By Brinton Culp, Lancaster Group
The Sierra Club’s Lancaster Group is in the process of purchasing and distributing the children’s book Where’s Rodney? by Carmen Bogan to as many public elementary school libraries in Lancaster County as it can. This beautiful book, illustrated by Coretta Scott King Award-winner Floyd Cooper, follows a young Black child named Rodney on a field trip to a park like one he’s never known: a national park.
The book can serve on multiple levels as both a “mirror” and a “window” book. Some children may see themselves in Rodney as he struggles in the regular classroom but finds that his senses lead to curiosity and exploration in nature. For others, the book allows them to more fully understand the experience of someone else. It has earned a Kirkus starred review and is recommended by Social Justice Books and The Brown Bookshelf.
Published in partnership with the Yosemite Conservancy, Where’s Rodney? provides helpful information that explains how the reader can visit a county, state, or national park. The author, Carmen Bogan, helped the Lancaster Group facilitate a connection with Yosemite, which in turn was able to offer the Group a much-appreciated discount on the book's purchase price.
It is the hope of Lancaster Sierrans that Where’s Rodney? will inspire many children to get outdoors where they can explore, enjoy, and protect the planet!
Thanks for reading!
To learn more about the book, its author and illustrator, visit dreamonpublishing.com. Information on Yosemite Conservancy is available at yosemite.org. Details regarding Social Justice Books and The Brown Bookshelf can be accessed at socialjusticebooks.org and thebrownbookshelf.com, respectively.
This blog was included as part of the 2021 Winter Sylvanian newsletter. Please click here to check out more articles from this edition!