Worth Noting

Over the past few weeks, you may have noticed how very hot it is! Across the northern hemisphere, countries like the United States, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and many others are experiencing hotter temperatures than ever before. This global heat wave is Worth Noting. 

Sources consulted:

US Heat Wave: 

NBCUniversal News Group. (2022, July 24). Record temperatures forecast as heat wave blasts across U.S. NBCNews.com. Retrieved July 28, 2022, from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/record-breaking-temperatures-forecast-heat-wave-blasts-us-rcna39728

Thompson, A., & Huynh, A. (2022, July 25). Boston hits 100 degrees, setting record for the date as heat wave sc...

In the first 6 months of 2022 alone, there have been over 250 mass shootings in America—in schools, at grocery stores, in churches, and as people were going about their everyday lives. No matter how sad and scary they are to talk about, these mass shootings are Worth Noting.

Sources consulted:

About mass violence. NMVVRC. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.nmvvrc.org/learn/about-mass-violence/

James Densley Professor of Criminal Justice, & Jillian Peterson Professor of Criminal Justice. (2022, June 10). What we know about mass school shootings in the US – and the gunmen who carry them out...

On Friday, June 24th, 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a ruling on women’s reproductive rights that has stood for nearly 50 years. The implications of this decision are Worth Noting.

Sources consulted:

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Roe v. Wade. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/event/Roe-v-Wade

Justice Thomas: Scotus 'should reconsider' contraception, same-sex marriage rulings. POLITICO. (n.d.). Retrieved June 30, 2022, from https://www.politico.com/news/2022/06/24/thomas-constitutional-rights-00042256

Saad, L. (2022, January 11). Americans still oppose overturning roe v. wade. Gallup.com. Retrieved June...

In early May, 2022, Disney announced the cast  of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Percy Jackson & the Olympians. The overwhelming reaction to one particular casting choice, as well as the author’s response, are Worth Noting.

Links:

“Leah Jeffries is Annabeth Chase” Published May 10, 2022. https://rickriordan.com Accessed May 18, 2022.

Sources consulted:

“‘Percy Jackson’ author slams backlash to TV show’s casting: ‘Friends, that is racism’” (Los Angeles Times, May 11, 2022)

“‘The Little Mermaid’ Star Halle Bailey Opens up About ‘Black Ariel Backlash’” Published June 14, 2020. https://insidethemagic.net Accessed May 18, 2022.

On March 31, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the results of its first nationally representative survey of high school students during the pandemic. The findings of this survey are Worth Noting.

Links:

“New CDC data illuminate youth mental health threats during the COVID-19 pandemic” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mar. 31, 2022)

“AAP-AACAP-CHA Declaration of a National Emergency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health” (American Academy of Pediatrics, Oct. 19, 2021)

“Poem 133: The Summer Day” (Library of Congress, consulted Apr. 20, 2022)

Sources consulted:

“‘A cry for help’: CDC warns of a steep decline...

The Florida Senate passed the Parental Rights in Education Bill on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in a 22-17 vote. The implications of this bill are Worth Noting.

Links:

“Florida Senate passes a controversial schools bill labeled 'Don't Say Gay' by critics” (NPR, Mar. 8, 2022)

“'Don't Say Gay' bill passes Florida Senate” (ABC News, Mar. 8, 2022)

“‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill: Florida Senate passes controversial LGBTQ school measure” (NBC News, Mar. 8, 2022)

Sources consulted:

“2021 Slated to Become Worst Year for LGBTQ State Legislative Attacks as Unprecedented Number of States Poised to Enact Record-Shattering Number of Anti-LGBTQ...

Anti-LGBTQ legislation is on the rise and political leaders behind landmark bills in Florida and Texas claim these actions are to protect children. Meanwhile, Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Behind each of these actions lie reasons that are Worth Noting.

Links:

“Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' bill advances in the House” (NBC News, Feb. 23, 2022)

“Texas Gov. Greg Abbott orders state agency to treat gender-affirming care as child abuse” (Austin American-Stateman, Feb. 24, 2022)

“Russia invades Ukraine live updates: Biden announces new sanctions” (NPR, Feb. 25, 2022)

"Dale Talks About Gender" (A Kids Book Ab...

The Kingdom of Tonga in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and Fiji, is made up of around 170 islands. On January 15, 2022, several islands were impacted by the massive eruption of an undersea volcano. The effects this volcano had on the islands as well as on the people of Tonga are Worth Noting.

Links:

“Tonga undersea volcano eruption released up to 18 megatons of energy” (Space.com, Jan. 26, 2022)

“Tonga Needs Rain and More Brooms After Volcano Eruption Spewed Ash” (The Wall Street Journal, Jan. 26, 2022)

Sources consulted:

“Dramatic Changes at Hunga Tonga-Hung...

Introducing A Kids Mindful Moment, supporting healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. In this preview, we share “Love for Others”, a big picture meditation.

Access A Kids Mindful Moment through the A Kids Co app in the App Store and on Google Play. You get a 14-day free trial with the app. Learn more by visiting akidsco.com. 

Introducing A Kids Mindful Moment, supporting healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. In this preview, we share “Unplugging from Tech”, a situational meditation.

Access A Kids Mindful Moment through the A Kids Co app in the App Store and on Google Play. You get a 14-day free trial with the app. Learn more by visiting akidsco.com.  

Introducing A Kids Mindful Moment, supporting healthy minds, bodies, and spirits. In this preview, we share “I Am Love”, an affirmations meditation.

Access A Kids Mindful Moment through the A Kids Co app in the App Store and on Google Play. You get a 14-day free trial with the app. Learn more by visiting akidsco.com.  

On January 6, 2021, and for the first time in our nation’s history, the U.S. Capitol was invaded. The results of this insurrection and the impact on voter access to millions across our nation is Worth Noting. 

Links:

“How one of America’s ugliest days unraveled inside and outside the Capitol” (The Washington Post, Jan. 9, 2021)

Sources consulted:

“All the President’s Tweets” (Medium, Nov. 24, 2020)

“America's long history of Black voter suppression“ (CNN Politics, May, 2021)

“Here’s where GOP lawmakers have passed new voting restrictions around the country“ (The Washington Post, June...

Historical reenactments can be a way to bring history to life for students as well as for sightseers visiting historical landmarks. But the harm and the trauma that can be reintroduced in doing so is Worth Noting.

Links:

Ending Curriculum Violence (Learning for Justice, Spring 2020)

Sources consulted:

“High School Under Fire For Project Reenacting Slavery’” (KAL9, September 18, 2017)

“What It Felt Like’” (Slate, May 20, 2019)

“Despite calls to hear from students and staff, Newberg school board approves ban on Pride and Black Lives Matter flags’” (OBM News, August 11, 2021)

“Newberg High Sc...

Last October, the all-white school board of the Central York School District in York, Pennsylvania, unanimously banned a list of educational resources. The books included on this list are Worth Noting.

Links:

List of diversity resources banned in Central York schools (accessed September 22, 2021)

Equity Book Resource List (accessed September 22, 2021)

Sources consulted:

“STUDENTS PROTEST BOOK BANS IN PENNSYLVANIA SCHOOL DISTRICT’” (Book Riot, September 9, 2021)

“SCHOOL DISTRICT MAINTAINS BAN OF ANTIRACIST BOOKS DESPITE STUDENT PROTESTS’” (Book Riot, September 15, 2021)

“School district bans books on Rosa Parks and Malala. Now students want...

Earlier this month, Texas legislators passed Senate Bill 8, making abortions illegal after the sixth week of pregnancy. How this bill was written and the implications it can have on abortion rights throughout the country is Worth Noting.

Links:

Statement by President Joe Biden on Supreme Court Ruling on Texas Law SB8 (The White House, September 2, 2021)

Roe v. Wade (Britanicca, accessed September 15, 2021)

“What you need to know about Texas’ new abortion ban effective Sept. 1, 2021 (SB 8)” (Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, Inc., accessed September 15, 2021)

Sources consulted:

“Texas’s radical anti-abort...

The Delta variant is spreading quickly across the United States, and COVID cases are on the rise. So why are some schools requiring all students wear masks while others are banning such mandates? The answer is Worth Noting.

Links:

Tracking Coronavirus in Maryland: Latest Map and Case Count (The New York Times, accessed September 8, 2021)

School mask tracker: Who is and isn’t loosening the rules (District Administration, accessed September 8, 2021)

Sources consulted:

“10 States Have School Mask Mandates While 8 Forbid Them” (Pew Trusts, August 10, 2021)

“The constitutional issues related to Covid-19...

Twenty years ago, on September 11, 2001, a major event happened in the United States in New York City, the effects of which we are still confronting today. That event is Worth Noting.

Links:

9/11 Memorial and Museum (accessed September 1, 2021)

“Talking to Children about Terrorism“ (9/11 Memorial & Museum, accessed September 1, 2021)

Sources consulted:

“September 11 Attacks” (History.com, accessed September 1, 2021)

“9/11 Timeline” (History.com, accessed September 1, 2021)

“Never Forget (Political Phrase)” (Military.Wikia.org, accessed September 1, 2021)

“Muslims and Islam: Key findings in the U.S. and around the world“ (Pew Research Center, August 9, 20...

The 2020 Paralympics are currently underway in Tokyo, following the 2020 Olympic Games. What sets the Paralympic Games and their athletes apart from the Olympic games? The answer is Worth Noting.

Links:

International Paralympic Committee (accessed August 30, 2021)

Paralympics History (accessed August 30, 2021)

Paralympic Sports (accessed August 30, 2021)

Goalball (accessed August 30, 2021)

Get To Know the Refugee Paralympic Team (accessed August 30, 2021)

Sources consulted:

“Ten teen stars who can light up Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games“ (Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, August 13, 2020)

“Paralympics powerhouses: 10 global stars to follow in Tokyo“ (The Guardian, August 1...

The Cleveland baseball team, known for over a century as the Indians, is getting a name change for the 2022 season. The reason behind the decision is Worth Noting.

Links:

Change the Mascot (accessed August 23, 2021)

Twitter thread from @ChangeDCMascot (accessed August 23, 2021)

Sources consulted:

“Study finds only harmful effects from Native-themed mascots“ (Indian Country Today, June 15, 2020)

“Mascots honor an Indian who never was“ (Indian Country Today, July 13, 2020)

“Cleveland's baseball team goes from Indians to Guardians” (Indian Country Today, July 23, 2021)

“Cleveland Indians and 14 Other Sports Teams That Dumped Ra...

Rising sea levels are affecting tens of thousands of lives along the coasts across the globe. How is climate change impacting the people of the Quinault Indian Nation, located on land now called the state of Washington, and other tribes along the coast? The answer is Worth Noting.

Links:

Global Warming of 1.5 °C (IPCC, accessed August 14, 2021)

AR6 Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis IPCC, accessed August 14, 2021)

2021 State of Indian Nations (video)

Quinault Indian Nation Plans for Relocation (EPA, United States Environmental Protection Agency, accessed August 14, 2021)

Sources consulted:

It’s back-to-school season for many of the nation’s 73 million children, but in Texas—and in other parts of the country—what’s being taught in the classroom about our nation’s history is under question. What’s being left out and why? The answer is Worth Noting.

Links:

“Students Say Teach the Truth” (Learning for Justice, July 6, 2021)

Resources for Talking About Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Kids (Center for Racial Justice in Education, accessed Aug 10, 2021)

Sources consulted:

“3 Myths About Critical Race Theory That Parents Need To Understand” (Romper...

The rhinestone-emblazoned leotard worn by Simone Biles boasts GOAT, greatest of all time, and if you have any doubt about the 24-year-old gymnast or the path that led her to where she stands today, well, stick around because it’s Worth Noting.

Links:

“Simone Biles lands Yurchenko double pike vault at U.S. Classic“ (NBC Sports, Youtube, May 22, 2021)

Evelyn Talks About Sexual Abuse (A Kids Book About: The Podcast, episode 11)

Sources consulted:

“Olympic gymnastics updates: Simone Biles wins bronze on beam in last day of event finals“ (ESPN, August 3, 2021)

“Simo...

Introducing Worth Noting, a kids podcast about current events. Join me, Matthew Winner, each week for a look at what’s going on in the world and how it impacts you and others. From scientific breakthroughs to historic achievements. From political upheaval to social justice. The news can be heavy.

World events can be confusing.

But no one should miss out on history as it's being made.

It’s not always easy to know how to talk about what’s going on in the world or even to know where to start.

The...

This bonus episode is presented by A Kids Podcast About.

Matthew talks about a recent decision by FINA, the International Swimming Federation, against the use of Soul Cap swimming caps and the impact of the decision against the inclusion of Black swimmers in the future.

Resources mentioned:

Soul Cap

"Swimming caps for natural black hair ruled out of Olympic Games" (The Guardian) 

Jelani Talks About Racism (Episode 01)

Jordan Talks About Systemic Racism (Episode 03)

Charnaie Talks About Diversity (Episode 19)

Ben Talks About White Privilege (E...

Hi. It’s been a while since I popped into this feed. 

Let me get you updated, and then let me share what’s coming. Because I can’t wait to share with you what’s coming. 

Most of you on this feed know me from hosting The Children’s Book Podcast or from my work as a school librarian. Those two amazing experiences helped to lead me to where I am today: Head of Podcasts at A Kids Book About. I lead the development of a network of outstanding podcasts created for kids ages 6-12+ and the...

Evelyn Yang, author of A Kids Book About Sexual Abuse, talks in the newest episode of A Kids Book About: The Podcast about speaking up in any situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. In it, I also tell my abuse story for the first time with my voice on a public and recorded forum. I know that many, too many of you were also affected by sexual abuse. I want to give you some of my strength. I also want others to know how you can help to give strength to all of us victims and survivors. Because we...

This is the Children’s Book Podcast. I’m Matthew Winner. Your host, guide, and companion. I started this podcast in July of 2013 and have since published over 700 episodes on this RSS feed. I’ve spoken with authors, illustrators, editors, agents, publishers, librarians, booksellers, kids, and fans. But the one thing I’ve never done in these past 8 years is take a break. And so that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I’ve learned over so many years that I find it quite natural to put others needs and voices first, and very unnatural to prioritize my own mental...

Today, with a full and grateful heart, I am welcoming back to the podcast Carole Boston Weatherford, author of Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre, illustrated by Floyd Cooper. May 31st, 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the Tulsa Race Massacre, a horrific event that devastated the wealthiest African American community in the entire nation. What provoked the event, beyond that elevator ride where Dick Rowland, and African American teen, either stumbled or stepped on the foot of Sarah Page, a young white elevator operator in a downtown office building, resulting in Rowland being jailed on assault charges… wh...

Today I am joined by Ilyasah Shabazz, author of The Awakening of Malcolm X, written with Tiffany D. Jackson. Bryan Stevenson said “We are all more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” And yet our criminal justice system might have us thinking otherwise. Ilyasah illuminates the humanity of inmates while also discovering the truth about who Malcolm is in this exceptional young adult novel. I myself listened to the audiobook adaptation and highly recommended it as well. There is so much in this book and in this conversation, that the best way I can think to share is, as...

Jason June and Lori Richmond share Porcupine Cupid. Jason June talks of the magic we create when we’re connected and this story laces that magic throughout. Much like Porcupine Cupid, Jason June is in love with love and works throughout this story to ensure not to define what it means to be in love. Lori’s illustrations are laced with love and hearts and connection throughout and it was just so wonderful to be in conversation with them both, I never wanted it to end.

Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this...

Archaa Shrivastav is the author of Families, Hair, and On-The-Go, three delightful board books in the We Are Little Feminists series. And We Are Little Feminists: Families is the 2021 recipient of the Stonewall Book Awards – Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children’s and Young Adult Literature Award. This is an award given annually to English-language works of exceptional merit for children or teens relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience and the committee made history by selecting a board book as their winner. But not just any board book. This one… this whole series… is truly like nothing...

Today I’m welcoming to the podcast by Soyeon Kim, illustrator of Once Upon an Hour, Sukaq and the Raven, You are Never Alone, and A Last Goodbye. Soyeon’s diorama illustrations are unlike anything I’ve seen before in picture books, each built within a wooden frame with individual components illustrated, cut out, and then suspended with fishing line. It’s breathtaking and whimsical, and when we’re all able to travel again I am making it a priority to see her art in person. I think you’ll want to as well once you hear this conversation. 

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Melissa Stewart, the author of Ick!: Delightfully Disgusting Animal Dinners, Dwellings, and Defenses and the editor of Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep. Melissa is an unwavering advocate for nonfiction in all places, whether that is at storytimes, in classroom instruction, on book lists, or wherever will make space for it. And whenever she talks nonfiction advocacy, I am here for it.

Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.

Eric Gansworth shares Apple (Skin to the Core). Eric’s memoir in pictures and verse is also an exceptional audiobook which Eric reads himself. It’s a privilege for me to bring you this conversation today.

Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.

Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith share I Talk Like a River, a most exceptional picture book by two most exceptional individuals. If you have not yet come to know I Talk Like a River, I can think of no better place to start. So I will leave you with three thoughts shared with me in this conversation by Jordan and Sydney that I think deserve being heard over and over. #1: Stuttering makes language visible. #2: The production of speech is a physical act. And #3: The idea of fluency is kind of fictional. I hope you enjoy this episode a whole...

Ilima Loomis and Kenard Pak share Ohana Means Family. Poi is an important and traditional food to native Hawaiian islanders, made from taro, and in this building rhyme story a family prepares the poi for their ohana's luau. Many stories have employed the structure of “The House That Jack Built” in order to tell a cumulative story, but the format serves this book especially well alongside Pak’s illustrations to celebrate a food, an island nation, a family, and a tradition. I hope you’re able to hold a copy of this book soon so that you, too, can be trans...

Duncan Tonatiuh shares Feather Serpent and the Five Suns, a creation story using Duncan’s iconic pre-Columbian Meso-American-influenced art style that takes readers into the depths of Mictlān, the underworld of Axtec mythology. It’s an epic story, and hearing Duncan tell it is testament to how strongly these influences move Duncan’s hands to create such wonderful stories.

Get a copy of this book and support independent bookstores (and this podcast) by visiting our BookShop Store.

Raúl The Third is no stranger to the podcast, but the books he brings to share today are easily some of my favorite work he’s done yet. ¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market and ¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat are the first in a multi-book and multi-format series which includes picture books, easy readers, and board books. Raúl’s world-building is truly mind-blowing. Every character feels important. Every character matters, regardless of their role in the main story. It’s a universe I think many, many readers will find a welcome home within and it’s one, quite frankl...

Monique Gray Smith and Nicole Neidhardt share WHEN WE ARE KIND. This book is a beautiful rumination on what it feels like when we are kind and when someone or something is kind to us. Monique talks about kindness as a salve and the relationality and connection we have to one another and to the earth comes across powerfully and, in moments, disarmingly as Nicole brings representation of all types of families and family structures throughout the art. It’s a centering of diversity and the vibrancy of Native communities as they exist in the here and now and it...

Shane W. Evans shares shares MY FRIEND!, his latest picture book with his best pal Taye Diggs. This book has such terrific rhythmic language, made only greater by Shane’s beautiful and evocative color blocking throughout the art. One of my most favorite things Shane shared in our conversation was how he is constantly working to stay aware of the child in him. It’s so clear as I read Shane’s art. Truly, one only needs to spend a moment with one of Shane’s books to hear that voice and that value come calling out.

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