Our Uniqueness in Reading (O.U.R.) Afterschool Book Club

• In Event: Expanding Possibilities: Equity, Identity, and Culture in Out-of-School Time Spaces

Abstract

Our Uniqueness in Reading (O.U.R) Book Club centralizes the experiences of 4th and 5th grade Black girls by using culturally relevant children's chapter books to promote reading engagement, rich discussion, identity exploration, and connections/extensions to state standards and curriculum weekly in an afterschool setting. The focus of the O.U.R. Book Club is to cultivate a space where Black 4th and 5th grade girls can engage in discussion around texts where the main characters are also Black girls. By diving into various story elements and making real-life connections with personal experiences and other forms of text (i.e. books, movies, social media, music, etc.) the participants, along with the facilitator(s), create a space of belonging within the afterschool setting.

Author

• Wyletta S. Gamble-Lomax, Coppin State University