Practical solutions for building your capacity as an ally in the classroom Deonna Smith's book, Rooted in Joy, could not have come at a better time. Deonna brings her multifaceted experience as a classroom educator and school administrator to the table, sharing personal stories and professional experiences as teaching tools for readers who are ready and eager to do the work. --Liz Sohyeon Kleinrock, Author of Start Here, Start Now: A Guide to Antibias and Antiracist Work in Your School Community When teachers strive to make their classrooms more loving and just places, they typically find resources that are based in practice with no grounding in antiracism or theoretical books with little classroom application. Dr. Smith bridges this gap with her extensive school experience coupled with her deep understanding that education is a vehicle for social justice. Rooted in Joy will be a staple in all of my future teacher education courses. -- Bree Picower, PhD, Author of Reading, Writing and Racism: Disrupting Whiteness in Teacher Education and the Classroom Rooted in Joy takes a positive, compassionate look at how we can create peaceful, inclusive classrooms where students can thrive. Through an intentional blend of theory, academic framework, narrative, and teacher-to-teacher advice, all educators, from those in the classroom for the first-time to those with years of experience, can begin to intentionally create joyful classrooms. You'll walk away inspired, knowing that you have the power to combat structural racism and inequity, one day at a time, while effectively managing behavior and connecting with all students.