129: Where Diverse Books Matter with Christine Platt

We recently posted a quote from Morgan Jenkins that said, "You're not well read if all you read is white authors." And we agree! We're talking about the importance of diverse books with our guest, author and activist Christine Platt. Christine helps us explore the concept of books as windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors. Plus, she challenges our ideas about the kinds of stories we're choosing when we read diverse books: "It's really important to show that all communities and all families experience trauma, but they also experience joy. Joy needs to be reflected in your diverse library collection." Join us for this essential and inspiring conversation.   Find Christine on Instagram and her website. Check out her TED Talk on minimalism. And find all her books in our Amazon Shop!   Highlights -"Everyone should be reading diverse books, not just children, not just adults. To understand others' lived experiences, to learn and understand how systemic racism and oppression affect non-white communities. For homeschooling parents to make sure that you're aware of the world and not unintentionally perpetuating myths and stereotypes. It really boils down to expanding your knowledge for personal and societal edification. We should all be reading diverse books." -It's natural for all of us to gravitate toward books that are mirrors, so when choosing diverse books for ourselves or our children, we can ask, "Am I choosing a mirror or a window?" -How can we be critical thinkers when it comes to choosing books? Don't just seek "diversity"—ask yourself: What is it I want to teach through this book? What is the story you want to tell? -"Be mindful of books that only tell and show lived experiences through trauma. It's really important to show that all communities and all families experience trauma, but they also experience joy. Joy needs to be reflected in your diverse library collection." -"Reading regular stories reflecting lived experiences is so powerful." -The benefit of reading windows and sliding glass doors for yourself is that it makes you curious, and you can see the value of giving your kids that same feeling as readers.   Mentions Rudine Sims Bishop  Here Wee Read We Need Diverse Books OurStory from We Need Diverse Books online There, There by Tommy Orange Mary and The Trail of Tears Whose Land?   App School Guide Meet your new favorite homeschool resource! Our BRAND NEW App School Guide has all our favorite apps--organized by category and hyperlinked. It's easy to use and includes a key to let you know which apps are free and which ones aren't. Plus, you'll get lots of listener recommendations, too. Best of all, it's just $5! And this month, patrons get for free! (But hurry! This offer ends 3/31!) We've seen how much incredible learning happens when our kids get connected to the right apps, and we can't wait for you to experience it, too!   $5 Squad on Patreon: One Level. All the Rewards We've simplified our Patreon reward levels. Join for just $5 a month and get all this: - 2 monthly episodes (including live recordings!) - Discounts on classes - First-to-know news and announcements - Access to our exclusive behind-the-scenes feed - Extended guest interviews - All the archived Patreon episodes - Squad-only Facebook group   Events Are you near Austin, TX? How about Kansas City? Let's meet up! Visit our Events page to see what's going on--IRL and online!   Classes Check out our Personalities & Homeschool classes! Each class is $10, with all four classes bundled for just $30. (Psst... Patrons get an additional discount on the four-class package.)   Merch! Treat yourself to Homeschool Unrefined totes, hoodies, mugs, and more in our Merch Shop!   Show Some Love Leave us an iTunes review! Your reviews help more people find the podcast. When new people find us, they'll see how much YOU love the podcast and want to listen, too! Loving This Week  Angela: How not to travel podcast with Dr. Kiona Maren: Sensory Sock   Before You Go... Share this episode with a friend and let's keep the conversation going in our closed Facebook group: Unrefined Homeschoolers.⁣   Connect with us!  Visit our website | Sign up for our newsletter. | Support us on Patreon. | Join our closed Facebook group: Unrefined Homeschoolers. | Merch Shop Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube Angela on Instagram: @unrefinedangela | Maren on Instagram: @unrefinedmaren Email us any questions or feedback at [email protected] Visit our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/homeschoolunrefined We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.