Underground Bookshelf

Thank you so much to Eike Exner for sharing this discussion on the history and cultural influences of Manga as well as the development of the artistic style and its growth in popularity over the years. This article was originally printed in the Art and Architecture section of Yale University Press on April 11, 2025. Exner expounds on the subject matter in his book, Manga: A New History of Japanese Comics. You can find the original version of the article here.

This resource is part two of a three-part collection of books for middle grade readers that focus on protest, activism, and politics of the past, present, and near future. Both fiction and nonfiction are represented here. Across the collection, you'll find books that discuss Civil Rights, feminism, voting rights, LGBTQIA+ issues, freedom of speech, equality in education, and more. In case you're looking for resources to help you talk to your child/ren or classroom about activism, politics, and social justice, the links below might come in handy. Scroll past the photo to find the list of books for middle grade readers.

This resource opens a three-part collection of books for middle grade readers that focus on protest, activism, and politics of the past, present, and near future. Both fiction and nonfiction are represented here. Across the collection, you'll find books that discuss Civil Rights, feminism, voting rights, LGBTQIA+ issues, freedom of speech, equality in education, and more. In case you're looking for resources to help you talk to your child/ren or classroom about activism, politics, and social justice, the links below might come in handy. Scroll past the photo to find the list of books for middle grade readers.

Spin a tale set in the past or present (or a little of both) that features an ancient mystery, legend, or myth. Mystery, historical fiction, romance, horror, nonfiction - you're welcome to write in the genre of your choice. Short stories, flash fiction, poetry, microfiction, short memoir, and first chapters of longer works are all welcome. The word limit is 2,000 words. Please let me know if your submission comes with any content warnings. I also ask everyone to refrain from egregious violent or sexual content as I don't put age restrictions on content.

Poetry has long been used as a form of protest, a way to express the needs of a hurting community, and a rallying cry to unite people for one cause. The resources below are meant as guidelines and supports for poets learning how to use their voices for activism in their communities. Scroll past the photo for links to three online collections of protest poetry that will help shore up the spirit and drive justice forward.

Lee este poema en español aquí.

Read this poem in English here.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a bookshelf before?

Graphic novels and comic books have long carried lessons of inclusion, fighting for what's right, and compassion for others hidden within their pages, but the books listed below make a point of teaching history, social justice, and activism to their readers. For more on this topic, visit last week's resource. In keeping with the theme, the resources below help you learn how to make your own comic book or graphic novel.

It’s an epiphany when you realize for the first time that the white stick-figure on the blue parking sign is you. That's you. Now you can park in that fat sirloin of a spot. Now you are “the disabled.”

We all want to be seen, understood, and accepted for who we are. Coming off the backs of LGBTQ (June) and Disability (July) Pride Months and starting Transgender History and Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Months (both in August), this seems like a good time to invite submissions that focus on the theme of FEELING SEEN.