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t’s a Wednesday evening in mid-November, and Parker parents are gathering online for the inaugural meeting of the “Windows, Mirrors, and Coffee" (WMC) book club. Established by Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at Lower School Veronica Scott and Lower School Culturally Responsive Literacy Specialist Rebecca Bellingham, the club aims to connect parents from diverse backgrounds through shared experiences and conversations.
Connection Through Conversation
‘Windows, Mirrors, and Coffee’ book club providing Parker parents space for important discussions
A quick glance at the virtual grid reveals both similarities and differences between the participants. By the end of the first meeting, all involved agree they have a deeper appreciation for both the commonalities they share and the differences that make them unique and beautiful. “Windows and Mirrors” is a phrase coined by educator Rudine Sims Bishops. It was chosen as the book club’s moniker with the belief that children—and their parents— need exposure to books that provide windows into the diverse experiences of other people, times, and places; as well as mirrors that honor and reflect their own lived experiences. “They are experiencing the power of children’s literature and understanding how to use it to begin big conversations on race and identity with their kids,” explains Rebecca.
Story and photos by Matthew Piechalak
The subject of the first gathering is Renée Watson’s “Way to Make Sunshine,” a children’s novel about middle-schooler Ryan Hart, an African American girl adjusting to life as an early adolescent. “We started the book club as a way to connect with Lower School parents and families around issues of DEIB and also nourish our community through powerful stories and conversations,” says Rebecca. “‘Ways to Make Sunshine’ was
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Parker Magazine SPRING 2021
