Promoting the Words and Work of Dr, King

At the height of Covid restrictions, the Palace Theatre in New Hampshire crafted this wonderful pairing of my Ruby Bridges … More

Commemorating Juneteenth

My most poignant play—and it’s perfect for celebrating Juneteenth! Based on actual slave narratives, Freedom for the First Time is historically-accurate, kid-friendly, and … More

So Bad, It’s Funny

Call them flops, bombs, fiascos. Read Aloud Plays have turned out to be pretty ideal for the Covid classroom because … More

Compelling Reader’s Theater for Black History Month

February is Black History Month. While I encourage you to acknowledge it with some dedicated activities, I’m also reminded that … More

Reader’s Theater for MLK Day

MLK Day feels especially important this year. Let’s face it, we have a lot of work to do if we’re … More

Has “Patriotism” Become a Dirty Word?

When I started working on Read Aloud Plays: Symbols of America for Scholastic back in 2001, the September 11th attacks … More

Free Play for the Fourth

When I wrote Read Aloud Plays: Symbols of America for Scholastic back in 2002, it was supposed to be a … More

How to Commemorate Juneteenth

Here’s my most poignant play—and it’s perfect for celebrating Juneteenth. Based on actual slave narratives, Freedom for the First Time … More

Why You Need a Cardboard Box for Black History Month

If you’ve never heard one of your students attempt a southern drawl you must give Box Brown’s Freedom Crate a … More

President’s Day Has Been Rescheduled

These days Presidents’ Day is viewed by most students as merely an extra day off. Here’s how to give meaning … More