Red Storm Reads is a series of videos created by the Scarborough HIgh School Civil Rights Club in collaboration with the K-5 schools to highlight diverse stories that are representative of children from all different backgrounds. If you would like to check out any of these books, please visit your school library.
The books highlighted in this video are:
In the New World by 
Jacob's New Dress by 
Let's Talk about Race by 
Brave Girl by 
Books featured in this month's video:
Little Book of Fables by 
Mama Miti by 
Celebrations of Light by 
Tiny Creatures: the World of Microbes by If you would like to read one of these books, please visit your school library. The books featured in this episode are:
Dreamers by 
Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer by 
I Have the Right to Be a Child by 
My Name Is Sangoel by If you would like to read one of the books in this video, please visit your school library. The books included in this episode are:
The First Blade of Sweetgrass by
Musquon must overcome her impatience while learning to distinguish sweetgrass from other salt marsh grasses, but slowly the spirit and peace of her surroundings speak to her, and she gathers sweetgrass as herancestors have done for centuries, leaving the first blade she sees to grow for future generations. This sweet, authentic story from a Maliseet mother and her Passamaquoddy husband includes backmatter about traditional basket making and a Wabanaki glossary.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by
The Cherokee community is grateful for the blessings and challenges that each season brings. This is modern Native American life as told by best-selling Cherokee author Traci Sorell. This award-winning seasonal picture book is for 3-7-year-olds interested in contemporary Indigenous stories that are both accessible and universal for all kid readers. The word otsaliheliga (oh-jah-LEE-hay-lee-gah) is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. Beginning in the fall with the new year and ending in summer, follow a full Cherokee year of celebrations and experiences. Written by best-selling and award-winning Cherokee author Traci Sorell, this look into the Cherokee community is appended with a glossary and the complete Cherokee syllabary, originally created by Sequoyah.
Thanks to the Animals by
Little Zoo Sap and his family are moving from their summer home on the coast to the deep woods for the winter, traveling on a big bobsled pulled by big horses through the snow. When Zoo Sap falls off of the sled unnoticed, the forest animals hear his cries. First to come are the beaver, who put their tails together to cradle him. Then all the other animals circle round--everyone from the tiny mouse to the giant moose to the great bald eagle--keeping him warm and safe until his father comes back to find him.
Sharice's Big Voice by
This acclaimed picture book autobiography tells the triumphant story of Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas. When Sharice Davids was young, she never thought she'd be in Congress. And she never thought she'd be one of the first Native American women in Congress. During her campaign, she heard from a lot of doubters. They said she couldn't win because of how she looked, who she loved, and where she came from. But everyone's path looks different and everyone's path has obstacles. And this is the remarkable story of Sharice Davids' path to Congress.