Posted in On the Desk..., On The Radar, Resources

For All My Richmond, VA Folks!! Banned Book Swap-Virginia Teach Truth Day of Action

Teach Truth Day of Action is co-coordinated by representatives of Black Lives Matter at School, the Virginia Education Association, and the National Education Association. It is one of many Teach Truth Day of Action events being held across the United States at historic sites. 

As states like Virginia are seeing an increase in book bans it is essential to counter those outside voices!! This is an outdoor event where teachers, young scholars, community members, and educational leaders can come together to learn, teach the truth, and support the freedom to read!

All are invited to come with a book and leave with a (different) book!!

See more information below:

Saturday, June 10, 2023
2:30pm – 4:00pm 

Sacred African Burial Ground in Shockoe Bottom 1554 E Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Banned Book Links

Top 11 Most Banned Books of the 2022-2023 School Year, Pen America
Top 10 Most Banned Books of the 2021-2022 School Year, Pen America
Banned Books, ACLU
Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books: 2010-2019, American Library Association
Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books: 2000-2009, American Library Association
Banned Books Week: Defend the Right to Study People’s History, Zinn Education Project

Additional Information

  • How to Book Swap: Bring a book in good condition to trade. It can be used or new (there have been banned books at just about every used book store or thrift store we have visited). You will come with one book and leave with another. 
  • Altar/Ancestor Table Offering: There will be an opportunity to make an offering to the sacred ground. You can bring an item to leave such as flowers, fruit, bread, etc. or bring a personal item that you want to put on the altar during the gathering, but take with you after such as jewelry, photos, trinkets, etc.
Posted in New Trailer Alerts!!, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Weekly Trailer Alerts!

It’s the top of the month and we got new alerts for you! Check them out below:

Dead Ringers (Streaming on Prime Video April 21st)

Clock (Streaming on Hulu April 28th)

White House Plumbers (Streaming on HBO Max May 1st)

Elemental (In theaters June 16th)

Extraction 2 (Streaming on Netflix June 16th)

Marvel Studios’ Secret Invasion (Streaming on Disney+ June 21st)

Blue Beetle (In theaters August 18th)

Posted in Feature Spotlight, On the Desk..., On The Radar

It’s “Black Panther: WakandaForever” Celebration Week!!

We are in countdown mode for the premiere of Marvel Studios Black Panther: Wakanda Forever!! So everyday this week I just want to drop some information that relates to the film to get you ready!!

Today, to get you hype I’m dropping the the official film playlist for you from Spotify!! This past Friday (11/4) the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By soundtrack, executive produced by director Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media was released, it features over 40 international artists recorded in Lagos, Nigeria, Mexico City, London and Los Angeles. 

The soundtrack includes a plethora of Black and Brown artists such as Rihanna, Burna Boy, Tems, Fireboy DML, OG DAYV featuring Future, CKay featuring PinkPantheress, E-40, Alemán featuring Rema, Blue Rojo, Snow Tha Product, and more.

In addition to the playlist, listeners will be able to take part in immersive options, which includes in-app Black Panther-inspired coded puzzles and exclusive clips from the cast detailing their superhero songs to the Black and Latin artists inspiring them daily.

Check out the full playlist here:

Tune in tomorrow for the next #BP:WF goodie!!

Posted in Monthly Book Recommendations, Resources

Hispanic Heritage Month-Dr. G’s Bonus Book Recommendations

“We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.” ~National Hispanic Heritage Month/Library of Congress site

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th), I wanted to offer a bonus list of book recommendations particularly for youth!! Gotta make sure the kids get their list too!! You know Dr. G always has a special place for the youth!!

A phrase that always comes to mind and that will be forever ingrained is the notion that #RepresentationMatters!! Regardless of it is popular culture, school curriculums, hiring practices, and especially the materials that read, everyone should feel as though they can and are represented. As I have noted early on, reading has always been a powerful tool for change and great way to find peace and space/place to belong.

It is so necessary that Black and Brown children/youth are able to visually see their experiences drawn and written. Knowing that they can see themselves lets them know they have value within this world. What better way to do that than through a book!! Many of these stories, as well as others, pay tribute to the author’s cultural background, tell familial and community stories and also play a role in de-stigmatizing existing stereotypes and tropes. Additionally, this visual work can inspire, educate, and motivate the next generation!!

So here is a sample of great reads highlighting Afro/Hispanic/Latinx children to add to your literary collection/bookshelves:

Also, for more information about National Hispanic Heritage Month check out the following links:



~Dr. G

Posted in Monthly Book Recommendations, Resources

Dr. G’s-August Book Recommendations

It’s my BIRTHDAY month (August 16th to be exact!) so you know I gotta bring the heat with this month’s list!! Even added a book for the kids (cause of course you know Dr. G loves the kids!!)!! And the summer is not over yet, so you still got some time to hit the beach and get some good reading in while soaking in that good Vitamin D!!

Photo by Vincent Gerbouin on Pexels.com

So check out this month’s selection and make sure to pre-order, go to your local bookstore, or add to your wishlist!!

  • Maya and the Robot ~Eve L. Ewing
  • Island Queen: A Novel ~Vanessa Riley
  • The Son of Mr. Suleman ~Eric Jerome Dickey
  • Mexican Gothic ~Silvia Moreno-Garcia
  • Black Buck ~Mateo Askaripour