Where Are You From? By Jaime Kim

Written by Yamile Saied Mendez, Illustrated by Jaime Kim, Published by Harper, 2019. (Picture fiction, ages 4-8)

Where are you from Ugh! I cannot say how many times I have been asked this question, especially while I was in college. Personally I don’t mind people asking my ethnic background (Filipino-Chinese to be exact) but please, just be direct about it. I know people get disappointed when I say California, then Canada, then we have to play the game, “OOOH! Where are your parents from?” I always roll my eyes when people exclaim, “I knew it! I knew your parents had to be from Asia!” Sorry, personal rant over. That being said, I wish this book was around when I was a kid.

BACKGROUND

A young girl is bombarded with questions about her ethnicity by people in her community. Frustrated, she asks her Abuelo about her identity. He in turn explains the richness of her Latinx (Puerto Rico/Argentina) heritage. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a seven to ten minute read aloud. Great for exploring Latinx cultures, empathy, tolerance, appreciate for one’s cultural heritage, and family.

PAIR WITH

Isla by Arthur Dorros

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Where Are You From?

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Just in Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book by Yuyi Morales

Written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales, Published by Roaring Brook Press, 2008. (Concept Book, ages 6-9)

Just in case.jpg September is Hispanic Heritage Month and what better way to celebrate by reading one of Yuyi Morales’ warm colorful concept books? Seriously though, it feels like you are being wrapped in a warm happy blanket whenever you read one of her titles. Senor Calavera is so adorable, I’m so glad she wrote another story for him!

BACKGROUND

Senor Calavera prepares to go to Grandma Beetle’s birthday but needs a present! Luckily Zelmiro the Ghost is willing to guide him through the alphabet and possible gifts he can bring. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

This fifteen minute read aloud is a great way to highlight Hispanic/Latino culture including several Spanish words and concepts. It is also a great way to start a discussion of thoughtful gift giving.

PAIR WITH

Just a Minute by Yuyi Morales

N is for Navidad by Susan Middleton Elya

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Just In Case

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Love Like Sky by Leslie C. Youngblood

Written by Leslie C. Youngblood, Published by Disney-Hyperion, 2018. (Realistic fiction, ages 8-12)

One thing that I really appreciated while reading this title was how authentic Georgie’s (G-baby) voice was. She is a determined and lovable character that you can’t help but root for.

BACKGROUND

Georgie has always taken care of her little sister Peaches. However, since her mom remarried she has hoped her step-sister Tangie would be a big sister to her and talk to her about growing up. Suddenly Peaches gets very ill, and Georgie must find a way to make her better. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A great pick for readers who love everyday stories about family relationships, blended families, friendship and the power of love and community.

PAIR WITH

The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Love Like Sky

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Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed

Written by Aisha Saeed, Illustrated by Anoosha Syed, Published by Salaam Reads, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 4-8)

Bills cooks Daal

And in just two days the weather in Seattle has changed to fall. Time to pull out the warm sweaters and cook large pots of warm soup. Speaking of warm pots of soup here is another delectable read that is sure to fill readers up with a great story!

BACKGROUND

Bilal of South Asian decent introduces his friends to a family favorite: daal. Excited, he and his friends must be patient for the lentil-based dish to be ready.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that would be great for discussing patience, trying new dishes, friendship, grit, and empathy.

PAIR WITH

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

What Should I Make? By Nandini Nayar

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Bilal Cooks Daal

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Small World by Ishta Mercurio

Written by Ishta Mercurio, Illustrated by Jen Corace, Published by Abrams Books For Young Readers, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 3-7)

It is so fascinating in child development that as a child grows so does their ability to comprehend the world around them physically and mentally. What really made this book stand out is that it portrays the progression of that development. I have had many requests from teachers looking for a book like this to aid students in understanding the concept of a community.