Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Literary Resources

We invite members of the community to support the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging work at C&C. See below for monthly resources provided by the C&C Office of Community Life, Equity, and Inclusion.

March/April 2023 Literary Resources

Lower School

Mae Among The Stars by Roda Ahmed

An inspiring story, Mae Among the Stars is great for young readers who have big dreams. Ages 2–6

G My Name is Girl: A Song of Celebration from Argentina to Zambia by Dawn Masi

Girls from 26 different countries are beautifully and thoughtfully represented in this tribute to global girlhood. Ages 3–7

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating

Eugenie Clark devoted her life to learning about sharks. She worked hard to earn several college degrees and, after making countless discoveries, Eugenie earned the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her many accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared, and that women can do anything they set their minds to.

Ages 3–7

My Rainbow by Trinity and DeShanna Neal

A dedicated mom puts love into action as she creates the perfect rainbow-colored wig for her transgender daughter. This book is based on the real-life experience of the authors, mother-daughter advocate duo Trinity and DeShanna Neal. Ages 4–8

Mary Wears What She Wants by Keith Negley

This empowering picture book is inspired by the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a trailblazing 19th-century doctor who was arrested many times for wearing pants. This picture book encourages readers to think for themselves while also challenging gender and societal norms. Ages 4–8

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Maker’s Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel

This is the true story of a young Ukranian immigrant, Clara Lemlich, who led the largest strike of women workers in U.S. history. Ages 4–9

Rosie Revere, Engineer and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

Two critically-acclaimed fiction books about girls interested in following their passions in STEM After overcoming obstacles, both girls learn that you can only truly fail, if you quit. Ages 3–6

Sarah and the Big Wave: The True Story of the First Woman to Surf Mavericks by Bonnie Tsui

This book tells the true story of Sarah, the first woman to ride the waves at Mavericks, one of the biggest and most dangerous surf breaks in the world. Ages 4–8

Middle School

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà Lai

This true story was inspired by the author’s childhood experience as a refugee—fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon and immigrating to Alabama. It is a coming-of-age novel told in verse and has been celebrated for its unique child’s-eye view of family and immigration. Ages 9–12

The Deep and Dark Blue by Niki Smith

In this fictional, graphic novel, Hawke and Grayson are forced to flee their home after a political uprising. They must also assume new identities—Hanna and Grayce. As they navigate through their new surroundings, they begin to hatch a plan to avenge their family and retake their royal home. While Hawke wants to return to his old life, Grayce realizes she wants to stay in this new place that will allow her to finally live as a girl. Ages 8–12

You Should Meet: Yayoi Kusama by May Nakamura

When Yayoi Kusama was a little girl, she told her parents she wanted to be an artist. After a childhood filled with adversity and poverty, in 2006, she became the first Japanese woman to receive the Praemium Imperiale, one of the highest honors given by the Japanese Imperial Family. Today, she is one of the most famous artists in the world. Ages 6–9

Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric Life by Cheryl Blackford

While Mary Anning would eventually become one of the most celebrated paleontologists ever, she grew up poor and uneducated. She supported herself by selling fossils and received little formal recognition throughout her lifetime. Her findings helped shape scientific thinking about extinction and prehistoric life long before Charles Darwin published his famous work on evolution. Ages 10 and up

Melissa (Previously Published as George) by Alex Gino

When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy named George. But she knows she’s not a boy. She knows she’s a girl. After going through difficult situations with her peers and teachers, Melissa finally comes up with a plan so everyone can know who she is, once and for all. Ages 9–12

Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future! by Kate Schatz

This book begins with an introduction that discusses what it means to be “rad” and “radical,” and ends with an afterword that includes a resource guide with ideas for further learning and reading. “I feel honored to be included in this book. Women need to take radical steps to become feminists, and to be strong to fight for their rights and those of others facing oppression and discrimination. The world needs rad women to create a just society.” —Dolores Huerta, Labor Leader, Civil Rights Activist. Ages 6–11

Upper School

Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen by Jazz Jennings

Teen advocate and trailblazer Jazz Jennings shares her very public transgender journey, as she inspires people to accept the differences in others while they embrace their own truths. Ages 12 and up

Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz

This fictional novel was inspired by the real life of Dr. Betty Shabazz before she met Malcolm X. Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcolm and Betty’s daughter, along with writer Renee Watson, expanded upon and illuminated four poignant years in Betty’s childhood. The result is an inspiring portrait of a girl overcoming the challenges of self-acceptance and belonging that will resonate with young readers today. Ages 10 and up

I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World by Malala Yousafzai

Learn how Malala Yousafzai faced hardships, including nearly dying, to gain the right to an education. Malala’s heroism led to her becoming the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson

If she wants to succeed in life, Jade believes she must get out of her poor neighborhood. Each day, Jade rides the bus away from her community to the private school where she feels like an outsider, but has access to more opportunities. With everyone always offering her “support” Jade grows tired of being seen as someone who needs help. She wants to tell her own story and show other women about understanding the world and finding ways to be real and to make a difference. Ages 11 and Up

The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba’s Struggle for Freedom by Margarita Engle

Acclaimed poet Margarita Engle gives us a gripping, breathtaking account of a tumultuous period in Cuban history, centered on the true story of the folk hero Rosa la Bayamesa. This new edition contains the Spanish and English text available in one book. Ages 12 and up

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer—Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford

Fannie Lou Hamer was a champion of civil rights from the 1950s until her death in 1977. In 1964, Ms. Hamer gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention that, despite President Johnson’s interference, aired on national news and spurred the nation to support the Freedom Democrats. Featuring vibrant mixed-media art full of intricate detail, this book celebrates Fannie Lou Hamer’s life and legacy with a message of hope, determination, and strength. Ages 10–13

Cold War Correspondent: A Korean War Tale by Nathan Hale

Part of a larger series of graphic novels that tell true stories of American history, this book centers on Marguerite Higgins, who became bureau chief of the Far East Asia desk for the New York Herald Tribune. When the Korean War began, Marguerite fled with the refugees heading south, but ended up trapped in enemy territory. She shared her eyewitness account, only to be told that women didn’t belong on the frontlines. After the United States Army officially ordered her out of Korea, she appealed to General Douglas MacArthur, and he personally lifted the ban on female war correspondents, which allowed her the chance to report on many of the major events of the Korean War. Ages 10 and up

Rolling Warrior: The Incredible, Sometimes Awkward, True Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels Who Helped Spark a Revolution by Judith Heumann with Kristen Joiner

In this young readers’ edition of her acclaimed memoir, Being Heumann, Judy shares her journey of battling for equal access in an unequal world. She fought to attend school after being described as a “fire hazard” because of her wheelchair, and later sued the New York City school system for denying her a teacher’s license because of her disability. Judy went on to lead the longest sit-in protest in US history at the San Francisco Federal Building. Her bravery, persistence, and signature rebellious streak will speak to everyone fighting for social justice. Ages 10–13

Archives of DEIB Literary Resources

Click here for February 2023 Literary Resources