Month: November 2020

Featured

From The Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae Marks

Written by Janae Marks, Published by Katherine Tegen Books, 2020. (Realistc fiction, ages 8-11)

I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for books about cooking/baking. While that played a part in me picking up this title, the story kept me engaged. Surprisingly I hear multiple requests for stories where a family member is incarcerated. It is even harder to find a middle grade novel that deals with this loaded subject with authenticity. Marks does it all tactfully and is still able to maintain a balance in tone in the overall story, an admirable feat!

BACKGROUND

Zoe is Black and is currently working towards a chance to audition for the TV show: Kid’s Bake Challenge. Everything comes to a halt when she gets a letter from her father who’s in jail. Now she must go back into the past to figure out the truth. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

An uplifting middle grade novel that deals with complicated family dynamics, incarceration of a family member, baking, and going for your dreams.

PAIR WITH

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard

Written by Kevin Noble Maillard, Illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, Published by Roaring Brooke Press, 2019. (fiction, 4-6)

November is Native American Heritage Month. I am grateful that my children have the age appropriate resources and books to learn the truth of the Thanksgiving story and gain a greater knowledge and respect for Native Americans, their history, culture, and contributions. If you have access through your school or local library, Brainpop has a great video discussing the Thanksgiving myth vs actual events.

BACKGROUND

Food, history, culture, and hope intersect as Native American family and friends gather together to make fry bread and share their stories. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud that would be a great pick for Native American Heritage Month and Day. Also a great way to promote self-acceptance, family, respect for one’s roots, culture, and of course food!

PAIR WITH

Duck for Turkey Day by Jacqueline Jules

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Mae Among The Stars by Rodha Ahmed

Written by Rodha Ahmed, Illustrated by Stasia Burrington, Published by HarperCollins, 2018. (4-6)

I have been reading news about Victor Glover who is going to be the first Black NASA astronaut to live on the International Space Station. Amidst all the excitement it reminded me of this particular title. This is just a perfect read for those looking to inspire curiosity and wonder.

BACKGROUND

Ever since she was a girl Mae Jemison loved the night sky. Her parents always told her if she could dream it and work hard for it she could be an astronaut, which is exactly what she did. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud that would be great for a biography or career unit. Also a great way to inspire curiosity, STEM, and grit.

PAIR WITH

You Should Meet Mae Jemison by Laurie Calkhoven

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar

Written by Chitra Soundar, Illustrated by Charlene Chua, Published by Albert Whitman & Company, 2019. (holiday, 3-6)

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Last year, my family was lucky enough to celebrate Diwali with friends by eating at a Thali restaurant. My sons naturally got curious about the holiday so we did some reading. I just wished that I knew about this title a couple of months before. It is a perfectly engaging read that is both informative and fun.

BACKGROUND

A family of South Asian descent prepares their home for Diwali, going through common customs such as making rangoli, exchanging gifts, and celebrating with friends and families. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read a loud that would be great in showcasing specific traditions that go along with Diwali. A great title to include for holidays, family, and charity.

PAIR WITH

Let’s Celebrate Diwali by Anjali Joshi

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Featured

The Girl And The Ghost by Hanna Alkaf

Written by Hanna Alkaf, Published by HarperCollins , 2020. (Dark Fantasy, 9-11)

I read across genres but I tend to avoid horror (I have a very active imagination so I scare very easily). A friend recommended this title and by the time I realized it was plenty creepy, I was already too caught up in the writing to stop. Trust me, you will be thoroughly creeped out and guessing until the very end!

BACKGROUND

Suraya, a young Malaysian girl gets an unexpected gift from her grandmother, a pelesit. This shape shifting ghost protects her, but also has a dark side which brings much trouble and revelations to Suraya’s life. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

A dark and thrilling middle grade novel that touches on Malaysian myths and folktales.

PAIR WITH

Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada Kelly

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore