Richmond Tales, Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle
Richmond Tales, Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle
Richmond Tales, Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle
Description
Description
In Richmond Tales, Lost Secrets of the Iron Triangle, Maisha Yates and Mario Reyes form an unlikely friendship. With the guidance of an elderly friend (Misty Horn), they travel back through Richmond history to Native (Ohlone) times, industrial Richmond in the early 20th century, Richmond in 1942 at the beginning of World War II and the Great Migration; and forward into a beautiful, greened Richmond of 2050. Seeing history through a social justice lens, they bring their experiences of the past forward, applying them to the present and envisioning how their new understanding might help make a better and more equitable Richmond in the future.
GOALS:
- attract young people to reading through stories representative of themselves
- connect youth to place by revealing history through their eyes
- reinforce bridges among cultures and present a model of inclusivity
- inspire youth to find themselves in the continuum of history
- offer a forum in the classroom to discuss social justice themes and civil society
- offer a tool of empowerment that articulates hope and helps shape agency
- address the crisis of literacy and by default, the school dropout rate
- offer an interdisciplinary text appropriate for both Language Arts and Social Studies
Themes include connection to place, street violence, bullying, history from below, and restorative justice.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"The Tale Behind Richmond Tales" in California Educator Magazine, February 2015 (pp. 50-51)
Richmond Tales is an extraordinary book that artfully uses the power of fiction to provide both an imaginative glimpse into Richmond's past and present, as well as a beautiful vision of what could be in our future. Written for young people, it is a great read for all ages. We are so proud to have this book as required reading in our local school district that we made it the Official Book of Richmond! -Gayle McLaughlin, Mayor, City of Richmond
"...I don't want to spoil the ending for you, suffice it to say that an incredibly exciting reveal awaits our courageous young people, who learn that once you get the big picture, your lives can never seem small again." - Back to the Future with Color by Kevin Killian, April 16, 2010 Read more...
Robert Rogers in Richmond Confidential (JUNE 2011) "...In Richmond Tales, which has become a staple in local elementary schools, a diverse cast of youthful characters embark on a journey through time and space in discovery of the "lost secrets" of the Iron Triangle."
" . . . Barb Johnson, Aide to U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, who attended the Thursday book party, had a favor to ask. "I'm on chapter 29, so don't anyone tell me the end of it yet." - Book Offers Journey through City History by Kimberly Wetzel, June 20, 2009, Contra Costa Times
Richmond Tales is a wonderful book. I am a 7th grade English and Social Studies teacher in Stockton, California. I love how I can use this book to incorporate both subjects simultaneously. The students were mesmerized while reading the text. At every corner there was a twist and turn. The students thought that they were learning about the rough characteristics of Richmond, California and then they are transported to a more natural world; complete with the Ohlone people. . . . Brenner has written a literary narrative for the ages. - Cecilia Bolton, Teacher, Van Buren Elementary School, Stockton, CA
"I hope you realize the impact your work has on all of us. You're allowing us to find a sense of pride in our neighborhood - a truly priceless gift." - Diane Sullivan, Washington School, Point Richmond
Reviews by Youth:
"Ms. Layer, I'm not kidding, I'm gonna be reading this book like everyday- it's so good!" - Diamond Williams, 5th grade, King Elementary School, Richmond, CA
"So far, I think that it's pretty awesome," said Raymond Kreger, 10, a fifth-grader at San Pablo's Dover Elementary School...."I give it the most stars you can give."
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
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