Month: December 2020

Featured

American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar

Written by Supriya Kelkar, Published by Aladdin, 2020. (Realistic fiction, ages 8-11)

I am not Desi but I did relate a lot to Lekha in this book. Those moments where she cannot go to school outings because of cultural obligations, being cautious about what to bring for lunch because the food at home can smell really strong, but it tastes oh so good! Also constantly balancing multiple cultures is such a familiar struggle. Kelkar balances a lot of themes and does it well while being very entertaining. A delightful read overall!

BACKGROUND

Lekha and her family are the only Desis in their small town just outside of Detroit. When she gets on the swim team and a new girl from India moves in, Lekha tries to figure out who she really is, especially when local politics get ugly. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

This middle grade novel is delightful while touching on serious issues such as race, xenophobia, colorism, friendships, activism, and being authentic.

PAIR WITH

Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Featured

A Piñata in a Pine Tree: A Latino Twelve Days of Christmas by Pat Mora

Written by Pat Mora, Illustrated by Magaly Morales, Published by Clarion Books, 2009. (Fiction, ages 4-7)

Pat Mora is a great author if your collection does not already have her titles. I also love the vividness and color of Magaly Morales illustrations. Together the duo create a very festive and wondrous book that is perfect for a good holiday read aloud.

BACKGROUND

Taking inspiration from the carol, a young Latino girl goes through the twelve gifts of Christmas her parents have prepared for her. This time the gifts from Latino culture, and Spanish words are incorporated in the narrative. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

This five minute read aloud is a great choice for the holidays, Latino culture, introduction to Spanish, family themed units, as well as a great counting book.

PAIR WITH

N is for Navidad by Susan Middleton Elya

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Featured

The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee

Written by Helena Ku Rhee, Illustrated by Pascal Campion, Published by Random House Children’s Books, 2020. (Realistic fiction, ages 4-8)

This particular story shows how hardworking families make good memories out of less than ideal situations. It also reminded me of my own story. My father owned a store when we were kids and I remember my brothers and I spending hours upon hours amusing ourselves along the shelves and hiding behind the counter. When I asked my dad later why we were there so much, he answered that he had to work weekends, but still wanted to spend time with the family. As a result, we have many fun memories even though it was at an unlikely place.

BACKGROUND

Daniel’s parents both work as night janitors. It just so happens that their babysitter has also cancelled. Reluctantly Daniel accompanies his parents their work, a huge corporate building. Just when he starts getting grumpy, his parents whisper the secrets of the paper kingdom. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud. A great way to highlight family, imagination, and resourcefulness.

PAIR WITH

Drawn Together by Minh Lee

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Featured

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell

Written by F. Isabel Campoy and Theresa Howell, Illustrated by Rafael Lopez, Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. (Realistic fiction, ages 4-7)

I am so thankful for the many talents of artists that are a saving light to dark days. If you ever want to brighten your Instagram and other media feed, follow artists, illustrators, and makers. I promise you it brings many unexpected smiles especially with what’s going on right now. That was the thought I had when I came across this title in my shelf. Based on a true story, it shows the power of art and how it can transform a community.

BACKGROUND

A young Hispanic/Latinx girl named Mira loves art and spreads her work throughout her grey neighborhood. Things take a turn for the brighter when she meets a muralist one day in the street.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that can highlight the power of the individual to enact change, art, community and spreading joy.

PAIR WITH

Thank You Omu! By Oge Mora

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore