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:

• Your guide to brands whose pride-themed merch actually gives back to LGBTQ communities. Take all my money. (Those rainbow glitter Chuck Taylor high tops are sparkling on my feet as we speak.)
• Reading legend Pernille Ripp’s best books of 2019 so far.
• The Forgotten Tale of How Black Psychiatrists Helped Make ‘Sesame Street.’ “The program had originally been a radical experiment in the use of mass media to give the youngest generation of Americans their first experience of what Martin Luther King Jr. had famously called the Beloved Community: one based on justice, equal opportunity and positive regard for one’s fellow human beings, regardless of race, color or creed.”
• ‘Can’t pay their bills with love’: In many teaching jobs, teachers’ salaries can’t cover rent.
• “With All Boys Aren’t Blue, George Johnson is the latest at-bat in what is shaping up to be a burgeoning, yet bountiful genre, that of black queer men coming of age.” All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Black Queer Man Writes About Black Queer Life for Black Queer Kids.
• ‘Why Do They Hate Me? They Don’t Even Know Me’: The Effects Of Racist Encounter At MFA Linger With Students.

• Cop-turned-teacher says stress of teaching matches policing. “In terms of workload and stress, beginning teachers were on a par with young constables, he said – but were paid about $10k a year less.“

• This is how gay dads shut down ignorant parenting stereotypes.

• Parents: let your kids fail. You’ll be doing them a favor. The most interesting part of this article, for me? The reason kids want their grandparents to attend at their sporting events, instead of their parents.

• “[Last] week, a Texas teacher made news by tweeting President Trump to ask for help “actively investigating and removing” undocumented students from her district. In the face of this stark reminder of the hostility undocumented children face even from those charged with their care, we’re sharing our best resources for supporting and protecting undocumented students.” Protecting Undocumented Students.

• It’ll take time before we understand the true cost of losing librarians.

• Are graphic novels “real books”? Are they truly challenging our readers? Or are they just a waste of time, “dessert” books? Reading legend Pernille Ripp tackles the misconceptions about graphic novels with science AND experience, as both a parent and a teacher. Well worth your time. Not Too Easy – Embracing Graphic Novels at Home.

• Man Donates Pool Passes to Kids in Charlottesville, Albemarle County. Happy swimming, little friends!

• I was a white teacher who couldn’t talk about race. A journey through successful U.S. high schools changed my thinking. I hope you’ll read this piece; there’s so much to unpack and consider. I was a No Excuses, white savior-style teacher for years. I thought I was doing good. I was not. I make mistakes and work to be better every day, and I still have so much to learn. My personal history made this story hard to read, but it’s important. All teachers should take a few minutes to read.