Little Radicals Story Time

ABOUT THE EVENT
Through reading books to fresh eyes, this Story Time event focuses on creating exactly what the name states: Little Radicals. Each month, we will focus on a theme and curate a collection of books, activities, and discussions for children and their parents to further their education and awareness of the world around them. February is all about Black futures!

ABOUT THE BOOKS
"Change Sings: A Children's Anthem" by Amanda Gorman
In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by presidential inaugural poet and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves.

"There was a Party for Langston" by Jason Reynolds
Back in the day, there was a heckuva party, a jam, for a word-making man. The King of Letters. Langston Hughes. His ABCs became drums, bumping jumping thumping like a heart the size of the whole country. They sent some people yelling and others, his word-children, to write their own glory. Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, and more came be-bopping to recite poems at their hero’s feet at that heckuva party at the Schomberg Library, dancing boom da boom, stepping and stomping, all in praise and love for Langston, world-mending word man. Oh, yeah, there was hoopla in Harlem, for its Renaissance man. A party for Langston.

FOR THE PARENTS:
"Black in Blues" by Imani Perry
Throughout history, the concept of Blackness has been remarkably intertwined with another color: blue. In daily life, it is evoked in countless ways. Blue skies and blue water offer hope for that which lies beyond the current conditions. But blue is also the color of deep melancholy and heartache, echoing Louis Armstrong’s question, “What did I do to be so Black and blue?” In this book, celebrated author Imani Perry uses the world’s favorite color as a springboard for a riveting emotional, cultural, and spiritual journey–an examination of race and Blackness that transcends politics or ideology.

"Harlem Rhapsody" by Victoria Christopher Murray
In 1919, a high school teacher from Washington, D.C arrives in Harlem excited to realize her lifelong dream. Jessie Redmon Fauset has been named the literary editor of The Crisis. The first Black woman to hold this position at a preeminent Negro magazine, Jessie is poised to achieve literary greatness. But she holds a secret that jeopardizes it all.

SCHEDULE
9:00 AM — Welcome & Sign-in
9:15 AM — Introduction & coloring
9:30 AM — Book Reading
10:00 AM — Activity/craft
10:45 AM — Wrap-up

ACCESSIBILITY
Parking: Metered street parking is available (parallel parking) on Market St. Paid lots are available within a few blocks. The closest one is on 21st and Market St.

Entrance Access: Our front door is at street level and manually operated, accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids. The rest of the block has sidewalks raised by five steps; however, the bike lane offers a step-free route down the block with minimal car traffic.

Restrooms: All-gender restrooms. Just like at home.

Communication: All staff on site speak English. There will be one Spanish speaking staff member. We welcome communication via translation apps (Google Translate is available). While we do not use ASL, we’re happy to communicate through apps or other tools that work for you.

Alcohol Policy: No alcohol will be served or permitted at this event.

Masks: Masks are encouraged and supplied.

Questions or Requests: Please contact us at [email protected] with any accessibility needs or questions.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher MATTER, Ltd.