MISelf in Books

Community Read Aloud and Discussion Program: BPS Libraries

Conversations in a Diverse World: The Power of Story

The Birmingham Public Schools Library Media Department is pleased to invite our community on a journey into the world of story. We hope to share with our community some of the diverse content in our libraries and how it impacts the way we walk in this world.


We are inviting you to listen to a read-aloud and participate in a discussion of a selection of books chosen from the MISelf in Books list.


The books on this list were selected by a committee formed by the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME). MAME and the BPS Media Specialists recognize the challenges we face in combatting bias and racism in our communities and the power of literature in disrupting bias and racism while building empathy for others. These books are available in all of our BPS library media centers--and they are also books that students enthusiastically enjoy!


Therefore, we would like to introduce these books and offer opportunities for discussion of these texts. We are suggesting three ways you can use this time.


  1. Join as a family for listening and discussion.
  2. Join as caregivers to preview these books before sharing with your children.
  3. Join as caregivers to gain experience in discussing the themes presented in these books.


We are planning to host this event weekly on Thursdays 7-7:30 PM excepting school scheduled holidays.

Group Norms for Our Read-Alouds and Discussions

As we discuss thoughts related to the books shared in the company of both students and adults, please use these thoughts to guide your participation:

  • Open Mind, Open Heart
  • Engage in Self-Awareness
  • Keep Good Intentions
  • Withhold Assumptions and Judgement
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MISelf in Books: Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala by Meenal Patel

Thursday, June 10th, 7-7:30pm

This is an online event.

MAME Description:


Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala is a celebration of the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, the threads that connect each of us to our heritage, and the power of sharing our traditions with others.


We will meet from 7:00-7:30 PM via zoom. Please register for this event below.


We will send the zoom link to the email address you register with on the afternoon of June 10, 2021.

RSVPs are enabled for this event.

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Book Sales at "The Book Beat"

If you are interested in purchasing any of the titles shared throughout this program we have partnered with our local independent book store, The Book Beat who offers curbside pick-up and ship to home options. All titles can purchased through the store with a 15% discount to BPS families. Please refer to The Book Beat web page for details.