Last week, I watched a group of third graders crowd around Misha during reading time. She was sharing "The Electric Slide and Kai," and their laughter echoed through the classroom as they related to Kai's nervous attempts to master an iconic dance, a cherished cultural tradition that has brought Black families and communities together for generations. In that moment, I had a realization: this wasn't just a story about a cultural dance – it was a window into the everyday joy, family connections, and universal experiences that make up Black life.
Too often, our classroom libraries tell only part of the story. We carefully select books about civil rights heroes, historical struggles, and the fight against racism – and yes--absolutely, these stories of truth matter deeply and need to be told. But when these become the only narratives our students encounter about Black experiences, we're missing something vital: the simple, beautiful reality of Black people living, loving, and being.
In her groundbreaking work, Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop introduced us to the concept of books as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. When children see themselves reflected in the books they read (mirrors), their existence is validated and celebrated. When they peek into lives different from their own (windows), they develop understanding and empathy. And when they can fully step into and experience those different perspectives (sliding glass doors), true transformation happens. But here's the crucial point: these opportunities for reflection and connection shouldn't be limited to February or confined to crucial historical narratives.
While books about racial justice and civil rights have their place, they shouldn't be the default when we think about Black literature. When we limit Black stories to struggles and resistance, we miss the fullness of human experience. These stories of everyday life, adventure, and joy aren't just entertainment – they're essential mirrors and windows that help all our students recognize their shared humanity, every single day of the school year. They remind us that Black life is not defined solely by its relationship to racism or resistance, but by the same vibrant mosaic of experiences, emotions, and everyday moments that make us all human.
Rethinking Our Bookshelves: Beyond Black History Month
Think about the messages our book choices send. When a student only sees Black characters in stories of struggle or historical trauma, or only encounters these books during designated heritage months, what conclusions might they draw? Instead, imagine a classroom where, throughout the year, students are immersed in stories like:
- A young girl teaching her best friend the intricate art of hair braiding
- Siblings competing in a neighborhood double-dutch tournament
- A family's weekly Sunday dinner traditions
- A child's first attempt at making their grandmother's famous mac and cheese
These everyday moments, what scholars call "Black Livingness," carry profound meaning. They show our students that cultural practices aren't just customs – they're bridges that connect us to our heritage and each other. When we integrate these stories naturally throughout our curriculum, we affirm that Black joy and experiences are vital, ongoing parts of our shared human experience – and we show Black history in motion, not static moments that are housed in a single month.
The Language of Livingness
Language plays a starring role in these authentic portrayals. United States Black Language (USBL) is beyond a “different way of speaking”; it's a sophisticated linguistic tradition used by many Black authors that carries generations of history and cultural wisdom. When an author uses phrases like "tender-headed" during hair care time, or weaves a "c'mon sis" into natural dialogue, or captures how someone moves "real fast," they're not just veering from "standard" forms of English – they're drawing on a rich linguistic tradition to create authentic connections. Listen to the poetic flow in Double Dutch chants, where "yella" rhymes perfectly with "fella," or how authors use phrases like "my stomach starts flipping" to capture emotion with vivid authenticity. These are stylistic choices that connect generations through words.
Making It Work in Your Classroom: Year-Round Integration
Here's what this can look like in practice: Start with a single book that celebrates everyday Black joy. Maybe it's "Bedtime Bonnet" by Nancy Redd, where a nightly hair care routine becomes a beautiful celebration of family tradition. Read it with your students and notice the conversations that emerge naturally about their own family traditions and routines. Then, make a conscious effort to weave similar stories into your regular reading rotation, not just during cultural heritage months.
When you encounter USBL in texts, treat it as the sophisticated linguistic system it is. Help students explore how authors use specific phrases and expressions to build character and community. These discussions open windows into how rich cultural wealth through diverse language varieties shape our world.
Create discussion questions that dive deep:
- How does this family tradition remind you of traditions in your own family?
- What does the author's choice of words tell us about the community in this story?
- How does the main character's relationship with their family shape their journey?
For Curious Teachers Who Wonder
If you're thinking, "But I'm not sure how to teach about cultures different from my own," remember this: you don't need to be an expert. Your role is to create space for authentic discussions and to learn alongside your students. Approach these texts with genuine curiosity and openness. Your students will follow your lead.
Beyond the Classroom
When we thoughtfully integrate stories that celebrate Black joy and everyday experiences throughout the year, we're doing more than diversifying our bookshelves. We're creating classrooms where all students see their linguistic and cultural practices as valuable resources for learning. We're showing that every story matters, every voice deserves to be heard, and every student's cultural heritage enriches our community every day – not just during designated celebrations.
Start small. Choose one text that speaks to you. I’ve listed some at the end of this post. Pay attention to how your students respond. Watch for the moments of connection, the spontaneous discussions, the light in their eyes when they recognize themselves or discover something new about others. This is how we build understanding, one story at a time.
Remember that laughter from that classroom I mentioned in the beginning? That's the sound of students seeing themselves and others in new ways. It's the sound of barriers breaking down and connections being built. It's the sound of what's possible when we move beyond heroes, holidays, and hardship to embrace the full, rich spectrum of Black life in our classrooms – not just in February, but every day of the year.
In doing so, we're going beyond simple notions of literacy – we're nurturing empathy, celebrating authentic stories, and helping all our students recognize their shared humanity. Through these mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors, we're creating spaces where every student can see themselves and others clearly, authentically, and joyfully. And isn't that what education is truly about?
Books Mentioned and Recommended Books for Classroom Libraries
Featured in Blog
- Baptist, K. J., & Jennings, L. (2021). The Electric Slide and Kai. Lee & Low Books.
- Redd, N., & Freeman, C. (2020). Bedtime Bonnet. Random House Books for Young Readers.
- Jones, J. (2021). Jayla Jumps In. Albert Whitman & Company.
Essential Black-Centric Texts for Your Classroom
Contemporary Chapter Books (Grades 5-8)
- Johnson, V. (2021). Playing the Cards You're Dealt. Scholastic.
- Stone, N. (2020). Clean Getaway. Crown Books for Young Readers.
- Stone, N. (2021). Fast Pitch. Crown Books for Young Readers.
- Jones, J. (2021). Jayla Jumps In. Albert Whitman & Company.
Contemporary Picture Books (Grades K-4)
- Baptist, K. J., & Jennings, L. (2021). The Electric Slide and Kai. Lee & Low Books.
- Bingham, W., & Esperanza, C. G. (2021). Soul Food Sunday. Abrams Books.
- Grant, S., & Thomas, K. (2022). My Fade Is Fresh. Penguin Random House.
- Ramos, N., & Alcántara, J. (2021). Your Mama. Versify.
- Redd, N., & Myers, N. (2020). Bedtime Bonnet. Random House Books for Young Readers.
Classic Black-Centric Texts (All Grades)
- Myers, W. D. (2000). The Blues of Flats Brown. Holiday House.
- Smalls, I., & Geter, T. (1991). Irene and the Big Fine Nickel. Little, Brown and Company.
- Tarpley, N. A., & Lewis, E. B. (2003). I Love My Hair! Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
- Woodson, J. (1994). Ghost Writer: The Book Chase. Bantam Books.
Related Reading
The following is an adapted excerpt from Tammy Mulligan and Claire Landrigan's It's All About the Books.