Standing Proud

Before I even get to this post...I have to say a big congrats to the LA Kings.  A month ago LA didn't even know it had a hockey team. Tonight I found myself right outside of the game...amidst the "calm" before the storm...watching the game a good ten feet away from the game and it was exciting!  I left as soon as they scored their 5th goal to avoid the madness. So now we have a Stanley Cup and a whole lot of pride!

This weekend, many cities across the US celebrated another pride.  Pride Parades all over celebrated the freedom to love and be loved, with whomever and however you want.  As an educator, I have seen many different families.  Some have one mom, a mom and a dad, grandparents raising grandkids, step-parents, two moms, two dads.  As one of my students mentioned this year, it doesn't matter who is in your family, just that you love each other.  Today, I bring to you family books.  These books celebrate and honor ALL families.  I love that kids today live in a place where they are encouraged to welcome everyone, whatever their family looks like.  It is certainly a time when we can all stand PROUD!

The Family Book by Todd Parr

This book, which is banned in some places, celebrates the diversity of families.  Some families are big, some are small, some are the same color, some are different colors....but all like to hug!  Todd Parr knows just how to make everyone feel welcome.  Who doesn't love his wacky illustrations that feature people and animals as members of families? A great book to add to your collection!

You Are Not the Only One...Whose Parents Were Never Married by Ranada C. Shepard, photographs by Donyell Kennedy-McCullough

Ranada C. Shepard wrote this book, the first in the "You are Not the Only One..." series, for kids who might want to understand more about why their parents never married.  Kadin, the narrator, walks us through his two families and explains his feelings as he goes along.  Sometimes he feels lots of love, sometimes he feels confused.  There aren't many (if any??) books that guide kids through what it feels like to be moved between two households.  Kadin's feelings are honest and helpful to other kids who may be living in the same family situation.  I recommend this book for anyone whose child needs to hear what it is like...to not be the only one.

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Roy and Silo are two male penguins living at the NYC Central Park Zoo.  However, there is something different about them.  They cuddle, they spend lots of time together, and it is pretty clear to everyone...they are together for the long haul.  When a zoo keeper notices their efforts to try to raise an egg of their own, they are brought an egg to keep warm until it hatches.  Pretty soon, the egg hatches and they welcome their daughter, Tango, into the family.  Based on a true story, and a penguin family you can STILL visit in NY, this lovable little tale reminds us that love is everywhere.

I hope wherever you are tonight, whatever your family situation...you all give each other a proud squeeze.  A mom and a dad, grandparents, one mom, two adults with no kids and lots of cats, two moms, two dads, step-moms, step-dads, foster kids, adopted, inter-racial, four people or twelve people...whatever it is!  We are the future and our families are whatever we want them to be... with lots of love.