Social Justice Resources
We have thoughtfully included some resources (active links) that might be helpful in integrating and developing thoughtful reflection, comprehension and conversation focused around the social justice issues found in Crenshaw.
What social justice issues are found in Crenshaw?
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Homelessness, food insecurity and the struggles of a low SES family can all be found within the plot of Crenshaw. For us, it was important that students would come away from the book with increasing empathy towards families like Jackson's, especially with the prevalence of poverty in America.
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Why is it important for teachers to include elements of social justice in the classroom?
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As educators, it is important to lean into these themes as they will inform our students world view. Social justice can be found within the pages of children's books, and although it might seem like these issues might too dark, ignoring these issues can lead to misinformation, ignorance and apathy. https://www.teachingforchange.org is a great resource to help get you started!
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How can students help?
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First, they can read more books like Crenshaw, paired with quality texts that deepen understanding! Another great resource we found was author Katherine Applegate's initiative to create a #CrenshawFoodDrive. Click here to learn more if you are interested in getting involved!
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Helpful videos
Video focusing on American families living in cars from CBS news. Could help students expand thinking in regards to Jackson's family situation.
National Geographic video on food insecurity. Connects to Jackson's family and their struggle for food.
National Geographic video on food insecurity. Connects to Jackson's family and their struggle for food.
Discovery Kids video about the benefits of imaginary friends. This connects to Jackson's coping with his family's food insecurity and financial stresses.
Discovery Kids video about the benefits of imaginary friends. This connects to Jackson's coping with his family's food insecurity and financial stresses.
Kids and parents talk about homelessness, from the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Helpful links and articles
https://datausa.io/profile/geo/watauga-county-nc/
This site allows you to enter in any county or town in the US and find out lots of different data about the towns poverty level, average income and more.
https://povertyusa.org/homepage
On this site, you can explore poverty and homelessness. Also find out how you can make a difference!
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https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/understand-food-insecurity/
Helpful article on food insecurity from Feeding America.
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https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
Food pantry locator from Feeding America.
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National Alliance to End Homelessness. Educate yourself about homelessness in America by exploring this site.
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https://www.children.org/global-poverty/global-poverty-facts/facts-about-poverty-in-usa
Learn more about poverty for kids in the US by reading this article.
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Other ideas...
-Start a food, clothing, or resources drive in your classroom and donate it to a local shelter or food bank! Reading literature that includes socioeconomic diversity as well as teaching students how to read critically and be advocates for social justice can help to inspire change!