The Impact of Cultural Relevance in Books with guest Taylor Sorrells
About this episode
The episode discusses the importance of cultural relevance in children's literature and its impact on student engagement and literacy.
Hosted by Katey DeCelle of WFNU Frogtown Community Radio, this conversation features Minnesota educator and literacy advocate Taylor Sorrells, founder of Read With Me Minnesota, a nonprofit that partners with local authors and illustrators to increase access to culturally relevant children’s literature through author visits, book donations, and community events. Sorrells explains culturally relevant texts and the “windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors” framework. She describes how representation boosts student engagement, literacy acquisition, and belonging, and offers practical ways busy caregivers can build language and connection in the first years through everyday routines, reading, and storytelling. Sorrells discusses starting the organization after teaching in Chicago schools with limited representation and highlights ways thenonprofit supports schools amid fears around DEI funding. This episode was recorded live on the radio program So SaintPaul, which airs on WFNU at 94.1 FM in Saint Paul. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts
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