Alliance Reading Circle for Teens – April 8
This new group for teens meets regularly to share resources, personal experiences, and books to help equip each of us to be a better ally, an active anti-racist, and an agent for social equity. New topics will be covered each month, guided by student needs and requests.
All youth in grades 6-12 are welcome to attend. We encourage participation from students of every race, culture, gender, sexual identity, socioeconomic class, religious background, physical and neuro-ability.
Our first meeting on April 8 is entitled, “But I don’t know what to say.” During our meeting we will tackle this common concern, which is one that holds many of us back when it comes to having difficult discussions about race, gender identity, poverty or ability. We will look to experts (writers), activists (bloggers, organizations and social media), and each other (thoughtful community members who are ready to engage) to help us prepare for these conversations and build the confidence to speak up.
Participants in this discussion-based program are welcome to take a look at the optional reading list below in advance of our meeting. Students are also encouraged to find their own resources to share with the group – books, websites, blog posts, Instagram memes, graphic novels, something meaningful a friend once said to you – anything that you have found to be useful in this endeavor.
If you would prefer not to speak during our meeting but would like to submit a question, comment, experience or resource recommendation anonymously, please use this google form.
Optional Reading List
Below are some recommended books which can serve as a starting point for the topic of our first meeting: “But I don’t know what to say.”
Non-Fiction
Anti Racist Ally by Sophia Williams
This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Jason Reynolds
The Black Friend by Frederick Joseph
Fiction
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Graphic Novels
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang