My students are curious, thoughtful, and growing into their voices. They come from many different cultural backgrounds, speak multiple languages, and bring unique perspectives into our classroom every day. What they often don't see? Themselves in the books they read.
Too many classroom libraries rely on the same few titles—books that often center only one kind of experience.
But my students deserve stories that reflect their identities, traditions, struggles, and triumphs. They deserve books that act as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors: mirrors to see themselves, windows to see others, and doors to step into new worlds with empathy and understanding.
I’m requesting a diverse collection of culturally responsive books written by authors from various backgrounds—Black, Latinx, Asian American, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and more. These books will include both contemporary stories and historical fiction, across genres students love: realistic fiction, fantasy, graphic novels, and memoirs.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Russell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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