http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/how-literature-changes-your-brain-for-the-better?page=1

The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa by Patricia C. McKissack
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If the intention of the McKissacks was to change the reader's perception of Western Africa, they accomplished that goal and more in this remarkable book. As I read about the royal kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay, I kept wondering why I had never learned about Africa's history while growing up. I studied world history, but I was mainly fed information about western civilizations. How might this awareness of the rich and sophisticated medieval history of Africa changed the self-esteem of my young African-American self? I probably would have felt less inferior to the majority. I would have understood the greatness of my ancestors that began ages ago and how that same greatness flowed through to produce people who achieve in the modern era despite all odds. The Royal Kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay: Life in Medieval Africa should be required reading in any course on world history. It is easy to read and filled with helpful maps and illustrations. The McKissacks should be commended for the extraordinary research and scholarship they put into this book. Kudos!

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Talk must continue, but it’s time to act - Toledo Blade

By Linda M. Mitchell

When I read, I let the words really speak to me. I do this by personalizing the pronouns. For example, if I read a passage that contains "you" or "we", either in my mind or by writing above it, I change the words to "I" or "my." I use this power reading technique with many types of reading material such as devotionals, articles about health, finances, relationships, or anything I find that may help me personally. For instance, this is how I would read the following devotional passage.

 (Original version) In Psalm 23:2, the psalmist says that God leads His people into green pastures and beside still and restful waters. In other words, God will always lead us to a place of peace and safety if we seek Him. (Hearing From God Each Morning, 364 Daily Devotions by Joyce Meyer)

(My version) In Psalm 23:2, the psalmist says that God leads His people into green pastures and beside still and restful waters. In other words, God will always lead me to a place of peace and safety if I seek Him.

By personalizing the pronouns, I feel more empowered when I read. I feel like I'm getting my own action plan and the words stick with me longer, especially if the article is giving advice.

Another example is from Dave Ramsey. In Dave Ramsey’s Guide to Budgeting, he writes, “Your biggest wealth-building tool is your income, and the best way to harness the power of your income is the monthly budget.”

I connected better with his message when I read it this way: My biggest wealth-building tool is my income, and the best way to harness the power of my income is the monthly budget.

Try this reading technique yourself. By switching the pronouns to first person, you'll become more engaged in what you're reading and remember and apply the knowledge you've gained. It's simple but it works. I've been personalizing pronouns for years now and it has made a difference in my focus and comprehension.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm reading this book for the second time because the author, Jeannette Walls, is coming to speak at McKendree University pretty soon and I can't wait to hear her. Her memoir crystallized something I already knew--I can probably get by on less stuff than I think can. Her eccentric family may have been dysfunctional in some people's eyes but I liked them. Jeannette adored her father, except for when he got drunk and was abusive. Kids are quite resilient though, and this family exemplifies that quality more than any I've ever known.

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How to Be Black by Baratunde R. Thurston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I finished reading HTBB a few weeks ago and enjoyed it thoroughly, except for all the profanity. I realize nowadays people spread profanity around like confetti. There is no shame to their game when it comes to cursing. However, being a non-curser, it still jars me somewhat when all of a sudden it is in my face. That said, I waited until now to write a review to see what still resonated with me after a few weeks. First of all, it is an easy read. I read HTBB in eight to nine hours on a road trip. Second, Baratunde is very smart, honest and funny. How do I know? I just read the chapter about 'How to Be The Black Employee.' I laughed so hard about the watermelon dilemma. This book shows Baratunde's great intellect. Baratunde reminds me of comedian Jerry Seinfield, in how he can take a seemingly innocuous subject like swimming and give it such a hilarious look from the Black perspective. Third, I think including the Black Panel was a clever idea. What I am taking away with me from HTBB is that we all need to take the time to understand each other better. We are all different and quirky. When we realize that, we can have so much fun together laughing at ourselves.

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The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabel Wilkerson's work is a masterpiece. The true stories of three families who migrated from the South to the North is easy to read even though the book is over 600 pages. This book got me thinking about my grandparents and why they moved from Georgia and Texas to live in Chicago. I wish they were alive today so I could interview them. After reading this book, I feel an even greater respect and awe for the generations of black people who had the courage to make the journey. I intend to somehow convey the beauty and relevance of their triumph to this current generation.

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A Black Parent's Handbook to Educating Your Children by Baruti K. Kafele
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read the 20th anniversary edition of this book. I ordered it directly from the author's website for $5 plus shipping. The ordering process was simple and the book arrived quickly. The book itself was short and easy to read. I agreed with much of what the author had to say. He stressed the importance of black kids knowing their history--especially the greatness of their African ancestors, and using that backdrop as an impetus for achievement. Mr. Kafele, a former principal, also stressed the importance of children and parents habitually reading, which I wholeheartedly agree with. The icing on the cake in the book was the step-by-step game plan Mr. Kafele laid out for parents to help their children succeed. He stated that the purpose for children going to school is to learn and he describes the mechanisms for parents, teachers, and schools to work together to help the children succeed. I recommend this book to anyone who is involved in guiding young people.

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This land is ours: African Americans should claim their place in the great outdoors

Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'll probably read most anything Maya Angelou writes. She is such a fluid, gifted writer. I enjoyed this story about Maya Angelou and her mom. What a woman her mom was! It still left me with some questions, though. Will she tell us more about her son Guy? I am curious about their relationship. Are they still as close as she describes them in this book?

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King's Dream Remains Elusive Goal

allAfrica.com: Ghana: Students Urged to Develop Reading Habit

Norfolk woman to help kids in Africa | WAVY.com | Norfolk

Be good examples, watch less TV —Don tells parents

Spoiling vs nurturing – How to ensure that your child has it all

Luncheon raises funds for Imagination Library, other literacy programs

Read this extremely important article with your eyes wide open and do what you can to change things. Marriage: America’s Greatest Weapon Against Child Poverty

Marriage: America’s Greatest Weapon Against Child Poverty

Parenting help: Spotting child development problems - TeleManagement

Parents ‘expect teachers to instil love of reading’ - Education - News - London Evening Standard