Underground Bookshelf

Look sharp,look around you.When no one’s looking,I’m going to love you.

This week's resource is a continuation of the series on protest and activism. You'll find a short list of twelve works of fiction that either feature protest and activism or have been used to encourage political change. Directly below is a collection of resources connected to writing as activism. Writing has long been used as a tool in protests and movements for social change. The resources below provide guidance, context, and support for writers who seek to use their craft in this way. 

Thank you to Nanika Sissoko, founder of Nicki's Positivity Project, for sharing her "10 Affirmations Emphasizing Self-Love and Positivity for Individuals with Disabilities." Nanika has a developmental delay and learning disability. She works to support the mental health of people with disabilities through Nicki's Positivity Project. She also has experience in art and graphic design. Nanika originally shared the affirmations as a graphic design she created. For anyone using a screen reader, the affirmations are repeated under the image. Thanks again, Nanika!

I'm scheduled to table at the resource fairs for two events so far and am keeping an eye out for others in the late summer, early fall. If you happen to be located near one of the events listed below, you are invited to attend, and I hope you will visit the Underground Bookshelf table!

Lily Everett spent her entire life following along with what was expected of her; she never wanted to make waves. When senior year of college rolled around, she had a life that other girls envied- an awesome best friend, a spot on the cheerleading squad, and the dream boyfriend. Everything was perfect…until a stranger made her rethink everything and turned her world upside down.

I'd like to extend a big thank you to author, Joey Paul, for giving me permission to share her blog post on Underground Bookshelf. Paul is a prolific young adult writer who crosses the crime, mystery, paranormal, dystopian and urban fantasy genres. She is also disabled and keeps a "Spoonie Writer" series on her blog in which she offers advice and personal experiences from working as a disabled writer. Over to you, Joey!

I kneeled before the altar; my knees planted firmly on a red cushion that had been worn thin with age. Winds of incense slowly spiraled upward. Sandalwood drifted in with its calm aroma, merry to heighten the contrast of this ancient ambiance. To me, the smell is ancient, familiar in a way that drew something from the depths of my chest. Every spring, we gather for Taigong Ji. The ceremony is a rite held to honor our earliest recorded ancestor. The family comes together to bow, burn incense, and speak the names of those who came before, reaffirming the unbroken chain of lineage. I fought for this moment to stand beside these people-for the youngest in six centuries. I thought standing with them would make me one of them.

Mystical and magical and beautiful: a wave.

Activism for children may sound alarming, but it can be as simple as taking them with you to volunteer at the library or encouraging little ones help you pick out some food or toiletries that will be collected for community members who might need them. While not all parents will be ready to discuss protest and activism with their children, this list of books and other resources are for those who are preparing for these discussions. Below are some resources for parents and teachers. Scroll down for a list of sixteen books for children that center protest and activism.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their work to the June contest! I always look forward to this time of the month because it means I get to review and enjoy your submissions. I'm happy to continue to see submissions from new people as well as some of our regulars. It's exciting to see this community continue to grow!

In the United States, Disability Pride is celebrated in July because the landmark legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, was passed on July 25, 1990. While the fights for inclusion and equality/equity are not over (and the recent fights over Medicare and Medicaid suggest some backsliding), the ADA was a major step toward including people with disabilities in public life. 

I see them,