Author Archives: Katie Foran-Mulcahy

Read AAPI: Asian American Pacific Islander Month

Posted on by

collage of book covers

May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month. To celebrate, the CECH Library has created a list of books by AAPI authors.  

Update: The use of the term #OwnVoices has been discontinued by We Need Diverse Books and the booklist below has been updated to reflect that. #OwnVoices has been used by many publishers/bookstores as a catch all for diverse authors and illustrators, making it a vague term that hides the diverse identities of the authors and the book characters from the narrative. Why We Need Diverse Books Is No Longer Using the Term #OwnVoices.

What makes a book Own Voices? 

An Own Voices book is one that is written by an author that is part of an under-represented group that features characters that are also part of that group. For example, if an author is part of the LGBTQ+ community and they write about a character that is also part of the LGBTQ+ community then that book is an Own Voices book. 

#OwnVoices was created by Corinne Duyvis, a young adult author and co-founder of Disability in Kidlit. She created the hashtag to share diverse children’s literature.  

Why are Own Voices books important? 

Own Voices books amplify diverse voices and provide necessary and important representation on our shelves. When book authors identify with the same group as their characters, they are more likely to have accurate and nuanced portrayals of that group than an author who is an outsider. Own Voices books are also less likely to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. 

How can I find Own Voices books? 

Many libraries, bookstores, and publishers develop Own Voices book lists. You can also search for #OwnVoices on social media to find reviews and book lists.  CECH Library’s AAPI book list is also available via our Children’s and Young Adult Literature LibGuide.

Interested in learning more? 

Post and book list by Haley Shaw, CECH Temporary Librarian

Read Before You Watch: Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Posted on by

Read Before You Watch highlights books in the the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) Library coming soon to TV screens or movie theaters.

Shadow & Bone / written by Leigh Bardugo / 2012

In this New York Times bestselling young adult fantasy, Shadow & Bone tells the story of young Alina Starkov as she discovers that she possesses a power with the ability to defeat the darkness of the shadow fold and unite the two sides of her country. Ravka, torn by years of dark power, sees Alina as she suddenly becomes the most important person within the country. All eyes are on her as she is taken by the Darkling, the most powerful Grisha in the kingdom, to the Little Palace for training.

Shadow & Bone is an excellent entryway for young readers interested in fantasy. A light yet gripping read, it draws the reader in an encapsulating universe and a fiery love triangle. Bardugo’s ability to create an engaging and original storyline grips you until the very last page as you take a dive into the Grishaverse. Shadow & Bone is a must read for lovers of fantasy and strong female leads!

Check out Shadow & Bone today at the CECH Library and read the series before it debuts on Netflix this spring!

Shadow & Bone is available from CECH Library,  as well as the OhioLINK and Search Ohio lending networks.

Review by Alyssa Gruich, CECH Library Student Assistant | Political Science, A&S 2022

National Poetry Month at CECH Library

Posted on by

To celebrate National Poetry Month, the CECH Library has created a display of poetry from our children’s and young adult book collections.  From classic children’s poetry to new titles, our curated list also features a selection of young poets under 25 that is excellent for young readers!

Visit the display in the CECH Library through April or check out our recommended reading list via the Children’s and Young Adult Literature guide.

Post and book list by Alyssa Gruich, CECH Library Student Assistant | Political Science, A&S 2022

CECH Library Supports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Posted on by

In accordance with the Bearcat Bond and Association of College and Research Libraries Diversity Standards, the CECH Library recognizes the “need and obligation to serve and advocate for racial and ethnically diverse constituencies.” To that end, CECH librarians have led and supported a variety of projects and programs related to anti-racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion this year. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been working on.

Anti-Racism LibGuides Audit

  • This fall CECH librarians performed an audit of 16 subject LibGuides in support of the CECH Schools of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology. After scoring guides with a rubric they created, CECH librarians curated additional resources to add to their subject guides including journals, databases, websites, and multimedia resources with anti-racism themes. Resources were also carefully chosen based on their intended audience – both academics and professionals working in field – as well as their respective purposes, with emphasis on subject-specific and general resources for self-reflection and professional development. Full informatiaon about the project, including our process, rubric, and listing of audited guides is available via our CECH Library Anti-Racism LibGuide Audit guide.

Anti-Racism Community Space

  • In partnership with the CECH Rapid Response Team, CECH Librarian Madeleine Gaiser is serving as the co-organizer of the CECH Anti-Racism Community Space alongside Josie Evans-Phillips, Assistant Dean for Inclusive Excellence and Community Partnerships. The Anti-Racism Community Space (ARCS) hosts monthly discussions in which a CECH faculty or staff give a short presentation followed by lively conversations about the issues raised by the presenter. This space also provides the CECH community a space to process news events, such as the Capitol insurrection in January. The space was started in November as a pilot program and this spring is becoming an official CECH DEI initiative. As co-organizer, Madeleine manages the publicity efforts for each meeting, serves as the event emcee, and coordinates with the presenter and discussion facilitators. She and Josie hope to share this model with other colleges and libraries at UC.

Diversity Research Day Planning

  • Due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the annual CECH Diversity Research Day took place virtually on February 24, 2021. CECH Library Head Katie Foran-Mulcahy served on this year’s planning team, creating a special Canvas community to house presentation materials and interactivity with presenters such as asynchronous poster discussion. Videos of live presentations will also be available via this Canvas community. Auto-enrollment into the Canvas community will be available through March 24 for UC students, faculty, and staff.

Interested in partnering with a CECH librarian on projects in support of anti-racism? Reach out to your CECH Librarian to discuss opportunities for collaboration and support.

Read Across America: Telling American Stories

Posted on by

Read Across America Day is celebrated every year on March 2. It is a literacy program that was launched in 1998 to celebrate the joy, fun, and adventure of reading. It was also originally a celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

During the 2019-20 school year Read Across America rebranded to better reflect the diverse demographics of public schools in the United States. Their updated mission to “Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers” includes year-round programming and themes that focus on diversity and inclusion.

The CECH Library created this list of books from our children’s and young adult literature collections that represent stories of America. This list includes stories of Indigenous peoples, Black Americans, and immigrants, as well as stories of Appalachia and various time periods in American history.

Additional Resources

Visit the display in the CECH Library through March or check out our recommended reading list via the Children’s and Young Adult Literature guide.

—

Post and book list by Haley Shaw, CECH Temporary Librarian

New Book Spotlight: Lovely War by Julie Berry

Posted on by

book cover lovely war by julie berryThe New Book Spotlight highlights new-to-us titles in the the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) Library

Lovely War / written by Julie Berry / 2019

A mix of historical fiction, romance, and mythology, Lovely War sees Greek Gods narrating an emotional story of two relationships, two wars, and the power of love. Accused of unfaithfulness by Hephaestus, Aphrodite has the chance to avoid trial by the Gods and tell the story of four mortals during WWI and the transcendence of love. It tells the story of James, a young British man drafted to serve in the army in France, falling for Hazel, a young and hopeful pianist. It also spans the story of Aubrey, a black soldier and ragtime pianist with Colette, a singer from Belgium who lost her family in Dinant. Showing perspectives on racism, sexism, mental health issues, and the tragic nature of war, Berry does an excellent job in incorporating the historical aspect during the time period, as well as the heart-wrenching circumstances young adults faced during the time. Topping my favorite books of 2020, Lovely War was an excellent and timeless read, showing the importance of hope, humanity, and friendship perfect for any young reader.

Lovely War is available from CECH Library,  as well as the OhioLINK and Search Ohio lending networks.

Review by Alyssa Gruich, CECH Library Student Assistant | Political Science, A&S 2022

Native American Heritage Month Collection Spotlight: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell

Posted on by

This Collection Spotlight highlights titles in the the CECH Library’s Kretschmer Collection of Native American Children’s Literature. This special collection features children’s books with Native American themes, written and illustrated by Native American authors and artists.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga / written by Traci Sorell ; artwork by Frané Lessac / 2018

We Are Grateful is a stunning picture book with vibrant illustrations that takes the reader through every season in the perspective of the Cherokee people. Focusing on the Cherokee word otsaliheliga which represents gratitude, we see all the ways that one might use it in their culture. Sorell provides the phonetic spelling of each Cherokee word, as well as a list of definitions and a syllabary at the end, providing a great introduction to the traditions and language.

Through the depictions of Cherokee food, games, and holidays, young children may explore gratefulness and what it means to be thankful in other cultures. This is a perfect read for Native American Heritage Month, and a great, modern introduction to the Cherokee culture, providing children a way to connect and learn more about the heritage.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga is available from CECH Library, as well as the OhioLINK and Search Ohio lending networks.

Review by Alyssa Gruich, CECH Library Student Assistant | Political Science, A&S 2022

Introducing the CECH Anti-Racism Community Space

Posted on by

The CECH Anti-Racism Community Space (ARCS) is devoted to building an inclusive community within our college dedicated to anti-racism. Each month we’ll learn, engage, and listen to one another alongside experts from our community. ARCS is open to all members of the CECH community – students, staff, faculty and alumni — and is co-presented by the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Board and the CECH Library.

Join us via WebEx on Tuesday, November 10 at 3:30 p.m. for our inaugural meeting. Dr. Antar Tichavakunda, Assistant Professor of Education, will lead a discussion on critical race theory.

New Book Spotlight: Bloom by Kevin Panetta

Posted on by

image from graphic novel bloom by kevin panettaThe New Book Spotlight highlights new-to-us titles in the the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) Library

Bloom / written by Kevin Panetta ; artwork by Savanna Ganucheau / 2019

In this contemporary graphic novel, Bloom tells the story of love, friendship, family, and baking. As Ari reaches the end of high school with dreams of moving to the city, he is eventually left working at his family’s bakery for the summer. When Hector ends up working there, the two develop a connection that spans friendship, love, and ultimately self discovery. Bloom perfectly captures that feeling of uncertainty with what the future holds along with these pivotal experiences that we have all felt and struggled with. A light yet impactful read, Bloom hits the exact mark of reality for that transitional period between leaving your teenage years and growing into adulthood. Panetta does not shy away from the real and natural road bumps of life; Bloom is an excellent coming-of-age novel with stunning illustrations.

Bloom is available from CECH Library,  as well as the OhioLINK, and Search Ohio lending networks.

Review by Alyssa Gruich, CECH Library Student Assistant | Political Science, A&S 2022

Online Options for Children’s Literature

Posted on by

Your CECH Library and local public libraries may be closed, but there are still several ways to access the children’s literature resources you need for classes, research, teaching, and learning — or simply keeping the kids in your life entertained! This blog post will feature a few key resources.

TumbleBook Library is an online collection of books. There are animated talking picture books, e-books, and informational videos. TumbleBook also offers games and quizzes. There are books in English, French, and Spanish. The site also features lists of books that meet specific Common Core Standards. TumbleBook Library can be accessed for free with your UC Login. Connect to TumbleBook Library

International Children’s Digital Library is a free collection of children’s books from all over the world. There are books in many different languages, including award winners. Connect to the International Children’s Digital Library

BookFlix is a resource provided through INFOhio. It pairs fiction and non-fiction picture books for themed lessons. Each lesson contains an animated read-along and an e-book as well as activities and additional information. It has books in English and Spanish, including classic favorites like Knuffle Bunny, Where the Wild Things Are, and Harold and the Purple Crayon. INFOhio login required for access. Email the CECH Library at cechlibrary@uc.edu for login info. Connect to BookFlix

A full list of online resources for children’s and young adult literature can be found on our Children’s and Young Adult Literature guide. Additional online resources may also be available from your local public library as well.

Haley Shaw, Temporary Librarian
CECH Library