A must-have addition to the shelf for any parent hoping to introduce more inclusive books into the home, with 100+ essential titles for early readers through high school
Brimming with the history and culture of Black America, this one-of-a-kind resource is delivered in a package that all children find irresistible: stories. Education expert Amber O'Neal Johnston—who homeschools her four children—offers masterfully curated booklists, sorted by age, for diving into the fullness of the African American cultural experience.
Soul School books are must-have mirrors for Black children and priceless windows for others, but first and foremost, they’re captivating stories. And while they’re sure to hold a special place in the hearts of Black families, they are unequivocally and without hesitation for all children.
In addition to the booklists, Johnston artfully weaves together knowledge of the past and awareness of the present by examining cultural values, historical highlights, and the power of storytelling while teaching families what to look for and how to enjoy prose, verse, and illustrations that celebrate Black American culture.
Soul School offers the best children’s, middle grade, and young adult books available today, each accompanied by discussion questions, activities, and related resource recommendations. Covering toddlers to teens and everyone in between, Soul School is an education for us all.
“As a writer who has for decades written to fill the holes in the literature of my childhood, I am so deeply grateful that Soul School is finally in the world. Here is the literary Bible for every parent, teacher, student, auntie—my list can go on and on—who wants a deeper understanding of why our books matter. Timely and timeless.” —Jacqueline Woodson, MacArthur Fellow and National Book Award–winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming
“Far-ranging and inclusive, Soul School is an invaluable contribution to a necessary, ongoing conversation about Black books, Black life, and the joy of reading.” —Jabari Asim, author of Yonder
“Soul School is a selection tool for educators working to curate illuminating fiction and informational texts from the genius of Black writers. Amber’s vetted book lists will impact learning and inspire students to pursue life in the spirit of joy.” —Alice Faye Duncan, National Board Certified Teacher and author of Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop
Amber O’Neal Johnston is a homeschooling mother of four who speaks and writes as Heritage Mom about including diverse voices in traditional curricula and infusing culture into the home environment. She is the author of A Place to Belong and a regular contributor to the Wild + Free homeschooling community.
View titles by Amber O'Neal Johnston
A must-have addition to the shelf for any parent hoping to introduce more inclusive books into the home, with 100+ essential titles for early readers through high school
Brimming with the history and culture of Black America, this one-of-a-kind resource is delivered in a package that all children find irresistible: stories. Education expert Amber O'Neal Johnston—who homeschools her four children—offers masterfully curated booklists, sorted by age, for diving into the fullness of the African American cultural experience.
Soul School books are must-have mirrors for Black children and priceless windows for others, but first and foremost, they’re captivating stories. And while they’re sure to hold a special place in the hearts of Black families, they are unequivocally and without hesitation for all children.
In addition to the booklists, Johnston artfully weaves together knowledge of the past and awareness of the present by examining cultural values, historical highlights, and the power of storytelling while teaching families what to look for and how to enjoy prose, verse, and illustrations that celebrate Black American culture.
Soul School offers the best children’s, middle grade, and young adult books available today, each accompanied by discussion questions, activities, and related resource recommendations. Covering toddlers to teens and everyone in between, Soul School is an education for us all.
Praise
“As a writer who has for decades written to fill the holes in the literature of my childhood, I am so deeply grateful that Soul School is finally in the world. Here is the literary Bible for every parent, teacher, student, auntie—my list can go on and on—who wants a deeper understanding of why our books matter. Timely and timeless.” —Jacqueline Woodson, MacArthur Fellow and National Book Award–winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming
“Far-ranging and inclusive, Soul School is an invaluable contribution to a necessary, ongoing conversation about Black books, Black life, and the joy of reading.” —Jabari Asim, author of Yonder
“Soul School is a selection tool for educators working to curate illuminating fiction and informational texts from the genius of Black writers. Amber’s vetted book lists will impact learning and inspire students to pursue life in the spirit of joy.” —Alice Faye Duncan, National Board Certified Teacher and author of Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop
Author
Amber O’Neal Johnston is a homeschooling mother of four who speaks and writes as Heritage Mom about including diverse voices in traditional curricula and infusing culture into the home environment. She is the author of A Place to Belong and a regular contributor to the Wild + Free homeschooling community.
View titles by Amber O'Neal Johnston
