The Black Mermaid Topaz's First Integration

Topaz is a mermaid who will go to a new school this year. This story is about her first day attending the community land school. After exiting the "Charm of Mermaids Portal" she looks for her favorite teacher Dr. Jones all day but doesn't find her. So many things are different! This story is based on the lived experiences of the author Dr. Jaky B. who first attended integrated schools in Wicomico County, Maryland in 1966 after attending all-Black Cedar Lane Elementary School for her first four years of public school.

This children's book is also a teaching and learning toolkit that provides resources for the classroom teacher, especially new teachers, homeschoolers, parents and students. Several themes that deal with complex issues of mental and social health significance are appropriately introduced as integral parts of the change that is happening story line and what that looks like. Project based learning ideas are listed for the language arts, math and health. Coloring pages are also included at the end for further reflective opportunities.

Additionally, Topaz's First Integration can be used as a tool to develop emotional intelligence to talk about difficult topics around which change occurs for children and families, and organizations.