Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/969549
C T A ' S C A L I F O R N I A R E A D S has a list of teacher-recommended books that should stir up class discussion. Among them: In 1943, 8-year-old Sylvia Mendez was turned away from her neighborhood school in Orange County and told to enroll at the "Mexican school" instead. Her parents filed a class action lawsuit, Mendez v. Westminster. Its outcome in April 1947 helped end school segregation in California and paved the way for Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh (grades 1-2) tells Sylvia's story in concise text and vivid illustrations that younger readers will easily understand. Mildred and Richard Loving fell in love and got married in 1958. But that violated Virginia's laws against interracial marriage. The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage by Selina Alko (grades 3-5) shows how the Lovings refused to let their children get the message that their parents' love was wrong. The couple took their case all the way to the Supreme Court — and won! The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli (grades 9-12) is a fresh, upbeat take on teen relationships. Molly and twin sister Cas- sie are the children of two mothers. Cassie falls in love with Mina, and Molly, a self-described "fat girl," falls for Mina's friend Will — or is it her new co-worker Reid? She has to figure herself out, and learn to love the body she's in. See more at cta.org/californiareads. Follow #californiareads. All Equal, All Human CTA/NEA-Retired R E T I R I N G ? Keep your ties to public education and educators strong! Join CTA/NEA-Retired and stay connected with your local chapter, perhaps by volunteering in election campaigns or representing retirees' needs on CTA's State Council of Education. Members, whose dues cover both CTA and NEA, have access to outstanding insurance benefits, legal services, the credit union, travel and entertainment discounts, and much more. Go to ctamemberbenefits.org for details. Woman at the Top O N M A R C H 21, Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) became the first woman and first openly gay person to be president pro tem of the state Senate. Atkins' record of legislation includes bills on affordable housing, health care and LGBTQ+ rights. "California's educators congratu- late Toni Atkins," said CTA President Eric Heins, noting that the education community has always appreciated her strong sense of social justice. " Toni is a coalition builder who under- stands that our public schools and communities are worth fighting for as the Golden State continues to offer opportunities, refuge and hope for all regardless of who they love, the lan- guage they speak , and the ZIP code in which they live." 11 A P R I L / M AY 2 018