AmazeWorks

AmazeWorks envisions a world where every child can thrive because they are seen, heard, and valued for all of who they are. We use picture books to give children mirrors of their own lives and windows into those different from them. The books in our anti-bias curriculum provide invaluable identity affirmation for people across racial, gender, sexual, and countless more identities. Since our founding in 1996, we’ve seen the way books bring belonging for all to life. AmazeWorks staff posing with some of our favorite banned books in our curriculum

Book bans and censorship are stripping so many of these AMAZE-ing books from classrooms nationwide. Book bans teach children that some stories are more worthy than others. We know that this couldn't be further from the truth. Sharing affirming stories helps to bring belonging to life. And when we belong, we thrive.

That’s why we’re excited for our #BooksForBelonging campaign. We hope to raise $15,000 by Give to the Max Day to keep AmazeWorks books in classrooms across Minnesota and the US. Because all children (and adults!) deserve to see themselves on the page of a book. 📚❤️ Can you help us reach our goal?  

But wait! There's more. Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000. 

Bring belonging to life with your gift today. Any donation that is meaningful to you is meaningful to us. Thank you for being a part of our anti-bias community!

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to see our staff share different AmazeWorks #BooksForBelonging we wish we’d had growing up. For more information about AmazeWorks, visit our website at amazeworks.org.

“Allie came home on Friday excited to tell us about a book you read in class. She said the book had two dads in it and some kids identified Allie as having two dads (in a good way). We want to say thank you for reading a book that has a family like ours. It made a huge impact on her. Thank you!” - Parent of a 1st grade student

“Using picture books as springboards into courageous conversations, and class surveys to understand the hidden relationships and class culture, I have been able to integrate social skills into our daily lessons without having to take away from other subject areas. Their selected books are already vetted to ensure there is an authentic voice, diverse perspective and a lack of stereotypes. AmazeWorks empowers me with the tools to better support my students and encourage social/emotional growth in an equitable manner.” - St. Paul teacher