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Critical Literacy Lessons
Discover our collection of anti-racist lesson videos, each paired with a concise lesson plan to inspire impactful teaching. These resources cover various aspects of racism, from history to current issues, providing educators with practical strategies and discussion points to promote understanding and dismantle systemic racism. Ideal for fostering inclusive learning, these videos and lesson plans are a valuable tool for educators committed to anti-racist education.
Filmed Lesson
Lesson Plan
Author Info
Illustrator Info
Activity Sheet
K-2
Someone New
by Anne Sibley O’Brien
A story about elementary schoolers who begin to understand and embrace new immigrant students. Companion story to I'm New Here. Read by Rong Zhang, Graduate Student, Literacy and Language.
K-2
One Plastic Bag
by Miranda Paul and Elizabeth Zunon
An inspiring true story of an African woman who saw and solved a plastic bag pollution problem in her community. Read by Nancy Boes, Continuing Lecturer, Literacy and Language.
K-2
I am Biggest Thing in the Ocean
by Kevin Sherry
This book is about how a giant squid exploring the ocean and found out he is huge compare to many other sea creatures. Read by Elizabeth Thiel, a Ph.D. student of Science Education, in Purdue University.
K-2
Too Many Toys
by David Shannnon
In this picture book, Spencer and his mother go through their belongings to find items to give away. Read by Nancy Boes, a continuing lecturer of Literacy and Language, in Purdue University.
K-2
Jabari Jumps
by Gaia Cornwall
This book is about how Jabari working up the courage to take a big, important challenge -- Jumping off from a diving board! Read by Mathilde Zocteur-Monrozier, a Literacy and Language graduate student.
K-2
Nya's Long Walk
by Linda Sue Park
This is book focusing on the 21st century problem of access to clean water. It depecits life of a young South Sudanese girl goes on a journey that requires determination, persistence, and compassion. Read by Elizabeth Thiel, a PhD Student in Science Education, in Purdue University.
K-2
Strictily no Elephants
by Lisa Mantchev
This book is about a boy and his tiny pet elephant to show everyone what it means to be a true friend. Read by Nancy Boes, a continuing lecturer of Literacy and Language, in Purdue University.
K-2
What if We Were All the Same
by C.M. Harris
This book focuses on the notions of being similar vs being different, and gives plenty of examples illustrating why being different is a richness. Read by Mathilde Zocteur-Monrozier, a Literacy and Language graduate student.
K-2
Carly Only Eats Carbs
by Katrina Liu
This book is bilingual story written in Traditional Chinese and English. The contents is bout a picky eater, Carly. Read by Sarah(Luwei) Xuo, a seond-year doctoral student, in Curriculum Studies.
K-2
Two Blankets
by Irena Kobald
This multicultural story of friendship is about leaving home, moving to a foreign and strange place, and finding a new friend. Read by Mengying Xue, Doctoral Candidate, Literacy and Language.
K-2
My Shadow is Pink
by Scott Stuart
This is a rhyming story that touches on the subjects of gender identity, self acceptance, equality and diversity. Read by Sarah Luo, a Ph.D. student of Literacy and Language, in Purdue University.
K-2
🐝 Bee and Me
by Alison Jay
Alison Jay's beautiful wordless picture book shows what happens when a bee flies in through the window of a grey city apartment. Read by Rong Zhang, Doctoral Candidate, Literacy and Language.
K-2
A Different Pond
by Bao Phi
The story involves an early morning father-son fishing expedition. It's a snapshot of a hard-working family, with Vietnamese refugee parents. Read by Ben Lathrop, PhD Student in Language and Literacy program.
K-2
My Brother Otto 🐧🐧
by Meg Raby
This book is a story about the love, acceptance, and understanding a sister, Piper, has for her little brother Otto, who is on the autism spectrum. Read by Mathilde Zocteur-Monrozier, a Literacy and Language graduate student.
K-2
Same Same but Different
by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
A story about two boys, one in the US and one in India, who write to each other. It highlights differences and similarities between the two. Read by Mathilde Jocteur-Monrozier, a Purdue Literacy and Language graduate student.
K-2
Sandwiches and Samosas
by Suhani Parikh and Reshma Srinivas
'Sandwiches and Samosas' brings one's cultural heritage to school, that encourages children to explore and celebrate their underlying 'otherness' Read by Lakshmy Mohandas, a Purdue Polytechnic graduate student.
K-2
Big Bear was not the Same
by Janna Rowland
A heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family, with the help of a kindly zookeeper. Read by Jamie Lautenschlager, a student in Elementary Education.
K-2
You are Enough
by Margaret O'Hair and Sofia Sanchez
A beautiful and inclusive picture book is all about celebrating being yourself, regardless of where you live, whether what you can, or can't do. Read by Shelby Bullock, a student in Elementary Education.
K-2
Sulwe
by Lupita Nyong’o and Vashti Harrison
A story about self-esteem, loving and accepting yourself for who you are, and ultimately understanding that true beauty comes from the inside. Read by Jillian Eisenhut, a student in Elementary Education.
K-2
Invisible Boy
by Trudy Ludwig
A book about inclusiveness and friendship. A gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish. Read by Lauren Goldman, a student in Elementary Education.
3-4
Act Your Age Shawn Trenell!
by Breanya Hogue
This book discover the lesson Shawn Trenell learns about growing up and what his mom realizes about having patience. Read by Breanya Hogue, an author of the book and assistant professor of Purdue University.
3-4
Wishes
by Mượn Thị Văn
This book is about one Vietnamese family's search for a new home on the other side of the world. The narrative told through the eyes of a young girl, the falimy have to travel to a new and unknown place in a crowded boat. Inspired by actual events in the author's life. Read by Rong Zhang, a doctoral candidate of Literacy and Language, in Purdue University.
3-4
Mr. Peabody's Apples
by Madonna
Mr. Peabody is an elementary school teacher and baseball coach, who one day finds himself ostracized when rumors spread through the small town. Read by Nancy Boes, a continuing lecturer of Literacy and Language, in Purdue University.
3-4
Milo Imagines the World
by Matt De la Peña
A story about Milo the boy, who makes a keen observation about his circumstances on a long subway ride with his older sister, in New York. Read by Cassie Chandler, a student in Elementary Education.
3-4
My Papi has a Motorcycle
by Isabel Quintero and Zeke Pena
This book depicts the beauty of a vibrant immigrant neighborhood and celebrates the love between a father and his daughter. Read by Anne Garcia, Graduate Student, Literacy and Language.
3-4
Freedom on the Menu
by Carole Boston Weatherford and Jerome Lagarrigue
A story about four Black teenagers who sat at a lunch counter in the segregated South. Set during the Civil Rights Movement. Read by Nikki Visvardis, Student, Elementary Education.
3-4
And Tango Makes Three
by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
Two male penguins created a family together. A heartwarming true story of two penguins who create a nontraditional family, with the help of a kindly zookeeper. Read by Rose Watson, a student in Elementary Education.
3-4
My Brother Martin
by Christine King Ferris and Chris Soentpiet
A true story about the boyhood experiences of Dr. Martin Luther King. Told by his older sister, Christine King Farris. Read by Marge Sprunger, Continuing Lecturer, Literacy and Language.
5-6
Separate is Never Equal
by Duncan Tonatiuh
Set seven years before Brown v. Board of Education, this book depicts one family’s fight to end California school segregation. Read by Anne Garcia, Graduate Student, Literacy and Language.
5-6
Pablo Neruda
by Monica Brown and Julie Paschkis
A biological account of the poet Pablo Neruda, known as "The Poet of People." It honors the poet's Chilean heritage. Read by Laura Kroh, teacher, Greater Lafayette Montessori School.
5-6
Say Something
By Peter Reynolds
A book that explores how a single voice has the power to make a difference. Change comes with actions, words, and voices. Read by Tamika Huffins, photographer and entrepreneur.
5-6
Mango, Abuela, and Me
by Meg Medina
A story about Mia and her Abuela who live together, but use different languages: English and Spanish. They learn how to communicate better. Read by Jacqueline Borchert, TTT & TELL Certificate Student.
5-6
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners
by Joanna Ho and Dung Ho
A story that shows how to love and celebrate Asian-shaped eyes. It depicts the true beauty of diversity lies in one's heart, not how one looks like. Read by TJ Rosa, 5th-grade teacher, West Lafayette Intermediate School.
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