Canyon Creek PTA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee has organized a new program for Canyon Creek - the Windows & Mirrors Book Drive! All books will go to Canyon Creek library and classrooms. Each month we will focus on a different theme with intersectionality at the core.
The ONE purpose of the Windows & Mirrors Book Drive is to diversify and update Canyon Creek library content! These book lists were curated using NSD-recommended sites and encompasses multicultural and social justice books, books covering neurodiversity, the many beautiful forms of love and identity, physical challenges, holidays, and heritage...just to name a few!
"Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of the larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books."
- Bishop, R. S. (1990). Mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors. Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom,6(3).
During June, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, we focused on finding and purchasing books that celebrate how LGBTQ Americans have strengthened our country, by using their talent and creativity to help create awareness and goodwill.
(see "How Can I Help?" section below for instructions for Amazon wishlist & shipping)
Also, you can find the prior focus book lists below - if you feel inspired to provide those books!!
There are three ways you can choose to help:
During May, Jewish American Heritage Month AND Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we focused on finding and purchasing books that celebrate Jewish Americans, Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders and their cultures!
During April, we highlighted two days: Autism Awareness Day & International Mother Earth Day. We focused on finding and purchasing books that share information about autism as well as books about our planet!
During March, Women's History Month & Irish-American Heritage Month, we focused on finding and purchasing books that celebrate both women and Irish-Americans as part of our cumulative history and culture!
During February, Black History Month, we are focused our resources and energy on procuring and purchasing books that represent African Americans and/or African American authors.
If you are interested in getting more involved with our DEI Committee, please fill out this form. We would love to have YOU!
Any questions or comments, please email our committee at dei@canyoncreekpta.org.