Written by Linda Sue Park, Published by Clarion Books, 2020. (historical fiction, ages 8-11)
This was the honor title for the APALA children’s literature award for 2020. Not only is it a fascinating read, but if you read the author’s note Park reveals that this story was personal. She grew up loving Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books but struggled with the racism towards Natives as well as the lack of representation of Asians in that setting. As a result she wrote the book that she wished she had as a girl.
BACKGROUND
Hanna and her Pa move to the Dakota Territory in 1880. She dreams of fulfilling her late mother’s wishes of finishing school and becoming a dressmaker. However when you are the only half White half Asian girl in the territory, she must carefully overcome the racism and distrust of the community in order to accomplish her dreams.
BEST FOR
An intriguing middle grade read for those that love the slice of life frontier genre.
Normally I would have another book trailer released and I’m still working on one for this week. However, the Youth Media Awards presented by the ALA (American Library Association) was announced this morning and I wanted to highlight a few titles! Also a special shoutout to all my peeps that served on the APALA Literature Award Committee on a job well done!
Illustrated by Michaela Goade, Illustrated by Carole Lindstrom, Published by Roaring Brook Press
This is the first time a Native has won the Caldecott Medal so a big thank you and a very hearty congratulations to Michaela Goade for your award and for paving the way for more Native creators!
Written by Tae Keller and published by Random House Children’s Books
Lily must navigate a new town when her family moves to be closer to her sick grandmother. This magical realism title touches on family relationships, grief, and Korean folklore.
Written by Saadia Faruqi & Laura Shovan and published by Clarion Books
Sixth graders Sara, a Pakistani American, and Elizabeth, a Jewish English American, find friendship through their school’s cooking class and their shared experience of their moms taking the US citizen test. This realistic fiction is great for readers who love food!
Written by Christina Soontornvat and published by Candlewick Press
Pong, an orphan in Thailand escapes from prison hoping to change his doomed fate. However he struggles to escape his past running from Nok, the prison warden’s daughter, and the dark and powerful governor. This fantasy is an action packed adventure.
Written by Ernesto Cisneros and published by Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.
When Efren’s mother gets deported, he finds himself taking care of his younger siblings on very little funds while still balancing school life. While he and his Papa try to bring Mama back he struggles to hold everything together. This realistic fiction touches on immigration, family, activism, and friendships.
Written by Linda Sue Park and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers
When Hanna moves to the Dakota territory in 1880 with her father, there is one thing she notices, she is the only half Chinese girl in the entire town and probably terrority. This historical fiction addresses racism, family dynamics, friendships, and never giving up on your dreams.
WINNER OF THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD FOR MIDDLE GRADES
Written by Ann Clare LeZotte and published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.
Mary is deaf and has always felt safe in her largely deaf community on Martha’s Vineyard island in the 19th century. However things start changing when an outsider comes to study her community. This historical fiction talks about family relationships, Native history, Deaf history and sign language.
This is just a tasting (ha!) of the many wonderful titles honored today. Congrats to all the creators! Here is a link to the official Youth Media Awards including a full list of all winners.
Written by Angela Johnson, Illustrated by Eric Velasquez, Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2005. (historical fiction, ages 4-7)
This Martin Luther King’s Day has brought a lot of reflection. This year brought into sharp focus the problems with inequality and racism that has never really been adequately addressed in our country. While there still is a lot of work to do, it is hopeful to see more parents having conversations and teaching lessons about race with their young children. It is also hopeful for me to see high school and college students being much more aware and active with politics both local and national. This particular picture book shows that children have and always will be involved in social change.
BACKGROUND
A pair of sisters, unable to resist the scent of roses and freedom, go out and join a march. Told through their perspective, the two are able to hear the words of Martin Luther King Jr. as they call for equal rights. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
This two minute read aloud is ideal to open discussions about activism, marches, civil rights, and Martin Luther King Jr. It’s unique black and white illustrations with pops of red are also engaging for younger readers.
Written and Illustrated by Sang Miao, Published by Flying Eye Books, 2019. (fantasy, ages 5-8)
There are some big emotions going on right now, and even though every single person experiences them, feelings are still so hard to talk about. This book deals with grief from the loss of a loved one in such a beautifully unique way. The illustrations are also just captivating. If anything, the story not only models a way to remember a loved one, but gives permission to young readers to use their imaginations and natural wonder to find comfort.
BACKGROUND
While a boy and a grandfather draw together, the grandpa tells the boy about the immortal jellyfish. When it is about to die, it starts life again. When the grandfather passes, the young boy is overcome with grief and cries himself to sleep. It is in his dreams where his grandfather takes him to a fantastical land where souls get to create a new memory for their loved ones.
BEST FOR
About a ten minute read aloud that could be used to open discussions about loss, grief, coping mechanisms, and honoring the memory of loved ones.
Written and Illustrated by Jen Wang, Published by First Second, 2019. (Graphic Novel, ages 9-12)
Initially when I started this blog I thought that I would highlight picture books and feature middle grade novels by making book trailers. Pretty soon I realized that I simply cannot make book trailers fast enough, so I’ve decided to incorporate more children’s books sans trailers. (Don’t worry, I’m still making trailers!) It’s the new year so it’s the perfect time to try new things! I loved this graphic novel from Jen Wang. Not only did it remind me of my high school experiences with my friends, but I love how it shows diversity within an ethnic group and allowing all its characters live full authentic storylines.
BACKGROUND
When a new neighbor moves in, the normally reserved Christine is intimidated by the bubbly and gregarious Moon. When the two become unlikely friends, jealousy, secrets, and a medical emergency threatens their bond. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
This middle grade read is perfect for readers hungry for everyday stories that deal with family, school drama, and friendships.
booktastings.home.blog 