The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Recommended books for bringing diverse voices into your classroom

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

I recommend Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You; Born A Crime; The Poet X; and Long Way Down. These are incredibly engaging, current and they offer centre stage to strength-filled voices and perspectives that have been marginalized.

Trish Ryan

Voices in the Park

This book is all about how each character views an afternoon of playing in the park. The characters are from different families and ­different ages, with different interests and social backgrounds.

I teach kindergarten and I like to teach my students what a voice, view and perspective are in various ways. This funny, engaging and amusing book is just one of the ways I promote diversity in my classroom.

Donna Knopper-Singleton

Front Desk

My read-aloud of Front Desk by Kelly Yang really resonated with my Grade 5s and 6s last year. It is a funny story about a young ­Chinese immigrant struggling to find success in America. Many students connected with Mia’s struggles to fit in with classmates, to learn ­English and to find the right thing to wear when there is no money to buy the “right” clothes.

Lori Astle

From the Ashes

This is the memoir of a Métis–Cree man named Jesse Thistle. His story is heartbreaking yet ­uplifting. He is the definition of perseverance and indomitable spirit. His memoir is brutally honest about the difficulties faced by many Indigenous youth. I think it’s ­important for all Canadians to read so that these issues can be discussed and rectified.

Rae Ross

The Wretched of the Earth

The book is an analysis of the dehumanizing effects of colonialism on the individual and the nation, and discusses the broader social, cultural and political implications inherent to establishing a social movement for the ­decolonization of a person and of a people.

Dougal MacDonald

Genesis Begins Again

This is a beautiful story about how 13-year-old Genesis strives to help her family and others, and in the process learns to adopt a new mindset and love herself for the wonderful person she is. It’s very relatable to all kids in the middle years who are grappling with societal expectations and trying to figure out who they are.

Erica Legh

Teacher recommendations gathered through Facebook.