📚 Read to You 365 Blog – May Edition

Cristal Tejeda
May 6
3 min read

“Awakening the Mind, Celebrating the Legacy”

🙏🏽 Opening Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the gift of stories and the voices that carry them through generations. As we step into this month, let us be reminded of the power of our words, our dreams, and our ancestors. May every child who reads, listens, or learns through us feel deeply loved, seen, and guided. May our work continue to uplift, and may we never forget the roots from which we rise. Amen.

🌸 In May We Celebrate:

May is a month full of powerful moments in Black history and culture, making it the perfect time to honor resilience, legacy, and freedom. Here’s what we’re celebrating:

Malcolm X’s Birthday – May 19A day to honor the fierce love and bold leadership of El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. Malcolm X continues to inspire generations with his message of Black pride, self-determination, and justice.
Mother’s Day – Second Sunday in May A moment to celebrate the nurturers, caregivers, and matriarchs in our community. Whether grandmothers, aunties, or mama figures—this is for them.
Mental Health Awareness Month Especially important for our children of color. We affirm that taking care of your mind is just as important as your body. Let’s talk about peace, rest, and love.
Teacher Appreciation Week (First full week of May)
We salute educators and mentors—especially Black teachers—who change lives every single day with their guidance, wisdom, and love.
Africa Day – May 25A celebration of African unity and the rich, diverse cultures of the Motherland.

📚 Books That Fit the May Theme:

🖤 For Malcolm X’s Legacy:

“Malcolm Little: The Boy Who Grew Up to Become Malcolm X” by Ilyasah Shabazz
“Who Was Malcolm X?” by Byron Hollinshead (Young Reader edition)

💐 For Mother’s Day:

“Mommy’s Khimar” by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
“I Love My Hair!” by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

🧠 For Mental Health & Inner Peace:

“Breathe Like a Bear” by Kira Willey (Mindfulness for Kids)
“My Magic Breath” by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor

🌍 For Africa Day: May 25

“Africa Is Not a Country” by Dipo Faloyin (Middle Grade & Teens)
“Jambo Means Hello: A Swahili Alphabet Book” by Muriel Feelings

🧠💬 Advice for Families & Educators:

1. Teach Legacy Early. Share the stories of Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, and your own family elders. Children learn pride by hearing who they come from.

try our downloadable Black history flash cards

2. Celebrate Mama Every Day.

Help your child write a poem or draw a picture for a mother figure. Talk about how love is a superpower.

check out our digital prompt guide. https://www.readtoyou365.com/post/april-blog-blossoming-through-words-celebrating-spring-poetry-month

3. Talk About Feelings.

Encourage your child to name their emotions and let them know it's OK to cry, talk, and rest.

4. Honor African Culture.

Try food from an African country, listen to African music, or learn a few words in Swahili, Yoruba, or Amharic!

🎲 Fun Family Games for May:

1. “Guess the Hero” Game Create flashcards with facts about important Black leaders like Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and Maya Angelou. Read the facts and let the kids guess who it is! or try our digital flash cards.

2. “Mother May I?” Remix

Classic game with a twist: Each command is themed after powerful actions (“Malcolm March,” “Mama Hug,” “Mindful Breathe”). Let kids have fun and move with meaning!

3. “Feelings Freeze Dance”

Play music and call out emotions. Kids freeze and show that emotion on their face or body when the music stops. Helps with emotional literacy!

✨ Closing Affirmation:

“I am powerful like Malcolm. I am loved like a mother’s hug. I am smart, sacred, and strong. I am not afraid of my feelings. I am a storyteller, a legacy, and a light for the beyond. I am the light of the future, and the future is bright.”