I love reading, and I am even more passionate about reading with kids —not only to help them acquire the literary skills essential for academic and career success. I read to my kids daily since birth and have seen how important that is for early learning development firsthand. Reading expands their worlds, helps them explore new ideas, and provides opportunities to reflect on and process their own experiences.
This week, Ed Fund volunteers will be in Oakland classrooms in honor of Latine/x Heritage Month (which runs through Oct. 15) for the Latine/x Literature Read-In, sharing books written by authors whose Latine/x heritage informs their work.
Children thrive in environments where they feel represented, accepted, and valued, and cultural heritage months are great ways for students to celebrate who they are and where they come from.
I read Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan while my daughter was reading it in her Oakland Unified School District classroom. I love the beautifully rich characters, lyrical writing, and timelessness of the story.
My daughter loves how the main character, Esperanza, grows as a person—transitioning from being wealthy in Mexico to being an under-resourced immigrant in the US and learning to work hard to support her family for the first time.
While an individual story doesn’t represent every heritage, it is part of the beautiful, infinite, ever-changing cultural tapestry that is life. Esperanza Rising parallels the experience of so many of our own families and youth in Oakland wherever they began their story. It reminds me that every one of us has a journey.
I hope you’ll take the time to spend time reading with kids and discussing the stories you share together. The Ed Fund has a list of recommended Latine/x Heritage Month titles for all ages—and of course, you can find more at the Oakland Public Library! There you can even get personalized reading recommendations. Check it out!
-Ali Medina, Executive Director