Posts by Amber Certain

Classroom Connections: Women and Their Passions

March is Women's History Month—a time to celebrate achievements women have made throughout the course of American history in various fields. This booklist highlights four women: Alice Waters, Patsy Takemoto Mink, Florence Merriam Bailey, and Coco Chanel with an outstanding children's book about each along with recommended titles related to each woman's great passion (healthy eating, gender equality in sports, birds, and fashion). These would be 

The Black Panther Party Graphic Novel: Making Connections to the Past

This graphic novel is great for introducing the Black Panther Party to students without any prior knowledge of it as well as offering deeper insights into the party and its key players that will keep students engaged and even wanting more.

Making Connections: Educators and Library Resources

Find out the benefits of getting an Educator Card as well as some recommended titles to get your classroom library started.

When the Lights Went Out: Resources for Learning About the 1977 NYC Blackout

Educators can use these resources to interest students in the city around them by looking at this turbulent time—the blackout, fear of the Son of Sam killer, the birth of Hip-Hop, mayoral politics, the financial crisis, and more.

Books and Digital Resources for Learning About the Tulsa Race Massacre

Many Americans don't know about this tragic event or are just learning about it a century later. As we commemorate its 100th anniversary, we must educate ourselves and young people. Here are some Library resources to help students of varying ages learn and understand this important history.

Who Runs the World: Celebrating Women in March with Books for Kids & Teens

These stories will have students perform on stage with the Supremes and Selena Quintanilla, take a journey into space with Sally Ride and Mae C. Jemison, stand in the courtroom with Dovey Johnson Roundtree, create sculptures with Edmonia Lewis and learn about so many other truly amazing women.

Get Lost in New York: Diving Deeper into City History with Students

Educators who have students interested in New York City history, architecture, and the famous families from the Gilded Age such as the Vanderbilts, the Astors, and the Goulds will love diving into this book with them.

Using Christina Hammonds Reed's The Black Kids in the Classroom

Teachers can use this engaging YA book as a jumping off point to dive deeper into the history of race riots, protest movements and the unjust treatment of Black people in America.

Native Voices in November: A Booklist for Students, Parents & Educators

These titles highlight Native voices and stories that will evoke curiosity in young readers to explore and develop a better knowledge and understanding of Native peoples and communities.

Yummy: The Last Days of A Southside Shorty Read-a-Likes

This list offers many materials that deal with intense, serious and contemporary real world issues.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Monster is a book that will make you “think about all the tomorrows of your life.”

What's All the Buzz About? Honeybees

"The only reason for being a bee that I know of is to make honey ...  And the only reason for making honey, is so as I can eat it." —Winnie the Pooh

I have found myself enthralled in the world of honeybees and their plight. I don't know how much people know about colony collapse disorder, but it's a real thing!

I love tea and I love honey... but there is a major problem in our world right now that I think either people are ignoring or just simply have no