[Podcast #277] Soul School with Amber O’Neal Johnston

Brave Writer Podcast

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.

Amber O'Neal Johnston
Amber O’Neal Johnston

In today’s Brave Writer podcast episode, we explore the profound impact literature has on shaping identity. We also look at 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.

Show Notes

How often do we stop and think about the stories that shape our children’s understanding of the world? As parents and educators, we have a profound influence over the books that make their way into our homes, guiding our children’s perspectives and broadening their imaginations. Yet, so often, we reach for the familiar—the books we loved as children, the classics that have been passed down for generations.

But what if we took a step further? What if we intentionally introduced our children to a richer, more expansive literary feast—one that includes voices and histories they may not naturally encounter?

The Power of Literature in Shaping Identity

One of the most striking points Amber makes is how stories shape identity—not just for children of color, but for all children. When a young Black child primarily encounters their ancestors in history books as enslaved people, that narrative becomes deeply ingrained in their sense of self. Similarly, when white children consistently see themselves as the central figures of history and literature, it shapes their understanding of the world and their place in it.

By introducing a wide range of books that celebrate Black joy, resilience, and creativity, we offer all children the opportunity to expand their worldview. We challenge the notion that Black stories exist only in the context of struggle. Instead, we highlight the richness of Black culture, folklore, music, and imagination.

Reading Beyond the Expected: Afrofuturism and More

One of the most fascinating discussions in Soul School is the distinction between Afrofuturism and African Futurism. While both genres reimagine the past and future through a Black lens, African Futurism is deeply rooted in African culture, mythology, and history, unbound by Western narratives. These stories provide an opportunity for children to see worlds where Black characters are not defined by oppression but by adventure, innovation, and possibility.

Amber also emphasizes poetry as a gateway to a more diverse literary landscape. Poets who offer children a way to engage with language in a powerful, emotional, and rhythmic way:

  • Langston Hughes,
  • Maya Angelou,
  • and Nikki Giovanni

Poetry is universal, and its accessibility makes it a perfect entry point for families looking to introduce new voices into their reading routines.

A Call to Curate More Thoughtfully

As parents, we serve as the curators of our children’s literary experiences. If we’re not actively including diverse voices, then the default curation—historically dominated by white authors—will continue to shape our children’s understanding of whose stories matter. Soul School is not just a book list; it’s an invitation to reassess how we build our home libraries.

When we introduce our children to literature from a variety of cultural perspectives, we aren’t just filling in gaps. We’re giving them a fuller, richer, and more accurate picture of the world. We’re preparing them to engage with different perspectives with curiosity, empathy, and understanding.

Amber’s book provides us with a blueprint to do just that. By weaving cultural education into everyday learning rather than treating it as a separate subject, we model for our children the idea that all stories—especially those that have been historically overlooked—are worth reading, discussing, and cherishing.

Expanding Our Children’s World, One Book at a Time

We have the power to offer our children a literary experience that is both expansive and transformative. Whether through poetry, historical narratives, or imaginative Afrofuturist adventures, the books we bring into our homes shape how our children see themselves and the world around them.

Soul School is an incredible resource for any parent or educator looking to enrich their child’s education with literature that goes beyond the expected. By intentionally diversifying the books we read, we give our children the opportunity to build a broader, more inclusive understanding of history, identity, and humanity. And isn’t that one of the greatest gifts we can offer?

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

Resources

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Produced by NOVA

Brave Writer Podcast

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