The Read Aloud Project was created by Priscilla Weddle and Marie Benner-Rhoades to provide homeschooling resources in peace and justice during the pandemic. For February, the project celebrated Black History Month by reading books about the achievements of Black Americans along with books written by Black authors. If you are interested in recording a video for the project, please email us at [email protected]. Here are the books that were read for the project in February:

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

Summary: This book is based on the story of Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel into space.

Reflective Questions: What do you want to be when you grow up? What kind of dreams do you have for the future? Do you ever draw pictures of what you want to be and put it on your wall?

Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields

Summary: A biracial girl named Simone embarks on a journey to find her own color.

Reflective Question: What is your color word?

Worksheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ze0VPFF9z8SEfRWGni6OfusLS_oq37X6Bdieod1VgGY/edit?usp=sharing

Bunheads by Misty Copeland

Summary: This book was inspired by Misty Copeland’s experience as a young girl in ballet. On Misty’s first day of ballet class, she learns about the ballet Coppélia and decides to try out for the role of Swanilda. Misty and her classmates work together to put on a show to remember.

Reflective Questions: How did Misty’s classmates help her achieve her goal? Why is it important to work together? 

Worksheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zFCD3rY8KN-dwXNnDVbgyHL9eQj4sfHTo2AQjnuPHRY/edit?usp=sharing

The Water Princess by Susan Verde

Summary: This book is based on the childhood experience of Georgie Badiel. A young girl named Princess Gie Gie details her and her mother’s daily journey to get water.

Reflective Question: Why do you think Gie Gie has to travel so far for water?

Worksheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19pm9m5_RJsGUY5g5UD5lbFbbQ8nS-rG5LEZ89Q1KA/edit?usp=sharing

When God Made you by Matthew Paul Turner

Summary: This story encourages children to embrace the unique characteristics God gave them.

Baba, What Does My Name Mean?: A Journey to Palestine by Rifk Ebeid

Summary: A young girl asks her father about the meaning behind her name.

Reflective Question: What are some things your family has told you about your history? Why is it important for you to know about your family's history?

Ira’s Shakespeare Dream by Glenda Armand

Summary: This book is about Ira Aldridge, an African American actor who overcame racism to become one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the 1800s.

Reflective Question: Have you had anything in your life that has captured your imagination?

Catching the Moon by Crystal Hubbard

Summary: This books is based on the childhood of Marcenia Lyle Alberga, the first African American woman to play for an all-male professional baseball team.

Reflective Question: What sports do you like to play?