Education and literacy are not only important vessels to personal growth, but have become increasingly necessary to post-secondary stability and financial security. Unfortunately for some underprivileged children—especially those in communities of color—culturally conscious literature and other resources that contain depictions of genuine experiences, family activities, and everyday practices from the children’s ethnic groups are not common.

As a result, just 50 percent of underprivileged children, 48 percent of African American children, 55 percent of Hispanic children, and 43 percent of Native American children read at grade level by fourth grade. When children explore culture and history through literature, they create a meaningful connection between the home and school that positively impacts academic achievement.

LBTL is taking steps to break down the barriers to academic achievement and increase inclusive content in curriculum. Our approach allows children to narrate their own identities and understand themselves within school contexts.