Literacy X CHARNAIE GORDON

I love to read and write! I love connecting people with diverse and inclusive books, kid-friendly products and family experiences they will love.

Becoming an educator is truly a full circle journey for me. As a child, whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always say I wanted to be a teacher because I love education and helping others. However, when I got to college I fell in love with Computer Science so I decided to major and then went on to graduate school to receive my Master’s degree. I worked in the tech industry for over 15 years, but after a while I started to feel the urge to do something different. While still working at my corporate job, I started a blog where I started sharing diverse and inclusive children’s book recommendations. Eventually, my work was noticed by book publishers who asked me to write children’s books. Today, I have eight published children’s books. Some I’ve written on my own and others I’ve written with author friends. In early 2024 I was tapped on the shoulder by a friend who said I would make a great teacher. That’s how I began looking into the field of education. I’m enjoying this new journey so far and look forward to what the future holds.

I’ve seen that starting early with inclusive, diverse books and stories makes a world of difference. When kids see themselves in the characters they read about, it sparks a sense of belonging. On the flip side, when they see lives and cultures different from their own, it fosters empathy. I’ve also noticed that when teachers intentionally create spaces where every child’s voice is heard, it helps build a sense of community that goes beyond the classroom.

For me, it’s always been my children, children in general and now my students in the classroom. Seeing how a single book can shift a child’s perspective or inspire them to ask bigger questions motivates everything I do. I also draw inspiration from authors who are unapologetically pushing for more representation in children’s literature, like Kwame Mbalia and Jason Reynolds. Their work not only tells great stories but advocates for deeper change in how we think about identity and belonging.

Absolutely! For picture books, “Eyes That Kiss in the Corners” by Joanna Ho is a beautiful celebration of Asian heritage and self-love. For middle-grade readers, I always recommend “Ghost” by Jason Reynolds. It’s a powerful story about resilience. And for a book that will spark family discussions, “We Are Water Protectors” by Carole Lindstrom is a fantastic choice that ties advocacy to storytelling.

One of the biggest things people can do is listen. Really listen to the voices of marginalized communities. And then, take action by supporting authors, creators, and educators who are championing inclusion. Schools and libraries are great places to start, but it also means taking that awareness into our homes and workplaces. Hosting book clubs or community reads with a focus on diverse voices is an easy but powerful way to spark change.

Education, for me, is all about empowerment. Education has never been about learning/reciting facts or passing tests; it’s about opening doors to new ways of thinking and understanding the world. Education is the key to helping kids find their voice and giving them the confidence to use it. At its core, education is about creating a better, more just future for everyone.

During the work week, my personal fashion style tends to lean toward comfortable yet polished, with practical outfits that can transition from the classroom to meetings or events. I wear pants, blazers, or cozy cardigans paired with comfortable flats or low heels. On the weekends, my style usually reflects more creative flair, featuring statement pieces like bold scarves, unique jewelry, or patterned dresses and shirts. My weekend style is often a mix of classic and creative pieces.

My favorite piece from the Marcella Capsule is the Julien Pants. They are the perfect blend of comfort and chic style making them my go-to for occasions and events. I can easily dress them up with a blouse or keep it casual with a simple top. Oh, and did I mention how comfortable they are? I can wear them all day without a second thought. They are truly a wardrobe staple.