Journey Home

Journey Home

Written by: Lawrence McKay
Illustrated by: Dom Lee and Keunhee Lee

Elementary Grades

"Mai is excited about traveling to Vietnam with her mother. Mom wants to search for her birth family and Mai wants to help solve the mystery. Mai has never been to her mother's homeland, and she wonders what being there will reveal. Will learning about her mother's past help her gain a new sense of identity? Is her "real" home in America or Vietnam?

What Mai discovers about her past will change her life forever. Journey Home is a story for all Americans who, like Mai, want to learn more about themselves through their family histories."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.leeandlow.com/p/journey_tg.mhtml

Dumpling Soup

Dumpling Soup

Written by: Jama Kim Rattigan
Illustrated by: Lillian Hsu-Flanders

Elementary Grades

"Each year, the women in Marisa's family, living in the Hawaiian islands, gather to prepare dumplings (``mandoo'') for the New Year's celebration--and this year Marisa is old enough to help. After she's wrapped her dumplings, she worries throughout the New Year's Eve festivities with her large clan (mostly Korean) that they aren't good enough; but then Grandma makes Marisa's dumplings a featured part of the first meal of the new year. It seems grudging to apply words like ``didactic'' to such an openhearted exercise in multiculturalism, but the book's packaging--including a publisher's note explaining the importance of diversity--is so insistent that it nearly sinks the capable storytelling and illustration."

Kirkus Book Reviews

Web Resources:
http://www.jamakimrattigan.com/dumpling_soup_8849.htm

The Day It Snowed Tortillas / El Dia Que Nevaron Tortillas, Folktales told in Spanish and English

The Day It Snowed Tortillas / El Dia Que Nevaron Tortillas, Folktales told in Spanish and English

Written by: Joe Hayes
Illustrated by: Antonio Castro Lopez

Elementary Grades

"Storytellers have been telling these stories in the villages of New Mexico since the Spanish first came to the New World over four hundred years ago, but Joe always adds his own nuances for modern audiences. The tales are full of magic and fun. In the title story, for instance, a very clever woman saves her silly husband from a band of robbers. She makes the old man believe it snowed tortillas during the night! In another story, a young boy gladly gives up all of his wages for good advice. His parents think he is a fool, but the good advice leads to wealth and a royal marriage. The enchantment continues in story after story—a clever thief tricks a king for his kingdom and a prince finds his beloved in a house full of wicked step-sisters. And of course, we listen again to the ancient tale of the weeping woman, La Llorona, who still searches for her drowned children along the riverbanks.

Joe Hayes is one of America’s premier storytellers. He is especially recognized for his bilingual telling of stories from the Hispanic culture of northern New Mexico. Joe lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico and travels extensively throughout the United States, visiting schools and storytelling festivals."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.crabgrasspuppet.com/tortillas.html
www.rif.org/assets/Documents/.../DayItSnowedTortillasguide.pdf

A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems

A Suitcase of Seaweed and Other Poems

Written by: Janet Wong

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"With a sense of pride in her Korean, Chinese, and American background, Janet Wong's poetry reflects some of the differences between Chinese and Korean customs and culture and the American way of life. Divided into three sections – Korean, Chinese, and American – and with the author's own explanation as to how the poems developed from experiences in her own life, these poems speak directly and simply to young people of many ethnic backgrounds."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.janetwong.com/books/suitcaseofseaweed.cfm

A Gift from Papa Diego/Un regalo de Papa Diego

A Gift from Papa Diego/Un regalo de Papa Diego

Written by: Benjamin Alire Saenz
Illustrated by: Geronimo Garcia

Elementary Grades

"The tender story in A Gift From Papá Diego / Un regalo de Papá Diego by Benjamin Alire Saenz is sprinkled with Spanish expressions throughout the English version, adding to the flavor of this bilingual tale. A glossary of the terms used is provided at the end of the book. In addition, a complete Spanish text is printed on each half page. Illustrations of wonderful clay figures painted with bright colors highlight the narrative and provide an attractive graphic border. This paperback original is a debut into the world of children's books for Mr. Saenz, and he has succeeded in writing a poignant read-aloud book for young children - at once entertaining and comforting."—Barbara Bonds Thomas

Web Resources:
http://www.teachingchildrenphilosophy.org/wiki/A_Gift_from_Papa_Diego

The Dog Who Loved Tortillas/La perrita que le encantaban las tortillas

The Dog Who Loved Tortillas/La perrita que le encantaban las tortillas

Written by: Benjamin Alire Saenz
Illustrated by: Geronimo Garcia

Elementary Grades

"This is a bilingual book for kids and dogs and even their parents. Like all kids, Little Diego and his big sister Gabriela argue over their new dog Sofie. She belongs to me, says Diego. No, she’s mine, says Gabriela. It’s only when Sofie gets really sick that they find out who their tortilla-loving pup really belongs to. Once again, Benjamin Alire Sáenz shows he understands the chemistry and dynamics of family, this time with a dog stirring up the recipe."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.benjaminaliresaenz.com/index.php

Perfect Season for Dreaming/Un tiempo perfecto para sonar

Perfect Season For Dreaming/Un tiempo perfecto para sonar

Written by: Benjamin Alire Saenz
Illustrated by: Esau Andrade Valencia

Elementary Grades

"Ninety-two-year-old Octavio Rivera is a beautiful dreamer. And lately he has been visited by some very interesting dreams—dreams about piñatas that spill their treasures before him, revealing kissing turtles, winged pigs, hitchhiking armadillos and many more fantastic things! Octavio doesn’t tell anyone about his dreams except his young granddaughter Regina because she alone understands beautiful and fantastic dreams. On the ninth afternoon Octavio prepares for his siesta hoping to be blessed with one last lovely dream. That afternoon he dreams of a sky full of sweet and perfect hummingbirds calling his name over and over again…"

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.benjaminaliresaenz.com/index.php

Mud City

Mud City

Written by: Deborah Ellis

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"Mud City is the final book in the acclaimed trilogy that includes The Breadwinner (a best-seller) and Parvana's Journey. It paints a devastating portrait of life in refugee camps, where so many children around the world are trapped, some for their whole lives. But it also tells movingly of these kids' resourcefulness and strength, which help them survive these unimaginable circumstances."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
www.un.org/works/Lesson_Plans/WGO/WGO_LP_RT.pdf

Parvana's Journey

Parvana's Journey

Written by: Deborah Ellis

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"This sequel to The Breadwinner (Groundwood, 2001) easily stands alone. After her father's death, 13-year-old Parvana, disguised as a boy, wanders alone through war-torn Afghanistan looking for her mother and siblings who had disappeared in the tumult of the Taliban takeover of Mazar-e-Sharif. Early in her journey, Parvana comes across a baby, the only survivor in a bombed village. She takes him along, as both a burden and comforting company.

Taking shelter in a small cave, she discovers an angry one-legged boy who is starved for both food and human companionship. Imagining treasure in their cave, they dig, only to find a cache of bullets-a scene that epitomizes what childhood has become for these young people. The three continue Parvana's search, stopping for a time in an apparent safe haven on the edge of a minefield where an eight-year-old lives with a near-comatose grandmother. When their refuge is destroyed, the four children join a long line of refugees, arriving finally at a camp. A bittersweet ending offers some hope for Parvana and her family, but readers are left with a horrifyingly realistic picture of the effect of war on children. While the reading is not difficult, the grim content cries out for discussion. An unforgettable read."

School Library Journal Review

Web Resources:
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001973.shtml

The Breadwinner

The Breadwinner

Written by: Deborah Ellis

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, 11-year-old Parvana has rarely been outdoors. Barred from attending school, shopping at the market, or even playing in the streets of Kabul, the heroine of Deborah Ellis's engrossing children's novel The Breadwinner is trapped inside her family's one-room home. That is, until the Taliban hauls away her father and Parvana realizes that it's up to her to become the "breadwinner" and disguise herself as a boy to support her mother, two sisters, and baby brother. Set in the early years of the Taliban regime, this topical novel for middle readers explores the harsh realities of life for girls and women in modern-day Afghanistan."

Amazon.com Review

Web Resources:
http://www.woostersch.org/library/Breadwinner/Breadwinner.html
http://unjobs.org/authors/deborah-ellis

Miracle's Boys

Miracle's Boys

Written by: Jacqueline Woodson

Junior High and High School Grades

"For Lafayette and his brothers, the challenges of growing up in New York City are compounded by the facts that they've lost their parents and it's up to eldest brother Ty'ree to support the boys, and middle brother Charlie has just returned home from a correctional facility.

Lafayette loves his brothers and would do anything if they could face the world as a team. But even though Ty'ree cares, he's just so busy with work and responsibility. And Charlie's changed so much that his former affection for his little brother has turned to open hostility.

Now, as Lafayette approaches 13, he needs the guidance and answers only his brothers can give him. The events of one dramatic weekend force the boys to make the choice to be there for each other--to really see each other--or to give in to the pain and problems of every day."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/miraclesboys.asp

After Tupac and D Foster

After Tupac and D Foster

Written by: Jacqueline Woodson

Junior High and High School Grades

“The summer before D Foster’s real mama came and took her away, Tupac wasn’t dead yet.” From this first line in her quiet, powerful novel, Woodson cycles backward through the events that lead to dual tragedies: a friend’s departure and a hero’s death. In a close-knit African American neighborhood in Queens, New York, the unnamed narrator lives across from her best friend, Neeka. Then D Foster wanders onto the block, and the three 11-year-old girls quickly become inseparable. Because readers know from the start where the plot is headed, the characters and the community form the focus here. A subplot about Neeka’s older brother, a gay man serving prison time after being framed for a hate crime, sometimes threatens to overwhelm the girls’ story. But Woodson balances the plotlines with subtle details, authentic language, and rich development. Beautifully capturing the girls’ passage from childhood to adolescence, this is a memorable, affecting novel about the sustaining power of love and friendship and each girl’s developing faith in her own “Big Purpose.”

Booklist Review

Web Resources:
http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/ya.shtml

A Party in Ramadan

A Party in Ramadan

Written by: Asma Mobin-Uddin
Illustrated by: Laura Jacobson

Elementary Grades

"This warm picture book shows and tells the observance and meaning of Ramadan through the viewpoint of a Muslim child. Leena is happy to be invited to her friend’s birthday party, although it turns out that the event is on a day during Ramadan when Leena plans to fast with her family. She attends the party and has lots of fun, even though she does not eat or drink. It’s hard for her when everyone else eats chocolate cake, and a close-up picture shows her stress and exhaustion as she maintains her fast. Her loving dad offers support and tells her, “It’s not easy sometimes.” Finally the time comes to break her fast, and as she says the traditional Arabic prayers, she realizes what the day has taught her. The blend of the upbeat and challenging moments will spark discussion, and a final note fills in more about the holy month."

Booklist Review

Web Resources:
http://www.asmamobinuddin.com/books.html

My Name is Bilal

My Name is Bilal

Written by: Asma Mobin-Uddin
Illustrated by: Barbara Kiwak

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"Bilal and his sister, Ayesha, who are Muslim, start school in a new city. At first Bilal tries to blend into the largely non-Muslim environment, calling himself Bill and ducking out of sight when two boys try to pull off Ayesha's head scarf. Encouraged by a sympathetic teacher and his own faith, Bilal finds the courage to stand up with his sister the next time the boys tease her. Bilal and Ayesha point out to their adversaries that they too were born in America and that being American means that they can wear what they want. By standing up for his sister, Bilal earns the boys' respect and takes the first step toward a possible friendship.

The story is told in picture-book format, though the text is longer than that of most picture books. In the illustrations, the students appear to be in middle school, but the book is accessible to younger children as well. This book is a good starting place for discussions of cultural differences, prejudice, and respect for the beliefs of others."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.asmamobinuddin.com/QA.html

My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela

My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela: The Life of Gabriela Mistral/la vida de Gabriela Mistral

Written and Illustrated by: Monica Brown

Elementary Grades

"Gabriela Mistral loved words and sounds and stories. Born in Chile, she would grow to become the first Nobel Prize-winning Latina woman in the world. As a poet and a teacher, she inspired children across many countries to let their voices be heard. This beautifully crafted story, where words literally come to life, is told with the rhythm and melody of a poem. The second in Luna Rising's bilingual storybook biography series. My Name is Gabriela/Me llamo Gabriela is beautiful tribute to a woman who taught us the power of words and the importance of following our dreams. The story of Gabriela Mistral will continue to inspire children everywhere."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.monicabrown.net/books/gabriela.html
http://pdfs.nbnbooks.com/NB/N_S/NBN_SM_0873588592.pdf

My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia

My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia: The Life of Celia Cruz/la vida de Celia Cruz

Written and Illustrated by: Monica Brown

Elementary Grades

"Honoring the unique rhythms of Celia Cruz music, My Name is Celia pays tribute to the life and music of the famous Cuban singer. In combination with vivid illustrations, this book is an exceptional picture book that will keep the memory of la reina de la salsa (the queen of salsa) alive, recognizing her legacy of artistic works and musical contributions." — Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP)

Online Resources:
http://www.monicabrown.net/books/celia.html
http://www.lindakreft.com/Americas/celia.html

Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories

Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories

Written by: Sandra Cisneros

Junior High and High School Grades

"In this collection of Mexican-American stories, Cisneros addresses the reader in a voice that is alternately buoyant, strong, funny, and sad. The brief vignettes of the opening piece, "My Lucy Friend Who Smells Like Corn," are tiles in a mosaic. Taken together, these vignettes give a vivid, colorful picture of life on the Texas/Mexico border. Family ties are strong: aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents are all present. The stories are often about the romantic dreams of young girls longing to escape stifling small-town life who discover that things are not much different on the other side of the border. Cisneros has an acute eye for the telling detail that reveals the secrets and the dreams of her characters. She writes with humor and love about people she knows intimately."

Library Journal Review

Web Resources:
http://www.enotes.com/woman-hollering

Baseball in April and Other Stories

Baseball in April and Other Stories - Available in English or Spanish

Written by: Gary Soto

Junior High and High School Grades

"In this collection author Gary Soto tells 11 short stories about everyday problems of growing up as a latino adolescent. Latinos in central California are the focus of the stories, but the events are typical of young teens anywhere in the United States. The main characters try out for Little League teams, take karate lessons, try to get the attention of the opposite sex, and are embarrassed by their grandparents' behavior. These day-to-day events reveal the sensitivity, humor, and vulnerability of today's young people. The descriptions and dialogue are used to advantage, helping to create and sustain the mood. A glossary of Spanish terms is included. Young readers should easily identify with the situations, emotions, and outcomes presented in these fine short stories."

School Library Journal Review

Web Resources:
http://litplans.com/titles/Baseball_in_April_and_Other_Stories_Gary_Soto.html

Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai

Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai

Written and Illustrated by: Claire A. Nivola

Elementary Grades

"Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her environmental and human rights achievements. Founder of the Green Belt Movement, she has encouraged people to repair their economy, land, and health with simple, environmentally friendly acts, such as planting more trees. This beautiful picture-book biography echoes the potent simplicity of Maathai’s message with direct, spare prose and bright, delicate watercolors. An author’s note offers more about Maathai’s inspiring story."

Booklist Review

Web Resources:
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/takingroot/classroom.html

A Little Piece of Ground

A Little Piece of Ground

Written by: Elizabeth Laird

Junior High and High School Grades

"Written by Elizabeth Laird, one of Great Britain's best-known young adult authors, A Little Piece Of Ground explores the human cost of the occupation of Palestinian lands through the eyes of a young boy.

Twelve-year-old Karim Aboudi and his family are trapped in their Ramallah home by a strict curfew. In response to a Palestinian suicide bombing, the Israeli military subjects the West Bank town to a virtual siege. Meanwhile, Karim, trapped at home with his teenage brother and fearful parents, longs to play football with his friends. When the curfew ends, he and his friend discover an unused patch of ground that's the perfect site for a football pitch. Nearby, an old car hidden intact under bulldozed building makes a brilliant den. But in this city there's constant danger, even for schoolboys. And when Israeli soldiers find Karim outside during the next curfew, it seems impossible that he will survive."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
www.haymarketbooks.org/laird_teaching_guide.pdf

http://www.haymarketbooks.org/product_info.php?products_id=1576

The Composition

The Composition

Written by: Antonia Skarmeta
Illustrated by: Alfonso Ruano

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"In a village in Chile, Pedro and Daniel are two typical nine-year-old boys. Up until Daniel's father gets arrested, their biggest worry had been how to improve their soccer skills. Now, they are thrust into a situation where they must grapple with the incomprehensible: dictatorship and its inherent abuses. This sensitively realized story touches a nerve and brings home the uncomfortable fact that some children do encounter issues of this magnitude. Here, deft realism is brought to the page by Antonia Skarmeta's story and the edgy drawings of Alfonso Ruano, portraying a child's view of a repressive society. The Composition is a winner of the Americas Award for Children's Literature and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.lindakreft.com/Americas/composition.html

Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak

Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak

Written by: Deborah Ellis

Junior High and High School Grades

"This collection of accounts from young people between the ages of 8 and 18 portrays the sapping toll of war on their lives. Instead of looking toward their futures, these kids are watching their backs. Instead of playing games of pick-up ball in the street, they're lobbing rocks at soldier's and dodging tear gas and bullets. Israeli students are pressed into military service. In Palestine, the scanty settlements are overcrowded and unsafe. Each narrative is prefaced with a short historical or personal background description providing a point of reference for the sentiments expressed. Ellis effectively remains absent, serving as chronicler for these ordinary kids in traumatic circumstances who are tinged by varying degrees of anger and despair."

School Library Journal Review

Web Resources:
http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/authors/experts/dellis.asp