FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Book It’s Raining Fish by Gloria Joanne Kramer-Gordon, Ed.D. Explores Cultural Identity and Classroom Diversity
West Islip, NY – March 26, 2026 – Gloria Joanne Kramer-Gordon, Ed.D., has released It’s Raining Fish, a fascinating book that provides young readers and educators with an insightful perspective on the experiences of English Language Learners (ELLs) in American classrooms.
This heartfelt narrative highlights the challenges and misunderstandings immigrant students may face while also celebrating the resilience and cultural richness they bring to their school communities.
The story follows Manuel, a young boy who has recently moved to the United States from Honduras with his family. Eager but anxious about fitting into his new school, Manuel finds himself confused by the class lesson on idioms, where phrases like “it’s raining cats and dogs” don’t translate easily across languages. When tasked to share his idiom, Manuel recalls the Honduran “raining fish” phenomenon, a real occurrence in his hometown.
However, his unique story is initially dismissed by the teacher and classmates, leaving him feeling isolated and misunderstood. The narrative shifts as Manuel’s teacher comes to understand the significance of his story and uses it as a moment to teach the class about respecting cultural differences.
Written with authenticity and empathy, It’s Raining Fish offers a valuable resource for teachers and families, encouraging conversations around empathy, cultural respect, and the nuances of language.
The book showcases the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, especially when language and cultural differences can create unintentional barriers in the classroom.
Manuel’s story not only illustrates the complexities of learning a new language but also emphasizes the role of educators in creating inclusive environments that validate every child’s experiences.
It’s Raining Fish is now available in print and digital formats at leading online bookstores.
For more information, please contact:
Gloria Joanne Kramer-Gordon
About the Author
Gloria Joanne Kramer-Gordon, Ed.D., has dedicated her career to education, initially as a substitute teacher and Spanish instructor, then spending years as an ESL teacher for K-12 students. As the ESL department chair in her district, she championed innovative programs to support English language learners. She went on to serve as the principal of a dual-language school, a role that involved establishing the school’s foundational programs.
Currently, Joanne is the TESOL coordinator and Assistant Professor at SUNY Empire University’s School for Graduate Studies, where her research focuses on multicultural education, literacy for multilingual learners, and mental health support for immigrant students. Her work continues to impact both young learners and adult students, reinforcing her commitment to equitable education.
