Join me in welcoming Naima Russell to the podcast for an inspiring conversation about centering Black joy by reading picture books with your students of every age. Naima is a wife, mom and actress. She is the woman behind the platform, "Drama Mama Reads" which is dedicated to celebrating the beauty of raising Black children and a rallying cry for all parents and teachers to diversify their little people's bookshelves. As an extension of this celebration, Naima creates resources that center and celebrate Black joy. She also has curated book lists and thoughtful book reviews with recommendations for students of all ages looking to see and celebrate joy in literature. If you are interested in connecting with Naima you can find her: Instagram - @dramamamareads Website - http://www.itsthedramamama.com ETSY Shop - Drama Mama Reads Resources Amazon Shop - https://www.amazon.com/shop/itsthedramamama *************************************************************************************** In this episode I mentioned: Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin I'm a Pretty Little Black Girl by Claire Armstrong Parod Chocolates by Erika Baty The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray ************************************************************************************** Lesson Plan Coaching Call - Click HERE to schedule Activities for creating a welcoming and inclusive class - Buy resources in my TEACHER SHOP Culture-Centered Teacher WORKSHOPS - Click HERE for more information Ready to take action? Grab your FREE "Welcoming & Inclusive Classroom Checklist" at https://customteachingsolutions.com/thechecklist Schedule a FREE DISCOVERY CALL - Click HERE CONNECT WITH ME: LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/ Website - https://customteachingsolutions.com **Custom Teaching Solutions is a affiliate for Bookshop.org, which means we receive a commission on every sale that comes through our link.**