How much do you love a great book list? The kind that introduces you to stories you never knew you needed? That’s exactly what Amber O’Neal Johnston has created in her latest book, Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture.

In today’s episode, we explore the profound impact literature has on shaping identity and why it’s essential for all children—not just Black children—to engage with stories from diverse perspectives. Amber shares how Soul School isn’t just a book list, but a guide to curating a home library that reflects the richness of Black American history, culture, and imagination.

We discuss the power of Afrofuturism, the accessibility of poetry, and how parents can thoughtfully introduce new voices into their children’s literary world. If you’re looking for ways to expand your family’s reading life in a meaningful way, this conversation is a must-listen.

Order Soul School today and start weaving cultural education into your family’s everyday learning.

Resources:

• Learn more about Amber’s book at soulschoolbook.com
• Our previous interviews with Amber Johnston:

Building a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O'Neal Johnston - Part One - A Brave Writer's Life in Brief

Building a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O'Neal Johnston - Part Two - A Brave Writer's Life in Brief

Building a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O’Neal Johnston - Part Three - A Brave Writer's Life in Brief

• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!
• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic
• Preorder Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing: How to Turn Struggling Students into Brave Writers
• Find Amber O’Neal Johnston’s Soul School in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations
• Visit Amber’s website at heritagemom.com
• Amber is @heritagemomblog on Instagram
• Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages
• Find our podcast book recommendations in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations
• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs
• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions
• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention
• Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!
• Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie:

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter
• Threads: @juliebravewriter
• Twitter: @bravewriter
• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa:

• Website: melissawiley.com
• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com
• Instagram: @melissawileybooks
• Twitter: @melissawiley

Produced by NOVA