Passport Book Club
(for Cinnamongirls ages 8 - 18)
Did you know?
Children are more likely to develop a positive sense of identity and self-esteem when they find their own culture and experiences in books*
But only 27% of children’s and YA books have main characters of color**
*Scholastic – Raise A Reader Blog
**2019 Survey on Diversity in Children’s and YA Literature - CCBC
We want to change that.
Passport Book Club ignites a lifelong love of reading starting at age 8, with mentors guiding the girls through book discussions. By showcasing diverse authors and protagonists of color, girls see themselves reflected as powerful scholars and changemakers. This fuels not only a passion for reading but also greater self-confidence and academic achievement. Through mentored book discussions and sharing their insights on podcasts, girls build critical thinking and communication skills that will support their college and career goals. This isn't just about reading – it's about empowering girls to engage with the world around them.
Passportgirls read and discuss stories about female protagonists of color. Four trailblazing older Cinnamongirls lead and help our Passportgirls navigate adolescence with mindful support and advice from those that just experienced this period of their life. Parents are kept abreast of all conversations and discussion topics.
We offer two cohorts:
Cohort 1: Ages 8 - 12
Cohort 2: Ages 13 - 18
Photo by Jayla Loren Richard Smith
OUR PASSPORTGIRLS CREATE…
A list of all of the books and authors that interest them
Monthly conversations filled with curiosity, laughter, and different opinions and perspectives
A journal of all of the inspiring books read, the perspectives gained, and the conversations shared
An episode of the Book Club for Kids podcast
Photo by Ronald Davis, Davis Digital Design
WE PROVIDE…
Four Cinnamongirls leads to cultivate our preteen and teen cohorts
Book talks with award-winning authors of color
A calendar of virtual/physical meetings for our cohorts
A parental group with like-minded parents who share best practices for raising a Cinnamongirl achiever
Recommended reading list of authors of color currently contributing to the array of Middle School books
Inspirational quotes and guidance
The opportunity for Passportgirls to apply for a moderator/interviewer spot at the Bay Area Book Festival
Award-winning author Angie Thomas smiles for the camera with our excited Cinnamongirls
Passportgirls at the 2022 & 2023 Bay Area Book Festival
Photo by Michael Hitchner
Photo by Michael Hitchner
Photo by Katherine Briccetti
Photo by Michael Hitchner
Photo by Michael Hitchner
Photo by Michael Hitchner
“Growing up, I felt like a monster in some ways. I didn’t see myself reflected at all. I was like, ‘Yo is something wrong with me? That the whole society seems to think that people like me don’t exist?’ And part of what inspired me, was this deep desire that before I died, I would make a couple of mirrors. That I would make some mirrors so that kids like me might see themselves reflected back and might not feel so monstrous for it.”
– Issa Rae
WE AIM TO…
Inspire imaginations to innovate and inform the collective
Encourage writing experiences that support girls emotional, mental, and physical well being
Demonstrate reading as a healing modality
Prepare life-long readers
AS A PARENT OR EDUCATOR, YOU CAN SUPPORT YOUR PASSPORTGIRL’S DEVELOPMENT BY…
Encouraging her to read books about girls of color by authors of color
Responding to her reading and writing with enthusiasm
Supporting her creative capacity with more diverse books in the classroom and school visits from diverse authors
Sharing Passport Book Club with your network of schools, educators, parents, and nonprofits, etc.
Joining our mailing list. We want to get to know you!