Month: May 2019

When I Found Grandma by Saumiya Balasubramaniam

Written by Saumiya Balasubramaniam, Ilustrated by Qin Leng, Published by Groundwood Books, 2019. (Picture Book, 6-9)

IMG_2142 A perfect marriage between storytelling and art that makes for a charming read. Balasubramaniam elegantly addresses cultural differences and generational misunderstandings while Leng’s drawings bring out the humorous spark out of each character. I loved this book and think kids and adults alike will connect with its themes.

BACKGROUND

Maya wishes her grandma lived closer, but when grandma does come visit from far away she gets more than what she bargained for. Grandma’s treats are different, she dresses differently, and insists on Maya trying nuts for dinner. Will granddaughter and grandmother find a way to bond? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A fifteen minute read aloud ideal for opening dialogue about cultural differences and empathy. Also a great pick for a grandparents theme or for teaching inference.

PAIR WITH

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji by F. Zia

Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading When I Found Grandma

Shop your local indie bookstore

The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi

Written by Karuna Riazi , Published by Salaam Reads, 2017. (Fantasy, 8-12)

When we talk about diversity in representation for all kids we need to make sure that representation includes all genres. While there have been strides in diversity in publishing, a lot of the books fall into historical and realistic fiction. However just in this year I am happy to see an uptick of diversity in fantasy. Hopefully this trend keeps going!

BACKGROUND

Bangladeshi-American Farah was just trying to enjoy being with friends on her birthday. But when her little brother gets stuck into a cursed board game, Farah and her friends Essie and Alex must follow to challenge the Architect in hopes of rescuing him. #Ownvoices

PAIR WITH

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Gauntlet

Shop your local indie bookstore

Double Happiness by Nancy Tupper Ling

Written by Nancy Tupper Ling, Illustrated by Alina Chau, Published by Chronicle Books, 2015. (Picture Book, 5-8)

Dhappiness

It’s always amazing to me how poetry can hold so much emotional power while saying so little. This page visually struck me how well it captured the emotions of hard goodbyes thanks to Alina Chau’s haunting imagery.

BACKGROUND

Told through a compilation of short poems, a young Chinese American brother and sister move from San Francisco to a new home away from family. Their Nai Nai or grandmother, packs them special gifts in their personal treasure boxes to comfort them on their new adventure.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that deals with the emotions during a move and finding a new home. Would also be a great example to use for a poetry unit.

PAIR WITH

A Piece of Home by Jeri Watts

Friends by Aiko Ikegami

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Double Happiness

Shop your local indie bookstore

Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong by Dawn B. Mabalon & Gayle Romasanta

Written by Dawn B. Mabalon PhD with Gayle Romasanta, Illustrated by Andre Sibayan, Published by Bridge + Delta, 2018. (Biography, ages 9-12)

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May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I found that this was the perfect time to showcase a title that I have been so excited about. I remember learning about Cesar Chavez and all the work he did for farm worker’s rights in elementary school in California. What I didn’t know was that the success was shared with Filipino farm workers and their leaders like Harry Itilong. Published by Bridge + Delta a portion of the proceeds are donated to nonprofits that support and promote Filipino culture.

BACKGROUND

Filipino Harry Itliong arrived to Seattle for the American Dream. After experiencing racism, discrimination, and dismal living conditions working on farms and canneries throughout the States, Harry becomes an activist. This book chronicles his struggles and  successes advocating for farm worker’s rights. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

This would be a definite choice for a biography project. It reads more like a chapter book with information rich text to fill a curious mind or project. It is too long for a single read aloud unless you plan to read it over several days.

PAIR WITH

Let ‘er Buck! George Fletcher, the People’s Champion by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Journey for Justice

Copies are only being sold through the publisher’s website. Please visit Bridge + Delta.