A love letter from an Indigenous mother to her new baby Drawing from Indigenous creation stories and traditional teachings and illustrated in dazzling watercolors, I Sang You Down from the Starsis a tribute to the bond between mother and child. The narrator gathers gifts for a medicine bundle in anticipation of her baby's birth; a fluffy white eagle plume, bunches of cedar and sage, a quilted star blanket, and a small stone from the river. When the baby arrives, the mother shares the bundle with her child and reveals the importance of each item inside. But when her family comes to meet the new arrival, she realizes the baby arrived with gifts of its own and that the baby is also a sacred bundle: a baby bundle. Writing in simple, lyrical text, author Tasha Spillett-Sumner draws from her cultural heritage in order to celebrate Indigenous traditions and the universal nature of a mother's love.

Telling someone can help make things better. Whether you're sad or angry, happy or proud, there’s one thing you can do: tell someone. Just talking about your problems can help make them better, and the person you’re talking to may have ways to help. When children feel nervous on the first day of school, or experience that scary feeling of having a secret that doesn’t feel right, this book empowers kids to find someone they trust—and tell them.

Miikwan and Dez are best friends. Miikwan is Anishinaabe; Dez is Inninew. Together, the teens navigate the challenges of growing up in an urban landscape—they’re so close, they even completed their Berry Fast together. However, when Dez’s grandmother becomes too sick, Dez is told she can’t stay with her anymore. With the threat of a group home looming, Dez can’t bring herself to go home and disappears. Miikwan is devastated, and the wound of her missing mother resurfaces. Will Dez’s community find her before it’s too late? Will Miikwan be able to cope if they don’t?

US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s iconic poem "Remember," illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade, invites young readers to pause and reflect on the wonder of the world around them, and to remember the importance of their place in it. Remember the sky you were born under, Know each of the star's stories. Remember the moon, know who she is. Remember the sun's birth at dawn, That is the strongest point of time. So begins the picture book adaptation of the renowned poem that encourages young readers to reflect on family, nature, and their heritage. In simple and direct language, Harjo, a member of the Mvskoke Nation, urges readers to pay close attention to who they are, the world they were born into, and how all inhabitants on earth are connected. Michaela Goade, drawing from her Tlingit culture, has created vivid illustrations that make the words come alive in an engaging and accessible way. This timeless poem paired with magnificent paintings makes for a picture book that is a true celebration of life and our human role within it.

Michaela Goade grew up in southeast Alaska as a person of Tlingit and Haida heritage. For as long as she can remember, she always loved art. After earning a degree in graphic design and marketing, she pursued a career as a picture book illustrator. Michaela’s love for her Indigenous heritage and Native home can be seen throughout her work, which earned her the Caldecott Medal in 2021. Part of the Notable Indigenous Americans series, this book tells the story of how a young Indigenous girl followed her dreams to make a living—and a life—with her art.

In today's developing view of education, a disquieting trend looms—the erosion of students' right to choose what they read. This erosion, fueled by an alarming surge in censorship attempts, casts a shadow over the very essence of intellectual exploration. Recent years have witnessed an unprecedented number of challenges aimed at restricting access to books, targeting themes that embrace human diversity, inclusivity, and the tapestry of life itself. As educators, administrators, and scholars grapple with this critical juncture, Supporting Students’ Intellectual Freedom in Schools: The Right to Read serves as a comprehensive resource they can turn to for support and knowledge. This book is a call to action, resonating with teachers, school librarians, administrators, and scholars who refuse to let censorship erode the foundations of education. As censorship attempts proliferate, its chapters offer fortification, providing educators at all levels with the tools to safeguard students' intellectual freedom. From the hallowed halls of academia to the vibrant classrooms of K-12, the insights within these pages shape curricula, conversations, and a collective commitment to nurturing minds that thrive on diversity and inquiry. In a world clamoring for unwavering advocates of intellectual freedom, Supporting Students’ Intellectual Freedom in Schools is not just a solution—it is a declaration of resolute solidarity in the pursuit of knowledge and the unassailable right to read.

Learn how to incorporate equitable teaching practices in your everyday classroom with this helpful guide designed to help your young students thrive. Bringing racial equity into the classroom doesn’t have to be an intimidating task. Teaching with Equity will help you take the first step in making your classroom a fun, safe, and fulfilling environment for all students. First, start off by establishing a baseline: Where is racial equity lacking in your classroom and where are there opportunities for change? Then learn about the common stereotypes that students of color often face before finally diving into resources like interactive worksheets, surveys, grading rubrics, lesson plans, and more designed to help teachers: Talk about race effectively with your young students Include diverse people and cultures in assignments and homework Provide learning resources and material that feature people of color Build racial comfort in your classroom And more! Teaching with Equity will help K–5 school teachers gain the confidence and knowledge needed to make their classroom equitable for students of all backgrounds.