Our Story

our story

This book drive began when three friends were upset by the racial injustices they witnessed during the summer of 2020. Anger turned to action, and we came up with an idea to start a book drive for students of Color - especially Black students - providing school libraries with as many books as possible featuring characters from communities of Color and written by authors of Color, as well. We believe all children should be able to see themselves in the books they read. We aren’t educators or experts, so we consulted with community members for help. We spoke with Black educators across the state, homeschool parents, and the antiracism education organization “We Are” in Durham, NC.

We incorporated their feedback into our plan and expanded our team of three to six core organizers and three brilliant designers and marketing gurus. We also expanded our book list to include more stories about other marginalized groups, like the LGBTQIA+ community, religious minorities, and folks with greater body diversity. We decided to concentrate our project on middle school students, since this is such a difficult time for many. Finally, we looked for a school who would be willing to participate.

Centennial Magnet Middle School Library

We reached out to Centennial Magnet Middle School Media Specialist and Librarian Extraordinaire Jennifer Calvo, who graciously agreed to help bring our idea to life. Jennifer recruited fellow educator and history buff, LaShonda Haddock, to help cultivate the book list and guide our process. The two worked hard to make sure the book list reflected the specific needs of Centennial Middle. Jennifer also worked with Quail Ridge bookstore in Raleigh, NC, who kindly agreed to sponsor the book drive.

When it was time to give our book drive a name, Jennifer and LaShonda mentioned Emily Style’s concept of Windows and Mirrors, and we agreed her ideas fit our book drive perfectly! A book can be a window into a new world, or a mirror to see oneself in a new light.

Our hope is that The Windows and Mirrors book drive will continue beyond our involvement. We’d like other communities to conduct Windows and Mirrors book drives for their schools. No experience is necessary! If you are interested in helping children have access to books in which they can see themselves, you can easily create your own Windows and Mirrors book drive for a local school. Contact us, and we will provide you with resources you need to get started.

the Team

Azul

Azul is a local musician and jack of all trades. As an immigrant, books were always the gateway into understanding the world around her. Books changed her life and she wants to be part of sharing that power.

Cheryl

Cheryl is a mother of 3 young adults, former PTA member, and avid reader. She wants all children to have access to books, and she thinks school libraries are a great resource for students, especially those who may not have many books at home.

Erica

Erica is grateful for all the opportunities she has had in her education - from international travel, to degrees in piano performance and Spanish, to the practice of law. Also, cats, she is grateful for her cat, Carnegie. Mostly, though, she’s grateful to be a part of this project. Visibility, diversity, and inclusion are essential, especially in the education of children.

Jennifer

Jennifer Calvo has been a school librarian for seven years. Her mission in school libraries is to provide the same youth experience she had in her tiny local public library: Students should be able to read what they want and know that Ms. Calvo can't wait for their next conversation together. *Spontaneous Soul Trail Lines are encouraged, but not required.*

Lashonda

LaShonda Haddock is from the great state of NC (Pollocksville, anyone?) She received her bachelor’s degree from UNC Charlotte and her Masters from Gardner-Webb University. She has been an educator in her home state of NC for over 17 years with 16 of those 17 as a classroom teacher, telling the story of our country's history.

sierra

Sierra's love of books began early thanks to her mother, whose 20 years of teaching History and English helped inspire an interest in education. Though she has no children of her own, she wants to amplify the works of authors who can provide the next generation the same experience of escape, belonging, and adventure she always found in books.