Fantastic books!

Hey I’m Amber, and I sit on the Board of Directors of an organization called Parents for Diversity. Founded by two Moms of Black kids, we advocate for every child’s right to an education free from discrimination. We curate an online resource of books by authors of diverse lived experiences and have expertise in children’s literature. Dr. Seuss is a deeply problematic author for numerous reasons. I’m leaving some resources here to learn more:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A5qSAwroKW342Edkh-uAUW5fHDou0oe1BBaDKayB5r8/edit

You can also check out last year’s list of books featuring kids of diverse identities in nature:

https://www.parentsfordiversity.com/post/let-s-go-adventure-outdoors-with-books

Jesse, I can understand how attachment to the positive memories of our childhood can make it difficult to embrace the reality of the harm that Theodore Geisel enacted on Japanese Americans and African Americans. The books of our childhood make lasting impressions on us, which is why it is critical that we learn more and do better for our children today. I reject the characterization of Theodore Geisel as "an important role model" based on his love for animals when his view of his own species Homo sapiens was so profoundly racist. We can hold space for own childhood memories without bringing the racist materials we once loved into a future where they are lauded. Remember that Theodore Geisel wanted to "to set a positive path for kids both in delighting in the world around them and educating them on integral moral lessons" not for all children, but for white children. There are so many challenges and barriers for racialized children and families accessing nature and outdoor spaces. Here in Canada, Jacqueline L. Scott, Demiesha Dennis and Judith Milay, have been key leaders in exposing the racism Black women face in the outdoors community and outdoors spaces--check out their work!

https://blackoutdoors.wordpress.com

https://www.instagram.com/browngirl_outdoorworld/

https://www.instagram.com/jujumil/

You and I as white folks who love nature and the outdoors have a responsibility to ensure the way we engage in education about conservation is anti-racist. You and I as scientists both understand the interconnectedness of humans with our earth, and that you cannot take any one piece of the system out without disrupting the whole environment (oh hey by the way I'm a veterinary ophthalmologist). There is no combatting climate change without combatting racism simultaneously. Some changes are incredibly hard to make (like a global reduction in the use of fossil fuels or a meaningful reform of racist systems of policing). Some changes are much easier, like recommending kids books that uphold anti-racist thinking rather than holding our childhood heroes up for adulation when they have proven themselves to be propagators of racist ideas. You deserve your childhood memories, but Dr. Seuss's books don't have a meaningful place on my kids' bookshelf any longer.

Also, if you want to check out the ONLY books on the planet written by a Black woman about her outdoor adventures, make sure you visit https://dineodowd.com/books/ !

Thanks for the list. I've already read The Very Hungry Caterpillar - Eric Carle and The Hidden Life of Trees - Peter Wohlleben - really liked them.
The next one I'm going to read is Adventures of a Young Naturalist - David Attenborough.
I hope I'll have time for it because I'm a student, and I also have to read a lot of books, but they are all part of my educational program. Sometimes, I need them to find info for something, for example, for writing. From time to time, I use https://edubirdie.com/ because not each book and topic is understandable for me, so I prefer using assistance and help than sending something with low quality. But if there is a need to read one of these books, then I'd for sure be able to do it myself."