Blog
Resources for including diverse voices amid traditional curriculum while infusing culture and a love for others into an intentional home environment.
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Black history and multicultural enrichment lesson guides designed to help parents meet the legitimate need for inclusive stories.
Books
Recommended book lists featuring African American history and many joyful aspects of Black culture, including art, music, and poetry.
My Newest Book!
I’m excited to share Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. Featuring over 100 essential titles for early readers through high school, it is a resource for families and educators who want to add inclusive books to their shelves.
Beyond the booklists, I’ve included discussion questions and activities, along with insights into cultural values, historical highlights, and the enduring power of storytelling. Covering toddlers to teens, Soul School is a guide for parents and educators who want their children to learn, grow, and appreciate the beauty of diverse stories.
Available for Purchase Where Books Are Sold
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Sign up now and receive my newly expanded Family Bonds book list, a curated collection of stories tied together with the common cord of familial bonds. You’ll also receive occasional emails featuring my latest thoughts, book recommendations, and diverse educational goodies.
Homeschooling Resources
Heritage Packs, Lesson Guides, Book Recommendations
I journeyed from a cookie-cutter approach to parenting and education that left my children feeling unacknowledged and invisible to discovering the magic of a culturally rich and inclusive learning environment. Now I’m on a mission to share the resources I’ve developed and discovered for my own children with your family.
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I’m Amber
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My name is Amber O’Neal Johnston, and I started this website to document and discuss the joys and trials of raising my kids to love themselves and others.
The Latest Posts
BLACK CULTURE, HOMESCHOOLING, TRAVEL (AND OTHER THINGS FROM MY SWEET, IMPERFECT LIFE)
The Missing Stories in Black YA Literature
As I was selecting and organizing the book titles for Soul School, I was moving along smoothly—until I reached the high school selections. Suddenly,...
Why Black History Month Still Matters
It’s Black History Month, and with it comes an opportunity to celebrate, reflect, and press forward. But every year, I see conversations resurface...
The Heart of Soul School: How the Books Were Chosen
When I set out to create Soul School, I knew this would not be just another booklist. This collection of stories had to be different. I wanted to...
The Urge to Tell Our Stories
Storytelling has always been at the heart of Black American culture and life. Through song, poetry, dance, and prose, we’ve told the world who we...
Introducing Crafted: A Black History Guide for Families
As we approach Black History Month, I'm thrilled to share Crafted, a family guide on “African Americans and Labor.” This year's theme...
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: A Life-Changing Encounter with History and Truth
Books aren’t a magical cure for every challenge or hardship. They can’t erase pain, mend relationships, or fix systemic problems. But what...