Rebellious Read Alouds: Inviting Conversations about Diversity with Children′s Books [Grades K-5]

Ahiyya, Vera: - Vera Ahiyya (nee Corbett) was born in Germany, and raised in El Paso, Texas. Originally a pre-med student, Vera realized her calling as an educator at Austin College in Sherman, TX, a calling shared by many of her family, including her beloved Papa. Vera majored in History and Psychology and earned her MA in Education. Vera has taught Kindergarten and first grade for 16 years in Texas, Massachusetts, and Brooklyn. nn Vera's love for children's books has led to her becoming an Instagram book influencer where she showcases her love of children's literature and highlights books and authors that discusses the necessity and power of diversity and voice in children's books. Vera uses her extensive online presence to advocate for teachers to be purposeful and always inclusive with their choice of text in their classrooms. nn Following a video showing Vera discussing racism with her Kindergarten class that went viral and was shown on Good Morning America, Vera was approached to write her first children's book, You Have a Voice which will be released in December 2021. She has other titles in the works. nn Vera lives in Brooklyn with her husband Lonnell and dog Mozi. You can find her on Instagram at @thetututeacher. nn