Back to School Book Drive: “Soy Bella”

My first children’s book is finally on its way! “Soy Bella” hits shelves this August. Help us donate a copy to classrooms and libraries!

Partnering with La Sociedad DF, we are launching a Back to School Book Drive including “Soy Bella” with other school supplies for K-2nd grade students around the country. This children’s book celebrates diversity and helps young children recognize the beauty in different experiences.

Annabella is a curious child, wanting to learn more about her family and the diversity she sees in her Latina heritage. Everyone calls her “Bella” which means beautiful in Spanish. Bella notices how different her sisters are in many ways, especially looks. She goes on to discover the beauty and diversity of the Latina culture. “Soy Bella” is an ode to the Latin American identity. It’s a perfect children’s book to learn about the history and culture we see in our families.

Special thank you from:

@LaSocidadDF

@RestoringRacialJustice (Jorge Santos)

About La Sociedad DF

La Sociedad DF is an association of individuals striving to impact the community around them through empowerment and friendship. Visit @LASOCIEDADDF on Instagram for more information.

___

About Jorge Santos

@RestoringRacialJustice (Jorge Santos)

Jorge Santos has been a NYC teacher for 7 years. He a restorative justice coordinator and a special education teacher at a school in NY. Jorge has been a part of the school’s Instructional Leadership Team as well as the Culture & Equity Team which focuses on creating an antiracist and equitable learning environment.

 

Jorge is a restorative justice advocate who believes in building community and empowering student voices. He encourages social and emotional growth for students experiencing trauma instead of the traditional school disciplinary methods. He believes education and restorative justice practices are tools where students can examine social justice issues and become active citizens impacting their communities. Jorge has spoken at various conferences and panels discussing restorative justice, racial equity, decolonizing curricula, and building an antiracist school community.

 

Jorge Santos holds Masters Degrees in Criminology and in Special Education from St. John’s University; influencing his work through his background in understanding factors that cause individuals to commit harm and the work to repair those relationships.

 

He is the content creator for the social media platform @RestoringRacialJustice where he uses content to inspire learning around race, racial inequities, social justice movements and multicultural history. Jorge is a published writer who has contributed to several outlets.