Just For the Dads! Happy Father's Day

There are many definitions of a father. A father can be a hero, a comedian, and a best friend. But most of all he can be our biggest teacher. I decided to feature Patrick Patterson's book, I Love When Daddy Reads To Me, because of the representation of an African-American father and the relationship with his daughters. Not only are his daughters featured in the book, they helped him write it.  Patterson demonstrates that African-American fathers can be involved in their physical lives and their education. 

In past years, a lot of sources have lead us to believe that the involvement of the black father was disheartening. However, in the C.D.C report issued in December 2013, it shows that black fathers are actually involved with their children. This also includes fathers who live outside of the home. People have suggested that this study has debunked the myth of black fathers and continues to shine a better light on the topic. 

No matter the race or the relationship a male has with a child, being there for them can be the greatest gift. 
 I have listed some great titles that are great reads for Father's Day. 

Happy Father's Day!

 (This post might contain affiliated links)

Footnote:

 Jones J, Mosher WD. Fathers’ involvement with their children: United States, 2006–2010. National health statistics reports; no 71. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2013.

 

A Family is a Family-Books on Multiracial Families

"Families are like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one."-Unknown

What does a family consist of? What does a family look like? Are all families small? Are they big? Are the parents in the family from the same culture, race, or religion? Do the kids look alike? 

These are usually the questions I ask my students during our thematic unit on families. Families do not always have to look alike, practice the same traditions, or be from the same ethnic group to be considered a family. Some people even consider their friends to be their family.  A family is about love, acceptance, and respect. There is not enough definitions to tell us what a family is or what it could be, but you can always see the beauty of a family in how they love and treat each other. I have selected a few books that contain multiracial/biracial/transracial characters and families.

(The post may contain affiliated links.)