Kahani: A Reader’s Theater Celebrating Your Story

Learning about Holi with the book “The Celebration of Holi” by Shelly Garg is a vibrant and culturally rich picture book that brings to life the joyous festival of Holi. Through engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations, the book captures the essence of Holi, a Hindu festival celebrated with enthusiasm and love. Readers will follow the characters as they play with colored powders, partake in festive dances, and come together to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. This delightful book not only entertains but also educates, offering a glimpse into the cultural significance and traditions of Holi. It is a perfect addition to children’s literature, fostering an appreciation for diversity and promoting the understanding of different cultural celebrations. “The Celebration of Holi” is a heartwarming journey that celebrates the spirit of unity, happiness, and the beauty of this joyous festival. 

Discover Disability Pride with the book “Awesomely Emma” by Amy Webb. In “Awesomely Emma”, Emma is an aspiring young artist who dreams of having her artwork displayed on the walls of a major art museum. She is a strong and resourceful person who can do things for herself. Emma has limb differences, but the difference isn’t bad, sad, or strange. It’s just different! But when some accessibility problems get in the way at the local art museum, it ruins the fun of a class trip…and then Emma’s friend Charley makes things even worse! In the middle of a really bad day, Emma has to call upon her sense of inner awesomeness to stand up for herself and teach everyone a lesson about the transformative power of feeling awesome in your own skin.

Discover both the past and present day’s fight to vote with Quetta Little as she learns the power of casting your vote in this ideal picture book from acclaimed author Leah Henderson and illustrator Keisha Morris. The perfect companion for any young reader during election year! 

It’s Election Day, and Quetta, her mother, and her grandmother embark on their journey to cast their vote. Trekking through their vibrant neighborhood, they meet obstacle after obstacle before—and after—reaching their voting station. 

Unwilling to give up, Quetta’s mother and grandmother teach her about the importance of voting and those who fought for their right—and Quetta comes to discover the power of raising her voice. 

With warm illustrations, engaging text, and insightful timeline, “Your Voice, Your Vote” will inspire readers to embrace this civic duty in the face of today’s continued fight for voting rights.

Reader’s theater is a form of theater where participants do not memorize their lines. Instead, they use what they have learning from listening to a text to create their own visual experience and performance! It is often used in educational settings to improve reading fluency, comprehension, and confidence in students. In reader’s theater, emphasis is placed on vocal expression, intonation, and gestures rather than elaborate costumes or sets. This format allows for a focus on the text and encourages collaborative engagement among participants. Reader’s theater can be adapted for various age groups and is commonly used in schools, libraries, and community theater settings.

We aim to bring the vibrant stories of historically marginalized communities to life through a compelling Reader’s Theater and the joy of inclusive critical literacy. Our process involves collaboration with local community members, from toddler to senior, to curate a powerful experience that reflects the richness of identities. The Reader’s Theater format allows for a dynamic presentation, incorporating elements of storytelling, drama, and community engagement!

Utilizing the mediums of live performance and crafting, “Kahani” employs a mix of techniques and approaches to advocacy. The project strategically aligns with the local community plan by promoting inclusivity and contributing to a more connected and culturally enriched environment. By supporting every human in their journey with literacy, activism and the arts, the project becomes a catalyst for fostering a sense of unity and pride, rather than a traditional individualistic approach to learning and belonging.

Pranati “Pranoo” Kumar is the proud immigrant daughter of Konkani Indian parents and the founder of Rohi’s Readery, a social justice driven bookstore in The Square. 

She attended the University of Florida and holds a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master’s in Medical Sciences. She attended Ross University School of Medicine for a short time before transitioning to the field of education. She holds a Master’s in Education and Special Education from Touro College in New York.  

Over the years, Pranoo has taught, led, worked with and founded a number of elementary school systems and programs, including Success Academy Charter Network (South Bronx and Harlem) and Impact Public Schools (Seattle-Tukwila). She was also a member of the Educators of Color Organization in Seattle and has completed DEIA training with educators over the years.  In 2019, Pranoo created my own education consulting experience, divHERse, serving as the Founder and Educational Leader/Coach, focused on ensuring retention, voice and representation of women of color in educational leadership.