AmazeWorks

10/08/2026

Deshawn and Leela are ready for our Read-In & Book Swap on Saturday!

Make sure you join for their story time! They’ll be reading My Rainbow by DeShanna and Trinity Neal 🌈

DeShawn loves to draw. Leela likes making cards for her friends. Maybe they’ll invite you to join them in some fun crafts this weekend!

We hope to see you at Logan Park this Saturday from 10am-12pm! Join us for story times and free banned books to take home. Registration is encouraged but not required. 🙂

10/07/2026

Tomorrow is DAF Day, a nationwide celebration of generosity through Donor-Advised Funds. 🌟

When you make a DAF gift to AmazeWorks, you bring belonging to life for children across all identities and experiences.

Here’s how you can take part in this giving holiday:
1. Decide which organizations to support with your DAF, like AmazeWorks to create classroom cultures of belonging!
2. Give easily on DAF Day through DAFpay at amazeworks.org/donate
3. Celebrate the power of giving together by spreading the word.

Give on October 8! Recommend your grant to AmazeWorks:
EIN: 41-1972162
Address: PO Box 8167, St. Paul, MN 55108

Be sure to include your name and contact info with the distribution so we can properly acknowledge your generosity! 🧡

10/06/2026

Jacob’s Room to Choose shows kids and adults how to show up for others when they are mistreated.

This sparks important conversations about gender expression and respect across differences, and belongs on school and library shelves!

Authors: Sarah & Ian Hoffman
Illustrator: Chris Case
Publisher: Magination Press

10/05/2026

10/05/2026

With appalling news stories about the Cornell 7 circulating, it’s imperative that we talk with youth about sexual assault.

The Courage Party is a book to help children understand and process sexual assault, ending conflicting messages survivors — or as the book reframes, crime fighters — receive when hearing about sexual assault or sharing their stories.

This powerful book was written by Joyce Brabner with Danielle Batone, illustrated by Greta Oparaku, and published by Microcosm Publishing.

Head to the comments to find our discussion guide to help you navigate this difficult topic with youth. ❤️

10/04/2026

starts today! We’re highlighting censored books that belong in classrooms, starting with Except When They Don’t by Laura Chamberlain Gehl, illustrated by Joshua Heinsz. Little Bee Books

As Melissa shares in this video, when we question gender stereotypes, we liberate everyone to be their more authentic selves!

Join us in celebrating banned books that bring belonging to life. Email [email protected] to share what banned book is important to have in classrooms. ⭐️

10/02/2026

Back in April, Minnesota PBS joined our book launch for Kao Kalia Yang at Mississippi Creative Arts Elementary. They filmed and interviewed the student performers to support their Pursuit of Happiness documentary series, exploring how Minnesotans find joy, purpose, connection and meaning in their lives.

We're thrilled to share that the series is scheduled to launch this month! Episodes release on October 5, 12, and 19 at 8pm CT on Minnesota PBS. Episode 3 features Kao Kalia Yang, so make sure to mark your calendars for the 19th!

About the series: ✨
What does happiness mean to you?

Pursuit of Happiness, a new series from Minnesota PBS, explores that question through the stories of nine Minnesotans and their communities.

Their experiences remind us that there may not be one answer to what makes a meaningful life — but there’s a lot we can learn from one another.

Watch October 5 at 8 pm CT on Minnesota PBS.

10/01/2026

Hey educators, we have a request for you to help us celebrate ! 📚

Take a video telling us about a banned or censored book you think is valuable for student learning and development. AmazeWorks will share all submitted videos on our social media channels to highlight educator perspectives on banned books that belong in classrooms.

Participants will be entered in a giveaway to win a classroom set of one of the following books:
🎶 Echoes of Excellence board book series by C.L. Stein (for early childhood readers)
🎃 Yusuf and Yusra's Spooky Dilemma by A. Dawood (for 3rd-5th grade readers)
🦅 Two Wings to Fly Away by Penny Mickelbury (for middle school readers)

Here's how you enter the giveaway:
1. Get your phone out to film a video talking about a banned book you think belongs in classrooms. Tell us why you love it!
a. Include the book title and author in your video.
b. Film the video in portrait, not landscape.
c. Make sure your video is no longer than two minutes.
2. Email your video to [email protected] by Monday, October 5.

We look forward to seeing your videos!

09/30/2026

Last night, we celebrated the anniversary of the 55th Hale-Field Pairing! Thanks to all the alumni who shared their stories and to Derek Francis for bringing us all together.

To learn more about this event in Minnesota history, read Our First Bus Ride by Derek Francis! And get the AmazeWorks discussion guide in the comments ⭐️

09/28/2026

Meet Minnesota Authors & Illustrators at the Mall of America!

Join Picture Book Parade and AmazeWorks for an afternoon of stories, books, and fun with some of your favorite Minnesota authors and illustrators! Each featured artist will take the stage for a special storytime, with their book displayed larger-than-life on the Jumbotron.

After each reading, readers can meet the authors and illustrators and take home a book! Each storyteller will sign and give away 15 FREE copies of their featured book.

Where: Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America
When: Sunday, October 11, 1–4 p.m.
Cost: FREE!

Featuring these incredible authors and illustrators: Kao Kalia Yang, Meenal Patel Studio, Art Coulson, Bao Phi, Marcie Rendon, and Chris Park