Ep. 37 - Belonging, Books, and the Stories That Shape Us with Amber O’Neal Johnston

What stories are shaping your child’s self-concept?

In this episode, I sit down with Amber O’Neal Johnston, homeschooling mother, speaker, and author of A Place to Belong: Raising Kids to Celebrate Their Heritage, Community, and the World and Soul School: A Literary Journey into the Soul of Black American Culture. Amber shares her passion for using books, culture, and intentional experiences to help children develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.

We explore:

• How Amber began homeschooling, what was missing and how she gutted her homeschool to save it
• The powerful influence of literature and storytelling in shaping our children’s self-concept and worldview
• Ways to create a culturally rich and inclusive home learning environment and community
• The importance of representation in the books we read and the experiences we provide
• How to move beyond fear and into a place of connection, belonging, and growth

Amber’s insights will challenge and inspire you to think more deeply about the role of stories and community in shaping our children’s lives. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or looking to enrich your approach, this conversation will leave you with practical ideas and encouragement.

Connect with Amber:

• Website: HeritageMom.com
• Instagram: @HeritageMomBlog
• Facebook: HeritageMomBlog

Resources Mentioned:

• A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyondby Amber O'Neal Johnston
• Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Cultureby Amber O'Neal Johnston
• Wonderby R. J. Palaccio
• The Danger of a Single Story Tedx Talk by Chimamanda Adichie
• Christmas in The Big House, Christmas in the Quartersby Patricia McKissak

Join the Conversation! This episode is just a peek inside our Day in the Life community, where we explore homeschooling through the lens of play, flow, and nervous system safety.

Want to join us for more conversations like this?

👉 Learn more at 90minuteschoolday.com/day-in-the-life/.