.” (E, M) http://bit.ly/1tTFP7H
A Brief History of American Indian Education, by University of Minnesota. This site offers a brief history of Indian education in America and a timeline of significant encounters involving American Indian tribes and the US government. The site also offer lesson plans for all grades on a variety of Native American subjects. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1ggLbRK
A Coyote Columbus Story, by Thomas King. Thomas King uses a bag of literary tricks to shatter the stereotypes surrounding Columbus’s voyages. He invites children to laugh with him at the crazy antics of Coyote, who unwittingly allows Columbus to bring about the downfall of his human friends. And he makes the point that history is influenced by the culture of the reporter. (E) http://bit.ly/1RyuKQl
A Coyote Solstice Tale, by Thomas King. Trickster Coyote is having his friends over for a festive solstice get-together in the woods when a little girl comes by unexpectedly. She leads the party-goers through the snowy woods to a shopping mall – a place they have never seen before. Winner of the American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Awards, Best Picture Book. (E) http://bit.ly/1TIeAtW
Act of War: The Overthrow of the Hawai’ian Nation. A comprehensive documentary that focuses on the events surrounding the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. Through archival photographs, government documents, films, political cartoons and dramatic reenactments, Act of War explores colonialism and the conquest of a Pacific Island nation by western missionaries and capitalists. (H) http://bit.ly/uetbEK
“All the Real Indians Died Off,” and 20 Other Myths About Native Americans, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz and Dina Gilio-Whitaker. In this book, scholars and activists Dunbar-Ortiz and Gilio-Whitaker tackle a wide range of myths about Native American culture and history that have misinformed generations. Tracing how these ideas evolved, and drawing from history, the authors disrupt long-held and enduring myths. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2nS7oyo
American Indians in Children’s Literature Blog, by Debbie Reese. Debbie Reese’s blog is one of the finest collections of resources and critical perspectives on teaching about Native Americans. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/3HATt
An Indigenous People’s History of the United States, by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. Acclaimed historian and activist, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, offers a history of the United States told from the perspective of Indigenous peoples, and reveals how Native Americans actively resisted expansion of the US empire for centuries. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2iunON4
As Long as the Rivers Flow, by Larry Loyie, with Constance Brissenden. In the 1800s, the education of First Nations children was taken on by various churches, in government-sponsored residential schools. Children were forcibly taken from their families in order to erase their traditional languages and cultures. As Long as the Rivers Flow is the story of Larry Loyie’s last summer before entering residential school. (E) http://bit.ly/1QBqoKF
Celebrate My Hopi Corn, by Anita Poleahla. “I am a kernel of Hopi corn. I have many sister kernels on my ear of corn. We grow under the warm sun.” This board book, written in Hopi and English, is the story of how corn is planted, cultivated, harvested and prepared for use in the Hopi home. The colorful illustrations by Hopi artist Emmett Navakuku describe the changing seasons and daily activities in a Hopi village. (E) http://bit.ly/2n7lqep
Chief Joseph: “Account of His Trip to Washington, D.C., by Zinn Education Project. Film clip of Chief Joseph’s account of the resistance to the ongoing encroachment of Nez Perce’s lands in the 1870s, read by Q’orianka Kilcher. (H) http://bit.ly/2iG44X0
Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices, edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Leatherdale. Whether discussing the transformative power of art or music, the lasting trauma of residential schools, growing up poor, or achieving success, the contributors to this remarkable anthology all have something in common: a rich Native heritage that has informed who they are. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2lbgT9
Framing Red Power, by Jason A. Heppler. This is an online collection of historical documents and articles about the Trail of Broken Treaties. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/uc1xwV
“How I Feel As a Native Women When Trump Idolizes Andrew Jackson,” by Adrienne Keen, OG History Teen Vogue. OG History is a Teen Vogue series where we unearth history not told through a white, cisheteropatriarchal lens. In this piece, Cherokee Nation citizen, scholar, and writer Adrienne Keene talks about how history, and Donald Trump, have been too kind to Andrew Jackson.
In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse, by Joseph Marshall III. Jimmy McClean is a Lakota boy. When he embarks on a journey with his grandfather, Nyles High Eagle, he learns more and more about his Lakota heritage – in particular, the story of Crazy Horse, one of the most important figures in Lakota and American history. Drawing references and inspiration from the oral stories of the Lakota tradition, the author juxtaposes the contemporary story of Jimmy with an insider’s perspective on the life of Tasunke Witko, better known as Crazy Horse. (M) http://bit.ly/2mwyCZY
Indian Removal, Teaching Activity PDF, by Gayle Olson-Raymer. This downloadable teaching guide provides ideas for Chapter 7 of Voices of a People’s History of the United States on the American policy of “Manifest Destiny” and Native American resistance to their own displacement. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/vXUZzQ
Interview with Vernon Bellecourt about the American Indian Movement. Bellecourt speaks about the state of nations and the demands being made in the American Indian Movement. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/9qBLCK
Lessons from Mother Earth, by Elaine McLeod. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/1QBznLT
Mni Wiconi: The Stand at Standing Rock, by Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/2g3OmlJ
Niwechichaw/I Help, by Caitlin Nicholson and translated by Leona Morin-Nelson. This simple story, in Cree and English, explores a young child’s relationship to his kuhkom, his grandmother, as they go for a walk in the bush to pick rosehips. The young boy follows his grandmother, walking, listening, picking, praying, eating, just as she does. In doing so, he absorbs the rich cultural traditions and values of his Cree heritage. (E) http://bit.ly/1pekuX5
North Carolina’s Lumbee Fight for Justice: The Battle at Hayes Pond, by Carolina K-12 Schools. See Hate and Oppression section. (M) http://unc.live/2meNGMU
Our Land, Our Life, by Oxfam America. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/GTJmK
Oyate. Oyate is a Native American organization that lists recommended children’s books on Native American history and culture. The website features Thanksgiving resources and provides criteria for evaluating the quality of books about Native Americans. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/4DUTbG
Rabbit Proof Fence. See Human Rights and Democracy section. http://bit.ly/LiFste
Reconsider Columbus Day, presented by Nu Heightz Cinema. This short PSA asks people to reconsider whether the crimes of Columbus should be celebrated. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/9ILuXF
Rethinking Thanksgiving: Myths and Misgivings, by Vera L. Stenhouse, Rethinking Schools. As a teacher educator, Stenhouse discusses some of the ways classroom educators can demystify the first Thanksgiving. (E,TR)
http://bit.ly/2z77Ov
Shin-chi’s Canoe, by Nicola I. Campbell. This moving sequel to the award-winning Shi-shi-etko tells the story of two children’s experience at residential school. Shi-shi-etko is about to return for her second year, but this time her six-year-old brother, Shin-chi, is going, too. (E) http://bit.ly/1QEY0bN
Shi-shi-etko, by Nicola I. Campbell. In just four days, young Shi-shi-etko will have to leave her family and all that she knows to attend residential school. Richly hued illustrations complement this gently moving and poetic account of a child who finds solace all around her, even though she is on the verge of great loss – a loss that native people have endured for generations because of the residential school system. (E) http://bit.ly/1pekjec
Sioux Treaty of 1868, by the National Archives. Primary source documents, teaching activities, and standards correlations related to the 1868 events in Fort Laramie and the subsequent theft of land by the US government. (H)
http://bit.ly/2fCX4qY
Sky, by Pamela Porter. This moving book, written in the haunting voice of a young child, is based on true stories told to the author by her friend Georgia Salois, a Metis whose people lived with the Blackfeet Nation in Montana. (E) http://bit.ly/1UfjL2R
#StandingRockSyllabus, by the NYC Stands with Standing Rock Collective. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/2dQye3P
Standing Tall at Standing Rock, by Ayşe Gürsöz. It was young people who launched the #NoDAPL movement to stop construction of the Dakota Access oil pipeline on Standing Rock Sioux Tribe land. Here are some of their stories captured at the Oceti Sakowin camp by digital storyteller Ayşe Gürsöz from September 16 to September 21, 2016. Site includes photographs of the young people, along with quotes and short narratives. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2k30B6I
Standing with Standing Rock: A Role-Play on the Dakota Access Pipeline, by Ursula Wolfe-Rocca, Bill Bigelow and Andrew Duden. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/2j9JkW3
Teaching with Documents: The 1897 Petition Against the Annexation of Hawaii. This lesson plan uses original documents about the Native Hawaiians who organized against the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. (H) http://1.usa.gov/12DDOR
Tecumseh’s Speech to the Osages (Winter 1811-12). Tecumseh, a Shawnee leader, sought to persuade all Indian tribes to unify against the growing White intrusion into Indian lands. Links lead to primary text and Brian Jones’s video re-enactment of the speech. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1pfwY8P
Thanksgiving Mourning, by Teaching Tolerance. In this activity, students will explore the perspectives of two Native American authors about the meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday and then draft letters to them. (M, H) http://bit.ly/qy6im
The Alcatraz Proclamation: A Primary Document Activity. Teaching Tolerance offers a wealth of activity ideas tied to Thanksgiving, Native mascots and Indigenous peoples’ proud heritage of resistance. (M, H) http://bit.ly/9sPNbx
The Cherokee Nation and the Birth of a New Script, by Geraldine Granahan, New York Historical Society Museum & Library. This New York Historical Society Library blog post features items that were printed in the Cherokee language, including the Cherokee Advocate newspaper, which was printed weekly in Cherokee and English. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1jTLAht
The Cherokee/Seminole Removal Role-Play. This role-play encourages students to explore the dynamics that led to Native Americans’ forced relocation. As they portray individuals in some of the groups that shaped these historical episodes, the aim is for them to see not only what happened, but why it happened – and perhaps to wonder whether there were alternatives. (M, H) http://bit.ly/vT0KrP
The Elders Are Watching, by David Bouchard. As Native elders have advised from time immemorial, this is a gentle plea to respect the natural environment. (E, M) http://amzn.to/2kjhCZe
The People vs. Columbus, et al., by Bill Bigelow. This role-play begins with the premise that a monstrous crime was committed in the years after 1492, when at least three million Taínos on the island of Hispaniola lost their lives. It’s a free download excerpted from Rethinking Columbus. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/hRdbSf
Transform Columbus Day. Transform Columbus Day is an alliance of social justice groups who are committed to challenging traditional ethnocentric views of Columbus as a pioneer and the sole discoverer of the Americas. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/3syjAe
Unlearning “Indian” Stereotypes, by Rethinking Schools. See Hate and Oppression section. http://bit.ly/tr5Tf
We Shall Remain. This is a PBS miniseries and multimedia project that establishes Native history as an essential part of American history. Five 90-minute documentaries, spanning 300 years, tell the story of pivotal moments in US
history from the Native American perspective. Website includes teacher’s guides. (H) http://to.pbs.org/10DjT
We Shall Remain: Episode 5 Wounded Knee, by PBS. We Shall Remain is a miniseries and multimedia project on Native history. Episode 5 focuses specifically on the Wounded Knee incident. (M, H) http://to.pbs.org/9O6AqP
When the Shadbush Blooms, by Carla Messinger. A young Lenni Lenape girl travels through the seasons, dreaming of great-great-grandmother’s life, planting seeds, picking berries, playing in fallen leaves and romping in the snow. Told from the viewpoints of Traditional Sister and Contemporary Sister, each from her own time, this is a book about tradition and change. (E) http://bit.ly/2mwibx9
When We Were Alone, by David Robertson. When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother’s garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully colored clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history, and ultimately, one of empowerment and strength. (E) http://bit.ly/2kz3o4N; Teacher’s Guide: http://bit.ly/2kdDW3W
Labor and Economic Issues
50 Books about Labor, compiled by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center. A bibliography of 50 children’s books about labor. (E, M) http://bit.ly/Lgy8nX
AFL-CIO Labor History Links. Collection of links to online labor history collections, including online museum exhibitions. (TR) http://bit.ly/1c5y94k
Beyond the “Culture of Poverty”: Resources on Class, Poverty and Equity in Education, by Paul C. Gorski. Handouts on many topics, but several on class, poverty, and equity in education. (TR) http://bit.ly/1VSXDMB
Chinese Immigrants in America: An Interactive History Adventure, by Kelley Hunsicker. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/QfGB5Q
Class Action: An Activist Teacher’s Handbook. Published by Jacobin magazine. See Human Rights and Democracysection. http://bit.ly/1jGlv4t
Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, by Doreen Cronin. This children’s book addresses labor conflict and resolution through the story of a fictional farmer whose cows start making demands. (E) http://bit.ly/rvRF1a
Cultivate.Coop. Cultivate.Coop is an online hub for pooling knowledge and resources on cooperatives. It is a space to collect free information for those interested in cooperatives, and one where people can build useful educational tools for the co-op community. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/ekaidO
Dignified and Determined: Labor Activism of Filipina/o American Farmworkers, by Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales, Dawn B. Mabalon, Maricel Elacio, Erica Parpan, Ingrid Gonzales, Ron Quimel, Frederick David and R.J. Lozada. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1fPbdx0
Elaine Black Yoneda Oral History, by the California Historical Society. Sound recording of Lucille Kendall’s 1976-1977 interview with radical activist, Elaine Black Yoneda. The interview documents Yoneda’s activism with the International Labor Defense, International Longshoremen’s Association’s Defense Committee, Communist party, and various other labor and civil rights movements in California. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1U5QWWU
Fair Trade in the Classroom, by Global Exchange. Through this Valentine’s unit, students learn about child labor and how it’s used by big chocolate companies. Students take social action by telling these companies that they should sell Fair Trade products instead. (E, M) http://bit.ly/95yZbZ
Finding Solutions to Hunger, by Kids Can Make a Difference. See Health and Nutrition section. http://bit.ly/cYEDNd
Flint Sit-Down Strike, by the United Auto Workers. A short documentary, with some historical footage and oral histories, capturing this particular moment in auto labor history. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1REmaSw
Flower Workers Lesson Plans, International Labor Rights Forum. See Globalization section. http://bit.ly/tFAlAq
Granito de Arena/Grain of Sand; Un Poquito de Tanta Verdad/A Little Bit of So Much Truth; Desde el Filo de la Navaja/ From the Edge of the Blade. These three films document different aspects of the community-based movement against the state government in Oaxaca. The first film documents the three-decades-long struggle by the teachers’ union to democratize their union. The other films specifically focus on the 2006 “rebellion,” which led to the temporary toppling of the state government. (TR) http://bit.ly/1VkmKcW and http://bit.ly/1qLDSvh
Harvesting Hope: The Story of César Chávez, by Kathleen Krull. This picture book chronicles Chávez’s youth and the struggles he endured on his journey to becoming a leader. The second link is to a teacher’s guide. (E)
http://amzn.to/1V7FcF3, http://bit.ly/1Qd1FZx
History of Railroad Unions in the U.S. Comprehensive collection of documents, videos and links about the history of Railroad Unions in the United States. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1vuka6C
I Am a Man, a digital library from Wayne State University. See Civil Rights, Black Power, and Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/2laUBF0
Iqbal, by Francesco D’Adamo. See Human Rights and Democracy section. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1tRoxV7
It’s a Mystery – White Workers Against Black Workers, by Bill Bigelow and Norm Diamond. Teachers are provided with a unit plan depicting the history and social factors that contributed to the racial tensions between workers in the 1920s. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1mFmfZV
Labor Rights in the Classroom. See Globalization section. http://bit.ly/bVIovt
Living Algebra, Living Wage: 8th Graders Learn Some Real-World Math Lessons, by Jana Dean. Chapter 9 from the book, Rethinking Mathematics. Set of activities to engage students in using math to explore the minimum wage, CEO pay, wealth inequality, and more. (M, H). http://bit.ly/1MqAEH9
Model Curriculum and Resources for Teachers. This curriculum on the life and work of César Chávez from the California Department of Education includes biographies, pictures and other resources to help teachers prepare lessons for this holiday. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/cb8NfJ
Reverse Trick or Treat, by Global Exchange. See Globalization section. http://bit.ly/1gCxUkI
Southern Tenant Farmers’ Union: Black and White Unite?, by Bill Bigelow and Norm Diamond, Zinn Education Project. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/rYmZcW
Stop Child Labor Lesson Plans, by International Labor Rights Forum. See Human Rights and Democracy section.
http://bit.ly/1nK8X9U
Teaching Economics As If People Mattered, by United for a Fair Economy. A collection of lesson plans about economics from a social justice perspective. (H) http://bit.ly/6AIy7u
Teaching With Documents: Photographs of Lewis Hine: Documentation of Child Labor. See Human Rights and Democracy section. http://1.usa.gov/3qo8vl
That’s Not Fair! Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice/No Es Justo! La Lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la Justica, by Carmen Tafolla and Sharyll Teneyuca. A description of the children’s book, which tells the story of Emma Tenayuca’s fight for labor rights. Ideas for activities and teacher resources are also included. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1Z1IAR1
The Five Basic Steps to Organizing a Union. Student friendly step-by-step guide to starting a union from the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America’s website. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/VVGMxk
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights, by Steve Sheinkin. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/2l0MDj5
The Power in Our Hands: A Curriculum on the History of Work and Workers in the United States, by Bill Bigelow and Norman Diamond. This celebrated book provides entertaining, easy-to-use lesson plans for teaching labor history. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/rtAWyl
The Story of Change, by Annie Leonard. See Globalization section. http://bit.ly/Vo6GIQ
Viva La Causa: The Story of César Chávez and a Great Movement for Social Justice, by Teaching Tolerance. This short documentary film and accompanying teacher’s guide explore the grape strike and boycott, led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta. The free teaching kit includes a 39-minute film on DVD and a teacher’s guide. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/ffoc4E
What Rights Do We Have?, by Bill Bigelow and Norm Diamond. A teaching activity that equips teachers with five units centered around labor movements, history, and rights. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1kaTKy8
Win-Win Solutions: An Introduction to Fair Trade and Cooperative Economics, by Equal Exchange. See Globalization section. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2m0N8xt
Wobblies!: A Graphic History of the Industrial Workers of the World, by Paul Buhle and Nicole Schulman. The IWW, which has been organizing workers since 1905, is often cited, yet elusive to scholars because of its eclectic and controversial cultural and social character. Wobblies! presents the IWW whole, scripted and drawn by old-time and younger Wobbly and IWW-inspired artists. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1aL1fs2
Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights
500 Años del Pueblo Chicano/500 Years of Chicano History in Pictures, by Elizabeth Martinez. This book presents Chicano history and the true story of La Raza through hundreds of photos, drawings, paintings and bilingual text. This photo essay celebrates the survival of the Mestizo people, their resistance to exploitation, and the strength of the Raza women. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1ccLz1m
500 Years of Chicana Women’s History, by Elizabeth Martinez. Stories and photos of Chicana/Mexican American women in politics, labor, art, health and more. (H) http://bit.ly/2lguk9w
Abuela, by Arthur Dorros. Rosalba, a young Hispanic girl, spends a day with her grandmother, who speaks only Spanish. Together, they embark on an adventure, flying across New York City and ending up where Abuela grew up. As they explore different areas, they exchange Spanish and English words. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1ahF9eu
Abuelos, by Pat Mora and Amelia Lau Carling. In this delightful story, two young children, Ray and Amelia, discover the old New Mexican tradition of los abuelos for the first time. This midwinter masquerade, which contains elements of Spanish and indigenous Pueblo culture, as well as sharing features common to solstice celebrations in other parts of the world, died out in New Mexico for a time, but has been occasionally revived in recent years. (E) http://bit.ly/1R5BMSq
Alfredito Flies Home, by Jorge Argueta. See Immigrant and Refugee History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/24R4JW1
Brazil: From Colony to Democracy, by The Choices Program. This site provides supplemental materials that can be used to teach about Brazil, from Portuguese colonialism through present-day Brazil. Materials include graphic organizers, videos, student activities and web links. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/sSMKHP
Calling the Doves/El Canto de las Palomas, by Juan Felipe Herrera. This picture book is Herrera’s memoir of his childhood as a son of migrant farmworkers. Written in English and Spanish, it celebrates the work, skills and love of Herrera’s parents. (E) http://bit.ly/1g6m0Qh
Caribbean Connections: The Dominican Republic. This book provides an overview of the history, politics and culture of the Dominican community, the fourth largest Latino group in the United States. Spanish language companion available. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/gaH71
Caribbean Connections Series, by Teaching for Change. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/16GLJyb
Celebrate, Don’t Desecrate, Cinco deMayo, by Educational Justice blog. Article tracing the origins of the celebration of Cinco de Mayo in the United States to the Chicano anti-imperialist movement in the 1960s. (TR) http://bit.ly/2dlkFJm
Celebrations: Day of the Dead mini-unit. Students will learn about Día de Los Muertos through the use of writing, art, cooking and incorporating the Spanish language. (H) http://bit.ly/1tTrmWX
Chicanos Have Math in Their Blood: Pre-Colombian Mathematics, by Luis Ortiz-Franco. Chapter 11 from
Rethinking Mathematics. Background and recommendations for teachers, for engaging students in exploring the Mesoamerican number system and the mathematical, intellectual contributions of Chicanos. (M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/1oSojAb
Cinco de Mayo Inc. This blog is dedicated to documenting and critically examining the commercialization of Cinco de Mayo. This Mexican holiday has become more popular in the US than in Mexico, in part because of corporate America’s desire to make money from the Latinx consumer market. It also perpetuates damaging stereotypes about Latinx
people, while clouding the historical significance of this day. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/rryYIN
Cinco de Mayo, Yesterday and Today, by Maria Cristina Urrutia and Rebeca Orozco. Cinco de Mayo is one of the most celebrated days in the Mexican calendar, but few people know that it commemorates a decisive victory of the Mexicans against the invading French in 1862. Drawing on historical sources and the photographic record of a contemporary reenactment, this book introduces children to this important, but misunderstood, event. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1QF2KOp
Diego Rivera: Paintings, Murals, Biography, Quotes. Website dedicated to the memory of Diego Rivera, including hundreds of images of his works. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1Usk8rr
Dos Conejos Blancos/Two White Rabbits, by Jairo Buitrago. See Immigration section. http://bit.ly/1SzKxmR
El Grito: A Lesson Plan, by Patricia Schwarz. See Independence section. http://bit.ly/1cNPPpp
Enchanted Air: Two Cultures, Two Wings, a memoir by Margarita Engle. See Immigration section.
http://bit.ly/24uyGek
Exploring Borderlands, by American Passages. As part of a larger unit, this series of lessons focuses on Anzaldúa’s concept of a new “mestiza” consciousness and borderlands. Includes some background and activities. (H)
http://bit.ly/uzlZCd
Fear and Learning at Hoover Elementary, produced by Laura Simon. See Immigrant and Refugee History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/13YChA1
For All the Children (Para Todos los Niños). See Human Rights and Democracy section. The following is a link to a radio interview with Mendez: http://bit.ly/KfnMn1, and a resource from Teaching Tolerance http://bit.ly/LN3Ohv
Granito de Arena/Grain of Sand; Un Poquito de Tanta Verdad/A Little Bit of So Much Truth; Desde el Filo de la Navaja/ From the Edge of the Blade. See Labor and Economic Issues section. http://bit.ly/1VkmKcW and http://bit.ly/1qLDSvh
Harvesting Hope: The Story of César Chávez, by Kathleen Krull. See Labor and Economic Issues section.
http://amzn.to/1V7FcF3, http://bit.ly/1Qd1FZx
I Have a Border in My Mind: The Puerto Ricans’ Arts and Culture as Factors for Self-Esteem, by Abie L. Quiñones-Benítez. This unit provides information on the history of Puerto Rico and individual lesson plans to help students learn more about Puerto Rican culture and identity. (M, H) http://bit.ly/KLRahe
Island Treasures: Growing Up in Cuba, by Alma Flor Ada. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1pdpvPv
Latino American/Chicano Studies, by PBS Teachers. This site offers lesson plans, activity ideas, and media resources on topics concerning Latino American and Chicano studies, such as culture, immigration and civil and human rights. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1NlEnRc
Latino Heritage: A Discussion Activity, by Teaching Tolerance. A compilation of essays, lessons, videos and activities to help students gain a deeper understanding of past and present struggles for Latino civil rights. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1kHi3b3
Librotraficante. The Librotraficante Movement’s homepage offers visitors numerous resources, including a list of banned books that reflect Chicano heritage and history, information about underground libraries, and lists of events that are occurring during Chicano Heritage Month. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1buJEBN
Model Curriculum and Resources for Teachers. See Labor and Economic Issues section. http://bit.ly/cb8NfJ
My Name is Maria Isabel, by Alma Flor Ada. See Immigration section. http://bit.ly/1RLamOy
Napi Funda Un Pueblo/Napi Makes a Village, by Antonio Ramirez. See Environmental Justice Issues section.
http://bit.ly/1R7e6H0
Nine 2017 Releases from Latinx Authors To Add to Your TBR this Women’s History Month, by Bustle. Students are encouraged to diversify their reading during Women’s History Month by including books by Latinx authors. With everything going on in the United States right now, we need to amplify these voices. The best way to ensure that we continue to see diverse voices hitting the shelves is by reading and championing more of them. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2mjm9Mx
Pablo Remembers, by George Ancona. This photodocumentary-style children’s book follows Pablo and his family as they celebrate Día de Los Muertos by honoring his grandmother. (E) http://bit.ly/RL0vbg
Pedro Albizu Campos leads the Puerto Rican Independence Movement. See Independence section.
http://bit.ly/9YHK87
Precious Knowledge: Ethnic Studies in Arizona, by Ari Luis Palos and Eren Isabel McGinnis. A documentary film about the struggle to keep the Mexican American Studies program at Tucson High School. (E, M, H)
http://to.pbs.org/1o0m2n4
Pump Up the Blowouts: Reflections on the 40th Anniversary of the Chicano/a School Blowouts, by Gilda L. Ochoa. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/2j5w03l
Queer Brown Voices: Personal Narratives of Latina/o LGBT Activism, edited by Uriel Quesada, Letitia Gomez and Salvador Vidal-Ortiz. Essays chronicling the experiences of 14 Latinx LGBTQ activists present a new perspective on the marginalized history of their work in the last three decades of the 20th century. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2kKgIp8
Radical Brownies, produced by Grace Lee and directed by Linda Goldstein Knowlton. A documentary on the Radical Monarchs (previously known as the Radical Brownies), an alternative to the Girl Scouts for young girls of Color in Oakland, CA. Its members, who don brown berets in recognition of their ancestors, earn badges, not for sewing or selling cookies, but for completing challenges on social justice, including Black Lives Matter, “radical beauty,” and being an LGBTQ ally. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2iLy0Pu
Rep. Gutierrez House Floor 6/27/12 – Spot the Immigrant, C-SPAN Video Library. See Immigration section.
http://cs.pn/ZLWTss
Resistance in Paradise: Rethinking100 Years of U.S. Involvement in the Caribbean and the Pacific, Teaching
Guide, edited by Debbie Wei and Rachel Kamel. This teaching guide focuses onthe role of US involvement in countries such as Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico. Filled with illustrations, cartoons, photographs, poems, stories and historical
and contemporary documents that are formatted for easy reproduction for classroom use. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/rsJayw
Rethinking Cinco de Mayo, by Sudie Hofmann, Zinn Education Project. In this article, Hofmann critiques a
stereotypical Mexican American event meant to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Readers will find information about the history of Cinco de Mayo and how it is celebrated in the US, art depicting the events of the Battle of Puebla Day, and
reactions from Chicana/o students. Links to related materials are provided. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/13VTKtX
Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation, by Duncan Tonatiuh. See Human Rights and Democracy section. http://bit.ly/1zgX6rK
Silver People: Voices from the Panama Canal, by Margarita Engle. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues
and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1pdoHdw
Students Rising, a lesson plan from PBS Learning Media. In this lesson plan drawing on material from Latinx Americans, students explore rising consciousness and activism among Latinx youth in the 1960s. Students view a clip on the situation of Mexican American students in Los Angeles, examining how self-concepts and expectations were affected by the Chicano Movement. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2l9ev45
Sylvia & Aki, by Winifred Conkling. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights
section. http://bit.ly/1az5oy5
That’s Not Fair! Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice/No Es Justo! La Lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la Justica, by Carmen Tafolla and Sharyll Teneyuca. A description of the children’s book, which tells the story of Emma Tenayuca’s fight for labor rights. Ideas for activities and teacher resources are also included. (E, TR)
http://bit.ly/1Z1IAR1
The Bath Riots: Indignity Along the Mexican Border, by NPR. Listen to a piece by NPR about Carmelita Torres, the 17 year-old maid who refused the toxic bath at the Mexican border; and read excerpts of David Dorado Romo’s book, Ringside Seat to a Revolution, about the bath riots. (M, H) http://n.pr/1TUP3gz
The Cuban Missile Crisis: Considering Its Place in Cold War History, by The Choices Program. This site contains supplemental materials to a unit thatexamines the Cuban missile crisis and the relationship between the US and Cuba.
Materials include videos, lesson plans and web links. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/s5OtiG
The Dreamer, by Pam Munoz Ryan. This award-winning middle school novel offers a wonderful introduction to the life of Pablo Neruda as a child. Neruda’s commitment to following his dream to write, as told in The Dreamer, will provide inspiration to many readers, not only to read Neruda’s poems, but also to write their own. (M) http://bit.ly/1qMWdb3
The Girl from Chimel, by Rigoberta Menchu and Dante Liano. Before the 36-year war in Guatemala, despite the hardships the Maya people had endured since the time of the Conquest, life in their highland villages had a beauty and integrity that were changed forever by the conflict and brutal genocide that were to come. Menchu’s stories of her grandparents and parents, of the natural world that surrounded her as a young girl, and her retelling of the stories that she was told, present a rich, humorous and engaging picture of that lost world. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1QM9abk
The History All Around Us: Roosevelt High School and the 1968 Eastside Blowouts, by Brian C. Gibbs. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/2j5DrYh
US-Mexico War: “We Take Nothing by Conquest, Thank God,” by Bill Bigelow. This teaching activity is based on Howard Zinn’s, A People’s History of the United States, and provides students with several themes regarding the US-Mexican border during the early 19th Century. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1U9d1Ci
¡Viva la Causa! 500 Years of Chicano History, by the Southwest Organizing Project and Collision Course Video Productions. Based on the book 500 Years of Chicano History in Pictures, edited by Elizabeth Martínez, this
two-part English language video offers a compelling introduction to the history of Mexican American people. (M, H) http://amzn.to/XhUqfa
Walkout, a film produced by Moctesuma Esparza. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/2iW7mqP
War Against All Puerto Ricans: Revolution and Terror in America’s Colony, by Nelson A. Denis. The website includes a historical overview of Puerto Rico’s struggle for independence, and many related resources, including video clips and other multimedia. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2lOJDVL
Yes! We Are Latinos: Poems and Prose About the Latino Experience, by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy. Thirteen young people living in America are introduced in this book that celebrates the rich diversity of the Latinx experience in the United States. Free-verse fictional narratives from the perspective of each youth provide specific stories about the quest for identity. Each profile is followed by nonfiction prose that further clarifies the character’s background and history, touching upon important events in the history of Latino American people. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2imvF0M
Literacy
American Indians in Children’s Literature Blog, by Debbie Reese. Debbie Reese’s blog is one of the finest collections of resources and critical perspectives on teaching about Native Americans. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/3HATt
Brave New Voices. Brave New Voices is a national poetry slam competition that truly engages everyone involved, from the participants to the adult mentors and audience members. The first episode of the HBO series, which chronicles the 2008 festival, is available online. (M, H) http://bit.ly/HMZE9L
Celebrating the Freedom To Read, by American Library Association. American Library Association page on Banned
Books Week, including events, lists of banned books and ideas for action. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1rPQro8
Deaf Jam, directed by Judy Lieff. See Disability History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/PrShXc
Flying Lessons & Other Stories, edited by Ellen Oh. In partnership with #WeNeedDiverseBooks, this is a collection of
short stories from an impressive group of authors of Color on themes ranging from basketball dreams to first crushes. The diverse stories celebrate the uniqueness and universality in all of us. (E, M) http://bit.ly/2kkCmgj
Growing Up Hip-Hop, by Kahlil Almustafa. In this collection, written throughout his youth and young adulthood, award-winning poet Kahlil Almustafa captures the experiences, contradictions and healing that have defined the hip-hop generation. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/10R2UF4
Hip-Hop and the Classics for the Classroom, by Alan Sitomer and Michael Cirelli. This collection of lesson plans analyzes the poetry of Hip-Hop and compares its motifs, themes and general poetic devices to the poems traditionally studied in order to teach the core elements of the poetic craft in an appealing, relevant and accessible manner. (M, H)
http://bit.ly/23Dh8ic
IndyKids. The Nov/Dec 2008 issue of IndyKids features an article about an activity a New York library did with its students to celebrate Banned Books Week. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1BDHEXk
IndyKids. IndyKids is a free newspaper and teaching tool that aims to inform children about current news and world events from a progressive perspective, and to inspire a passion for social justice and learning. It is geared toward kids in grades four to eight and high school English Language Learners. IndyKids is produced five times during the school year. (E, M) http://bit.ly/dnlh5
Librotraficante. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1buJEBN
My Pen, by Christopher Myers. Children’s book about the incredible power of a young person with a pen (E)
http://amzn.to/21Av7V8
Observing Deaf History Month, by Alexandra Gomez. See Disability History, Issues and Rights section.
http://on.nypl.org/VDs76u
One Last Word: Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance, by Nikki Grimes. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://amzn.to/2jK1j5x
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets, by Kwame Alexander with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth. Original poems that pay homage to 20 poets who have made the authors’ hearts sing and their minds wonder. Stunning mixed-media images by Ekua Holmes, winner of a Caldecott Honor and a John Steptoe New Talent Illustrator Award, complete the celebration and invite the reader to listen, wonder and perhaps even pick up a pen. (E, M, H) http://amzn.to/2o1N12q
Reading is Not Optional: An Interview with Walter Dean Myers, by PEN America. Interview of Myers by YA author, Amy Nathan. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/24zrJsI
The Dreamer, by Pam Munoz Ryan. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1qMWdb3
Using Picture Books To Explore Identity, Stereotyping, and Discrimination, by Loraine Woodard. In this unit, students explore three picture books to better understand and promote discussion and action on ideas of identity, stereotyping and discrimination. (E, M) http://bit.ly/b3u2eC
We Need Diverse Books™, a grassroots campaign. We Need Diverse Books™ is a grassroots organization of
children’s book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people. Website includes resources and book lists. (TR)
www.weneeddiversebooks.org
Why Did This Happen? Content Perspective, Dialogue: A Workshop Model for Developing Young People’s Reflective Writing, by Susan Wilcox, Ed.D. This curriculum from The Brotherhood/Sister Sol helps young people engage in critical inquiry, develop a love of learning and transform their lives. (TR) http://bit.ly/sJmlpi
Media Literacy
Educator Toolkit for News and Media Literacy, by Common Sense Education. Educators can choose their grade level range and explore teaching tools and lessons by topic, videos and interactive educational games, take-home student activities, and more. All resources are designed to give students the essential skills to be smart, savvy consumers and creators of media. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2ouhmGI
Media Education Foundation on YouTube. Media Education Foundation’s channel on YouTube offers video clips of Jackson Katz, one of the writers of Tough Guise, talking about the documentary. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/UeG6hD
Media Literacy / TV Turn-Off Week. This 5-day unit deals with topics such as time spent watching TV by students, the discrepancy of people they can identify (social activist vs celebrities), and ways to spend TV Turn-off Week. (E, M)
http://bit.ly/1cr0pl0
Revolutionary Advertising: A Lesson on Che Guevara, by Annissa Hambouz and Javaid Khan, from the New York Times Learning Network. In this lesson, students learn about the 40th anniversary of Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s execution, and the proliferation of his image as aninternational symbol of revolutionary values. They then interpret the iconic Che image from different points of view, and reflect on the notion of the commodification of revolutionary values. (H) http://nyti.ms/2mwiYy5
Screen-Free Week Organizer’s Kit, by Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. This resource includes kits that
you can download for free. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1NHnYH3
Tough Guise. Tough Guise is aimed at a general student audience to analyze masculinity as a social construct, a performance or a role; in short, a “tough guise.” The film links violence to the construction of masculinity around domination and violence. (H) http://imdb.to/u8BXK7
Middle Eastern Americans and Middle East History, Issues and Rights
A Little Piece of Ground, by Elizabeth Laird, with Sonia Nimr. This novel is about a young boy named Karim, who is living through the Israeli occupation of Palestine. (E) http://bit.ly/rxsebu
Arab American Stories, by Detroit Public Television and hosted by NPR’s Neda Ulaby. Part of a 13-part series exploring the diversity of the Arab-American experience, and their contributions to art, science, business, and all other aspects of society. Video stories are accompanied viewing guides and lesson plans. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1TvyJTZ
Crimes Against Humanity and Civilization: The Genocide of the Armenians. See Genocide section.
http://bit.ly/18ZZ9Uk
Gaza Writes Back: Short Stories from Young Writers in Gaza, Palestine, by Refaat Alareer. A compelling anthology of short stories by 15 young writers in Gaza. Their words take us into the homes and hearts of moms, dads, students, children and elders striving to live lives of dignity, compassion and meaning in one of the world’s most embattled communities. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1oomY4K
Handala: Cartoons Through the Eyes of a Palestinian Refugee, by Naji al-Ali. Website containing collections of al-Ali’s cartoons, drawn in defiance of the occupation of Palestine. Also find links to additional resources and a short autobiography. (H) http://bit.ly/21XflDX
Islamophobia Is Racism: Resource for Teaching & Learning About Anti-Muslim Racism in the United States. See Hate and Oppression section. http://bit.ly/2p3miWB
Lahza, a photography project by Zakira. Initiated by Ramzi Haidar and launched by ZAKIRA in 2007, Lahza (“Glimpse” in Arabic) is a project that brings together photographers, journalists, artists and volunteers from various walks of life, along with the children of the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. At this site, view photographs taken by the children themselves in the camps. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1LNE7cO
Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story, by Reem Faruqi. Lailah’s hesitation about her faith and traditions are gently
explained from a child’s point of view. Though she is excited to begin fasting during Ramadan, she is unsure about how to explain this practice to her classmates or deal with the temptations of lunchtime! Eventually, with the help her librarian
and teacher, she gains confidence among her peers. (E) http://bit.ly/2kFmPLM; Interview with author: http://bit.ly/2kzsP6e
Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey, by Doug Kuntz. See Immigrant and Refugee History, Issues and Rights section. http://amzn.to/2lb28mZ
Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan, by Jeanette Winter. This children’s book tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, a youth and women’s rights activist, and inspires children to create change, as Malala has done, despite the oppressive environment where she grew up. Ideas for activities and teacher resources are also available. (E, TR). http://bit.ly/1NPGCeC
Mud City, by Deborah Ellis. Shauzia has escaped the misery of her life in Kabul, only to end up in a refugee camp in Pakistan. She is determined to earn money to buy her passage out of the country. This is a powerful and very human story of a feisty, driven girl who tries to take control of her own life. Includes a map and an updated author’s note and glossary. Royalties go to Street Kids International. (M) http://bit.ly/1QE7S4k
My Name Is Bilal, by Asma Mobin-Uddin. In this book, Bilal feels the need to hide his Muslim religion for fear he will be teased by other students. (E) http://bit.ly/w4nStZ
Salaam – A Muslim American Boy’s Story, by Trish Brown. This is a biography about a Muslim American boy named Imran. It describes how he likes to do the same things that most children his age do. Through his story, Imran shows that Muslims strive to be good people, just as those of other faiths do. (E) http://bit.ly/tBgIH7
Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood, by Ibtisam Barakat. In this groundbreaking memoir, set in Ramallah during the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War, Ibtisam Barakat captures what it is like to be a child whose world is shattered by war.(M, H) http://bit.ly/1UQ2aiT
Teaching the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Through Dual Narratives, by Samia Shoman. This curriculum provides insights into the challenges of teaching the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, suggestions for how to present the historical
context and current situation using essential and unit questions, and methodology for teaching peace attempts and barriers to peace. (H) http://bit.ly/266sk5P
The Amazing Travels of Ibn Battuta, by Fatima Sharafeddine. In 1325, when Ibn Battuta was just 21, he bid farewell
to his parents in Tangier, Morocco, and embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca. It was 30 years before he returned home, having seen much of the world. In this book, he recalls his amazing journey and the fascinating people, cultures and
places he encountered. (E) http://bit.ly/1SzOHet
The Camel in the Sun, by Griffin Ondaatje. See Humane Education and Animal Rights section. http://bit.ly/1LRpzOP; Educator guide at http://bit.ly/1R7EIOm
The Flag of Childhood: Poems from the Middle East, by Naomi Shihab Nye. In this stirring anthology of 60 poems from the Middle East, anthologist Naomi Shihab Nye welcomes us to this lush, vivid world and beckons us to explore. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1Tn5rVG
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq, by Jeanette Winter. Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in Basra, Iraq. For 14 years, her library has been a meeting place for those who love books. Until now. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library – along with the 30,000 books in it – will be destroyed forever. (E) http://bit.ly/1SwFIeu
The Palestine Teaching Trunk, Palestine Solidarity Committee – Seattle. The Palestine Teaching Trunk offers teaching materials for high school teachers to borrow. Each teaching trunk contains lesson plans, posters, artifacts, novels, DVDs and more. The curriculum is also available online to download. (TR) http://bit.ly/1fcJ1Cp
The United States in Afghanistan, by The Choices Program. This site contains supplemental materials to a unit that brings students into the policy debate about the US presence in Afghanistan. Materials include graphic organizers, videos, maps, images and web links. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/rOtp9Q
Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak, by Deborah Ellis. This simple book enables young readers everywhere to see that the children caught in this conflict are just like they are, but are living far more difficult and dangerous lives. Without taking sides, it presents an unblinking portrait of children victimized by the endless struggle around them. (M) http://bit.ly/1TpP1NM
Voices of A People’s History of the United States. Short video of Alice Walker reading a letter from Rachel Corrie, a young, White American, who traveled to the Gaza Strip as part of the International Solidarity Movement, and was killed
by a bulldozer operated by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during a protest against the destruction of Palestinian homes by the IDF. (H) http://bit.ly/1vSZIJU
We Too Sing America: South Asian, Arab, Muslim, and Sikh Immigrants Shape Our Multiracial Future,
by Deepa Iyer. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1KtM1pM
Peace Education/Counter-Recruiting
Camouflaged: Investigating How the U.S. Military Affects You and Your Community, by NYCoRE. This collection is a tool for educators to help students explore the role of the military in their lives and their communities. (M, H)
http://bit.ly/JTwH94
Conscientious Objection: Youth and Militarism, by the American Friends Service Committee. The American Friends website has a host of materials about militarism, alternatives to the military, counter-recruitment and conscientious
objection. (H) http://bit.ly/2elLUG2
DMZ: A Guide To Taking Your School Back from the Military, by The War Resisters League. DMZ is a comprehensive counter-military-recruitment organizing manual for youth activists and their allies. (H) http://bit.ly/2lYwZZD
Glossary of Nonviolence, by The King Center. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements
section. http://bit.ly/1WwogaQ
Mother’s Day Proclamation – 1870, by Julia Ward Howe. Poem by Julia Ward Howe, advocating for women around the world to organize to resolve conflicts peacefully. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/eT5sy
Non-Violent Resistance (Satyagraha), by M.K. Gandhi. See Human Rights and Democracy section.
http://amzn.to/1SQMT1I
Peace Education, by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. See Environmental Justice Issues section.
http://bit.ly/WyMKUE
Peace Tools for Teachers.This page on the peaceCENTER website has a variety of peace teaching resources,
including lessons, activities, dates and quotes. (E, M, H,TR) http://bit.ly/1SycneA
Project YANO – The Project on Youth and Non-Military Opportunities. Celebrate Memorial Day by helping students find alternatives to military service. Project YANO is a nonprofit community organization that provides young people with an alternative point of view about military enlistment. (H) http://www.projectyano.org/
The Recruiter, directed by Edet Belzburg. This curriculum, which accompanies the documentary, The Recruiter, provides teachers with tools to take students beyond their own perspectives on war, and into the lives of teenagers choosing to enlist in the United States Army. It also prompts discussion about the personal circumstances of the teenagers themselves, and the nature of the war in which they are participating. (H) http://bit.ly/JC0Woj
Tutu and Franklin: A Journey Towards Peace. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues and Rights
section. http://to.pbs.org/Keum86
Veterans for Peace: Exposing the True Costs of War and Militarism Since 1985. Veterans share their personal stories about why they became Veterans for Peace as a way to educate others on the reality of war. (M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/2eaIYfB
Voices in Wartime Education, by The YES! Education Program and Voices in Wartime Education Project. This site seeks to enable students to engage deeply with the subject of war by hearing and re-telling the personal stories of witnesses to war, and engages students in imagining and creating a less violent world. The site includes the film’s trailer, curricular materials and poetry. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1uCgCMY
Why War Is Never a Good Idea, by Alice Walker. Poet and activist Alice Walker reveals the power and wanton
devastation of war in this evocative poem illustrated by an unflinching look at war’s destructive nature and unforeseen consequences. (E) http://bit.ly/1krnZ84
Police Violence and Prisons
13th Critical Viewing Guide, by Graduate Students in the Lynch School of Education at Boston College and Dr. Leigh Patel. Ava DuVernay’s film 13th provides a history of the establishment and maintenance of the prison industrial complex as an extension of chattel slavery in a racist, profit-driven society. This guide seeks to further elucidate several important themes not sufficiently covered in the documentary, but that undergird projects of racist capitalism. The guide provides questions for reflection, readings, videos, infographics and other materials, aimed at facilitating a more critical
engagement with the film. (H,TR) http://bit.ly/2n1BZt8
Every Mother’s Son, by P.O.V. This is a film that presents three primary examples of police brutality and what is being done about it. The lesson accompanying the video explores what students can do to take action. (H)
http://to.pbs.org/1cNyCMD
#FergusonSyllabus: Talking and Teaching About Police Violence, by Prison Culture. See African American History,
Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1oV3uV9
#NotOneDime, by “a coalition of community organizers, faith leaders, and fed-up American citizens.” See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1T3u7E4
ACLU Teaching Resources, from the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington State. Request classroom speakers; subscribe to the teacher network; and/or download Know Your Rights publications, which can be requested in languages other than English. (TR) http://bit.ly/1LXaYMB
Every Mother’s Son, by P.O.V. This film presents three primary examples of police brutality and what is being done about it. The lesson accompanying the video addresses what students can do to take action in the present day. (H) http://to.pbs.org/1cNyCMD
Herman’s House Lesson Plan: Is Solitary Confinement “Cruel and Unusual”? by PBS. In this lesson, students explore the relationship between evidence and opinion as they examine whether prolonged solitary confinement should be declared unconstitutional based on the Eighth Amendment. Video clips provided are from Herman’s House, a documentary about Herman Wallace, an inmate at Angola prison who has spent 40-plus years in solitary confinement, more than any other person in the United States. (H) http://to.pbs.org/2mDe9mp
Know Your Rights Posters, by Oakland International High School Students. For six weeks, 11th graders at OIHS investigated their rights in the United States as part of an interdisciplinary project-based unit in their Reading and Digital Media Arts class. They created a full range of posters for free download and print. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2l9gYfI
Racism and Stop and Frisk, by Kathryn Himmelstein. See African American History, Issues and Rights section.
http://bit.ly/1W9s53q
Racism of Mass Incarceration, Visualized, by Bruce Western, The Atlantic. Sociologist Bruce Western explains the current inevitability of prison for certain demographics of young Black men and how it’s become a normal life event. “We’ve chosen the response of the deprivation of liberty for a historically aggrieved group, whose liberty in the United States was never firmly established to begin with,” Western says. (M, H) http://theatln.tc/2mTgcaf
Resources on the Ferguson Movement Moment, by Catalyst Project. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1p8dY3n
Revealing Racist Roots: The 3 R’s for Teaching About The Jena 6, by TAG- National Teacher Activist Groups.
RRR is a collection of resources and lesson ideas aimed at helping teachers and students understand contemporary racial conflict by placing the case of The Jena 6 within a historical framework. Created during the national protests in 2007, teacher activists from across the country collaborated on the guide. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2jedDhc
Scarred Justice: The Orangeburg Massacre 1968, film by Judy Richardson and Bestor Cram. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2j8KUGj
Teaching #Blacklivesmatter, by San Francisco Public Schools. See African American History, Issues and Rights
section. http://bit.ly/1BjYnxM
Teaching #Ferguson: Connecting with Resources, by Art Museum Teaching. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1VLFEWu
Teaching the “New Jim Crow,” by Teaching Tolerance and Michelle Alexander. This comprehensive teacher’s guide includes links to ten lessons that accompany Michelle Alexander’s book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Also includes assessments and supplementary resources. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1tjWsXL
The Black Family in the Age of Mass Incarceration, by Ta-Nehisi Coates, The Atlantic. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://theatln.tc/1LP0eVD
The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas. Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed. What Starr does, or does not, say, could upend her community or endanger her life. (M, H)
http://amzn.to/2nMFuq3; Link to a video of the author: http://bit.ly/2nAJwl0
The Knotted Line, by Evan Bissell. This is an interactive, tactile laboratory for exploring the historical relationship between freedom and confinement in the United States. With miniature paintings of over 50 historical moments from
1495 to 2025, The Knotted Line asks: How is freedom measured? Just as important, it imagines a new world through the work of grassroots movements for self-determination. Curriculum guide for teachers included. (M, H,TR)
http://bit.ly/1QO2Zc3
Queer History, Issues and Rights
10,000 Dresses, by Marcus Ewert. Every night, Bailey dreams about magical dresses: dresses made of crystals and rainbows, flowers and windows. Unfortunately, when Bailey’s awake, no one wants to hear about these beautiful dreams. “You’re a BOY!” Bailey’s parents tell him. Then Bailey meets Laurel, an older girl who is touched and
inspired by Bailey’s imagination and courage. In friendship, the two of them begin making dresses together, and Bailey’s dreams come true! (E) http://bit.ly/2jUwJon
A Trans* and Gender Nonconforming Reading List for All Ages, by The Booklist Reader. The list highlights books by and about the trans*/GNC community for all ages. For non-trans readers with family members, friends or colleagues who are trans*/GNC – actually, for all readers with open minds and hearts – books can lead the way toward becoming well-informed allies. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2oxQCnU
Acting Out: Combating Homophobia Through Teacher Activism, by Mollie V. Blackburn, Caroline T. Clark, Lauren M. Kenney and Jill M. Smith. This book chronicles how teachers from urban, suburban and rural districts joined
together in a teacher inquiry group to challenge homophobia and heterosexism in schools and classrooms. (TR)
http://amzn.to/1m3JQUE
And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell. And Tango Makes Three (based on a true story) is about a penguin family living in New York City’s Central Park Zoo that is a bit “different.” A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E) http://bit.ly/1onzrxu
Antonio’s Card/La Tarjeta de Antonio, by Rigoberto Gonzalez. Antonio knows that words have the power to express feelings like love, pride or pain. With Mother’s Day approaching, Antonio searches for the words to express his love for his mother and her partner Leslie. His friends tease him about Leslie, an artist, who towers over everyone and wears paint-splattered overalls. Now Antonio must decide whether or how to express his connection to both of the special women in his life. (E) http://bit.ly/1pvHIrn
Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out, by Susan Kuklin. A groundbreaking work of LGBT literature takes an honest look at the life, love, and struggles of transgender teens. Author and photographer Susan Kuklin interviewed six transgender or gender-neutral young adults, and used her skills to represent them thoughtfully and respectfully before, during and after their personal acknowledgment of gender preference. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1KUmT2y
Beyond the Binary, A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools, by the Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Transgender Law Center and The National Center for Lesbian Rights. This guide includes information for helping students deconstruct some of the myths behind gender identity. It can be used to develop plans for Transgender Day of Remembrance or for action planning to change school policies that are not supportive of all students. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/9wjXL2
Beyond Tolerance: A Resource Guide for Addressing LGBTQI Issues in Schools, by NYQueer and NYCoRE. A comprehensive resource guide with activities, websites, organizations and an annotated bibliography to support educators in addressing queer issues. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/9nCcFt
Brother to Brother, directed by Rodney Evans. Bruce Nugent, a Black gay writer who worked with Langston Hughes, befriends a young poet and together they take a journey into the gay subcultures of the Harlem Renaissance. (H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/QiJcf8
Constitutional Amendments and Gay Marriage: Background, Activities, and Critical Analysis, by Doug DuBrin. In this lesson, the gay marriage debate is used as a means for introducing students to the history and process of amending the US Constitution. (H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/1q2gLIN
Daddy, Papa, and Me, by Leslea Newman. Rhythmic text and illustrations with universal appeal show a toddler spending the day with his daddies. (E) http://bit.ly/1LbyE4Y
Day of Silence Website. This site includes information about the day’s history, as well as FAQs, reproducible materials, an organizing manual for students, and more. (M, H) http://bit.ly/3SF54f
Decolonizing Gender, by Malcolm Shanks and khari jackson from People’s Ed Movement. A free zine that includes tools and resources for those interested in facilitating workshops and lessons on decolonizing gender. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2lizC7r
Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon’s Wedding Video. A Groundspark’s video of lifelong LGBT activists, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon’s marriage, which was the first marriage performed in San Francisco under Mayor Gavin Newsom, who had fought for gay marriage rights for many years. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/LNj4Lo
Freedom To Marry. This campaign website provides historic and current information about nationwide efforts to secure equal marriage rights for all couples. Includes ideas for social action. (TR) http://bit.ly/Bc01l
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Curriculum. The website features tools and resources for teaching about gay issues, addressing homophobia and supporting students to start Gay/Straight Alliances. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/9vID87
Gay-Themed Picture Books for Children, by Patricia A. Sarles. This blog includes several books that feature people who identify as transgender and children who are exploring gender identity. Many themes are addressed, but the
link will take you directly to the tab labeled “Trans people.” (E, M) http://bit.ly/KFflTB
GLBTQ: The Survival Guide for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Teens, by Kelly Huegel and Free Press Publishing. When it was first published in 2003, GLBTQ quickly became the indispensable resource for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning teens. This fully revised and updated edition retains all of the straightforward information and practical advice of the original edition, while providing a contemporary look at society and its growing acceptance of people who are GLBTQ. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1QjLw4Q
GLSEN’s Safe Space Kit. The NEW Safe Space Kit features the Guide to Being an Ally, which provides concrete strategies for supporting LGBTQ students, educating about anti-LGBTQ bias and advocating for changes in schools. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1swLr3q
Gsanetwork: Empowering Youth Activists To Fight Homophobia and Transphobia in Schools. The gsanetwork website provides support and resources for anyone interested in starting a gay-straight alliance or similar groups in their schools. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/9w9Nlq
Homophobia: Deal with It and Turn Prejudice into Pride, by Steven Solomon. A children’s book that shows students what constitutes homophobic language and why, through a variety of quizzes, scenarios, comics, and Q+A examples. The author also provides students with information on what they can do to create more inclusive environments and combat homophobia. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1Okolqh
InterACT, Advocates for IntersexYouth. A rich bibliography of resources, from academic and news articles to human rights rulings and policy statements related to intersex awareness and advocacy. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1KUOkJN
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) Website. Resources about LGBTQ injustices all around the world and ways to contribute to campaigns fighting for LGBTQ justice. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1i0e5IG
LGBT History Month website. This website explains the history of LGBT History Month, and features 31 famous
people in LGBT history, one per day. Includes Trivia Challenge, video, resources, brief biography and downloads. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/Om6vef
Luna, by Julie Anne Peters. This novel is told from the perspective of a young woman who is dealing with her brother’s decision to live as his true female self, Luna. It is included in the Gay-Straight Alliance Network’s list of recommended
books for and about LGBTQ youth. (M, H) http://bit.ly/uXD94h
Mama’s Day, by Strong Families. Each year, artists are commissioned to create images that capture the full diversity of family arrangements. These images are offered as free e-cards; the site offers the opportunity to send an e-card to
an incarcerated or detained mama. (E, M, H) www.mamasday.org
Molly’s Family, by Nancy Garden. Molly’s Family is about a five-year-old girl with two moms and her struggle to understand the true meaning of family. A summary, link and activities are available on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Ed. Book Blog, which contains an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E)
http://bit.ly/XPWQ5s
Mom and Mum are Getting Married!, by Ken Setterington. When Rosie comes home to find her mom dancing alone in the living room – on a school day – she knows something wonderful is about to happen. So, when one of her two mothers announces, “Your Mum and I are getting married,” they can’t wait to start planning the big day. At the party, family, friends and fun come together for a joyous celebration of love in a changing world. (E) http://bit.ly/1M4Lc93
Month-by-Month Planning Page, by Safe Schools Coalition. Month-by-month planning provides information and
lessons that speak to the intersections between LGBTQI history and other heritage months. (E, M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/j5FQX
Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals: Online Exhibition of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. SeeGenocide section. http://bit.ly/1V7IvMz
No Secret Anymore: The Times of Del Martin and Phyllis Lewis, directed by JEB. This 57-minute film about the founders of the lesbian rights movement reveals their inspiring public activism as well as their charming and very
funny private relationship. A review and clip of the film is available on the site. (H) http://bit.ly/XPXznb
Popular Education: LGBT Issues, by Californians for Justice. This workshop helps participants break down the idea of a gender binary, understand the connection between sexism and heterosexism/transphobia, and gain a deeper understanding of transgender issues. The materials are free, but you must register to use www.buildthewheel.org to access them. (H) http://bit.ly/2nnxMmU
Queer Brown Voices: Personal Narratives of Latina/o LGBT Activism, edited by Uriel Quesada, Letitia Gomez, and Salvador Vidal-Ortiz. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section.http://bit.ly/2kKgIp8
Ready, Set, Respect! GLSEN’s Elementary Toolkit. This toolkit provides lesson plans that are aligned to Common Core Standards for English Language Arts, as well as strategies for responding to bullying, and multimedia resources. This is the type of resource designed to help schools create communities that support students like LaStaysha Myers, who sued her school district for banning pro-gay T-shirts, but allowing anti-gay T-shirts. (E, M, TR) http://bit.ly/x3Poqe
Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”Takes Effect, by PBS Newshour. This PBS news footage of the repeal of the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy in the US military provides an article and downloadable video clip, along with warm-up and discussion questions.(H, TR) http://to.pbs.org/1vMdTAC
Rethinking Sexism, Gender, and Sexuality, by Rethinking Schools. A collection of inspiring stories about how to integrate feminist and LGBTQ content into curriculum, make it part of a vision for social justice, and create classrooms and schools that nurture all children and their families. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1U8zsdF
Resources for Transgender/GNC People, compiled by Ahya Simone. From sexual health and reproductive resources to gender affirmation strategies for young folks, this document includes links to a variety of materials, including multimedia resources for classroom use. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2nWWcDs
Safe Schools Coalition. A wealth of resources for educators for supporting LGBTQ youth and creating safer school environments. Explore the entire site or use the link for specific resources about coming out. (E, M, H)
http://bit.ly/9FQkmx
Speak Up at School, by Teaching Tolerance. This is a guide for teachers and students who want to develop skills and find the courage to speak out against prejudice, bias and stereotypes. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/SJ1PKw
Some Assembly Required: The Not-So-Secret Life of a Transgender Teen, by ArinAndrews. Seventeen-year-old Arin shares all the hilarious, painful and poignant details of undergoing gender reassignment as a high school student in this winning, first-of-its-kind memoir. Now with a reading group guide and an all-new afterword by the author. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2kHUxPX
Stephen Fry Reads Oscar Wilde’s Children’s Story ‘The Happy Prince,’ by Josh Jones on Open Culture. Introduces the lesser-known children’s stories by Oscar Wilde and includes an interview with Stephen Fry. (E, M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/16m3H6O
Sylvia Rivera Law Project. Sylvia Rivera Law Project’s website has several training and reference materials to teach about discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/9a4k7r
The God Box, by Alex Sanchez. Paul, a religious teen living in a small conservative town, finds his world turned upside down when he meets Manuel, a young man who says he’s both Christian and gay – two things that Paul didn’t think could coexist in one person. Doesn’t the Bible forbid homosexuality? As Paul struggles with Manuel’s interpretation of the Bible, thoughts that Paul has long tried to bury begin to surface, and he finds himself re-examining his whole life. (H) http://bit.ly/1M4K2KL
The Harvey Milk Story, by Kari Krakow and David Gardner. A children’s book about Harvey Milk that can be used to spark discussions with younger children around topics of identity, pride, courage, activism and the broader concepts of freedom and representation in the United States. The website includes an educator’s guide and lesson plans for the book. (E) http://amzn.to/1lumbg0
“The History of the Rainbow Flag,” by Kelly Grovier. After the tragic events in Orlando, one image has symbolized
solidarity. Kelly Grovier looks at the rainbow flag, an emblem “torn from the soul of the people.” (H, TR) http://bbc.in/2iNCJ5K
The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals, by Stephanie A. Brill and Rachel Pepper. Transgender and gender-variant children have a hard time. They are often discouraged by their families and bullied at school. This handbook is for families and teachers who want to understand and support children’s self-definition. (TR) http://bit.ly/rQ4LZY
The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project operates a nationwide crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project saves lives every day through its free and confidential helpline, website and educational services. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1cpnJMB
The Visibility Project See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1vj1wOr
The Youth and Gender Media Project.The Youth and Gender Media Project encompasses a growing collection of short films that capture the diversity and complexity of gender non-conforming youth. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1pDshdH
This Day in June, by Gayle E. Pitman. An easy-to-read picture book about a Pride parade. Each page features illustrated examples of what one might see at a Pride parade: “banners swaying, children playing, fancy dresses, flowing tresses, all invited, all excited.” The end pages provide detailed descriptions for a parent or teacher on the significance of the traditions featured throughout the book. There are also guidelines for talking with young children about sexual orientation and gender identity in age-appropriate ways. (E) http://bit.ly/1LrNNcO
Tough Guise. See Health and Nutrition section. http://bit.ly/1fbU4yc
Travels in a Gay Nation: Portraits of LGBTQ Americans, by Philip Gambone. For two years, Gambone traveled the length and breadth of the United States, talking candidly with LGBTQ people about their lives. For some, their identity as a sexual minority is crucial to their life’s work; for others, it has been less so, perhaps even irrelevant. Gambone’s subjects have managed, despite facing ignorance, fear, hatred, intolerance, injustice, violence, ridicule, or just plain indifference to construct passionate, inspiring lives. (H) http://bit.ly/1QEo9HJ
Two Spirits, directed by Lydia Nibley. This film interweaves Fred Martinez’s life and murder with an examination of the two-spirit tradition among American Indians, telling a nuanced story of what it means to be poor, transgender and Navajo. (M, H,TR) http://bit.ly/1qA6uVK
Welcoming Schools. Welcoming Schools is a guide for administrators, educators, parents and guardians who want to strengthen their schools’ approaches to family diversity, gender stereotyping and bullying. It is specifically designed for use in K-5 learning environments, and is inclusive of LGBTQI families and individuals in the broader context of diversity. (E) http://bit.ly/bN8CiT
Race
50+ Picture Books about Mixed-Race Families, by Colors of Us. List of multicultural books, organized by age, that feature mixed-race families. (E) http://bit.ly/1nFwoHU
Affirmative Action: How Far Have We Come?, by Tim Wise, NPR. Tim Wise, a leading White, anti-racist writer, discusses affirmative action, with specific mention of the University of Michigan case. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/ctqbSv
Curriculum for White Americans To Educate Themselves on Race and Racism – from Ferguson to Charleston, by Citizenship for Social Justice. A list created by White people for White people, to engage White Americans in taking responsibility for helping one another to understand privilege and leverage their positions to fight alongside those at the
forefront of racial justice struggles. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1Hm3Wyk
It’s a Mystery – White Workers Against Black Workers, by Bill Bigelow and Norm Diamond. Teachers are provided with a unit plan depicting the history and social factors that contributed to the racial tensions between workers in the 1920s. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1mFmfZV
Flying Lessons & Other Stories, edited by Ellen Oh. See Literacy section. http://bit.ly/2kkCmgj
Letters to New York from Robert Gould Shaw, by John and Charles Lockwood, The New York Times. A
collection of primary source letters from Shaw – who commanded the all-Black 54th Massachusetts regiment in the Civil War – to his family in New York,contextualized by the authors. (H) http://nyti.ms/2lGALn2
Political Cartoons and Dr. Seuss, by PBS. This lesson accompanies the film The Political Dr. Seuss. Students will analyze Dr. Seuss’s WWII anti-Japanese propaganda. Note that this is not a student-friendly site. (M, H, TR) Link to film: http://to.pbs.org/2e72bj0; Link to lesson plan: http://to.pbs.org/2nse49x.
Race and Voting in the Segregated South, by the Constitutional Rights Foundation. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/18kxLwd
Race, Poverty and the Environment. This journal links issues of racism and poverty with environmental justice. Some recent resources are available for free download; older resources require a purchase. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/1r0QFKy
Racism of Mass Incarceration, Visualized, by Bruce Western, The Atlantic. See Police Violence and Prisons section.
http://theatln.tc/2mTgcaf
Revealing Racist Roots:The 3 R’s for Teaching About The Jena 6, by TAG- National Teacher Activist Groups. See Police Violence and Prisons section. http://bit.ly/2jedDhc
Short Films on Race and Racism, from The New York Times. Three short films (under 6 minutes each) that teachers can use in the classroom to start conversations about how race and racism affect the way people see themselves
and others. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2myMaEY
Teaching the “New Jim Crow,” by Teaching Tolerance and Michelle Alexander. See Police Violence and Prisons section. http://bit.ly/1tjWsXL
Using Picture Books To Explore Identity, Stereotyping, and Discrimination, by Loraine Woodard. See Literacy
section. http://bit.ly/b3u2eC
We Need Diverse Books™, a grassroots campaign. See Literacy section. www.weneeddiversebooks.org
Religions
A Lion’s Mane, by Navjot Kaur. This is a picture book that helps young readers journey to cultures around the world to explore the meaning of the dastaar, the Sikh turban. The second link is to a teacher’s guide for the book. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1fbUwfZ; Teacher’s Guide: http://bit.ly/V1oNlK
A Mountain of Blintzes, by Barbara Diamond Goldin and Anik McGrory. This children’s book tells the story of a family saving up to make cheese blintzes, a traditional food eaten during Shavuot. (E) http://bit.ly/Tn2986
Apples and Pomegranates: A Rosh Hashanah Seder, by Rahel Musleah. This children’s book acts as a guidebook for celebrating the Jewish New Year. Traditional foods and the sequence in which they are eaten are described. Each chapter includes the history of the food, an activity, recipes and more. (E) http://bit.ly/TG0KUy
BBC Schools: Guide to Christianity. This site includes basic information about Christianity, including Lent and
Easter, as well as links to classroom activities intended to help students understand the beliefs and practices of Christians. (M, H, TR) http://bbc.in/ROXVFb
BBC Schools: Guide to Hinduism. This site offers basic information about Hinduism, including some of the major
festivals. Links to commonly asked questions, as well as classroom activities and worksheets, are included. (M, H, TR) http://bbc.in/10sh2K9
BBC Schools: Guide to Ramadan.This site includes basic information about Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, as well as
links to lesson plans intended to help students understand the beliefs and practices of Muslim people. A lesson on Islamic art is included here. Follow links to “BBC Food” for information on Eid al-Fitr around the globe. (E, M, H) http://bbc.in/bFTw84
Becoming Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha, by Whitney Stewart. This book follows Buddha from pre-birth prophecies through his pampered youth, his break with royal life and his quest for enlightenment. (E) http://bit.ly/udMbPl
Celebrate Easter: With Colored Eggs, Flowers, and Prayer (Holidays Around the World), by Deborah Heiligman. This children’s book uses National Geographic photographs to document the celebration of Easter around the world, including the White House Easter Egg Roll and traditional bonfires in Europe. (E) http://bit.ly/T4xiH4
Celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr: With Prayer, Fasting, and Charity (Holidays Around the World),
by Deborah Heiligman. This children’s book explores Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr through the use of text, photographs and maps. (E) http://bit.ly/T7pNU9
Celebrations: Wesak, by Anita Ganeri.This children’s book, part of the “Celebrations” series, explores the history behind Wesak and how it is celebrated today with special foods, clothing, songs and rituals. (E) http://amzn.to/VAg7CL
Countdown to Vaisakhi, by Navjot Kaur. A teacher’s guide to teaching and learning about Vaisakhi in schools. (E, M, TR) http://bit.ly/WwPDDl
Easter, by Gail Gibbons. This children’s book explains, clearly and simply, why Easter is celebrated, and includes descriptions of many traditions. The book also introduces children to other related holy days, such as Good Friday. (E)
http://bit.ly/1crHuCY
Guru Nanak, by Rina Singh. The Sikh faith, the world’s fifth largest religion, began with the teachings of Guru Nanak in the 15th century and evolved with the nine gurus who followed him. He grew up to be a great spiritual teacher, revolutionary for his times, declaring that there was no difference between Hindus and Muslims, that men and women were equal and that caste was irrelevant. This biography, exquisitely illustrated in the Indian miniature-painting tradition, tells the story of his life. (E) http://amzn.to/1qMWw5Q
Hanuman Jayanti. This is a religious website that tells the story of the life of Hanuman. Illustrations are provided; links to other festivals and related topics are also available. (M, H) http://bit.ly/KntMvy
Holi, by Uma Krishnaswami. This children’s book uses photographs to explore Holi. It shows how participants use colorful powders to celebrate this holiday. (E) http://bit.ly/ZUxEKc
Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Hanukkah: With Lights, Latkes, and Dreidels, by Deborah Heiligman. This children’s book features National Geographic photography to illustrate how Jewish people around the world celebrate
Hanukkah. (E) http://bit.ly/RflFhW
I See the Sun in Myanmar, by Dedie King. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2jUWSDM
Islamic Celebrations, by Teachers’ Domain. In this video from Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, members of the Islamic Center of Washington, DC discuss the religious and spiritual significance of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. (E, M, H)
http://bit.ly/uFXEix
Judaism 101. Website for basic information about Judaism and Jewish holidays and customs. (E, M, TR) http://bit.ly/cYCpN7
Lailah’s Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story, by Reem Faruqi. See Middle Eastern Americans and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2kFmPLM; Interview with author: http://bit.ly/2kzsP6e
Lights for Gita, by Rachna Gilmore. See Asian/Asian Pacific Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section.http://bit.ly/KCeUSp
Maintain Neutrality, by Teaching Tolerance. This link provides a collection of lessons designed to help teachers maintain the distinction between “teaching religion” and “teaching about religion.” The site has a wide array of other
lessons and resources on the topic. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/9B9stE
My Hindu Year (A Year of Religious Festivals), by Cath Senker. This children’s book explores events, customs and celebrations in which Hindu children participate throughout the calendar year. Readers can also look inside an 8-year-old Hindu boy’s diary to learn what it’s like to experience the different events. (E) http://amzn.to/Rfiery
My Name is Bilal, by Asma Mobin-Uddin. See Middle Eastern Americans and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section.http://bit.ly/w4nStZ
My Sikh Year: A Year of Religious Festivals, by Cath Senker. This book moves chronologically through the calendar year and looks at the typical events, customs and holidays celebrated by Sikh children. (E) http://bit.ly/wLQQtK
Navaratri, Hindu Kids World. This multi-language web-mag on Hinduism for kids features a page about Navaratri. Visitors can read about the origins of the festival and the four different types. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1d6a973
Purim (Celebrations in My World), by Lynn Peppas. This children’s book explores the story and customs of Purim. (E)
http://bit.ly/TGc6Id
Resources for Educators, by the Sikh Coalition. Resources for all grade levels on how to teach about Sikhism. If you live in the San Francisco Bay area, Washington DC metro area, New York or New Jersey and want someone to deliver a Sikhism presentation in your school, contact education@sikhcoalition.org. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/1edL3DS
Respecting Nonreligious People, by Teaching Tolerance. Students often learn the importance of respecting people
of different religions, but what about people who do not hold religious beliefs at all? This lesson introduces students to people who choose not to follow a religion. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/nonrelig
Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur, by David F. Marx. This children’s book introduces students to the basic facts
about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It describes how these holidays developed and how they are celebrated, and includes games, traditions, goods and crafts. (E) http://bit.ly/UjH9yW
Salaam – A Muslim American Boy’s Story, by Trish Brown. See Middle Eastern Americans and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/tBgIH7
Sita’s Ramayana, by Samhita Arni. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American section. http://bit.ly/1QDOQed
Taking a Closer Look at Religions Around the World, by Teaching Tolerance. This lesson offers a starting point for exploring religions and faith traditions, creating an ongoing respectful dialogue about religious tolerance. (M, H) http://bit.ly/d0WqIg
Tanenbaum Education Program. Tanenbaum produces both free lesson plans and curricula that you can purchase, which focus on interreligious understanding. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1zL1ixQ
The Amazing Travels of Ibn Battuta, by Fatima Sharafeddine. In 1325, when Ibn Battuta was just twenty-one, he bid farewell to his parents in Tangier, Morocco, and embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca. It was thirty years before he returned home, having seen much of the world. In this book, he recalls his amazing journey and the fascinating people, cultures and places he encountered. (E) http://bit.ly/1SzOHet
The Arab World in the Classroom: An Introduction to lslam, by the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. This16-page reader-friendly guide can be downloaded for free to share with teachers and students. (M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/23DqeeR
The Best Eid Ever, by Asma Mobin-Uddin. During Eid, Aneesa is sad that her parents are thousands of miles away for the Hajj pilgrimage, until her grandmother gives her a beautiful gift that comes in handy when she meets two sisters who are refugees and in need of her help. (E) http://bit.ly/uvueDf
The Little Book of Hindu Deities: From the Goddess of Wealth to the Sacred Cow, by Sanjay Patel. Pixar animator and Academy Award–nominated director Sanjay Patel (Sanjay’s Super Team) brings to life Hinduism’s most important gods and goddesses (and one sacred stone) in fun, full-color illustrations, each accompanied by a short, lively profile. (E) http://amzn.to/2lGRKac
The Story of India: Tracking Early Hinduism, by PBS.org. In this lesson for the middle to high school level, students explore the foundations of Hinduism by examining the ancient texts that defined it and learning about the major deities. Then students create a scrapbook of images and text that represents their journey of learning. (M, H, TR)
http://to.pbs.org/1cqVvVc
The Very Crowded Sukkah, by Leslie Kimmelman and Bob McMahon. This children’s book tells the story of a family celebrating Sukkot by building a sukkah outdoors. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, the family makes a decision about the celebration that includes some surprising guests. (E) http://bit.ly/19QlvpC
This Is the Matzah, by Abby Levine. This children’s book follows Max and his family as they prepare to celebrate Passover. (E) http://bit.ly/XD7hUc
Under the Bodhi Tree, by Dharma Realm Buddhist Association. This book tells the story of the Buddha’s life, from his birth as a pampered prince, through his cultivation and enlightenment, to his founding of the Buddhist sangha and his final Nirvana. (E, M) http://bit.ly/sfwpqS
Uttarayan, by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. This kid-friendly page provides information about “Uttarayan” or Makar Sankranti. Visitors can read about the different rituals that take place and view photographs of these events. Links to other festivals and related topics are also available. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1gx1RE2
The Arts
#BlackLivesMatter Protest Music – 22 Track Mix Tape for the Movement. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bzfd.it/1RRC9wJ
Alvin Ailey, by Andrea Pinkney. This is an illustrated children’s book about African American choreographer and civil rights activist Alvin Ailey. (E) http://amzn.to/K0dbK2
Art Room, by Susan Vande Griek. Emily Carr (1871-1945) was a great artist of the Northwest Coast. The Art Room is set in the early 1900s, when Carr was teaching art to children to support herself. Susan Vande Griek has created a delightful story-poem filled with Carr’s love of animals, her insistence on painting from life and nature, and the sense of fun and freedom that she inspired in her students. (E) http://bit.ly/220mobw
Beyond Victims and Villains: Contemporary Plays by Disabled Playwrights, by Victoria Ann Lewis. See Disability
History, Issues and Rights section. http://amzn.to/2mtDfHs
Blacked Out History: REBELLION, by Dream Defenders. See Human Rights and Democracy section.
http://ddblackedouthistory.tumblr.com/
Brave New Voices. See Literacy section. http://bit.ly/HMZE9L
Brother to Brother, directed by Rodney Evans. See Queer History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/QiJcf8
China and Revolution: History, Parody and Memory in Contemporary Art. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1pfYVVO
Deaf Jam, directed by Judy Lieff. See Disability History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/PrShXc
Diego Rivera: Paintings, Murals, Biography, Quotes. See Latinx / Latin American History, Issues and Rights
section. http://bit.ly/1Usk8rr
Educational Resources on Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series, by the Phillips Collection. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2jFS85M
Grounded in Community: The Fight for the Soul of Public Education. Chapter 2 of When We Fight, We Win! Longtime social activist, Greg Jobin-Leeds, joins forces with AgitArte, a collective of artists and organizers, to capture the stories, philosophy, tactics, and art of today’s leading social change movements. When We Fight, We Win! weaves together interviews with today’s most successful activists and artists from across the country and beyond. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1Xljlrk
Growing Up Hip-Hop, by Kahlil Almustafa. See Literacy section. http://bit.ly/10R2UF4
Handala: Cartoons Through the Eyes of a Palestinian Refugee, by Naji al-Ali. See Middle Eastern American and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/21XflDX
Hip-Hop and the Classics for the Classroom, by Alan Sitomer and Michael Cirelli. See Literacy section.
http://bit.ly/23Dh8ic
Intimate Portraits of Flint, by Wayne Lawrence and National Geographic. Collection of images, with accompanying quotes from residents of Flint poisoned by contaminated water. See Environmental Justice Issues section.
http://bit.ly/1pphbMm and http://bit.ly/1L6DLDu
Lahza, a photography project by Zakira. See Middle Eastern American and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1LNE7cO
Love in 7 Portraits, by National Geographic. See Human Rights and Democracy section.
http://bit.ly/1Rkfczq
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets, by Kwame Alexander with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth. See Literacy section. http://amzn.to/2o1N12q
School Days: Hail, Hail, Rock ‘n’ Roll!, by Rick Mitchell. See African American History, Issues, and
Rights section. http://bit.ly/24zD7Vm
Story Painter: The Life of Jacob Lawrence, by John Duggleby. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://amzn.to/2k9ymjx
The Day the Women Got the Vote: A Photo History of the Women’s Rights Movement, by George Sullivan. A photographic record of the women’s movement from Seneca Falls to the present. Photographs and reproductions present a wide range of both well-known individuals and informal shots of unknowns. (E, M) http://bit.ly/KB5XwT
The Dreamer, by Pam Munoz Ryan. See Latinx Latin American History, Issues and Rights section.
http://bit.ly/1qMWdb3
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano, by Margarita Engle. See Abolitionism and Slavery section. http://bit.ly/1QOeuQB
War and Imperialism
1968: Columbia in Crisis, by Columbia University Libraries. Incredible collection of primary source documents and background information related to a significant student protest against segregation and the Vietnam War. (H) http://bit.ly/2kQFi9d
A Coyote Columbus Story, by Thomas King. See Indigenous History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1RyuKQl
A Little Piece of Ground, by Elizabeth Laird, with Sonia Nimr. See Middle Eastern Americans and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/rxsebu
Camouflaged: Investigating How the U.S. Military Affects You and Your Community, by NYCoRE. See Human Rights and Democracy section. http://bit.ly/JTwH94
Celebrate, Don’t Desecrate, Cinco de Mayo, by Educational Justice blog. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2dlkFJm
Children of the Camps, documentary film by Dr. Satsuki Ina. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1gevpqr, http://bit.ly/tUcc4T
Cinco de Mayo, Yesterday and Today, by Maria Cristina Urrutia and Rebeca Orozco. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1QF2KOp
Conscientious Objection: Youth and Militarism, by the American Friends Service Committee. The American Friends website has a host of materials about militarism, alternatives to the military, counter-recruitment and conscientious objection. (H) http://bit.ly/24bfIs7
Digital Archive of Dr. King’s Position on Vietnam, by The King Center. See Human Rights and Democracy
section. http://bit.ly/1TYEo3a
DMZ: A Guide to Taking Your School Back From the Military, by The War Resisters League. See Peace Education / Counter-Recruiting section. http://bit.ly/1SBpYVo
Gaza Writes Back: Short Stories from Young Writers in Gaza, Palestine, by Refaat Alareer. See Middle Eastern American and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1oomY4K
Haiku and Hiroshima: Teaching About the Atomic Bomb, by Wayne Au. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1C0VTFp
Indian Removal, Teaching Activity PDF, by Gayle Olson-Raymer. See Indigenous History, Issues and Rights
section. http://bit.ly/vXUZzQ
Interview with Vernon Bellecourt about the American Indian Movement. See Indigenous History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/9qBLCK
John Lennon’s “Imagine” and the Vietnam War in the 1970s. This lesson plan explores the lyrics of “Imagine” and
encourages students to think about the meaning of these lyrics, especially how they related to Lennon’s feelings about the Vietnam War. Students are also encouraged to think about how these same ideas apply to more recent wars with
which the students are familiar. Although it is presented as a single lesson, it can easily be expanded for further discussion. (E, H) http://bit.ly/JC0SEW
Mud City, by Deborah Ellis. See Middle Eastern American and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section.
http://bit.ly/1QE7S4k
No More Tears Sister: Anatomy of Hope and Betrayal, a lesson plan by PBS. This lesson plan is designed to be used in conjunction with No More Tears, a 52-minute documentary that recreates the struggles of human rights activist Dr. Rajani Thiranagama, who remained in her war-torn homeland of Sri Lanka to expose human rights violations. Includes video clips related to the ethnic conflict, and asks students to identify and explain factors that contributed to ethnic tensions and conflicts in Sri Lanka. (H) http://to.pbs.org/1WbJtGw
Nuclear Weapons: What Should Our Policy Be?, by The Choices Program. This unit engages students to consider a balanced range of views on the questions that surround the future of nuclear weapons. The material in this 2-day lesson is drawn from a larger curriculum called “The Challenge of Nuclear Weapons.” (H) http://bit.ly/uIMKs0
Resistance in Paradise: Rethinking 100 Years of U.S. Involvement in the Caribbean and the Pacific, Teaching
Guide, edited by Debbie Wei and Rachel Kamel. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights
section. http://bit.ly/rsJayw
Reconsider Columbus Day, presented by Nu Heightz Cinema. See Indigenous History, Issues and Rights
section.http://bit.ly/9ILuXF
Rethinking Cinco de Mayo, by Sudie Hofmann, Zinn Education Project. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/13VTKtX
Rethinking the Teaching of the Vietnam War, Inside A People’s History for the Classroom, by Bill Bigelow. This lesson helps students uncover the historical roots of the Vietnam War to better understand why and in whose interest this war was fought. (M, H) http://bit.ly/1vqiUBs
Should the Draft be Reinstated?, CNN, Time, Washington Post. Mainstream news coverage from this debate can be used to fuel an in-class debate on conscription in modern times. It can also be linked to class discussions about how the media shapes public perception. (H) http://wapo.st/uLkCE6; http://ti.me/567E9x; http://bit.ly/vabJhr
Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood, by Ibtisam Barakat. See Middle Eastern American and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1UQ2aiT
Teaching the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict through Dual Narratives, by Samia Shoman. See Middle Eastern American and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/266sk5P
The Catonsville Nine Files. Features documents, photos, and audio and video accounts about the Catonsville
Nine, Vietnam War resisters. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2lgFJG7
The Cuban Missile Crisis: Considering Its Place in Cold War History, by The Choices Program. See Latinx/Latin
American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/s5OtiG
The Girl from Chimel, by Rigoberta Menchu and Dante Liano. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1QM9abk
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq, by Jeanette Winter. See Middle Eastern Americans and Middle East
History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1SwFIeu
The People vs. Columbus, et al., by Bill Bigelow. See Indigenous History, Issues and Rights section.
http://bit.ly/hRdbSf
The United States in Afghanistan, by The Choices Program. See Middle Eastern Americans and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/rOtp9Q
Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak, by Deborah Ellis. See Middle Eastern American and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1TpP1NM
Transform Columbus Day. See Indigenous History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/3syjAe
U.S.-Mexico War: “We Take Nothing by Conquest, Thank God,” by Bill Bigelow. This teaching activity is based on Howard Zinn’s, A People’s History of the United States, and provides students with several themes regarding the US-Mexico border during the early 19th Century. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1U9d1Ci
Veterans for Peace: Exposing the True Costs of War and Militarism Since 1985. See Peace Education/Counter-Recruiting section. http://bit.ly/2eaIYfB
Voices in Wartime Education, by The YES! Education Program and Voices in Wartime Education Project. See Peace
Education/Counter-Recruiting section. http://bit.ly/1uCgCMY
Voices of a People’s History of the United States. See Middle Eastern Americans and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1vSZIJU
War Against All Puerto Ricans: Revolution and Terror in America’s Colony, by Nelson A. Denis. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2lOJDVL
We Shall Remain. See Indigenous History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/10DjT
We Shall Remain: Episode 5 Wounded Knee, by PBS. See Indigenous History, Issues and Rights section.
http://to.pbs.org/9O6AqP
Whose Terrorism?, by Bill Bigelow. This lesson uses fictional countries to engage students in critical analysis of terms such as ‘terrorism’ and ‘patriotic’ and the ways they are being used for political ends. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/w1VdDn
Why War Is Never a Good Idea, by Alice Walker. Poet and activist Alice Walker personifies the power and wanton devastation of war in this evocative poem, illustrated by an unflinching look at war’s destructive nature and unforeseen consequences. (E) http://bit.ly/1krnZ84
World War II and McCarthyism, by Gayle Olson-Rayner. Questions and teaching ideas for Chapter 16 of Voices of A People’s History of the United States on domestic opposition to the “good war” and the impact of McCarthyism. (M, H) http://bit.ly/SOI76o
WWII: The Pacific, by Marilyn Fenichel, Discovery Education. Students study WWII in depth and engage in analysis and debate on whether the use of nuclear bombs was the best way to end the war. (H) http://bit.ly/aiLc06
Women’s History, Issues and Rights
7 Black Women Science Fiction Writers Everyone Should Know, by For Harriet. See African American History Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1OYJnKJ
21 Printable Coloring Sheets That Celebrate Girl Power, by Emily McCombs. Printable coloring sheets for the youngest ones, of historic and modern-day badass women. (E) http://huff.to/2oZ6zVM
500 Years of Chicana Women’s History, by Elizabeth Martinez. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2lguk9w
A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, by Michelle Green. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1R4t4NY
Ada Twist, Scientist, by Andrea Beaty. Inspired by real-life makers, such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist, Scientist champions girl power and women scientists, and brings welcome diversity to picture books about girls in science. Touching on themes of never giving up and problem solving, Ada comes to learn that her questions might not always lead to answers, but rather to more questions. Downloadable teacher’s guide included. (E) http://bit.ly/2lT5f3u
Amelia to Zora: Twenty-Six Women Who Changed the World, by Cynthia Chin-Lee and Megan Halsey. Detailed collages and illustrations draw from various events of both hardship and triumph in the lives of 26 amazing women. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1Ql0I4T
Angelina and Sarah Grimké: Sisters of Social Reform. See Abolitionism and Slavery section. (E)
http://bit.ly/2coz8F4
Born On This Day: Talladega’s Juliette Derricotte, by Lauren Kientz Anderson for #MyHBCUstory. See African American History, Issues, and Rights section. http://bit.ly/24GbFFu
Coretta Scott, by Ntozake Shange, illustrated by Kadir Nelson. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://amzn.to/1TvUfYP
Decolonizing Gender, by Malcolm Shanks and khari jackson from People’s Ed Movement. See Queer History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2lizC7r
Deconstructing Barbie: Math and Popular Culture, by Swapna Mukhopadhyay. See Health an Nutrition section.
http://bit.ly/1W9s53q
Diane Nash and the Sit-Ins, by PBS Learning Media. In this video interview, civil-rights leader Diane Nash recalls her
role in the 1960 Nashville sit-ins, the 1961 Freedom Rides, and the 1965 voting rights campaign in Selma, Alabama. (M, H) http://bit.ly/2oc9rBp
Dorothy Day: Selected Writings, edited by Robert Ellsberg. This edition marks the 25th anniversary of the death
of journalist and social activist Dorothy Day, and is widely recognized as the essential and authoritative guide to her life and work. (H, TR) http://amzn.to/2lPofUA
Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement, by Barbara Ransby. See African American History, Issues and Rightssection. http://bit.ly/SfYDqJ; http://unc.live/1qkriCg
Feminine Beauty: A Social Construct?, by Nigel Warburton and Harry Shearer. A 2-minute animated video that brings to life Simone de Beauvoir’s theory that resistance to male stereotypes of beauty can mean greater equality. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/2jscO0m
Feminism, by Californians for Justice. The intent of this popular education piece is to critically analyze popular culture and the way it portrays women, to define what feminism is and how it connects to race. The materials are free, but you must register to use www.buildthewheel.org to access them. (H) http://bit.ly/vdT2IH
Feminist Freedom Warriors. A digital video archive documenting cross-generational conversations about
justice, politics and hope with feminist scholar-activists. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/2kKV2X9
First Lady of the World: Eleanor Roosevelt at Val-Kill, by National Park Service. A collection of lesson plans and linked resources that guide students in understanding the life and works of Eleanor Roosevelt. (M) http://1.usa.gov/1OUhsvD
Game Changers: The Unsung Heroines of Sports History, by Molly Schiot. Based on the Instagram account @TheUnsungHeroines, a celebration of the pioneering, forgotten female athletes of the 20th century, featuring rarely seen photos and new interviews with past and present game changers. (E, M, H) www.theunsungheroines.com
Gender Issues, by Ithaca College WISE. This site includes a list of links, a bibliography and a list of films related to gender issues. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/sZUmpg
Hidden Figures: A Discussion Guide, by Journeys in Film: Educating for Global Understanding. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2mccaXt
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition), by Malala Yousafzai. Raised in a once-peaceful area of Pakistan transformed by terrorism, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. So she fought for her right to be educated. And on October 9, 2012, she nearly lost her life for the cause: She was shot point-blank while riding the bus on her way home from school. (M, H) http://amzn.to/1W73kEQ
If You Lived When Women Won Their Rights, by Anne Kamma. A children’s book that explores the lived experiences of women’s issues and rights throughout history. Students are introduced to the historical period when women in America could not wear pants, ride bicycles, or go to college. Teacher resources and ideas for activities are included. (E, TR) http://bit.ly/1TDs6Lq
Keep Climbing, Girls, by Beah E. Richards. A dynamic ode to girl power written by award-winning African American actor, poet and playwright Beah Richards. (E) http://bit.ly/1pmSvEc
Let Her Learn: A Toolkit To Stop School Push Out for Girls of Color, by the National Women’s Law Center. This toolkit will help you find out if your school’s discipline policy treats girls of Color fairly. Use this guide to learn your
rights, how you can change your school policy, and where to find help. (TR) http://bit.ly/2i1PIRG
Makers Profile: Diane Nash. Video of Nash speaking about her first encounters with the Jim Crow South, desegregating lunch counters, and courageous leadership. (M, H) http://aol.it/1PIlaMy
Maya Angelou, a PBS documentary by Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/2jwY8gZ
Mother’s Day Proclamation – 1870, by Julia Ward Howe. Poem advocating for women around the world organize to resolve conflicts peacefully. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/eT5sy
Mother Teresa, by Demi. See Human Rights and Democracy section. http://amzn.to/1on8WAr
National Archives Teaching with Documents: Woman Suffrage and the 19th Amendment. Collection
of relevant documents with teaching suggestions and links to other related lessons. (E, M) http://1.usa.gov/XwHdN
National Museum of Women in the Arts: Resources for Educators. Wide variety of teacher resources and programs provide a fresh perspective on arts in the classroom – explore tours, partnerships, self-guides, and the arts-integration curriculum, “Art, Books, and Creativity.” (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/1Qqt3GM
Nine 2017 Releases from Latinx Authors To Add to Your TBR this Women’s History Month, by Bustle. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2mjm9Mx
NO! Confronting Sexual Assault in Our Communities. See Health and Nutrition section.
http://bit.ly/filmNO; http://bit.ly/guideno
Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai: Shaking the Tree, by Marieke van Woerkom. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/t11Crk
Power and Control: Domestic Violence in America, by Peter Cohn. This is a 64-minute film, along with accompanying viewing guides and other educational materials. Power and Control has two main strands: the first, the story of a family and the second an account of how domestic violence policy has evolved over the past 30 years. This link brings you to the main site, and you can click on “For Educators” at the top to access the teaching materials. (H) http://bit.ly/2lYABGX
Rachel Carson: Preserving a Sense of Wonder, by Thomas Locker & Joseph Bruchac. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/1UFgIBP
Rad American Women A-Z, by Kate Schatz. The New York Times-bestselling book for kids and their parents, teachers, and cool grown-up friends, documenting America’s famous and unsung heroines. Accompanying teacher resources included on this site. (E, M, H) http://bit.ly/21qzXnR
Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History, by Kate Schatz. Forty stories of women all over the world who have persevered and fought for equality – from well-known leaders to lesser-known heroinessuch as Chinese feminist Qiu Jin, Japanese mountain climber Junko Tabei, and Nazi resistor Sophie Scholl. From ancient heroes to contemporary figures, the book spans centuries and continents. (E, M) http://bit.ly/1Lu1St4
Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights, a film by Nevline Nnaji. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/1W6kjHp
Rosalie Edge, Hawk of Mercy: The Activist Who Saved Nature from the Conservationists,
by Dyana Furmansky. See Environmental Justice Issues. http://amzn.to/2lV6cw4
Schomburg Center Research Guide: Dr. Maya Angelou, by Alexsandra Mitchell. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://on.nypl.org/2oefvs7
Seneca Falls, 1848: Women Organize for Equality, by Zinn Education Project. This role-play allows students to examine issues of race and class when exploring both the accomplishments and the limitations of the Seneca Falls Convention. (H) http://bit.ly/2jltmIj
Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride, by Andrea Pinkney and Brian Pinkney. See Abolitionism and Slavery section. (E) http://bit.ly/JfU2SR
Speech to the All-African Peoples’ Conference in Ghana, Dec 1958, by Pan-African News Wire. See African and African Diaspora History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1KUQARd
Standing on My Sisters’ Shoulders, by Joan Sadoff, Robert Sadoff and Laura Lipson. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/1edggGz
Teaching Maya Angelou with The New York Times, by NYT Learning Network. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://nyti.ms/2lGPyzP
The 1937 Woolworth’s Sit-Down: Women Strikers Occupy Chain Stores, Win Big, by Dana Frank. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/1L6FOYi
The Day the Women Got the Vote: A Photo History of the Women’s Rights Movement, by George Sullivan. A photographic record of the Women’s Movement from Seneca Falls to the present. Photographs and reproductions present a wide range of both well-known individuals and informal shots of unknowns. (E, M) http://bit.ly/KB5XwT
The Declaration of Sentiments, a list of demands from the women’s movement, in full text PDF. (M, H, TR)
http://bit.ly/1Rk6LnY
The Early Women’s Movement, Teaching Activity PDF, by Gayle Olson-Raymer. Questions and teaching ideas for Chapter 6 of Voices of a People’s History of the United States on the early women’s movement, including their efforts for social, racial and political equality. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/b56nur
The National Women’s History Project website. The National Women’s History Project is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to recognize and celebrate the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing information and educational materials and programs. (TR) http://bit.ly/1bLzBiR
The New Sex Ed: Empowered Youth Strengthening Communities, by Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice. These organizing tools and resources present sexuality education justice that is holistic, relevant to ALL people, and grounded in young people’s communities. (M, H) http://bit.ly/bpLv2t
The Untold Story of Aretha Franklin’s Irrevocable “Respect.” See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1SDWGCE
The Women Who Gave Us Christmas, by William Loren Katz. See Abolitionism and Slavery section. http://bit.ly/1QvQJe8
The Women’s Suffrage Movement, by Deidrah Scott. This unit plan helps students explore the history of the women’s suffrage movement, women’s rights, and Women’s History Month. It also provides links to relevant resources, such as documents from the Library of Congress, PBS webisodes, and DVDs from the History Channel. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/sE6ovu
Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged, by Jody Nyasha Warner. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/1TM3HaL
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, by Carole Boston Weatherford. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/2k8N4Ht
Women in Aviation and Space History, by Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. This museum website features 47 women who are or have been included by name, artifact or photograph in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum’s exhibits. Amelia Earhart is among the 47, and included in her comprehensive biography are
Earhart’s notable flights, her role in The Ninety-Nines (a female pilot organization), and her work designing “functional” women’s clothing. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/18KWb34
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World, by Rachel Ignotofsky. A charmingly illustrated and educational book, this New York Times best seller highlights the contributions of notable women to the STEM fields, from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. (E, M) http://amzn.to/2kWB67V
Women Make History: An Untold Story of the Civil Rights Movement, by Civil Rights Teaching. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/1TvMKB8
Women’s March Platform: Guiding Vision and Definition of Principles, by grassroots organizers of the Women’s March on Washington, January 21, 2017. See Human Rights and Democracy section. http://bit.ly/2jBYN0a
Women’s Suffrage, by Teaching Tolerance. Using primary and secondary documents, students will explore how, over a period of 75 years, a movement of American women used nonviolent measures to persuade both federal and state governments to allow women to vote. In 1920, the 19th Amendment was passed, securing women’s right to vote. (M, H) http://bit.ly/15a89ks
Women’s Suffrage in Canada: Education Guide, by Historica Canada. This teacher’s resource guide to Canadian suffrage invites students to deepen their understanding of gender equality and democracy through research and analysis, engaging discussion questions and group activities. Students can examine issues of identity, equity, activism and justice in historical and contemporary contexts. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/2dRY2iV
Zora and Me, by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon. A fictionalization of the early years of Zora Neale Hurston, this astonishing novel for middle-schoolers is the first project ever to be endorsed by the Zora Neale Hurston Trust that was not authored by Hurston herself. It’s a coming-of-age story set in Eatonville, Florida, where justice isn’t merely an exercise in retribution, but a testimony to the power of community, love and pride. (M) http://bit.ly/2nAHlv6
Zora Hurston and the Chinaberry Tree, by William Miller, Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu. See African American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/Jun2Yn; Teachers Guide: http://bit.ly/2ekve4K
Youth Activism
50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save the Earth. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/13GCrhY
A Match on Dry Grass: Community Organizing for School Reform, by the Community Organizing and School Reform Project. Based on a comprehensive national study, the book presents rich and compelling case studies of prominent organizing efforts for school reform in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Denver, San Jose, and the Mississippi Delta.(H, TR) http://bit.ly/1OUleVM
Heroes of the Environment, by Harriet Rohmer. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://bit.ly/1lSjLIN
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition), by Malala Yousafzai. See Women’s History, Issues and Rights section. http://amzn.to/1W73kEQ
Know Your Rights Posters,
by Oakland International High School Students. See Police Violence and Prisons section. http://bit.ly/2l9gYfI
Lakas and the Makibaka Hotel/Si Lakas at ang Makibaka Hotel, by Anthony Robles. See Asian/Asian Pacific
Islander/Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/KYQR68
Luna & Me: The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save a Forest, by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw. See Environmental Justice Issues section. http://amzn.to/2nhfS0F
Malala, a Brave Girl from Pakistan, by Jeanette Winter. See Middle Eastern American and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1NPGCeC
Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words, by Karen Leggett Abouraya. See Human Rights and Democracy section.
http://amzn.to/1LMjopK
Precious Knowledge: Ethnic Studies in Arizona, by Ari Luis Palos and Eren Isabel McGinnis. See Latinx / Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://to.pbs.org/1o0m2n4
Radical Brownies, produced by Grace Lee and directed by Linda Goldstein Knowlton. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2iLy0Pu
Red Land, Yellow River, by Ange Zhang. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1pejDWe
Rosa, by Nikki Giovanni. See Civil Rights, Black Power, Student and 1960s Movements section. http://bit.ly/1nhgzqs
Students Rising, a lesson plan from PBS Learning Media. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/2l9ev45
That’s Not Fair! Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice/No Es Justo! La Lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la Justica, by Carmen Tafolla and Sharyll Teneyuca. See Latinx/Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1Z1IAR1
The Kid’s Guide to Social Action, by Barbara A. Lewis. This five-part book gives elementary and middle school students the tools and knowledge they need to take action on issues they care about. A summary of the book and activity suggestions for its use in the classroom can be found on the 6 Elements of Social Justice Education Book Blog,
an annotated list of children’s literature for the elementary classroom. (E, M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/KiWXiH
The Other Rosa Parks: Now 73, Claudette Colvin Was First to Refuse Giving Up Seat on Montgomery Bus, by Democracy Now!. In this interview with Democracy Now! Ms. Colvin discusses the important events she was involved in in Alabama during the mid-1950s. (H, TR) http://bit.ly/14iaOIv
Thailand: The “October Movement” and the Transformation to Democracy, by Kittisak Prokati. See Asian / Asian Pacific Islander / Asian American History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/Th1M9h
That’s Not Fair! Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice/No Es Justo! La Lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la Justica, by Carmen Tafolla and Sharyll Teneyuca. See Labor and Economic Issues section. http://bit.ly/1Z1IAR1
The Bath Riots: Indignity Along the Mexican Border, by NPR. See Latinx/ Latin American History, Issues and Rights section. http://n.pr/1TUP3gzVoices of A People’s History of the United States. See Middle Eastern Americans and Middle East History, Issues and Rights section. http://bit.ly/1vSZIJU
Youth Bill of Rights Websites. Local groups of young people are organizing across the country to draft a National Student Bill of Rights (NSBR) for all youth, which will become a unifying document for youth nationwide and a driving force for youth movement-building. (M, H, TR) http://bit.ly/aBgw26