Brantford Immigration Partnership launches the Young Minds Book Club

BRANTFORD, ON – The Brantford Immigration Partnership (BIP) and Healthy Kids Brantford, launches the Young Minds Book Club which will include a collection of children’s books that focus on diversity, inclusion, and equity. The books will be distributed to EarlyON Child and Family Centres and Brantford licensed child care centres in a means to increase awareness and appreciation of diversity. The collection was developed by the Brantford Public Library and Goodminds, a local First Nations family-owned bookstore and publisher. The books will accompany information on how to connect with the Brantford Immigration Partnership, as well as Gahwajiya:de’ Detenatgwa’ta Family Gatherings for local resources.

“We’re proud to be a part of the Brantford Immigration Partnership and involved with this BIP initiative that provides children with an opportunity to gain understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives and cultures through a carefully curated collection of books,” says Rae-Lynne Aramburo, CEO/Chief Librarian of the Brantford Public Library.

Families are invited to attend the EarlyON Child and Family Centres during programming to join the Young Minds Book Club and learn more about diversity, inclusion and equity.

Books in the series:

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family, written by Olympic medalist and social justice activist, Ibtihaj Muhammad and illustrated by Hatem Aly. This is a powerful story about two sisters. One is attending their first day at school and it’s the other sister’s first day of hijab.

When We Are Kind, written by indigenous author Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt. This story celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Monique has written several books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation.

We Give Our Thanks, written by Sara General Odadrihonyanisoh, is an illustrated children’s book inspired by our inherent rights and the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address.

I Am Enough, is a New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice Awards picture book winner, and was written by Grace Byers and illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo. This book is an ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another.

All books are available in the catalogue at the Brantford Public Library:

The BIP launched in April 2020 to help build a better understanding of the unique perspectives of immigrants, strengthen community partnerships to enhance services, and celebrate cultural diversity within our city. This is a valuable opportunity to recognize local newcomers and share how they contribute to the economic, social, civic, and cultural growth of Brantford.

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Media Contact:

Sharon Sayles | Communications Specialist, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | 519-759-4150 ext.5218 | communications@brantford.ca