September is a month filled with the hum of activities, milestones, and changes in the seasons. Kids are headed back to school and, dare I say it, the year is winding down FAST.
September is also a month with some significant milestones, holidays, and observations. Here are some books and booklists to add to your “almost autumn” reading line-up!
Diverse Books that Coincide with September Observances
Sunday, September 12 is National Grandparents Day! So let’s look at some wonderful diverse books that honor Grandma and Grandpa, Babushka and Dedushka, Yia Yia and Papou, Abuela and Abuelo, and many more.
Jodie from Growing Book by Book has a big list of wonderful children’s books that celebrates grandmas and grandpas of all types. her list includes books about grandparents and illness and the loss of a grandparent.
September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a time to shine the light on the realities of childhood cancer, emphasizing the importance of life-saving research, and join together to make a difference for children diagnosed. The situation is urgent – incidence rates are rising, and cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children. Though this topic truly makes my heartache and my tummy roll, I know of many Cancer Warriors who aren’t even old enough to drive yet. Here are four picture books that honor Childhood Cancer Awareness Month from Franticmommy.
Tuesday, September 21 is the International Day of Peace. Sometimes officially known as World Peace Day, is a United Nations-sanctioned holiday observed annually on 21 September.
When I think about the amazing books available for kids on the subject of peace, one stands out in my mind. This is The Earth by Deedee Cummings started out as a poem, but it was a poem that was so powerful that it inspired her to connect with illustrator Charlene Mosley turn it into a diverse picture book for kids. This book has a resounding message that peace is meant for all of us. Kids and adults will love the lyrical message and thoughtful artwork all about this planet as our home and every human being as our neighbor and family.
We are all human beings.
We all have the same basic needs.
We all cry.
We all laugh.
We all want to belong.
We all love what we love.
“Peace is a language and our children, for the most part, are not learning this language,” Deedee shared. “We do not know how to disagree with each other without being at odds. We are, as a whole, not very good listeners. We do not have to be right all the time. Hold on to this and spread this message around.”
Here is to another year of recommitting to doing our part to spread hope, compassion, and peace to as many other souls as we can.
Keep Calm and Read On!
Rebecca “Becky” Flansburg is an author, freelance writer, and project manager for the non-profit online children’s literacy initiative, Multicultural Children’s Book Day/ #ReadYourWorld. Join the celebration! Our 9th annual celebration will take place on January 28, 2022. For more information, visit Multicultural Children’s Book Day on the web.
Leave Your Comment