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In Memoriam: Exploring Children's Books by bell hooks

December 15, 2021

The death of author, activist, and feminist critic bell hooks on December 15 struck me as too soon, and wholly unexpected. Writing at the intersection of politics, race, gender, and class, hooks leaves us with a prolific body of work that also includes children's books. Her books for children feature pithy text and colorful illustrations, which make them particularly well suited for toddlers and preschoolers. However, to borrow a turn of phrase from hooks herself, picture books are for everyone

There are books about feeling your feelings, even the grumpy ones.

There are books about loving the texture of your hair. 

There are books celebrating the bond between a child and her parents. 

There are books about loving being a boy. 

And there are books about looking beyond the skin to see what's within. 

Klem-Mari Cajigas

Klem-Mari

In a former life, Klem-MarĂ­ was a Religious Studies scholar. She much prefers being the Family Literacy Coordinator for Bringing Books to Life! She wants you to read and share books with the children in your life, and for those children to see you to read as well. Originally from Puerto Rico, Klem-MarĂ­ also enjoys her cat, baking, yoga, and the works of Octavia Butler.