Back in 2016, when Arizona's teachers took to the streets to protest, Linda Laird, an Assistant City Planner, had an eye-opening moment: It seemed Arizona's lawmakers weren't planning on fully backing public schools anytime soon. From this sobering revelation, "Books for Classrooms" was born - a shining light in an otherwise gloomy scenario.
The heartbreaking sight of classrooms missing vital educational resources was the spark that ignited this project as a response to the systemic neglect of schools. But more than just being a solution to a problem, Books for Classrooms stood up for something powerful: the idea that every child should see a bit of themselves in the books they read. This isn't just about a passion for reading; it's about embracing diversity, championing social justice, and crafting young minds into globally-aware citizens.
You'd think a global pandemic would have slowed them down, but thanks to a tight-knit community backing them all the way, they've gifted over 47,000 books to about 700 classrooms, touching the lives of more than 18,000 kids. And they're just getting started.
The Latine community is rich in culture, stories, and history. Yet, there's a noticeable gap in the representation of Latine and other POC voices in the literary world, especially in classrooms.
It Takes a Village
Photo courtesy of Books for Classrooms
Photo courtesy of Books for Classrooms
The start has been promising, but to keep this ball rolling, sustainability is key. That's why Books for Classrooms is constantly on the lookout for support through fundraisers and donations.
You can also request their recommended book list and promote diverse reading in your school!
"Books for Classrooms" is more than a project – it's a movement. It's a call to communities everywhere to tap into their power. By rallying behind such causes and rooting for diversity in books, we can play our part in reshaping the future of Latine literature.
In a time when libraries face threats like dwindling funds and book bans, ventures like "Books for Classrooms" remind us of the magic of community effort. So, here's an idea: Why not join in? Yes, it’s a huge task, but in the wise words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”