Whether your little one is stepping inside the classroom for the first time ever or for the first time since last year’s virtual learning, these first couple of weeks in school are sure to be a mix of nerves and excitement. This last year no doubt tested the patience of kids of all ages and caregivers alike. So much change in so little time is difficult to process! Reading together invites the opportunity to talk about school expectations. Sharing stories can help identify and tackle any fears so that your little one can start off school on the right foot.
A story that reminds us it’s okay to be different and have the courage to stand out and tell your story, even if not everyone understands because in our differences we find similarities.
Asiya is wearing a Hijab for the first time in school. Though kids at school bully Asiya, her mother’s words and her little sister’s admiration give her strength to be her true self.
Little Bat is excited about night school but soon finds it difficult to make friends. He retreats into a cubby where Ophelia the possum is also hiding. Together they meet other nocturnal buddies and learn how to make friends.
Sophie’s world is changing; it seems scary and she’s worried about going outside. With her Grandfather, they make masks for her entire neighborhood. This book teaches kids the importance of wearing masks to keep everyone safe.
It is no secret that anti-immigrant rhetoric has increasingly been normalized over the recent years and utilized as a scapegoat to attack BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) communities. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie once said: “…show a people as one thing, as only one thing, over and over again, and that is what they become.” Well, the narrative about the job takers, the criminals, the worst of the worst has stuck and it’s here to stay.
Within our own immigrant communities, however, we’ve always heard of the gut-wrenching stories about undocumented children in detention centers. At quinceañeras and family gatherings, we’ve always heard the Tias whispering to one another about how “so and so’s father” had their naturalization certificate torn into little tiny pieces and got taken by the Migra, the border patrol feet away from American soil. We’ve heard of all the atrocities that occur long before any foot is ever set on this imaginary line that separates us from a good and ordinary life.
It wasn’t until July of 2019 when the outcry of activists and whistleblowers finally put a spotlight on these issues for the rest of the country. Reports about the unsanitary and unsafe conditions children as young as five months old endure in these so-called detention centers led to an ongoing conversation that keeps unraveling the harsh reality. The traumatization of undocumented children furthers when they have to face the reality that they might have to appear in court often without legal representation resulting in a high probability of being sent back to the country they fled from or a country that is completely foreign to them.
Whether they are part of the 29,792 unaccompanied minors who were apprehended in the fiscal year 2021 alone or part of the 16.7 million people who have at least one undocumented family member in their household, their story matters and it must be told. However, according to the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC), which has been documenting statistics on diversity in children’s books, of the 3,682 children’s books they reviewed in 2018, 252 depicted Latinx characters and only 207 books were written or illustrated by Latinx creators. The statistics dwindle for other ethnicities compiled in this report. Unfortunately, there just isn’t any data available that compiles any children’s books dealing with the diverse stories about immigrants, refugees, and undocumented folk.
As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has said: “Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, stories can also be used to empower and to humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity.” These stories should be written accurately and they should be written by those who’ve lived through them. These stories must be told not only so that those who may not understand learn to empathize, but so that those whose legal definition blurs can see themselves reflected and begin to heal some of their trauma.
Here are 5 excellent books I recommend to start off with:
This story is from the perspective of a child who uses counting as a coping mechanism to distract herself from the difficult experiences in her journey to a new country. Though never mentioned in the book, both she and her dad are most likely Guatemalan refugees as Guatemalan worry dolls are shown at the beginning of the book, and illustrations of soldiers are sprinkled throughout the book. She also travels via train, most likely alluding to the infamously dangerous train dubbed as The Beast that runs from Guatemala all the way to the United States.
In this story, we follow Estrella whose father has been recently deported to their country of origin. She wishes people around her knew how her life has been affected by his absence. Her teacher notices she is withdrawn and distraught so she creates a safe space to talk about the things Estrella and her other students wish they knew. This gives Estrella the courage to share not only how much she misses her dad but also about the things they did together that brought her joy.
This story parallels Estrella’s story as Jose’s mom is also unexpectedly deported back to Mexico. Jose’s family lives close to The Tijuana US-Mexico border so Jose and his dad travel through the border to see his mom. Mama doesn’t know when she will come back to the United States. Jose and his dad must return to their home in the US without Mama. This is a book that tells the stories of countless children in between two borders.
Saya’s mom is sent to a detention center for being undocumented. It’s been a long time since her mom’s been home and the only thing she finds comfort in is her mother’s greeting on the answering machine. After Saya accidentally deletes the answering machine greeting, Mama sends bedtime stories inspired by Haitian folklore on a cassette tape. Saya decides she will write a story of her own, one that could potentially help get her mother back home.
Henri’s uncle invites him and his parents to leave Haiti and come to New York City to live with him. Hoping for a better life, Henri and his parents leave on an old rickety boat. The boat overturns in the middle of a storm and Henri’s parents float further away as he calls to them. When he finally makes it to his uncle’s home in New York, he becomes withdrawn, unable to speak. One day he takes a bucket and uses it as a drum. It calls to him so he starts using it to cope and express his emotions.
This book is written by Areli Morales, a DACA ( Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipient who shares her own story as an undocumented immigrant child. In this moving picture book, Areli has to leave her home and Abuelita, to join her parents and her older brother Alex in New York. After her classmates bully her for not knowing English she learns about the term “Illegal”. Areli struggles with this imposed identity and the heavy consequences that could arise should anyone find out about her legal status. In the end, we see Areli give herself permission to dream and to exist just as she is.
The conversations you have with your child are creating a (1) rich vocabulary, (2) creative thinking, (3) conversation skills (e.g., taking turns, listening), (4) self-awareness and expression, and an attending mindset (e.g., making eye contact, body language, reacting by smiling, etc.).
Building a storytelling, reading, and singing routine is a quick way to boost your child’s early literacy skills. Parents can also engage their children by discussing what items to put in their cart at the grocery store. For example, you could discuss what the household is making for dinner, the array of colors you see in the food packages, and the texture of fruits and vegetables. Use descriptive words such as “smooth, shiny” or “fuzzy, soft”.
Reading a wordless book can give you and your child a chance to make up your own story.
This September, Yolo County Library is joining with the American Library Association and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-Up Month, an initiative to remind every community member that a library card is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. All children ages 0-17 who sign up for a library card or use their existing library card in September will receive a special prize, and everyone who registers for a library card during the month will receive a free reusable bag.
“A library card provides opportunity for discovery and access to a rich and diverse world,” states Honorary Library Card Sign-Up Month Chair and author, executive producer, and founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, Marley Dias. “It empowers you to make change and experience new stories.”
Watch this YouTube video to learn more about how to use your Yolo County Library card.
Dial-A-Story/Telecuento features children’s books, read aloud, for children ages 3 – 8 years old. Call (530) 298-9990 to hear a story in English or Spanish. Stories are available 24/7. Call from any landline or mobile phone.
The Dial-A-Story program is the latest addition to the library’s collection of early learning tools that help families cultivate a love of learning and reading in children.
To hear the story on the computer, go to the Library’s Dial-A-Story webpage. New stories will be available every month.
Storytime is a fun way to get children excited about reading and is also a way for parents to learn more about activities that will help their child(ren) be ready to read as they enter school
Building a storytelling, reading, and singing routine is a quick way to boost your child’s ability to talk. Parents can also engage their children by discussing what items to put in their cart at the grocery store.
The conversations you have with your child is creating a (1) rich vocabulary, (2) creative thinking, (3) conversation skills (e.g., taking turns, listening), (4) self-awareness and expression, and an attending mindset (e.g., making eye contact, body language, reacting by smiling, etc.)
La salud y la seguridad de nuestra comunidad y del personal es nuestra mayor prioridad. Para proteger a nuestra comunidad tras la pandemia de COVID-19, todas las sucursales de la Biblioteca del Condado de Yolo están cerradas hasta nuevo aviso.
Preguntas frecuentes:
• COVID-19
• Información de impuestos
• WiFi las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana
• Materiales en línea, libros electrónicos, libros de audio electrónicos, revistas electrónicas y más
• Recursos para estudiantes, investigación, aprendizaje de idiomas y sugerencias de lectura
• Programación virtual y medios de comunicación social
• Materiales de la biblioteca
• ¡Obtenga una tarjeta de biblioteca!
• Cuentas de la biblioteca
• Voluntarios
• Yolo Lee (Yolo Reads)
COVID-19
¿Dónde puedo encontrar información confiable sobre el Coronavirus / COVID-19?
Use estos sitios para encontrar información actualizada sobre el Coronavirus y la reacción en el Condado de Yolo:
– Condado de Yolo: El nuevo Coronavirus
– Condado de Yolo: Centro de información sobre el COVID-19 en el condado de Yolo
– Banco de Alimentos de Yolo: Asistencia para personas mayores de bajos ingresos y otros residentes vulnerables.
Información Sobre Impuestos de Ingresos
¿Estará disponible la asistencia voluntaria con los impuestos (VITA) en la Biblioteca?
– Todas las sesiones actuales de VITA están canceladas. La información sobre impuestos y VITA está disponible en la página web VITA de la ciudad de West Sacramento.
¿La biblioteca sigue ofreciendo WiFi?
– Sí, nuestro WiFi seguirá encendido y accesible fuera de nuestras sucursales las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana. La red se llama PÚBLICO y no se necesita una tarjeta de la biblioteca para conectarse. Si decide acceder al WiFi de la biblioteca, asegúrese de seguir las pautas de distanciamiento social. El personal de la biblioteca no estará disponible para responder preguntas o solucionar problemas de WiFi.
¿Qué servicios de la biblioteca puedo acceder mientras la biblioteca está cerrada?
– La Biblioteca del Condado de Yolo ofrece una amplia variedad de servicios a los que puede acceder las 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana con su tarjeta de la biblioteca, incluso cuando las bibliotecas están cerradas. Los recursos en línea están actualmente disponibles para todos los miembros sin importar las multas.
Materiales de Lectura
* Libros y audiolibros electrónicos: OverDrive o Enki
* Revistas digitales: Flipster
* La Biblioteca del Condado de Yolo ofrece acceso gratuito al periódico The New York Times
* El personal de la biblioteca administrará una línea telefónica centralizada, 530-666-8005, de lunes a viernes, de 9 a.m. a 6 p.m.
Recursos Para Estudiantes, Investigación, Aprendizaje de Idiomas y Sugerencias de Lectura
* Sugerencias de lectura, autores favoritos, boletines de noticias y muchas formas de buscar la próxima gran lectura: Novelist
* Realice investigaciones con Gale General OneFile y otras bases de datos de investigación
* La Enciclopedia Británica/Escolar está disponible en la página de Investigación
* Aprenda un nuevo idioma usando Pronunciator
* Career Online High School ofrece a los adultos la oportunidad de obtener un diploma de secundaria acreditado y un certificado de carrera en línea
Programación Virtual y Medios de Comunicación Social
La página Facebook de la Biblioteca del Condado de Yolo tiene un horario diario de programas de biblioteca en línea. Las publicaciones de los medios de comunicación social también incluirán muchos recursos útiles.
La página Instagram de la Biblioteca del Condado de Yolo está incluida en el horario de los programas de la biblioteca en línea.
La página Pinterest de la Biblioteca del Condado de Yolo incluye sugerencias de libros para niños pequeños de 0 a 5 años de edad, libros para niños, actividades de bondad, libros en serie, libros que no se pueden dejar de leer, libros para adolescentes, ideas de artesanías y más.
Materiales de la Biblioteca ¿Cuándo se vencen los artículos?
– Los artículos se renovarán automáticamente hasta que la biblioteca vuelva a abrir y no se cobrará ninguna cuota por retraso. La biblioteca continuará extendiendo las renovaciones para asegurar que los materiales no estén atrasados, si no estaban atrasados cuando la biblioteca cerró el 16 de marzo. ¿Qué pasará con los libros que he puesto en espera?
– Todas las fechas para recoger libros en espera se extenderán al menos hasta 10 días después de la reapertura de la biblioteca. ¿Puedo devolver los materiales de la biblioteca?
– Por favor, guarde los materiales de la biblioteca por ahora. Todos los buzones de devoluciones de libros estarán cerrados hasta que la biblioteca vuelva a abrir. ¿Qué está pasando con LINK+?
– Desde el martes, el 18 de marzo, los servicios de LINK+ han sido suspendidos hasta nuevo aviso. Si usted solicitó un artículo del LINK+ pero no pudo recogerlo, será retenido en la biblioteca hasta que la biblioteca vuelva a abrir y usted sea contactado. No se cobrará ninguna cuota. ¿Qué pasa con los artículos del LINK+ que tengo prestados?
– Aunque los materiales del LINK+ no pueden ser extendidos automáticamente, no se cobrarán cargos por retraso. Por favor, espere a devolver los artículos hasta que la Biblioteca del Condado de Yolo vuelva a abrir.
¿Se ven afectadas las fechas de vencimiento de los libros digitales por el cierre de la biblioteca?
No, las fechas de vencimiento de los libros digitales no se ven afectadas por el cierre de la biblioteca.
¿Seguirá funcionando Libros-Por-Correo (Books By Mail) durante el cierre de la biblioteca?
No. Para proteger la seguridad de nuestra comunidad, los servicios de Libros por Correo (Books By Mail) se suspenden mientras las bibliotecas estén cerradas. ¿Pueden recogerse las bolsas de Read Around Yolo (R.A.Y.) durante el cierre de la biblioteca?
-No. No hay materiales disponibles mientras las bibliotecas estén cerradas.
Qué tal si no tengo una tarjeta de la biblioteca?
¡No hay problema! Los residentes del Condado de Yolo pueden registrarse para obtener una tarjeta electrónica temporal de la Biblioteca del Condado de Yolo para tener acceso a los varios servicios digitales al instante en https://web-iii.yolocounty.org/selfreg. Alternativamente, OverDrive también permite a los residentes del Condado de Yolo registrarse para una tarjeta temporal y pedir prestados artículos digitales usando un número de teléfono móvil.
Cuentas de la Biblioteca
• Las tarjetas en línea no expirarán durante este período de cierre.
• Si su tarjeta de la biblioteca está a punto de expirar o ha expirado, usted todavía podrá utilizar todos los servicios de la biblioteca. Todavía tengo una pregunta sobre mi cuenta. ¿Hay alguien que pueda ayudarme?
El personal de la biblioteca administrará una línea telefónica centralizada, 530-666-8005, de lunes a viernes, de 9 a.m. a 6 p.m., para ayudar a los clientes con sus cuentas y con acceso a los materiales digitales. ¿Pueden los voluntarios ofrecer servicio en la biblioteca durante el cierre?
No. Todas las oportunidades de voluntariado se suspenden mientras la biblioteca esté cerrada. ¿Continuará la tutoría para aprender a leer (Yolo Reads) durante el cierre de la biblioteca?
No. La tutoría para aprender a leer (Yolo Reads) se suspende mientras la biblioteca esté cerrada.
The health and safety of our community and staff is our highest priority. To protect our community in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Yolo County Library branches are closed until further notice.
Yolo County Library is accepting returns of library materials and providing Curbside Pickup for the lending of materials. Book drops will be open from 9AM to 6PM, Monday through Friday, and 9AM to 5:30PM on Saturdays. Patwin and South Davis Montgomery book drops in Davis will remain closed.
Given the fires in our region, the air quality has been unpredictable, and at times has required that we cancel curbside service at some locations. Notices will be posted at the library branches and on the website. We appreciate your patience.
Some frequently asked questions are below.
What library services can I access while library branches are closed?
Even when library locations are closed, Yolo County Library offers a wide variety of services you can access 24/7 with your library card. Online resources are currently available to all cardholders without regard to fees. Library staff will be supporting a centralized phone line, 530-666-8005, Monday-Friday, 9AMto 6PM.
How can I get my Summer Reading Program prizes?
Finisher prizes are available during Curbside Pickup hours. Participants must wait until the library branches reopen to get their free book sign-up incentive.
Yolo County Pinterest includes book suggestions for young children 0 -5, kids’ books, kindness activities, books in a series, books you just can’t put down, teen reads, craft ideas, and more.
We acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory and homelands of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. For more information, please go to: www.yochadehe.org
All are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
