Through the art of storytelling, we can preserve our heritage, educate future generations, and inspire change.
– Philipp Humm, German and British artist and film director

Deb Curtis, author of Really Seeing Children writes this in appreciation of one of Exchange’s newer books, Stories of Resistance:

“It is long past time for leaders of color with strong voices, powerful stories and new thinking to be heard. Their stories call out, push back and transcend the white centered perspectives and power structures that have dominated the field of early childhood for too long. Along with the compelling content, this book is beautifully designed with inspirational words, quotes and photos of the courageous women who are featured. We have much to learn from this book as we decenter whiteness and transform our profession.”

English writer, Philip Pullman, believes that “after nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” And Tahir Shah, an author of Afghan-Indian descent, writes that “stories are a communal currency of humanity.”

A good question for all of us is: How are we continuing to learn from other people’s stories and what kinds of inspirational stories are we sharing with children?

There is much to learn from the brave women in Stories of Resistance, as Deb Curtis says. Reading about other people’s courage can strengthen our own and help us celebrate our shared humanity.