Season 7 Episode #15 The Power of Diverse Books: Breaking Out of Literary Bubbles with Author of Read Outside Your Bubble Nita Creekmore
Cultural Curriculum Chat with Jebeh Edmunds
What happens when we break free from our reading comfort zones? Nita Creekmore, author of "Read Outside Your Bubble," returns to the Cultural Curriculum Chat podcast to explore this transformative question with host Jebeh Edmunds.
Creekmore's journey began as a Black little girl rarely seeing herself represented in books. "Oftentimes Black little girls were like the little sidekick or the little friend and then they kind of were in and then out of the story," she recalls. This experience fueled her passion for diverse literature and eventually led to her creating the hashtag #ReadOutsideYourBubble, which evolved into both her educational philosophy and the title of her thought-provoking book.
At the heart of Creekmore's approach is the LEAP framework: Learning (incorporating mirrors and windows), Equity (ensuring representation of marginalized stories), Accessibility (finding ways to obtain diverse books), and Purpose/Professional learning (intentional implementation). This comprehensive roadmap provides educators with practical strategies for building inclusive reading environments where all students feel seen and valued.
For teachers hesitant to incorporate diverse literature, Creekmore suggests starting with interactive read-alouds. "I feel like a read aloud is like the bridge," she explains, recommending teachers prepare thoughtful discussion questions and create space for student connections. She emphasizes that diverse books benefit all students—not just those from marginalized backgrounds—by expanding worldviews and fostering empathy.
Creekmore's wisdom extends beyond book selection to address classroom climate, offering insights on community building, professional learning through peer observation, and advocacy strategies like grant writing for book acquisition. Her approach balances scholarly understanding with practical implementation, making inclusive literature accessible to any educator willing to begin the journey.
Follow Nita Creekmore @LoveTeachBless across social platforms and subscribe to her blog at www.love-teach-bless.com
for ongoing inspiration as you expand your own reading bubble and help others do the same.
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