These two children’s books are perfect for celebrating Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March. The Free Book Buggie founder (and passionate reader) Debbie Beck picked both of these books because she feels a personal connection with them and the authors.
It Starts With Me by Dr. Bernice A. King
I heard Bernice King speak at a Juneteenth event, and I felt an immediate connection. I grew up in the South, and I was in fifth grade during desegregation. The book follows Amora, who encourages her friends to open their hearts and minds by allowing love to drive their words, actions and thoughts. When I read about Amora’s Beloved Community, “a place where each person finds what inspires them to make the world a better place,” it reminded me of starting The Free Book Buggie in 2018. It’s my vehicle for making the world a better place and giving everyone an opportunity to live and grow.
My Mommy is a School Teacher by Nasra Noor
The book, based on the author’s own life, tells the story of a mother going back to school to become a teacher from the perspective of her four children. Noor, who lives in Minnesota, was kind enough to join us for an afternoon, interacting with young readers, on The Free Book Buggie. She’s an amazing woman. I was 50 when I went back to school to get my master’s degree in public and nonprofit administration, so I’ve been on the same journey as being a mom, raising children and going back to school.
Debbie Beck is the founder of The Free Book Buggie in Eagan. Read more at thefreebookbuggie.org.
