Reading and literacy learning provide key spaces for teachers to enact a multicultural curriculum that facilitates critical conversations to help students learn the power of their voices, engage as change agents, and become curious about the world around them. The authors share snapshots of practice in real classrooms and provide an understanding that teachers can use to directly support their students by shaping positive identities and supportive communities. Framed with critical literacy theory and grounded in the idea that texts reflect experience and build empathy, the authors provide stories drawn from three districts in the Pacific Northwest. The chapters are filled with useful activities and include pause-and-reflect boxes with essential questions to help readers analyze their practices. Several chapters end with lists of select picture books that can connect readers to ideas of identity and empathy. Practicing and preservice teachers will find this volume a valuable and insightful resource. Summing Up: Recommended. Advanced undergraduates and practitioners.

Choice Reviews

Reading to Belong: Identity, Perspective and Advocacy in the Elementary Grades is a gem and makes a valuable addition to help students and teachers know how to respond to some of the controversies and conflicts in our troubled society. It provides myriad strategies for leading and teaching students many of the skills needed to function effectively, not only in school and careers, but also to preserve our democracy: Listening with understanding and empathy, remaining vulnerable and open to continuous learning, sharing gratitude, valuing diversity, inquiring and problem-solving, thinking flexibly and interdependently – are all dispositions that students will need not only today but also to contribute to and be successful in their future. This book should be in every elementary school teacher's professional library.

Arthur L. Costa, professor emeritus, California State University; co-author of Cognitive Coaching: Developing Self-Directed Leaders and Learners

Reading to Belong beautifully explores the importance of creating classroom spaces that are intentional about focusing on racial equity and cultural humility. Through eloquent storytelling and practical strategies, these authors provide powerful insights on how to do this crucial work. A must read for anyone seeking to understand, advocate and create powerful change in their classroom.

Alaina Sivadasan, executive director of Equity, Issaquah School District (Issaquah, WA)

Reading to Belong: Identity, Perspective, and Advocacy in the Elementary Grades is an essential resource for all educators – and particularly for those who serve as elementary teachers, support personnel and administrators. While fully supported by research, the authors are dedicated practitioners who have captured their own experiences in identity development with young children and adults. Beginning with a compelling Why, this resource illustrates what is possible through descriptions of authentic lessons and actual dialogue with elementary students. Through frequent open-ended questions, educators are encouraged to consider how to create the conditions for this work in their own classrooms, schools and organizations. The authors also offer support to navigate the turbulence that critical conversations, advocacy and action intends to create. As a former teacher and principal dedicated to equity for each and every person, this is the book that I needed then – and as a preparation program director, still need now.

Ann O'Doherty, Ed.D, director, Danforth Educational Leadership Program, University of Washington

Living and working in a community/school district whose diversity has experienced dramatic growth over the last five years, Reading to Belong provides knowledge and tools to support elementary teachers in their quest to celebrate and embrace the different cultures that are represented in their classrooms. It can be used to support the climate of belonging and empathy that all educators want to create, and all parents want for their child. The identification of “teachable moments” and action steps make this a valuable tool.

Tony Davis, director of Equity and Family Partnerships, Tahoma School District, Maple Valley, WA

Reading to Belong is one of those books that moves you to action. While the authors provide you the requisite background and research, more importantly, they discuss tangible and effective strategies that elementary educators can immediately implement to support students in understanding their own identities, connections to others, and feeling a sense of belonging. The authors strike the right balance of humility and reflection but demonstrate how that it is in our actions, and empowering students’ self-advocacy, that we will truly help to improve the lives of our students and families as well as our communities.”

Damien Pattenaude, superintendent, Renton School District, Renton, WA