Author: Alvin Irby

Little Learners, Big Lessons: The Week I Taught First Graders About the Civil War

A Controversial Choice for Storytime Would you read a picture book about the American Civil War to a six- or seven-year-old child? Anyone who knows even a little about the horrors of war can imagine numerous reasons why this topic is generally considered inappropriate for children. But what if a well-crafted story about war, as … Continued

Classroom with chalk board that says Civil War

The Irby Review

Barbershop Books Chief Reading Inspirer, Alvin Irby, puts his proverbial pen to paper and delivers to you the most interesting articles that come across his desk.
Alvin Irby in barbershop smiling

A Great Website for Kids You’ve Never Heard Of

Learn about the website packed full of interesting engaging stories that are read by actors you know and love.
Screenshot of storytimeonline.net

I don’t want your African American children’s book list!

Children's books with black characters should not be limited to oppression narratives.
Circle with slash Black children's Books for Black kids