Milton Public Library is participating in the Read Woke Challenge to help the residents of Milton join in the fight to be stronger, more active, and more consistent allies in the fight for racial equality. One way that children learn about the world around them and other cultures is through the social messages found in stories. Stories help children understand how society perceives their culture as well as the cultures of their friends, teachers, caregivers, and others, thereby influencing their social and identity development. Stories can be found in traditional print materials for children or in newer digital formats. Regardless of the format for delivering a story’s message, children are greatly influenced by the stories they encounter.

Below are some lists of books available at MPL to get you started on your reading journey. Please note this is not a definitive list. 

If you wish to find your own materials, just a reminder that a Woke Book should be by and about marginalized persons, and must:

•  Challenge a social norm;  
   Give voice to the voiceless;
   Provide information about a group that has been disenfranchised;
   Seek to challenge the status quo;
   Have a protagonist from an underrepresented or oppressed group.  

To participate in the challenge, you will need to make sure you have registered for a Beanstack account. If you or someone in your household participated in a 2020 Summer Reading Club Challenge, then you already have one. If not, here is how you can get started:

1. Visit your app store to download the Beanstack Tracker App to your smart phone or device, OR visit https://beinspired.beanstack.org to use the browser version.

2. Register yourself for an account. If more than one person in your household is registering for the reading challenge (we have three age groups to choose from), create one account for the whole family and add multiple readers. If you are an educator/childcare provider, you can register as a "class or group".  (TIP: make sure you look for Milton Public Library, Ontario. We’re the one with the bee logo). 

3. Select your Read Woke challenge, based on your age.

Have questions? Email beanstack@beinspired.ca 

All children that complete the Read Woke Challenge will be entered into a Grand Prize Draw. The draw will take place in early June and the winner will be notified. The contents of the prize package can be seen in the photo below

[ Prize Package value: $300]

Learn about traditional storytelling and folktales with award-winning author Melanie Florence on November 20th at 2:00 pm! Melanie will read her book "Stolen Words", and share some trickster tales, educating kids on the origins of Turtle Island.  Best suited for students in SK-Grade 5. Click here to register (beginning Nov 2nd)

Classrooms are invited to register & participate.

Join us for a special presentation by Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane, an Anishinaabe dancer, educator and the author of “Powwow: A Celebration through Song & Dance”, on November 24th at 1:30 pm. Many know what a Powwow is but few of us truly understand the Powwow Culture and their significance, nor the stories behind the dances and outfits worn during a Powwow. Karen will be discussing those topics and more, as well as performing her own dance and sharing examples of her regalia. The presentation will end with a Q & A. Best suited for 8+ years. Click here to register (beginning Nov 3rd).

Classrooms are invited to register & participate in this program.

Join author, Aine Morad, as she shares her new book "O Canada, Here I come" about a young boy’s migration to Canada as seen through his eyes. This beautiful book touches on the themes of migration, loss, family, adventure, change, love, acceptance and courage.
Watch MPL’s Facebook page on Dec 4th at 10:00 for this special virtual storytime. All are welcome.

Join us for a virtual visit with Margriet Ruurs, author of “Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey” on December 8th at 2:00 pm. Margriet will share some fun facts about how this book came to be, including her connection with the artist (who doesn’t speak English) and the fundraising opportunities the book has provided for refugees. This presentation will include a joint reading of “Stepping Stones” in both English and Arabic, and more!
Best suited for children in Grades 2 and up, but all are welcome. Click here to register (beginning Nov 17th)

Classrooms are invited to register & participate in this program.

Around the world, young people are standing up for human rights and working to make their communities and schools safer and more inclusive. Join award-winning author Robin Stevenson for an interactive session on January 20th at 2:00 pm, when she'll talk about the challenges the LGBTQ+ community continues to face, and share stories about some of the young activists who are making a difference. Robin will read her picture book, Ghost's Journey: A Refugee Story, and share some highlights from her non-fiction books - Pride: The Celebration and the Struggle, and Kid Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of Change. Bring your questions about writing, activism, LGBTQ+ issues and more! Best suited for 8+ years. Click here to register (beginning Dec 28th). 

Classrooms are invited to register and participate in this program.

Teen's Read Woke (13-17 years)

Adult's Read Woke (18+ years)