Great Mini-Grant Programs
Here are a selection of Mini-Grant programs that are original, creative, informative, and just plain delightful. We send the best final reports to the Keats Archive, to be saved along with Ezra’s artwork. The photographs and documentation sent in with these reports tell stories of enthusiasm and success. Enjoy!
Creative Cougar Tiles
Pamela R. McGlone, Flemingsburg, KY
A middle school librarian and art teacher gave students an opportunity to recreate book covers for their favorite books and decorate the school library!
Sit for Story!
Nancy Reiter, Corona, CA
A public librarian brought the magic of Ezra Jack Keats’ illustrations to a permanent reading chair installation created by library youth!
Found in Translation: Families Writing Across Languages
Laura Silver & Julie Schildkraut, Brooklyn, NY
A poetry zine project allowed middle school students to learn a new form of creative expression in their native language to share with their peers.
Art or Science? Using Careful Observations to Discover and Create
Aidé Villalobos, Shelton, WA
An ELL teacher created a project for her 2nd grade students that combined science, art, writing and connection to family members living far away.
Kinetic Storytellers
Kaina Boyd, Raceland, LA
Cajun folktales were brought to life at the public library through storytelling and art activities for youth to creatively express their interpretations of the stories.
Muppets and Social Tolerance
Stefanie Abbey & Eve Davis, Jamaica, New York
High school students created their own “muppet” like puppets to express their unique personalities and perspectives around social tolerance.
Snapshot Stories
Kimberly Powers. Englewood, Colorado
A bookmaking project at the public library allowed children and families to engage with photography, paper making and collaging in the spirit of Ezra Jack Keats!
Ghas-Tv-Xvm’-dvn (“The Places We Go,” Deeni language)
Liz Fox, Newport Oregon
High school students connected with their native culture by learning an ancient carving technique to create their own totem poles.
We are Kenosha
Heather Thompson, Kenosha, Wisconsin
The public library hosted a city-wide outreach program for community members to create art about why they love their city!
Panoramic Fairy Tale Workshop and Performance
Mary Jenkins. Clarksdale, Mississippi
The public library introduced an old form of storytelling, the crankie, inspiring wonder and delight in youth, teens and adults who created one together.
