Now more than ever with history being erased, education being attacked, confusion and chaos in our government, our lives, the world… we need books to help us understand ourselves, others, the world and what is happening.

Let’s begin with our kids.  They know what is happening is not normal.  Facing Fear An Immigration Story was published in 2021.  It spoke to the concerns of immigrants and refugees four years ago and today their fears have multiplied.  It is my hope that a child can see themselves in a book like this and know that he or she is not alone.  Or maybe a child will see the life of a friend, a neighbor, a classmate in a new light.  If you know someone who might benefit from a picture book like this go to the library, check it out and share…   Before it is removed from shelves…  Because dare I say DEI?

What does that mean?  Consider this.

Diversity:  variety, a range of differences, the opposite of uniformity(boring?)

Equity: Fairness, justice (the opposite of injustice).

Inclusiveness:  All encompassing, complete. (the opposite of left out)

Why are these concepts so controversial?  What happened to “indivisible with liberty and justice for all”?  Pretty scary stuff.

And while on the subject of immigration look for A Thousand White Butterflies in English and Spanish. 

Immigrant:  A person who comes to live permanently in a country that is not their own country of birth or citizenship.

I bet we all know a few of those.

So…what is a refugee?  How is that different from immigrant?

Refugee:  men, women, and children forced to abandon everything due to war, violence, and persecution, seeking safety in a new country. They are in our communities, our schools.  Get to know them.

So many are Facing Fear.  Books can help us put ourselves in their shoes and better understand the world.

Have a look in your library.  Start with picture books.

Support your library!  Libraries. Are. Under. Attack Too.