MCSTOYA Connects: Migration Reads

The summer reading list and one-day conference MCSTOYA Connects: Migration Reads invites you to explore fiction to better understand the non-fiction that is unfolding in our schools and neighborhoods.

The Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA) in partnership with I’m Your Neighbor Books presents:

MCSTOYA Connects:
Migration Reads

Not in Maine? No worries!
Come visit or simply participate in Part 1.

Part 1: An “A La Carte” Book Club
Open to All

MCSTOYA, I’m Your Neighbor Books, and other supporting organizations have provided a Summer Reading List that will improve your practice and build belonging. What books you read, in what timeline, is up to you! Gather friends and colleagues, and read your way to a deeper connection with our immigrant families and ourselves.

Explore Reading List

 

 

Part 2: One-Day Conference
Open to Registrants

August 11, 2025
9:30 AM—3:00 PM
Colby College
Waterville, Maine
Fee: $30.00

Meet up with other educators, librarians, and readers for book discussions of the “A La Carte” Book Club titles, featured speakers, and workshop sessions at the in-person event at Colby College. Participants will receive a free book of their choice and a certificate of contact hours.

Register for the Conference

9:00-9:30     Registration/Coffee/Vendors

9:30-9:40     Welcome and Orientation

9:40-10:20   Keynote by Educator Abusana Micky Bondo

Abusana Micky Bondo is a Portland, Maine School Board Member, educational consultant, a former Nellie Mae Education Foundation speaker, and a featured educator on the Maine Department of Education’s Pine Project: Professional Development. Her work facilitates the leadership and advocacy of community members and parents on student-centered learning. Bondo is the co-founder of In Her Presence, nonprofit that empowers immigrant women. She also serves the Opportunity Alliance as a board member and the United Way’s Thrive 2027 effort. As an advisor to the nonprofit I’m Your Neighbor Books, Bondo served as a key cultural consultant on the award-winning Congolese picture book Kende! Kende! Kende!. Born in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and educated and trained in Belgium, she holds a master’s in Biochemistry and Associate Degrees in Business Administration and Education. She moved to the US in 1996 and Portland, Maine in 2009. Fluent in English, French, and Lingala, Abusana Micky Bondo advocates for women, educators, and students across language and culture.

10:20-10:40    Process, Coffee, Snacks, Vendors, Book Signing

10:40-11:40    Presentation of Your Choice:

Know Your Rights (When Doing Right)
In this time when we need to build belonging, counter anti-immigrant bias, and establish intersectional community connections, should we be concerned about anti-DEI repercussions? Educators and librarians share inspiration and information for expanding book collections and conversations. Legal resources provided by Drummond & Woodson.

Immigrant Literature is for All Students
Educators and librarians utilizing Welcoming Libraries (collections of Immigrant and New Generation children’s books) and exploring the Pine Project: Professional Development, discuss how this subset of diverse children’s books have opened their SEL teaching, built their culture competencies, and connected with readers of all backgrounds. Featuring:

  • Moderator: Anne Sibley O’Brien , author of I’m New Here
  • Michelle Amato, Pine Project Lead Educator
  • Melissa Guerrette, Pine Project Consulting Educator
  • Sarah Norsworthy, Pine Project Founder
  • Abbey Randall, Curriculum Coach
  • Rebecca Reynolds, Multilingual Educator

First Generation Americans Reflect on Fiction & Belonging
MCSTOYA Connects’ featured titles reflect current realities of Immigrant and New Generation families. Like in Efren Divided, families are being separated by ICE. Like in Kareem Between, family members cannot reunite or resettle because of travel or refugee bans. Like in Go Home, people are divided by opinions on immigration. And like Count Me In, many communities are standing up for neighbors. First Generation Americans feel these realities keenly. Being part of this nation with a part of themselves left in another nation, First Generation Americans build belonging for themselves and others. How can these voices in fiction and our in communities build stronger belonging in our classrooms?

11:40-12:25   Lunch, Vendors, Book Signing

12:25-1:25   “These Hyphens Run Deep: Exploring Immigrant Identity and Experience through Children’s Literature” with Author and Educator Francie Latour

Francie Latour is a writer, educator, and daughter of Haitian immigrants who lives in Boston. She co-founded and leads the racial justice education project Wee The People, which designs workshops, trainings, and community activations that center Black joy. Francie’s writing explores issues of race, culture,identity, and power. Her work has been featured on National Public Radio and in The Boston Globe, where she worked as a staff writer for 11 years. Her debut children’s book Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings was named a Best Children’s Book by Kirkus Reviews. She was honored by the Library of Congress in 2019, and is a MCSTOYA Connects featured title as well as part of the Pine Project: Professional Development.

1:25- 2:15    Book Club Discussions

2:20-2:45    Closing Conversation
Award-winning educator Melissa Guerrette and I’m Your Neighbor Books Executive Director Kirsten Cappy reflect on the books, the times, and the day’s conversations.

2:45              Wrap Up, Book Giveaway, Book Signing

 


MCSTOYA Connects: Migration Reads is supported by:

Maine County and State Teachers of the Year Association (MCSTOYA)

Maine Education Association

Maine Council for English Language Arts

Maine Association of School Libraries

Educate Maine / The Teach Maine Center

I’m Your Neighbor Books