Parents are important stakeholders in all schools, both public and private. Education is supposed to be student-centered and culturally responsive. So the schools and educators are familiar with the idea that students need to see themselves reflected in the curriculum and the books they read. Different from the local public libraries, school libraries can be on tight budgets and usually welcome book donations.
For many elementary school children, they have both their “classroom” library and a school library. The classroom library can be a great place for parents to influence. You will only be dealing with one teacher, and the AAPI-themed books you add will surely be read by your children and their classmates. To add books to the school library, you will start by contacting the librarian, and the principal is likely to get involved.
In middle and high schools, parents can advocate for adding more AAPI-themed books to the school library, either using school funds or through donations. In addition, English and Social Studies teachers and department heads have big influences on what books the students read. Parents can communicate with these teachers to see if some of them are interested in increasing AAPI contents in their curriculum. Parents can also approach the principals, superintendents and school boards to advocate for including AAPI history and literature in the curriculum.
Other ways to increase awareness around AAPI-themed books?
We can share info about AAPI authors and their books and follow them on social media, organize book clubs with friends, organize book clubs for our children and their friends, or encourage young people to organize their own book clubs. We can also support AAPI authors by purchasing their books and writing reviews for them.
Read more about AAPI-themed books, why we need to promote them, and how you can promote them to your local public library.
