The Bittermelon Kids Reading Program
We invite children ages 2 to 7 to join us for an hour-long reading and activity on selected Saturdays at Hudson Valley Books for Humanity. We understand that representation matters and it is important for children to see Americans of all backgrounds represented in their literature.
In our sessions, parents can expect to see Asian American student leaders reading age appropriate books and leading one sensory activity.
Our sessions focus on empowering all children with the spirit of diversity and inclusion. Every time we see a child walk away more confident in their identity, we feel inspired!
All children's readings and activities are free of charge, do not require registration, and take place at Hudson Valley Books for Humanity bookstore in Ossining, New York unless stated otherwise. Readings take place on select Satudays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
About our student leaders: Our student leaders receive guidance and training from retired Lakeland school teacher Betsy Kates. To learn more about our teen leaders and their training or to join as a youth program leader, please reach out to us here.
Examples of Past Sessions
Dumpling Day
by Meera Sriram
Activity: Making dumpling with play dough
Read by Jack and Ryan
For Ages 2+
Z is for Superhero
by Allison Park
Activity: Drawing Your Superhero Self
Read by Jack and Maisie
For Ages 2+
Cooper's Lesson
by Sun Yung Shin
Saturday, May 13th
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Read by Sara and Maisie
For Ages 4+
Eyes that Kiss in the Corners
by Joanna Ho
Saturday, April 29th
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Read by Jack and Riona
For Ages 2+
The Proudest Blue
by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Saturday, April 8th
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Read by Jack and Sara
For Ages 4+
Who You Were Made to Be
by Joanna Gaines
Saturday, March 25th
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Read by Lilly and Maisie
For Ages 4+
Take a Breath
by Sujean Rim
Saturday, February 26th
11:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Read by Amy and Maisie
For Ages 2+
My Footprints
by Bao Phi
Saturday, February 11th
11:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Read by Sara and Elizabeth
For Ages 4+
Our Lunar New Year
by Yobe Song
Saturday, January 14th
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Read by Manar and Maisie
For Ages 2+
A Different Pond
by Bao Phi
Saturday, January 7th
11:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Read by Amy and Sara
For Ages 6+
Proud To Be Asian
2022 Summer Series
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Every Tuesday, our AAPI teen leaders select book readings and activities for children to foster awareness, pride and confidence. Each week focuses on a different theme, such as celebrating our differences and learning to overcome bullying. Our final event on August 9th focusing on food will be a two-hour program! Our teen leaders will be performing a skit on real-life experiences of food discrimation at school, being an upstander, trying different Asian American foods, making our favorite foods with play dough and making origami! We encourage children to participate in the full program.
The Proud to be Asian summer series welcomes all children ages 4 and up. Each workshop will run from 10 AM to 11 AM at the Hudson Valley Books for Humanity bookstore in Ossining New York. Caregivers are welcome to bring coffee and browse the store. We’ll have light refreshments for the kids. All workshops are free of charge, though registration is required for planning purposes. Note: Book selection is subject to change.
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For more information, please email team@thebittermelon.com