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We are thrilled to partner with the Oakland Public Education Fund for the 5th annual African-American Literature Read-In – a week of celebrating and highlighting African-American authors and illustrators in Oakland schools.

During the week of February 4-8, schools across Oakland will be hosting volunteer read alouds, Family Literacy Nights, cross-grade buddy reading, and more activities as part of the African-American Literature Read-In.

In a city as diverse as Oakland, we know how critical  it is to read and celebrate books by and about people of color.  Books are both windows and mirrors for students, allowing them a way to experience new things, people, and places; as well as a way to see themselves and their communities reflected back to them.

On February 4, we’ll be spending the morning at Manzanita SEED Elementary School.  In anticipation of next week’s read-in, we’re sharing some of the books we’ll be reading in Kindergarten, first, and second-grade classes.

Check out our reading guides below for more information about each book and why we choose them for the Read-In!

• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael Lopez
• My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi Cabrera
• Islandborn by Junot Diaz, illustrated by Leo Espinosa
• Bippity Bop Barbershop by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, illustrated by E.B. Lewis
• We March by Shane W. Evans
• Cassie’s Word Quilt by Faith Ringgold
• Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson