Critical Urban Education - CUE at MSU

Our TEN alumni were busy this week! .in.wonderland came to speak to the current cohort about what they wish they knew about the first year of teaching. And then and .glam0ur joined a Zoom call to speak to students at the University of Pennsylvania about their social justice unit plans! So much wisdom to share, so little time

TEN's Social Justice Book Club presents: I Am Enough by Grace Byers, as reviewed by Sydney Sexton, celebrates what it means to “be enough” and how each person has different attributes that make them special. Throughout the story of a young girl, she celebrates self-love, and self worth. The message of everyone being special in their own way is expressed through positive affirmations. Although everyone has differences, it is important to recognize the beauty within yourself.

TEN's Social Justice Book Club presents: Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice, as reviewed by Eunice Chung, explores the reality of racial injustice through the perspectives of two families navigating a tragic event in their community. It helps young readers understand unfair treatment, privilege, and the importance of speaking up against racism. It’s a meaningful reminder that justice begins with awareness, empathy, and action.

TEN's Social Justice Book Club presents: We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, as reviewed by Angeline Paredes, shows what it looks like to stand up for something that truly matters. Inspired by real Indigenous-led protests, this book helps children see that their voices can protect their communities and the environment. It encourages students to speak up, raise awareness, and take action. I like how it shows that even young people can be a part of real change. What is something your students would stand up for?

TEN's Social Justice Book Club presents: I Am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer, as reviewed by Cristina Nascimento, shares the story of a young girl who showed quiet courage that changed history. Through Rosa’s story, readers learn how standing up for what’s right, even in small ways, can make a big difference. This book is a heartfelt reminder that bravery matters and that every voice counts.

TEN's Social Justice Book Club presents: Nathan Maynard and Brad Weinstein's Hacking school discipline: 9 ways to create a culture of empathy & responsibility using restorative justice, as reviewed by Matheo Santos.

There are several aspects to schooling that can quickly turn antagonistic towards students when not keeping justice and empathy centered. One of these aspects is in school discipline, which brings us to Hacking school discipline: 9 ways to create a culture of empathy & responsibility using restorative justice. This book will serve as an outline for methods of discipline that divert from traditional punishment and will instead support responsible and independent behaviors and traits in students.

TEN's Social Justice Book Club presents: Alexandra Penfold's book All Are Welcome, as reviewed by Alyssa Savianeso, honors kindness, inclusivity, and diversity in the classroom.

TEN's Social Justice Book Club presents: A Is For Adobo: ABCs Of Filipino Culture”by G.M. Reyes, as reviewed by Kierra Wingle. A fun and educational book that also celebrates the cultural identity of the Filipino. The book includes important aspects, including popular foods, places, activities, and history. While being able to understand the importance of their culture, students will also be expanding on their vocabulary knowledge. Non-Filipino students can get an inside look at this culture, learn about its importance, and how to respect others who are different from them.

TEN's Social Justice Book Club presents: You Can Be Activist: How to Use Your Strengths & Passions to Make a Difference by Charlene Rocha and Mary Beth (Illustrated by Drew Shannon) is about children learning about different ways to take action in their communities. The book teaches children that they can take action at any grade they want if they are really passionate about it. It also tells them to use their strengths to help them take actions and they don't have to be public speakers to be activist. The book is a very helpful way to get children a start to try to take action and make a change in their communities.

So what’d you think?! What one word would you use to describe the incredible Dr. Gholdy Muhammad’s CUE talk?! The first person to comment wins their own copy of Dr. Muhammad’s book, Unearthing Joy! 💛