About Stories That Matter
Stories That Matter is a collection of digital teaching kits for K-12 educators and families. Each kit pairs curated books with flexible curriculum ideas and discussion tools to explore Jewish identity, the Holocaust and antisemitism.
Books are powerful teaching tools. They can serve as windows into the lives and histories of others, mirrors that reflect students’ own identities and experiences, and doors that invite readers into new perspectives and conversations. At a time when misinformation, bias and hate persist, students need opportunities to engage with stories that build understanding, foster empathy and strengthen critical-thinking skills.
These kits help educators make the most of the power of books, whether you are introducing a single title or integrating these themes into a broader unit of study.
What Each Digital Teaching Kit Includes
Provides educators with clear context on why the topic matters, how it is relevant to students and how it supports an inclusive, meaningful curriculum. This section helps educators introduce the subject with confidence and connect it to students’ learning and lived experiences.
A short video introduces the “windows, mirrors and sliding glass doors” framework, developed by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, for reading, along with reflection questions that help students apply this approach to the books they read.
Practical, adaptable ideas for using books on the topic in the classroom. Designed for a range of grade levels, these activities help educators engage students while easily integrating the books into existing lessons and instruction.
A selection of age-appropriate questions that support thoughtful conversations and student reflection. Prompts help students explore the kit’s central topic, consider different perspectives and make meaningful connections.
A curated list of books related to the kit topic, organized by grade-level groupings. Each recommendation highlights key themes to help educators, parents, and caregivers select engaging titles that support their students and instructional goals.
Explore the Digital Teaching Kits
Choose a kit below to access curriculum guides, discussion tools and recommended books.
Kit 1: Roots & Reflections
Teaching Jewish Identity Through Books
Explore the richness and diversity of Jewish identity, culture, history and tradition. Grounded in Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop’s “windows, mirrors and sliding glass doors” framework, this kit uses literature to foster understanding, empathy and connection across lines of difference.
Kit 2: Through Their Eyes, In Our Words
Teaching About the Holocaust Through Literature
Introduce and deepen understanding of the Holocaust in developmentally appropriate ways, using literature as a window into the past and a mirror for identity, empathy and reflection.
Kit 3: Words Against Hate
Understanding and Responding to Antisemitism Through Story
Address antisemitism through books that spark conversation, build awareness, break down stereotypes and empower young people to become upstanders.
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