Ninth Ward

Ninth Ward

Written by: Jewell Parker Rhodes

Upper Elementary and Junior High Grades

"New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina is the setting for this tense novel that blends the drama of the catastrophic storm with magic realism. Twelve-year-old Lanesha’s teenage mother died while giving birth to her, and, because her mother’s wealthy uptown family won’t have anything to do with her, she is raised in the Ninth Ward by loving Mama Ya-Ya, 82, who feels like her “mother and grandmother both.” Born with a caul over her eyes, Lanesha is teased at school, but she is strengthened by her fierce caretaker’s devotion and by a teacher who inspires Lanesha to become an engineer and build bridges. Lanesha also has “second sight,” which includes an ability to see her mother’s ghost. As the storm nears and the call comes for mandatory evacuation, Mama Ya-Ya envisions that she will not survive, but Lanesha escapes the rising water in a small rowboat and even rescues others along the way. The dynamics of the diverse community enrich the survival story, and the contemporary struggle of one brave child humanizes the historic tragedy."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://jewellparkerrhodes.com/children/books/ninth-ward/

Mama's Saris

Mama's Saris

Written by: Pooja Makhijani

Illustrated by: Elena Gomez

Elementary Grades

"On her seventh birthday, the narrator helps her mother select a sari to put on for her party and they recall the various occasions at which she wore each beautiful outfit. In the process, readers learn that the girl's mother only dons a sari for special events, while her grandmother dresses in one every day. The child pleads to be allowed to wear one and her mother finally agrees, saying, "just today, because it's your birthday." Mama wraps the cloth around her, finishing with bangles and a bindi (a decorative mark worn on the forehead). The child's happiness is evident in her expression as she tells her mother, "I think I look like you!" The colorful, detailed acrylic illustrations complement the simple storyline by showing the designs of the various saris mentioned in the text. A glossary of the Hindi words is provided. A pleasant offering about family traditions that depicts a positive interaction between mother and daughter."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.poojamakhijani.com/mamassaristg.html
http://www.poojamakhijani.com/note.html

P is for Pakistan

P is for Pakistan

Written by: Shazia Razzak

Elementary Grades

"In this photographic alphabet, the author introduces young readers to some of the customs, religions and cultures - both ancient and modern - that make up this fast-developing country. Focusing on both city and country life, this is a celebration of Pakistan in all its aspects, from dhobi to jasmine, from hijab to water buffalo."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.katw.org/pages/sitepage.cfm?id=119
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/teachers/aw/wr/article/0,28138,1612040,00.html

Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea

Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea

Written by: Greg Mortonson
Illustrated by: Susan Roth

Elementary Grades

"Best-selling author Mortenson told his remarkable story in the adult book Three Cups of Tea (2006). After getting lost while trying to climb the mountain K2, he found himself in a Pakistani village. This, as it turned out was the beginning of a different journey. Here Mortenson and Roth retell his remarkable story through the eyes of Pakistani children. After being rescued and nursed to health by the villagers, Mortenson wonders what he can do to thank them. Advised by a wise elder to “listen to the wind,” Mortenson becomes aware of children’s voices, children he has helped teach during his convalescence, and he decides to build them a school. The steep terrain and remote setting present nearly overwhelming obstacles, but finally, the school is opened with great celebration. The picture-book narrative successfully compresses Mortenson’s story by focusing on the elements most important to children: the stranger’s appearance, the drama of the construction, the happy conclusion."

Book List Review

Online Resources:
http://www.threecupsoftea.com/

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Journey to Change the World... One Child at a Time

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Journey to Change the World... One Child at a Time

Written by: Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

Junior High and High School Grades

"Hiking in the mountains of Pakistan in 1993, Mortenson got lost. He found his way to a small village where the locals helped him recover from his ordeal. While there, he noticed that the students had no building and did all of their schooling out of doors. Motivated to repay the kindness he had received, he vowed to return to the village and help build a school. Thus began his real life's journey. Mortenson's story recounts the troubles he faced in the U.S. trying to raise the money and then in Pakistan, trying to get the actual supplies to a remote mountain location. His eventual success led to another, and yet another, until he established a foundation and built a string of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mortenson manages to give the story an insider's feel despite being an outsider himself. His love of the region and the people is evident throughout and his dedication to them stalwart."

School Library Journal Review


Online Resources:
http://www.threecupsoftea.com/
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/literature-guide/printable/60117.html

One Hen - How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference

One Hen - How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference

Written by: Katie Smith Milway

Elementary Grades

"Families in a Ghanan village pool their small savings into a community bank that makes loans available to members. When Kojo’s mother borrows money, he asks her for a few coins to buy a hen. The hen produces eggs for the family as well as a few for him to sell at the market, and Kojo uses that money to grow his business into a thriving enterprise. As a successful adult entrepreneur, Kojo now loans money to other aspiring businesspeople. Kojo’s inspiring, upbeat microfinance story makes the economic concept easy to grasp and admire. Sunny acrylic illustrations incorporate African animals and scenery into impressionistic full-page art that reflects the optimistic tone of the story. Back matter includes a photograph and short biography of a “real Kojo,” information on microcredit organizations, and a glossary."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://onehen.opportunity.org/

Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad

Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad

Written by: James Rumford

Elementary Grades

"When bombs begin to fall, Ali drowns out the sound of war with a pen. Like other children living in Baghdad, Ali loves soccer, music and dancing, but most of all, he loves the ancient art of calligraphy. When bombs begin to fall on his city, Ali turns to his pen, writing sweeping and gliding words to the silent music that drowns out the war all around him. Gorgeously illustrated with collage, pencil and charcoal drawings and, of course, exquisite calligraphy, this timely and yet universal story celebrates art and history but also offers young children a way to understand all they see and hear on the news."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/specials/iraq/0,8805,424876,00.html
http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/think-pair-share