BLOG
BLACK CULTURE, HOMESCHOOLING, TRAVEL (AND OTHER THINGS FROM MY SWEET, IMPERFECT LIFE)
Hey there!
I’m Amber
Follow me!
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
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...
Get Good Stuff in Your Inbox
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.
Starting a Mama Culture Book Club
Creating a Mama Culture book club is more than just organizing a group of mothers to read together; it’s about fostering a sense of community,...
Curating Soul School Booklists: A Labor of Love
Creating the book lists for Soul School was one of the most intricate and rewarding journeys of my writing life. I didn’t just compile a collection...
Protecting Downtime: Why Margin Matters in Your Homeschool Life
In a world that glorifies busyness, it can feel countercultural—almost rebellious—to slow down and create space for rest. As a homeschooling family,...
Our World Geography Fair
If there’s one event that perfectly combines education, creativity, and cultural appreciation in our homeschool group, it’s the World Geography...
Heritage Mom Christmas Books & Gifts Roundup
Christmas is a cherished time in our family, filled with traditions, stories, and moments that bring us closer together. When our children were...
Homeschool Coaching: Tailored Guidance for Every Stage of Learning
Homeschooling is an incredible journey, but it’s no secret that it can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to make...
Why Mama Culture Matters
In the hustle and bustle of motherhood, where days often blur into a cycle of tasks, responsibilities, and care for others, it’s easy for mothers to...
Our Back-to-School Getaway
As summer draws to a close and we prepare to dive into a more structured homeschooling season, our annual camping trip has always been our family’s...
Building a Reading List Using a Bibliography
When I connected with Melinda Borda, a fellow homeschooling mom who shares insightful book reviews on Instagram, I was thrilled to learn that she...
Announcing Soul School: Preorder Now for Exclusive Bonuses!
Today, I'm thrilled to give you a sneak peek of my latest book, SOUL SCHOOL: Taking Kids On a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American...
Pierce Freelon: Artist. Author. Dad.
When I think of whose work I want my children to swim in, Pierce Freelon always comes to mind. He's a GRAMMY® nominated artist, picture book author,...
One Big Open Sky: Black Homesteaders
Without hesitation, I'm boldly proclaiming the novel-in-verse One Big Open Sky as one of my top picks for 2024. In this captivating story,...
Picture Books of Black Musicians
Nearly every genre of American music has been influenced by or has roots in African American music, and these picture books of Black musicians will...
Viva Durant and the Mystery at the Masquerade Ball
Viva Durant is an ordinary teenager who becomes an amateur detective while visiting her grandmother in New Orleans. In the series opener, she...
Warrior on the Mound: A Pitch-Perfect Book Celebrating Negro Leagues Baseball
I'm excited to share Warrior on the Mound, a brand-new middle-grade novel! Today is just a regular day for most, but for the mom of a baseball fan,...
Children’s Books About Black Artists
A few years ago, I shared 17 Picture Books Featuring Black Artists, which are still some of my favorite children's books about Black artists. Since...