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September 3, 2021

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The Mocha Express Holiday Reading Challenge

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Reading Bingo: Children’s Edition

The Black Family Museum

Diverse Summer Reading Challenge

28 Days of Black History

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Do you know the story of Mamie Tape and her incredible fight for education back in the 1880s?

Mamie was a young girl living in San Francisco who wanted to attend the public school nearest to her home. However, there was a problem—she was of Chinese descent, and at that time, Chinese children were being denied admission to public schools in California.

So, Mamie’s parents decided to take action. They filed a lawsuit against the San Francisco School Board, arguing that their daughter should have the right to receive an education like any other child.

Mamie’s case gained attention and eventually reached the California Supreme Court. In 1885, the court ruled in her favor, stating that the school board’s policy of excluding Chinese children was discriminatory and unlawful. This landmark decision was a significant victory for civil rights and paved the way for equal educational opportunities for all children in California.

Mamie Tape’s bravery and her family’s determination not only secured her right to attend school but also helped advance the cause of equality in education for generations to come. Her story reminds us of the importance of standing up for what’s right and the impact that one person’s courage can have on the lives of many.

Published by @randomhousekids. Written by @tracihuahn. Illustrated by @michellieart. Recommended for ages 4-8 and up. Publishing May 7, 2024. #mamietape #mamietapefightstogotoschool

Calling all bookworms in Connecticut!📚

Join us at Possible Futures @possiblefuturesbooks bookstore in New Haven, CT on Sunday, April 28th at 1pm for a special meetup in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day @indiebookstoreday.

We’re gathering to chat about our favorite reads, take some bookstagram-worthy photos, and support this awesome indie bookstore.

Light refreshments will be served, and all bookstagrammers, authors, and fellow book enthusiasts are welcome. We hope to see some of you there!

#makeithere #connecticutgram #ctvisit #ctbookstagrammers #bookstagrammersunite #connecticut_igers #newhavenct #possiblefutures #bookstagrammerlife #connecticutmoms #newhavenevents

Good news! Barnes & Noble @barnesandnoble is offering their Premium & Rewards Members 25% off all pre-orders from April 17 through 19, including audiobooks and eBooks! Premium Members get an additional 10% off their print book pre-orders. *Some exclusions apply, like signed books and textbooks.

Pre-order your copy of Etta Extraordinaire Goes to the White House now! It publishes September 10, 2024 from @harperkids @wmebooks. Recommended for ages 4-8 and up. Use code PREORDER25 at checkout to save.

#bnpreorder #harperkids #ettaextraordinaire #ettaextraordinairegoestothewhitehouse #kidsbookswelove #picturebookoftheday #picturebookillustration #picturebookart #picturebookstagram #ettamotenbarnett #ettamoten #kidsbookshelf #blackbookstagram #blackbookstagram #blackbookstagrammer

It’s cherry blossom season! 🌸

Join Etta Extraordinaire and her classmates on an unforgettable adventure to the White House! When their school organizes a field trip to the nation’s capital, Etta and her friends are bubbling with excitement. As they step into the White House, they’re faced with a decision: what activity should they choose?

With the spirit of democracy in the air, the class takes a vote, teaching Etta and her friends about the power of their voices and the importance of making decisions together. Through teamwork, they embark on a journey of discovery, learning not only about history and government but also about the incredible strength that lies within each of them.

As Etta navigates the halls of power, she realizes that her classmates are more extraordinary than she ever imagined. From problem-solving to compromise, they showcase their unique talents and personalities, proving that together, they can accomplish anything.

Available for pre-order now, Etta Extraordinaire Goes to the White House is a story of friendship, empowerment, and the magic of democracy. Look for it at a bookstore near you this fall from our friends at @harperkids.

Written by: @rodaworld and @hereweeread
Illustrated by: @chloeb.artistry
Published by: @harperkids @wmebooks
Recommended for ages 4-8 and up.

#blackbookstagram #blackbookstagrammer #thewhitehouse #ettaextraordinaire #ettaextraordinairegoestothewhitehouse #democracyforkids #kidsbookswelove #kidsbookshelf #kidsbookstagram #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookillustration #picturebookoftheday #preordernow #childrensbooks #childrensbookstagram #picturebooks #picturebookstagram #readeveryday #readdaily #booksforkids #picturebooksforkids #hereweeread #booksforchildren #readingismagic #readmorebooks #readingisfundamental

A WICKED GOOD GIVEAWAY!

❌This giveaway is now CLOSED. No more entries, please. Winner: @kristi_v_wright ❌

I’m giving away TWO free tickets to see Wicked at The Bushnell theatre @thebushnell in Hartford, CT to one (1) lucky winner.

I can’t believe it’s been nearly 20 years since I first saw this show. Wicked is currently celebrating their 20 year anniversary! #sponsored

To enter:
1️⃣ Ensure you are following me @hereweeread
2️⃣Tell me in the comments if you will keep, donate or gift these tickets if you win.
3️⃣ Like this post.

BONUS ENTRIES: Share this post to your stories for EXTRA entries OR tag multiple friends. Each friend tagged = a separate entry.

Giveaway only open to U.S. residents age 18 and over. Good luck! One (1) random winner will be selected by April 18th to win two FREE tickets to see Wicked at The Bushnell Theatre. Please enter by April 17th at 11:59pm EST. Good luck!

#wickedthemusical #wicked #connecticut #connecticutgram #ctvisit #makeithere #thebushnell #thebushnelltheatre #hartfordhasit #hereweeread #connecticutigers #connecticut #hartfordct #ryanmarketing @ryanmarketing

Have you seen the Wicked musical yet?

Summer is Here by Renée Watson and Bea Jackson, celebrated New York Times authors, captures the essence of a perfect summer day, from the first light of dawn to the last twinkles of dusk.

SHARE or SAVE this post as a reminder to add this book to your bookshelf.

Imagine a day with no clouds, just endless blue skies – that’s the start of this summer adventure! What wonders will this sunny season bring? As the day unfolds, there’s a world of joy waiting: juicy fruits that tease your taste buds, jump ropes, Double Dutch, and laughter-filled swims with friends at the local pool.

This book is a celebration of summer’s gifts. Readers will see family barbecues, leafy trees, gardens bursting with life, and the sweet melody of the ice-cream truck making its rounds in the neighborhood. Through the eyes of a young girl, we’re taken on a journey filled with joy, the warmth of family and friends, and the simple yet magical moments that define summer.

As night falls, the stars twinkle across the sky, and as she makes her wish, there’s a longing for these golden days to linger. Summer is Here is a vivid exploration of what makes summer so unforgettable.

Publishes May 7, 2024 from our friends at @bloomsburypublishing @bloomsburychildrens. Written by @harlemportland. Illustrated by @bea.gifted. Recommended for ages 4-8 and up.

Who’s excited to check this one out? 👇🏾

#summerishere☀️ #summerisherebook #reneewatson #beajackson #beajacksonart #blackbookstagram #blackbooksession #blackbookstagram #blackbookstagrammer #blackbookstagrammers #supportblackauthors #kidsbookswelove #picturebookoftheday #picturebookstagram #blackauthorsofinstagram #hereweeread

COVER REVEAL: Cicely Tyson

I’m excited to share this cover reveal for a beautiful forthcoming picture book biography about Cicely Tyson. This book celebrates the extraordinary life of Cicely Tyson, the iconic Tony and Emmy award-winning actress whose radiant spirit illuminated screens worldwide.

Born in New York City to Caribbean parents, Cicely carried a unique light within her, guiding her path to cinematic greatness. Through captivating storytelling and rich historical context, author Renée Watson paints a vivid picture of Cicely’s journey, from her roots in Black America to her groundbreaking performances in beloved films like “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and “Sounder.”

This book is great for honoring Women’s History Month, Black History Month, or to read anytime of the year. It reminds us all to let our light shine brightly.

Publishing November 2024 from our friends at @harperkids. Written by @harlemportland and illustrated by @sherry_shinefiberart.

Recommend for ages 4-8 and up. You can pre-order this book now wherever books are sold.