Literacy Is Liberation: Working Toward Justice Through Culturally Relevant Teaching

by Kimberly N Parker

Literacy is the foundation for all learning and must be accessible to all students. This fundamental truth is where Kimberly Parker begins to explore how culturally relevant teaching can help students work toward justice. Her goal is to make the literacy classroom a place where students can safely talk about key issues, move to dismantle inequities, and collaborate with one another. Introducing diverse texts is an essential part of the journey, but teachers must also be equipped with culturally relevant pedagogy to improve literacy instruction for all. In Literacy Is Liberation , Parker gives teachers the tools to build culturally relevant intentional literacy communities (CRILCs) with students. Through CRILCs, teachers can better shape their literacy instruction by * Reflecting on the connections between behaviors, beliefs, and racial identity.
* Identifying the characteristics of culturally relevant literacy instruction and grounding their practice within a strengths-based framework.
* Curating a culturally inclusive library of core texts, choice reading, and personal reading, and teaching inclusive texts with confidence.
* Developing strategies to respond to roadblocks for students, administrators, and teachers.
* Building curriculum that can foster critical conversations between students about difficult subjects—including race. In a culturally relevant classroom, it is important for students and teachers to get to know one another, be vulnerable, heal, and do the hard work to help everyone become a literacy high achiever. Through the practices in this book, teachers can create the more inclusive, representative, and equitable classroom environment that all students deserve.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Professional Development, Justice

165 pages, Paperback

Published February 25, 2022

Reviews

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring call to action for ELA teachers.

[Ryan Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Parker explains, analyzes, and outlines how Culturally Relevant Intentional Literacy Communities can be implemented into any given classroom. Many points, ideas, and stories are supported with further reading/resources. The work is important and this text is crucial in understanding relevant, next steps especially following the pandemic.

[SydneysBookNook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Parker’s book is a bit different from what I normally review, but it is one of the most important books that I have ever read, especially in my preparation to be a secondary education teacher. The book discusses the fundamental idea that culturally relevant teaching should be the basis of all classrooms. It is our job as educators (or in my case, future educators), to create a classroom community where each individual respects each other’s culture and background that they bring into the space. It is the teacher’s job to take into account the cultures of each student and incorporate it into the curriculum so each student feels seen and valued. These ideas are most important for Black and POC students, who have historically been hurt and discriminated against within the education system. Literacy is Liberation is necessary for every educator to read in order to create a classroom environment where every student is treated with the respect that they deserve.

I also had the honor of speaking with Dr. Parker when she visited my class over Zoom to discuss her book. I want to end this with a quote that she says that, while it doesn’t necessarily relate to her book, is something I took to heart: “Do the things that light you up.” Becoming a teacher is something that lights me up and brings me joy, and I hope that everyone reading this also has something that makes them feel this way!

[Kathryn Schlimpert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literacy is Liberation by Kimberly N. Parker is an engaging and informative read from start to finish. I found myself making annotations at least every other page, if not more. I appreciated the framework she provides for CRILCs and what they look like in practice. As a future high school English teacher, I found great value in her insights as an educator and Black woman about how to best support BIPOC students in the classroom. I resonate strongly with her claim that “it is up to committed teachers to intentionally envision their classrooms as a community of transformative literacy first, and their role within that community” (52). We should make deliberate choices in our classrooms, and while that may be an ever-evolving process, it is a process worth taking on for the benefit of our students. This book is very straightforward in its presentation, and is short enough for any teacher to read, process, and implement without adding a ton of pressure or stress. Parker adds “To-Do’s” that are practical and useful in thinking critically about the practice of culturally relevant teaching and your identity both inside and outside of the classroom.

While I was particularly interested in Parker’s idea of promoting the tradition of “Literary Citizens of the World” with her students, I did have some questions about equity in access. Attending local readings and immersing in local art and literacy culture is a beautiful idea, but I wonder how we can ensure all students are able to attend those activities outside of school hours. Parker does not address transportation or additional funds for students who may not have those resources available, and while hearing about these events in class may encourage more of Parker’s students to attend, it could also further isolate those that are not able to make it for factors outside of their control. The immersive experience is not part of a traditional educational setting, so I think it is important to consider every angle when introducing something that is perhaps outside of the scope of the average teacher.

In addition to working from a culturally responsive lens to craft an equitable and inclusive classroom community and shape curriculum, I am looking forward to implementing routine independent choice reading, a classroom library, and Parker’s steps for prepping for and conducting critical conversations. Ensuring my future classroom environment is built around academic success, cultural competence, and sociopolitical/critical consciousness is essential, and Literacy is Liberation is a great tool to assist in putting those ideas into action.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, I highly recommend this text.


What I found particularly compelling and a major strength of this book is that the text guides teachers in creating equitable, justice-oriented literacy classrooms that normalize high achievement. I want to emphasize this piece because educators can make assumptions that specific students may not meet the “standard” due to race, background, economic status, or whatever it may be. Parker makes it known that all students have the ability to succeed in the classroom and wants educators to practice culturally relevant teaching practices in the classroom that support all students. This message is powerful and meaningful in that the classroom space can be a learning place for ALL students.


My critique to the text is that Parker mentions routines. In my previous courses we have also talked about how there is so little time in the school year to include established daily routines such as independent reading especially in an AP classroom. Carving out 20-30 min per class period like Parker suggests may not be an option with some classes lasting 40-45 minutes. At the same time, I understand the value and importance of allowing for the right to read in an ELA classroom to foster a love for reading. I would suggest a little more flexibility in the timing or having this be a weekly routine to give more options on how to fit this practice in teacher’s own classrooms.


Overall, this text can help inform my lived practice as a teacher in so many ways. As an emerging educator, I want to apply these culturally relevant practices in my own teaching such as establishing independent reading, reading conferences, and a diverse classroom library. I now understand HOW to establish these practices in the classroom rather than just WHAT they are. Additionally, this text has made a huge difference in my own understanding of what culturally relevant practices are. Again, I highly recommend this text and really enjoyed this read.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes a lot of good sense. I did find that it seems to be written more toward teachers of older students. much discussion of "teaching" books versus teaching concepts using books as resources. I appreciated the specificity of holding discussions that include race and how not to leave students in the lurch. Much of the literacy connections, were simple and well known to teachers of elementary children.

[Maze · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very thorough examination of how to craft a classroom community on the basis of culturally relevant texts and antiracism. Also provides a lot of useful resources I will definitely be referencing. This is probably one of the most important subjects facing English teachers and educators alike today. Glad to have the foundation for how to lead inclusive class discussions and prevent BIPOC and other racialized students from being harmed by the system.

[Molly]

read for a class for my masters - i did some readings on culturally relevant/sustaining pedagogy in undergrad so it was nice to see some familiar names and concepts here. this is a great primer or refresher with practical steps on how to put beliefs into practice and respond to issues that might come up along the way

[Madi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a ton of pedagogy and thought provoking ideas from this book, as well as some discussion points to bring to my professor to further my understanding of AAVE in the classroom. I feel like I’ve taken a solid step on my journey of becoming a culturally relevant and responsive teacher

[Monette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a solid introduction to culturally relevant teaching. Most of the content I had researched in previous texts but I would definitely recommend this as a starting place if you have not delved into the topic.

3.5⭐️

[Nawal Qarooni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most important read for all teachers in America right now, straight up. Will be using this in all professional learning from now on.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved so much that I'm using this as the textbook for a class I'm teaching next semester.

[Laura Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly the type of professional development book I look for, especially as a white teacher in an area with predominantly students of color.

[Sami Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really written for ELA teachers - that said, I’m glad I read it! Would probably have been a 4 ⭐️ read if I were an ELA teacher

[Heather Terrill Stotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve thought about this book so much since reading it that I’m doing a professional development book club with it. The response to the offering has been overwhelming in my school district. This is a timely, excellent read that all educators should read and discuss with others. So important.

[Ashley Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT