Articles and news stories are constantly pushing me to consider something new, broaden my perspective, or change the way I look at an issue. My husband likes to joke that my brain explodes with something new on a daily basis. These articles – and the brain explosions that result from them – are so beneficial for me that I wanted to create a place where I could share them, in case you might want to read them, too. Learn more about Things that Made My Brain Explode – and see past posts – here. 

Here’s a recent batch of Things that Made my Brain Explode:

• “If that self-education sounds daunting, Kendi recommends thinking of racism as the equivalent of a disease or illness their child could contract. ‘Most parents would go on an extreme binge of learning about that disease. It’s essential for parents to go on a binge learning of the issue, the same way as they would with any other issue. They can stop the transfer of racist ideas from their own mind to their child’s mind.’ ” Black History Month is a chance for white parents to learn how to talk about racism.
• “We need to move beyond ‘we need diverse books‘ to ‘we need diverse people’.” How 10 Women Of Color Actually Feel About Working In Book Publishing.
• White teachers three times more negative with Black students, Rutgers study finds. Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Teachers, read the studies. Read the articles. Together, let’s all know better. And then, together, let’s all take our energy out of defending and explaining and instead, put it towards doing better.
• Shane Burcaw is just so hilarious and cool. He was on the Today Show recently – YouTube couple sheds light on misconceptions of dating with disabilities – but you can also check him out on YouTube and Tumblr, or check out a copy of his book, Not So Different: What You Really Want to Ask about Having a Disability, from our library.
• Don’t Let the Pigeon Build a Border Wall!
• If you want to be a writer, you have to be a reader first. One of my creative writing professors said this to me in college, word for word. It was some of the best advice I’ve ever received.
• A library media specialist in Chicago pens a response to Donald Trump Jr.’s loser teacher declaration: A Lesson for Donald Trump Jr., From a ‘Loser Teacher‘.
• The Two Codes your Kids Need to Know – “The College Board came up with a surprising conclusion about keys to success for college and life.”
• Furry Friends find Purpose in Local Elementary Schools. What an amazing program! I know these poochies from Books on Bikes, and they are just as sweet and patient in person. (As an added bonus, they’re adorable.)
• Essential reading if you teach, raise, or spend time with kids: How to Make Kids Comfortable in Their Own Bodies. I wish this article had been around when I was growing up.
• We watched this TED Talk at a professional development day at work on Monday and it sparked some important (but, if I’m being honest, often frustrating) conversations: No! You Cannot Touch my Hair.
• 20 Children’s Books for Black History Month, from a blogger and mom of three beautiful little girls. This one has been added to my list of Black History Month resources, which has been growing all month long!
• A San Fransisco library was concerned when about 25 people showed up to protest Drag Queen Story Hour. Then 500 people showed up to attend and support. After protests, an estimated 500 attend East Bay library’s ‘Drag Queen Story Hour’.
• I loved reading about the wonderful Meg Medina’s emotional reaction when she found out that her middle grade novel, Merci Suárez Changes Gears, won the Newbery Medal. Meg Medina on Winning the Newbery Medal. Way to go, Ms. Medina and Merci!
• A love letter to Miles Morales. This brought tears to my eyes. Representation matters.

• Barbie Is Now in a Wheelchair and Has a Prosthetic Leg. Have we talked about representation of chronic illness recently? Here’s another piece of proof, in case you forgot 🙂

• I’ve sat and tried to read through this interview about digital minimalism vs. digital maximalism about four times. The content is interesting, but I just can’t seem to get through it. Maybe you’ll have better luck? Cal Newport on Why We’ll Look Back at Our Smartphones Like Cigarettes.