Ep. 97 - The Importance of Being Seen for SEL Progress, with Angela Dalton

BIG PICTURE Social Emotional Learning Podcast

Angela Dalton lives in Oakland, California, has a background in producing online kids’ games, and is a published children’s book author Angela’s books center Black children as main characters in ways she wishes she had seen when she was growing up… which is another reason I loved sharing conversation with this woman: she had a frustrating, unsatisfying, unfulfilled area of her life, and rather than complaining about that deficit, Angela has been developing constructive countermeasures for today’s youth. Dalton is a member of the Bay Area BIPOC Book Creators, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the 12×12 Picture Book Challenge. Her most recent picture books, RUBY’S REUNION DAY DINNER (published by HarperCollins) was released in May of 2021. SHOW THE WORLD! (Published by Viking Books for Young Readers) was released in April of 2022. Scheduled to be released in 2023, by HarperCollins publisher is Angela’s next book, TO BOLDLY GO: HOW NICHELLE NICHOLS AND STAR TREK ADVANCED CIVIL RIGHTS. Resources recommended by Angela: A crystal clear and mercifully concise article on Critical Race Theory (CRT), titled “Why are some states outlawing critical race theory in schools?” Another resource article in this show’s notes is titled, “27 Mistakes White Teachers of Black Students Make and How to Fix Them.” It’s not an article to make you feel guilty… just to increase awareness. Awareness that’s helpful to all of us. The next article is from the School Library Journal which provides an overview of diversity in Children’s Books. As Angela described in our conversation… not even close to providing adequate representation of all the diversity that exists in our nation. Also, Angela wanted us to Learn more about Monique W. Morris’ book, “Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in School.” A reviewer for the Washington Post wrote that Pushout is truly a book “for everyone who cares about children.” And very importantly: Chapter 510. Described by an 11-year old Chapter 510 participant as, “A magicked-up safe and creative space for Oakland’s young artists to come together and create.” Even if you don’t live in northern California, this place and the great work they’re doing with under-served and under-represented youth demonstrates what the best of humanity can bring out in others who are ready to blossom and grow. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nini-white/message