Social Justice Initiative
BtB’s programs incorporate social justice perspectives, centering issues including gentrification, gun violence, immigration, and climate change. These books speak to the environment and the lived experiences of our students, most of whom are students from diverse backgrounds.
With increased rhetoric around book bans and heightened tensions surrounding issues of gender, race, poverty, reproduction, voting rights, and immigration, it’s important for our students to be able to voice their own opinions and feelings in a supportive learning environment.
Our programs provide a constructive outlet for our students to confront and understand today’s leading social and political issues.
Grade 5, P.S. 154 Harriet Tubman School in Harlem
Fifth grade students from P.S. 154 in Harlem read the book Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood by Tony Hillery. They learned how Tony took a neglected lot and changed it into an urban farm that provides much-needed healthy food to the community. The students examined root issues regarding food insecurity in their neighborhood and learned about organizations and people providing free healthy food during times of need. They also created a digital pamphlet with information about food resources and locations to share with the school, families, and neighbors.
Grade 6-8, M.S. 296 South Bronx Academy of Applied Media
Who deserves a second chance? How should young people be held accountable for their actions? Students wrestled with these questions as they read the graphic novel by Greg Neri, Yummy: The Last Days of Southside Shorty. Throughout the program, students explored the impact of age, race, and poverty on the outcome of a life. Author Greg visited the class and spoke about his inspiration for the novel. He encouraged students to think about the forces that contributed to Yummy’s death. The class then thoroughly researched landmark cases involving youthful offenders with the help of lawyers from the accounting firm of KPMG. Through their analysis of case notes from various trials, they discussed the impact of different court decisions. Students were then invited to the midtown offices of KPMG where they continued to refine their arguments about consequences for Yummy.
Grade 10, H.S. 223 in the Bronx
Four 10th grade classes at H.S. 223 read The Closest I’ve Come by Fred Aceves. In this book, the character Marcos Rivas yearns to leave his hood, away from his indifferent mom and her abusive boyfriend. Marcos then meets Zach and Amy, whose friendship inspires him to open up, start to think more about his future, and teaches him that bravery isn't about acting tough and being macho; it’s about being true to yourself.
Students discussed how these circumstances might have influenced the characters’ lives and reflected on when the turning point between childhood and adulthood happens. Using these reflections, they wrote a personal narratives and created art about their own turning point that was featured in an impressive student book Tales of Us.
Behind the Book made me read more because I wanted to be educated on problems that are happening in the world, so I can learn to be an activist.
- Student, M.S. 223 Laboratory School of Finance & Technology