Since I was a child, libraries have represented opportunity – the possibility of a hearty laugh, a transformative idea, or an imaginative journey. I could sense the wealth of knowledge … Read More
Ten Nonfiction Books Written By and About African Americans
In honor of Black History Month, here are ten nonfiction books by and about African Americans, recommended by the WITS staff. Practice What We Preach The WITS team encourages RLTA … Read More
Celebrating Black History with Eight Biographies
The WITS library is full of diverse picture books, poetry, chapter books, graphic novels, and of course, biographies! The biographies in our collection range from traditional informational texts, to picture … Read More
Rochelle Lee and the Power of a Good Book
Libraries Are Magic Do you remember your elementary school library? How about the librarian? I vividly remember when my school librarian, Mrs. Barclay, read The Legend of the Bluebonnets and … Read More
Not Your Average Valentine’s Day Books
There are plenty of actual Valentine’s Day books out there: some more charming and original than others. Here are eight books about love for our partners, friends, families, and communities … Read More
Building Relationships Between Corporations and Neighborhood Schools
The WITS Mission WITS sets students on a trajectory for success by building critical literacy skills and developing positive self-identity through teacher led literacy professional development and volunteer powered mentorship … Read More
Diversity and Children’s Books: Celebrating Multicultural Children’s Book Day
Recently, at one of my Mid-Day Mentoring programs, a student came up to me after reading “You Should Meet Mae Jemison” by Laurie Calkhoven. She told me how excited she … Read More
Beyond Dr. Seuss: Ten Rhyming Picture Books
A WITS community member recently asked us for suggestions for rhyming picture books for a first grader and specified “not Dr. Seuss.” Frankly, I appreciated that direction! Many, many excellent … Read More
