Written by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan, Published by Clarion Books, 2020. (Realistic Fiction, Ages 9-12)
I have a soft spot for books with cooking themes so this was a natural pick for me. This read is unique in the sense that it explores some complicated issues surrounding racism, being an ally, and forging a sincere and authentic friendship. I appreciated that the main characters Elizabeth and Sara were able to have frank conversations about microaggressions, being supportive, and also opening up to others. The delectable descriptions of food are an extra bonus.
BACKGROUND
Sara and Elizabeth meet in an after school South Asian cooking class taught by Sara’s mother. When the two realize that both of their mothers are studying for the US citizenship test, they decide to arrange for their moms to become study partners. Eventually Sara and Elizabeth team up once again for a cooking competition and possibly a new friendship. Sara is Pakistani American and Elizabeth is Jewish from her father’s side and British from her mother’s. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
This middle grade novel is for readers who love books centered around school life, family relationships, food, and friendship.
Written and Illustrated by LeUyen Pham, Published by Roaring Brook Press, 2021. (fiction, ages 3-6)
It was only a matter of time before picture books about Covid and shut downs were going to emerge. I have read a few with varying levels of success, but this one is by far is my favorite. I loved how Pham was able to balance the seriousness of the subject while having an overall hopeful tone. I have always adored her illustrations so it was no surprise that the page spreads in this book are not only engaging and lively, but beautifully poignant as well.
BACKGROUND
Primarily told through the perspective of a young mixed-race girl, a community changes when “Something happened” and everyone who was outside is now staying inside. It didn’t mean that weren’t changes or growth. And it definitely didn’t mean there is any loss in love for one another.
BEST FOR
About a seven minute read aloud perfect for initiating discussions about Covid, shut downs, and the major changes in lifestyles and systems while still offering hope and love.
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 and Illustrated by Katie Yamasaki, Published by Holiday House, 2018. (Picture book, 4-7)
Recently I was lucky to get back in touch with some of my cousins. We enjoyed our time reminiscing of shared childhood memories. Some memories were tied to navigating a new home and culture. Realizing the diversity in my own family I wanted to highlight that reality for many families with this comfort read.
BACKGROUND
Half Japanese Half White Lila cannot wait until her cousins from the city come to visit. Once together they fill the lazy summer days with new adventures styling hair, learning to use chopsticks, and building forts. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
About a seven minute read aloud. Great for any story about family highlighting cousins, or just talking about summer days. Also could be used to inspire kids to play outdoors.
While I have been loving learning about all these incredible women, the frustrating part is that there is literally no children’s books written about pretty much any of them. While I have started to write myself I would please like to put out the idea to authors to PLEASE WRITE A BOOK ABOUT THESE AMAZING PEOPLE! Thanks!
KNOWN AS: Vicki Draves
NAME: Victoria Manalo Draves
DATES: 1924-2010
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Born to an English mother and Filipino father, this Filipina American was the first in Olympic history to win gold in both springboard and platform diving at the 1948 London Olympics. She also was the first Asian American Olympic gold champion paving the way for others.
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Tiffany was the first person of non-European descent to be the U.S. figure skating champion when she won in 1985. Her example paved the way for more skaters notably Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi.
Written by Rabiah York Lumbard, Illustrated by Laura K. Horton, Published by Albert Whitman & Co, 2019. (Picture book, 5-9)
Sorry, I know it has been a while. I had to take a break and was getting into tech troubles when I tried to jump back into it. I’m working on being more patient with myself when those rough days come and go. Now back to books! Not only is it great to see more books about Ramadan, but I do appreciate showing a character going through the actual traditions of fasting, sahoor (the pre-dawn meal), iftar (meals after sunset) and prayers. Horton also does a wonderful job using a joyful color palette with energetic characters.
BACKGROUND
Sophia and her multiracial Muslim family are preparing to celebrate Ramadan. Inspired by her grandma, Sophia decides to try fasting this year to feel the special sparkles of the holiday.
BEST FOR
About a ten minute read aloud that’s perfect for exploring the different aspects to celebrating Ramadan. A great way to talk about family and religious traditions, customs, kindness, selflessness, and holidays.
Written by Frank Murphy, Illustrated by Kayla Harren, Published by Sleeping Bear Press, 2019. (fiction, ages 6-8)
Being the mother of two very energetic boys I often think about the kind of messages they get from me and their environment regarding masculinity and their “expected” role in society. Books like these that emphasize what good in the world a boy can do are helpful in teaching empathy and healthy emotional expression. Plus, the illustrations are beautiful.
BACKGROUND
A mixed race African American boy is narrated through what it means to be an individual that is thoughtful, an advocate for justice, and emotionally healthy.
BEST FOR
About a seven minute read aloud that would be good in teaching empathy, emotional intelligence, promoting justice, and confidence.
Written by Bob Raczka, Illustrated by Simone Shin, Published by Carol Rhoda Books, 2017. (fiction, 5-9)
The number one topic that got requested while I worked in schools was emotional intelligence, even in the older grades. A lot of it was just being able to recognize the feelings that they were having. It is even more of a challenge to teach different coping options to manage them…heck even adults still have that problem including myself! I thought this title was great since Niko is able to express a singular feeling through his art.
BACKGROUND
biracial Niko loves to draw, but he doesn’t draw what he sees he draws what he feels. Although he is able to express himself it seems like no one else understands his art, will anyone?
BEST FOR
About a seven minute read aloud that is great to open up a creativity or art unit. Also a perfect discussion starter in emotional intelligence and offering a different method to cope.
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.
Recently I was lucky to get back in touch with some of my cousins. We enjoyed our time reminiscing of shared childhood memories. Some memories were tied to navigating a new home and culture. Realizing the diversity in my own family I wanted to highlight that reality for many families with this comfort read.
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