Month: August 2020

Ways To Make Sunshine By Renée Watson

Written by Renée Watson, Illustrated by Nina Mata, Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2020. (Realistic Fiction, 8-10)

I love a good realistic fiction that goes through the everyday adventures of life. So when a friend recommended this title to me I was so excited! The characters are relatable and sweet, and I especially enjoyed reading about a fun and lovable relationship between a brother and sister. Mata also provides very playful illustrations throughout the story.

BACKGROUND

Ryan is Black and lives in Oregon. She is already busy with staying in touch with her best friends and upcoming school events. When her family face big changes with a move and new job, Ryan will have to work a little harder to bring sunshine into her life. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

A charming middle grade novel for readers who love everyday school adventures and navigating changing family situations.

PAIR WITH

President Of The Whole Sixth Grade by Sherri Winston

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Let’s Go To Taekwondo!: A Story About Persistence, Bravery, and Breaking Boards by Aram Kim

Written and illustrated by Aram Kim, Holiday House, 2020. (Picture book, 4-7)

taekwondo

I love the work of Aram Kim! So I was so excited to hear that she had a new book coming out this year. She never disappoints! I love her playful tone, quirky sense of humor, bright illustrations, and insights to Korean culture!

BACKGROUND

Korean cat Yoomi loves to go to the dojang to learn Taekwondo with her brothers. The only problem is she must break a board for her next belt, but she is scared to do it. Can she overcome her fear and reach her goal? #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud that is great way to model perseverance, solving problems, and self acceptance. Also a great way to talk about sports and Korean culture.

PAIR WITH

Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando by Andrea Wang

Where’s Halmoni? by Julie Kim

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

I Am A Promise by Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce with Ashley Rousseau

Written by Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce with Ashley Rousseau, Illustrated by Rachel Moss, Published by Akashic Books, 2020. (Biography, 4-6)

iamapromise

Even though the Olympics were postponed this year doesn’t mean we cannot appreciate the accomplishments and lives of athletes. I am always so happy to see new and diverse biographies get published and kudos to this particular title for being accessible to younger readers!

BACKGROUND

Six-time Olympic medal winner and representative of Jamaica, Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce always dreamed of great races. When her grandmother tells her that she is a promise, she puzzles at her meaning as she excels in her races. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that highlights perseverance, grit, confidence, and of course the Olympics.

PAIR WITH

Unstoppable by Art Coulson

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Bowwow Powwow Bagosenjige-niimi’idim by Brenda J. Child

Written by Brenda J. Child, Translated by Gordon Jourdain, Illustrated by Jonathan Thunder, Published by The Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2019. (Picture book, 5-8)

Bowwow-Powwow (1)

Summer is about making memories and I love books that show family traditions. Another reason I love this title is that it shows a Native American girl in a contemporary setting. In my experience, most books about Native Americans in the classroom are either folklore or set in the past, giving the very wrong impression that Native Americans are stuck in one time period. This particular title was the winner of the American Indian Library Association’s Literature Award for the picture book category for 2020.

BACKGROUND

Windy Girl loves listening to her uncle’s stories and going to the powwow every year. This summer she has a dream that outlines the ceremonies and events that make each powwow so special. It is a bilingual book in both Ojibwe and English. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

A great read aloud to talk about summer, family traditions, and Ojibwe culture.

PAIR WITH

Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore