A Diverse Reading List for Betsy DeVos

Like many educators across the county, I have issues with the qualifications of Betsy DeVos for the position of Secretary of Education. I do agree with her on one point; when the Zombie Apocalypse comes, those Zombie Grizzly Bears will plow right through those puny, lowest bid fences. As a result, they will devour students who are attempting to learn in poorly funded public schools without counselors and special education services.  In addition, without a large body of career teachers to draw from, the school might be inadequately staffed. Too many of their new, inexperience, but extremely bright new teachers have just left. Oh, don't misunderstand me, they aren't running from the bears. Those alternatively trained teachers were fleeing (after some rough weeks, months, or years) to enlist as policymakers,  analysts, or as directors of a charter school in the new age of the Zombie Apocalypse Education. 

Okay, all kidding aside, I would like to offer Betsy DeVos a list of young adult African American novels and memoirs. In her case, I think she has indeed seen enough mirrors. She might very well need a window into some diverse experiences as she shapes education for all students. I am sure others of you can imagine other lists that focus on special needs students. Books like Mockingbird, Probably, Still Nick Swanson, Wonder, and Out of My Mind seem like a good starting point for that list.

Back to the specific list for this post. I will very briefly list the book title, the author, link to a review, and provide the cover.  For many of us, the list should be self explanatory. I hope you know these books. If you don't, maybe you can get Betsy to join your book group and you can read and discuss them together.

1. The first choice is not the oldest book on the list, but it depicts the earliest and a horrific African American experience, the middle passage. Sharon Draper's Copper Sun captures that experience. This book is amazing and almost any summery is insufficient.

​2. Next, I selected Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming. It is poetic, nostalgic, and hopeful. I have included in several courses now and students always respond positively.  

​3. The Skin I’m In remains one of the most remarkable books in my reading history. What does it mean to want to be popular? Is it easier to pander to false friends or reject the help of a caring teacher? Who deserves your loyalty?

4. Fiction can capture the emotions of real events. Fewer fictional accounts have captured a historical moment as completely as Curtis’s The Watsons go to Birmingham--1963. The bombing of a small church in Birmingham is still one of the most horrific acts of domestic terrorism our country has ever experienced. We can remember, we can do better.

5. Teenage pregnancy is a difficult topic to discuss in class. Johnson’s insightful novel, The First Part Last, provides an approach to the topic that is unique and demonstrates a mastery of narrative structure.

6. When I think about an author who provides a gritty, realistic view of inner city homelessness, Coe Booth is the first name. Sure, her work is frank and populated with language and subject matter that makes parents cringe, but some adolescents live in these circumstances. Can we help the kids we don’t know—or ignore? Coe Booth’s Tyrell is one of those books that reluctant readers inhale and need our support when it faces challenges.

​7. Few novels by an African American author have had such lasting impact as Mildred Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. This book is an anchor of in upper elementary grades and in middle level class across the country. It is often a white students first exposure to the inequity of black schools and white schools in the segregated south during the depression. Is this what might happen if we keep try to make America great again? If we disperse public funds to benefit a few in primarily elite private schools?

8. For the past couple of years, every time I think of a book that masters point of view, Magoon’s How it Went Down is the book I think about. Inner city violence, gang activity, political intrigue and troubled relationships all play out in this narrative. Our African American communities have experienced too many troubles. This book is a great conversation starter as well as a quality piece of literature. 

​9. I might sound like a broken record, but people need to read All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. Not only is it a great read, it represents the efforts of people from different worlds working together to frame a new conversation about race possibilities in American. Watching Brendan and Jason speak together is witnessing one of the embodiments of Dr. King’s dream. Let’s look for more.

​10.  Walter Dean Myers is a giant of young adult literature. His contribution is enormous. He has been an inspiration for writers, teachers, and librarians for decades. It is hard to point to only one of his book has important and inspirational. However, Monster so quickly made itself a fixture in classrooms it is hard to imagine a schools without teachers being able to guide to and through this text.

Warriors Don’t Cry is a book about action. Some people occasionally accuse other people of all talk and no action. The story of the students who integrated Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957. That’s right, 1957. It has been nearly 60 years and we still haven’t solved the issues. There is evidence that true school integration is a myth and that efforts to further dismantle efforts of equality are alive and well.  These efforts exist in many voucher programs, for profit charter organizations, and redistricting efforts.

12. ​The final book on the list is a trilogy that chronicles Rep. John Lewis’ time as the Chairman of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee and the event around the march from Selma to Montgomery on Blood Sunday. It seems to me that this is a clear example of talk that moves to action. You should get this series of books and share them as a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made in the quest for equality. The quest isn’t over and there will be other journeys. The series of books are March--Book One, Book Two and Book Three.

Without a doubt, the list could be longer. I would love to hear your suggestions.