Let’s read some books
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Welcome to my bookshelf
I use this website and my Twitter to share recommendations for books that I love, as well as to share learnings from my time as a librarian. My goal is to help people stack their bookshelves full of terrific books - inspiring, hilarious, moving, thought-provoking, thrilling, beautiful books - that are free from harm.
As I continue to build out my own anti-oppression bookshelves, I recognize that I am always learning and getting better. All my lists are ever-evolving and expanding. As I learn better, I write about how I’ve changed my book lists. If you see something that needs my attention and learning, please don’t hesitate to notify me. Any feedback that helps me grow as a person and as a professional is a gift.
Kids’ Books for Reconciliation
My go-to resources for Orange Shirt Day and beyond to help learn with kids about residential schools, colonial violence and harm, and Indigenous resilience and healing.
Suck it, Cho Chang!: celebrating diversity in middle grade novels
The best middle grade novels that showcase intersectional diverse stories. A selection of my all-time favourites for stories that celebrate joy and diversity.
X is for Xiao Long Bao: celebrating diversity in picture books
The best picture books that showcase intersectional diverse stories. A selection of my all-time favourites for stories that celebrate joy and diversity.
Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Middle-Grade Novels
Looking for middle-grade books to help teach or talk about anti-oppression? Read on to learn about my go-to favourites.
Teaching Anti-Oppression Through Picture Books
Looking for books to help teach or talk about anti-oppression? Read on to learn about my go-to favourites.
Best Books of 2021
It has been a heck of a year, but books will never let us down! For the school-aged kid in your life, or the school-aged kid inside you, here are some books I loved in 2021.
Only thin people can clarinet
Anti-fatness is pervasive in children’s book publishing, and we need to do better. Here are some lessons about the absence of fat bodies in picture books that I’ve learned from my time as an equity and bias reviewer.
No more slanty eyes
As someone who remembers being a Chinese kid and seeing the illustrations of me in picture books, let me just say that slanty little slit eyes can go to hell.
Alligators can be girls, too
For International Women’s Day this year, this librarian encourages you to vandalize and editorialize some books. This year, commit to bringing more ‘she’ into your read-alouds!
Black History Month: a book a day
In honour of Black History Month, I highlight one book a day by Black authors and/or illustrators. Here are some of my all-time favourites from board books to YA novels.
Best Books of 2020
My gift to you this holiday season is a massive list of my favourite reads from this year. For the joy of kids you know or your own self, here are some books I loved in 2020!
