I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day

Written by Christine Day, Published by HarperCollins, 2019. (Realistic Fiction, 9-12)

This year I happily saw more middle grade books published with Native American protagonists in contemporary settings written in #ownvoice. We still have a long way to go since they can all be counted on one hand. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this debut and hope to see more from Christine Day.

BACKGROUND

Edie knows that she is part Native American because of her mom, but knows nothing else of her heritage. When her and her friends find a mysterious photo of a woman in the attic it seems like a clue to her past, but why is her family refusing to talk about her? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A middle grade read that is great for fans of realistic fiction, learning about little known facts of history, and highlighting family relationships.

PAIR WITH

Two Roads by Joseph Bruchac

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading I Can Make This Promise

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It Began With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear

Written by Kyo Maclear, Illustrated by Julie Morstad, Published by Harper, 2019. (Biography, 5-9)

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Gyo Fujikawa was the first mainstream illustrator to draw characters of different races together in a children’s book. She also published over fifty books in her career in addition to her other artistic endeavors. She was a pioneer and her courage shines through in this stunning biography. Seriously, just the illustrations alone will captivate you!

BACKGROUND

Japanese American Gyo Fujikawa felt she never fit in, but she knew she loved to draw. After art school, various obstacles including the imprisonment of her family in internment camps during WWII doesn’t deter her from being an artist and activist. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that would be a wonderful biography to include in a unit. It is also ideal for starting a discussion about activism, representation, diversity, grit, empathy, and justice. Includes a timeline, notes, and bibliography.

PAIR WITH

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey

Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story by Paula Yoo

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading It Began With a Page

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The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali

Written by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, Illustrated by Hatem Aly, Published by Little, Brown and Company, 2019. (Picture Books, 4-10)

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Oh my goodness! This book is one of the best picture books I’ve read this year, and that’s saying a lot! The narration is deceptively complex and poetic while Aly’s illustrations just elevate the entire story to another level. Author Ibtihaj Muhammad is the first Muslim American in a hijab to compete in the Olympics, winning a bronze in the women’s saber team. She drew inspiration from her own life to write this story. This title is rich in themes and has so many extensions!

BACKGROUND

African American Muslim Faizah watches as her older sister Asiya picks out her first hijab. It is the bluest blue hijab she has ever seen. As their day at school progresses, Faizah watches as Asiya deals with all the reactions to her hijab, learning strength and confidence in being authentic to herself and her faith. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud that is great for talking about religious symbols or clothing. It is also a great way to start a discussion about bullying, empathy, tolerance, resilience, self-acceptance, and also discussing colors!

PAIR WITH

Under my Hijab by Hena Khan

Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Proudest Blue

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Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour

Written by Wendy Meddour, Illustrated by Daniel Egneus, Published by Dial Books for Young Readers, 2019. (Picture Books, 4-9)

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I have seen many requests for books that talk about the refugee experience. This title does a great job respecting the levity of such a heavy subject while still making it appropriate and digestible for a young audience.

BACKGROUND

Young Lubna arrives in a tent city escaping an unnamed war. Shaken from the sudden loss of home, family, and friends she finds a pebble to draw a face on and talk to about her experiences. When a young boy Amir arrives to camp she shares the comforts of her friendship and pebble.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that spotlights the personal experiences of being a refugee. It is a great story to discuss empathy, tolerance, perseverance, coping skills and friendship.

PAIR WITH

The Arrival by Shuan Tan

Migrant by Maxine Trottier

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Lubna and Pebble

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