Christine Platt

Forget the aesthetics of mainstream minimalism and discover a life of authenticity and intention with this practical guide to living with less…your way. When Christine Platt set out on her journey to live with less, she never intended to become The Afrominimalist. She just wanted to tame the chaos in her closet! But after struggling with the austerity and whiteness of mainstream minimalism, Christine realized why minimalism often seems unattainable for so many: the emphasis on all-white, barren aesthetics distracts from the practice of living with intention. And so, she decided to do things her way by curating a life of less influenced by the African diaspora. In The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less, Christine gets right to the heart of how childhood experiences and expectations manifest in adulthood, the delicate dance between needs and wants, and the complicated weight of familial and societal pressures. A far cry from Konmaried closets, capsule wardrobes, and conspicuous consumption, Christine’s brand of “living with less” is more than a decluttering regimen. Inspired by her personal journey, Christine presents a radical revisioning of minimalism, one that celebrates the importance of history and heritage, and gives you permission to make space for what really matters…your way. Beautifully illustrated with original black-and-white prints and line drawings, The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less is a testament to the idea that anyone can be a minimalist and a warm invitation to a life curated with intention, perfect for readers of Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus (The Minimalists), Marie Kondo, Joshua Becker, and Courtney Carver.

The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less

Catherine Wigginton Greene

A Novel

Rebecca, Not Becky

In the vein of Such a Fun Age, a whip-smart, compulsively readable novel about two upper-class stay-at-home mothers--one white, one Black--living in a "perfect" suburb that explores motherhood, friendship, and the true meaning of sisterhood amidst the backdrop of America's all-too-familiar racial reckoning. De'Andrea Whitman, her husband Malik, and their five-year-old daughter, Nina, are new to the upper-crust white suburb of Rolling Hills, Virginia--a move motivated by circumstance rather than choice. De'Andrea is heartbroken to leave her comfortable life in the Black oasis of Atlanta, and between her mother-in-law's Alzheimer's diagnosis, her daughter starting kindergarten, and the overwhelming whiteness of Rolling Hills, she finds herself struggling to adjust to her new community. To ease the transition, her therapist proposes a challenge: make a white girlfriend. When Rebecca Myland learns about her new neighbors, the Whitmans, she's thrilled. As chair of the Parent Diversity Committee at her daughters' school, she's championed racial diversity in the community--and what could be better than a brand-new Black family? It's serendipitous when her daughter, Isabella, and Nina become best friends on the first day of kindergarten. Now, Rebecca can put everything she's learned about antiracism into practice--especially those oh-so-informative social media posts. And finally, the Parent Diversity Committee will have some... well, diversity. Following her therapist's suggestion, De'Andrea reluctantly joins Rebecca's committee. The painfully earnest white woman is so overly eager it makes De'Andrea wonder if Rebecca's therapist told her to make a Black friend! But when Rolling Hill's rising racial sentiments bring the two women together in common cause, they find it isn't the only thing they have in common. . . .

Ana and Andrew are always on an adventure! They live in Washington, DC with their parents, but with family in Savannah, Georgia and Trinidad, there's always something exciting and new to learn about African American history and culture. Ana and Andrew are learning to play the violin! They are excited to join the youth orchestra. At first it is fun.

The Magic Violin

Ana & Andrew are going to Ghana! Papa is travelling to Ghana and the family gets to go too! Ana & Andrew love learning about Ghanaian culture, especially the food! While there, they visit Cape Coast Castle to honor their ancestors. There, they learn about the origins of the slave trade. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO. Professionally translated.

Yendo a Ghana (Going to Ghana)

Ana & Andrew are learning to play the violin! They are excited to join the youth orchestra. At first it is fun. But when they start to lose interest, Ana & Andrew learn from an important African American about the importance of practicing. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO. Professionally translated.

El violín mágico (The Magic Violin)

Ana & Andrew are getting a new pet! They research different pets before choosing the best pet for their family. Then they pick a name for it! With the name Ana & Andrew choose, they learn from a famous African American that skin color does not affect a person's abilities. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO. Professionally translated.

La mascota perfecta (The Perfect Pet)

Ana & Andrew are expecting a sibling! The family is very excited. Mama's family arrives from Trinidad, and everyone helps to get ready. When the baby arrives, Ana & Andrew learn from Granny that in African American culture, a baby's name often tells an important story. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO. Professionally translated.

El nuevo bebé (The New Baby)

Ana & Andrew are expecting a sibling! The family is very excited. Mama's family arrives from Trinidad, and everyone helps to get ready. When the baby arrives, Ana & Andrew learn from Granny that in African American culture, a baby's name often tells an important story. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

The New Baby

Ana & Andrew are getting a new pet! They research different pets before choosing the best pet for their family. Then they pick a name for it! With the name Ana & Andrew choose, they learn from a famous African American that skin color does not affect a person's abilities. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

The Perfect Pet

Ana & Andrew are learning to play the violin! They are excited to join the youth orchestra. At first it is fun. But when they start to lose interest, Ana & Andrew learn from an important African American about the importance of practicing. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

Help kids ages 6 to 9 discover the life of Helen Keller—a story about hope, courage, and finding your voice Helen Keller became a celebrated author, educator, and activist who believed in equality for people with disabilities. Before she made history as the first deaf and blind person to graduate from college, Helen was a smart kid who loved learning. She overcame many challenges to learn how to read, write, and talk. She spoke up for other people with disabilities so they could get equal rights. Explore how Helen Keller went from being a young girl in Alabama to the world-famous First Lady of Courage. The Story of Helen Keller includes: Word definitions—Find a helpful glossary for some of the more advanced words and ideas in the book. Test your knowledge—Take a fun quiz that tests the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Helen's life. Lasting change—Learn about how Helen made the world a better place for future generations. How will the extraordinary journey of Helen Keller inspire you?

A Biography Book for New Readers

The Story of Helen Keller

During Carnival, Ana & Andrew travel to visit their family on the island of Trinidad. They love watching the parade and dancing to the music. This year, they learn how their ancestors helped create the holiday! Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

Dancing at Carnival

Ana & Andrew are going to Ghana! Papa is travelling to Ghana and the family gets to go too! Ana & Andrew love learning about Ghanaian culture, especially the food! While there, they visit Cape Coast Castle to honor their ancestors. There, they learn about the origins of the slave trade. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

Going to Ghana

Ana and Andrew are excited when Grandma comes to stay. During her visit, the family tours the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture and learns about important African American achievements. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

A Day at the Museum

This Latin American tale follows three princes as they search for a magical bird to cure their father's blindness. Pedro, the youngest brother, soon discovers that only kindness can earn help from the Bird Sweet Magic. But his brothers grow jealous of the bird's gifts to Pedro. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

The Bird Sweet Magic

Ana & Andrew are always on an adventure! They live in Washington, DC with their parents, but with family in Savannah, Georgia and Trinidad, there's always something exciting and new to learn about African American history and culture. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards.

Honoring Heroes

For Black History Month, Ana & Andrew join a research group at the Community Center. They learn many interesting things about Martin Luther King Jr.! Later, with the help of some other children, they make one of Martin's famous dreams come true. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards. Calico Kid is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO.

Martin's Dream

Discover the life of Martin Luther King Jr--a story about dreaming big and peacefully standing up for civil rights Martin Luther King Jr became one of the most important civil rights leaders in America by fighting for equality for black people. Before he made history with his powerful speeches and peaceful protests, Martin was a dedicated, smart kid who loved to learn. He challenged racism and overcame hardships to follow his passion and do the right thing. Of all the Martin Luther King Jr books for kids, this one really helps you explore how Martin went from being a kid with a dream to an outstanding leader who made America a better place for everyone. How will his life inspire you to do what's right? All Martin Luther King Jr books for kids should include: Path to power--Unlike other Martin Luther King Jr books for kids, this one has a visual timeline so you can see Martin's progress through life. Word definitions--This standout among Martin Luther King Jr books for kids has a helpful glossary for the more advanced words and ideas inside. Lasting change--Everything that Martin Luther King Jr books for kids should be, this book explains how Martin made the world a better place for future generations. If you've been searching for Martin Luther King Jr books for kids that have beautiful illustrations and easy-to-read chapters, look no further--this one has it all!

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.: A Biography Book for New Readers

"Forget the aesthetics of mainstream minimalism and discover a life of authenticity and intention with this practical guide to living with less...your way"--

Christine Platt

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