Staff Book Recommendations: Michelle Nutter
I have two books that I would like to share with you. I’m still reading the first book: Beyond Ally: The Pursuit of Racial Justice by Dr. Maysa Akbar. She says that as we engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social justice work, being an ally isn’t enough. We need to do more. We need to be supporters, allies, advocates, accomplices, and equity brokers. She writes, “Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. This isn’t a pie.” I just love that idea: you’re not giving anything away by extending equal rights to everyone!
The other book I recommend is called All American Boys. This young adult novel written by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Keeley tells the story of 
police brutality against young African American men. The story follows two young men – both high school seniors, one Black and one White – as they maneuver school together and learn difficult lessons. This book won the Coretta Scott King honor award and it was a quick read, but it was so very moving! I used to be an English teacher, and All American Boys makes me wish I were still in the classroom so I could read and discuss this book with students.
