Blog
Resources for including diverse voices amid traditional curriculum while infusing culture and a love for others into an intentional home environment.
Shop
Black history and multicultural enrichment lesson guides designed to help parents meet the legitimate need for inclusive stories.
Books
Recommended book lists featuring African American history and many joyful aspects of Black culture, including art, music, and poetry.
My Newest Book!
I’m excited to share Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. Featuring over 100 essential titles for early readers through high school, it is a resource for families and educators who want to add inclusive books to their shelves.
Beyond the booklists, I’ve included discussion questions and activities, along with insights into cultural values, historical highlights, and the enduring power of storytelling. Covering toddlers to teens, Soul School is a guide for parents and educators who want their children to learn, grow, and appreciate the beauty of diverse stories.
Available for Purchase Where Books Are Sold
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Sign up now and receive my newly expanded Family Bonds book list, a curated collection of stories tied together with the common cord of familial bonds. You’ll also receive occasional emails featuring my latest thoughts, book recommendations, and diverse educational goodies.
Homeschooling Resources
Heritage Packs, Lesson Guides, Book Recommendations
I journeyed from a cookie-cutter approach to parenting and education that left my children feeling unacknowledged and invisible to discovering the magic of a culturally rich and inclusive learning environment. Now I’m on a mission to share the resources I’ve developed and discovered for my own children with your family.
Hey there!
I’m Amber
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My name is Amber O’Neal Johnston, and I started this website to document and discuss the joys and trials of raising my kids to love themselves and others.
The Latest Posts
BLACK CULTURE, HOMESCHOOLING, TRAVEL (AND OTHER THINGS FROM MY SWEET, IMPERFECT LIFE)
Patriotism, Faith, and Fear: What’s Really Behind the Fight Over Books
Every once in a while, I’m reminded of how deeply uncomfortable it makes some people when families choose to raise readers who see the world beyond...
How to Teach Classic Books Responsibly
In many homeschooling circles, certain "classic" books are frequently recommended, often without context or critical analysis. However, as more of...
Geocaching With Kids
I used to love spontaneous hikes with my kids. We’d grab some water bottles, lace up our sneakers, and hit the trail. But as my kids got older, the...
When Do You Read All These Books?
One of the questions I get asked most often is: "How does your family manage to read so many books on Black culture and history while also covering...
Navigating Friendships as a Homeschooling Mom of Tweens and Teens
I thought the early years of homeschooling were the hardest. Juggling the needs of toddlers, planning lessons, and squeezing in time for myself felt...
Trickster Tales: Why Every Child Should Read African American Folklore
Storytelling has always been at the heart of culture, shaping how we understand the world, ourselves, and our history. Among the most enduring and...