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W hy do giraffes have purple tongues? Twenty-five animals explain why they look the way they do in Creature Features (grades 1-2), by Steve Jen- kins and Robin Page. In addition to gorgeous visuals, the book is packed with facts on where certain animals live, what they eat, and how their unique features help them exist in this world. In the bilingual Joelito's Big Decision (grades 3-5) by Ann Berlak and illustrated by Daniel Camacho, young readers learn about workers' fight for dignity and security. As Joelito and his family approach their favorite restaurant, a crowd protests outside, including Joelito's friend Brandon and his parents. The restaurant workers are asking for higher wages so they can pay their bills, and Joelito, whose own parents picked grapes in the past, realizes he needs to stand with his friend so that others can have a better life. In We Forgot Brock! (pre-K , kinder- garten) by Carter Goodrich, Phillip and Brock are best friends, though only Phil- lip can see Brock. When they become separated at the fair, can another pair of pals — similarly, one real and one imagi- nary — help reunite them? See more teacher-recommended books at cta.org/californiareads. #californiareads March is Women's History Month This year, Santa Rosa-based National Women's History Project honors several trailblazers, among them two labor activ- ists with California ties. Yvonne Walker, president of SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Local 1000, advocates for economic and social justice — efforts felt not only by her California constituents but by work- ers across the country and abroad. She represents more than 95,000 public and private sector employees, fighting against cuts to pensions, wages, benefits and health care. Known as a problem solver and innovative thinker, Walker is the first African American woman to serve as president, a post she has held since 2008. Barbara "Dusty " Roads is a former flight attendant who fought against the air- line industry 's sexist working conditions and regulations, such as stewardesses' forced dismissal at age 32, in the 1950s and '60s. She was a contract negotiator and union officer in Los Angeles, later moving to a national role in Washington, D.C. In 1965, she filed the first antidis- crimination complaint with the newly opened Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which was ultimately suc- cessful. In 1977, Roads helped form a new independent union for flight attendants. For the full list of honorees, see nwhp.org. #womenshistorymonth Yvonne Walker Dusty Roads in a scene from a PBS Makers documentary. 8 cta.org calendar Decision Berlak and illustrated by Daniel Camacho, young readers learn about workers' fight for dignity and security. As Joelito and his family approach their favorite restaurant, a crowd protests outside, including Joelito's friend Brandon and his parents. The restaurant workers are asking for higher wages so they can pay their bills, Sing R e a d i n g in the know