Under my Hijab by Hena Khan

Written by Hena Khan, Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, Published by Lee & Low Books, 2019. (Picture book, ages 5-8)IMG_0254

I love books that show how rich diversity is within a group. Even though each character in this book wears a hijab, the book and illustrations emphasize how everyone is an individual in interests, personality, and background. Each person also plays an important part within the community.

BACKGROUND

A mixed-race girl observes all her female relatives and friends and how they each have their own distinct ways to wear their hijab while playing an important part in her life. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that would be a great pick about different members of a community. Also ideal for a unit observing symbolic articles of clothing or opening a dialogue about diversity.

PAIR WITH

Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Under My Hijab

Shop your local indie bookstore

Princess Puffybottom…and Darryl by Susin Nielsen

Written by Susin Nielsen, Illustrated by Olivia Chin Mueller, Published by Tundra Books, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 3-6)

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June is PRIDE month and today was the PRIDE parade in Seattle. In celebration I am highlighting this fun new book. Yes it looks like a playful story about an adorably named kitty and puppy, which it is, but then I came across this page and had a lovely surprise:

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I love the way this family is beautifully portrayed. The mothers are not mentioned much in the text, but just the fact that they are there sends a powerful message of acceptance.

BACKGROUND

Princess Puffybottom has a perfect life for a cat, until her “subjects” bring home Darryl. Darryl is not just a puppy, he’s an annoying, gross, animal that must be banished. Will Princess ever get her life back?

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud that would be great for PRIDE month, a unit about family, or just a humorous read aloud.

PAIR WITH

The Boy & The Bindi by Vivek Shraya

Jacob’s Room to Choose by Sarah and Ian Hoffman

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Princess Puffybottom…and Darryl

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Bee-bim Bop! By Linda Sue Park

Written by Linda Sue Park, Illustrated by Ho Baek Lee, Published by Clarion Books, 2005. (Picture Book, ages 3-6)

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This is an oldie but goodie. After reading this to a class of first graders, a student raised their hand and said, “I’m hungry! Why do you always read us delicious books?!?” Her mom was volunteering during checkout time and was immediately informed that they were making bee-bim bop for dinner. Yep, I did my job that day.

BACKGROUND

In quick rhyming verse, a young Korean-American girl helps her Mama make bee-bim-bap for the whole family. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud, perfect as a fun exploration into Korean food. The author included a recipe for hungry readers.

PAIR WITH

No Kimchi For Me! by Aram Kim

Dumpling Soup by Jama Kim Rattigan

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Bee-bim Bop!

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Grizzly Boy by Barbara Davis Pyles

Written by Barbara Davis Pyles, Illustrations by Tracy Subisak, Published by Little Bigfoot, 2018. (Picture Book, 6-9)

Grizzly BoyWhen I brought this title home my oldest son made me read it aloud over and over again and each time it never failed to crack him up. Subisak’s illustrations are edgy and hilarious. The story itself is also relatable for parents and kids. Sometimes you just feel like going “wild”!

BACKGROUND

Asian American Theo wakes up and decides that he’s no longer a boy, he’s a Grizzly Bear that’s wild and free! But Mama says Grizzly or not he still needs to go to school. Can this free spirit navigate the classroom?

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that reads more like a graphic novel in certain parts. If you are looking for a laugh out loud read, this would be it. Also great to open a discussion about emotional intelligence (some days we just want to go “wild”.)

PAIR WITH

Where’s Halmoni? by by Julie Kim

Little Kunoichi, The Ninja Girl by Sanae Ishida

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Grizzly Boy

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Ojiichan’s Gift by Chieri Uegaki

Written by Chieri Uegaki, Illustrations by Genevieve Simms, Published by Kids Can Press, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 6-8)

Ojiichans giftI was super excited to see another book from Chieri Uegaki, and it did not disappoint! She has such a talent of shining a light on quiet stories from daily life that brings family and culture together. Simms also does an excellent job in establishing the reverent tone of the tale with illustrations that force you to explore each and every page.

BACKGROUND

Mayumi is half White and half Japanese and every year her family spends the summer with her Ojiichan/grandfather in Japan. Growing up it was Mayumi’s and Ojiichan’s tradition to care for his beautiful garden, but as the garden grows so does Ojiichan and his needs, can they find a way to preserve their shared work? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud. This would be a great book to open a discussion about patience, life transitions, or adjustments, especially with an aging grandparent. It also showcases parts of the Japanese culture.

PAIR WITH

Hand Over Hand by Alma Fullerton

When I Found Grandma by Saumiya Balasubramaniam

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Ojiichan’s Gift

Shop your local indie bookstore

Hand Over Hand by Alma Fullerton

Written by Alma Fullerton, Illustrations by Renné Benoit, Published by Second Story Press, 2017. (Picture Book, ages 4-8)

IMG_0297Picture books featuring Filipinos are still few and far between. It was refreshing to see this picture book show the Philippines in a contemporary setting. Bonus points that it also talks about girl power!

BACKGROUND

A young girl accompanies her Lolo (Grandfather) on his fishing trip. Despite other fishermen saying that girls can’t fish, Lolo and the girl prove that through persistence anything can be accomplished.

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud perfect for grandparent’s day, redefining gender roles, or modeling grit.

PAIR WITH

Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmoree bookstore

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Hand Over Hand

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When I Found Grandma by Saumiya Balasubramaniam

Written by Saumiya Balasubramaniam, Ilustrated by Qin Leng, Published by Groundwood Books, 2019. (Picture Book, 6-9)

IMG_2142 A perfect marriage between storytelling and art that makes for a charming read. Balasubramaniam elegantly addresses cultural differences and generational misunderstandings while Leng’s drawings bring out the humorous spark out of each character. I loved this book and think kids and adults alike will connect with its themes.

BACKGROUND

Maya wishes her grandma lived closer, but when grandma does come visit from far away she gets more than what she bargained for. Grandma’s treats are different, she dresses differently, and insists on Maya trying nuts for dinner. Will granddaughter and grandmother find a way to bond? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A fifteen minute read aloud ideal for opening dialogue about cultural differences and empathy. Also a great pick for a grandparents theme or for teaching inference.

PAIR WITH

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji by F. Zia

Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading When I Found Grandma

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The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi

Written by Karuna Riazi , Published by Salaam Reads, 2017. (Fantasy, 8-12)

When we talk about diversity in representation for all kids we need to make sure that representation includes all genres. While there have been strides in diversity in publishing, a lot of the books fall into historical and realistic fiction. However just in this year I am happy to see an uptick of diversity in fantasy. Hopefully this trend keeps going!

BACKGROUND

Bangladeshi-American Farah was just trying to enjoy being with friends on her birthday. But when her little brother gets stuck into a cursed board game, Farah and her friends Essie and Alex must follow to challenge the Architect in hopes of rescuing him. #Ownvoices

PAIR WITH

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Gauntlet

Shop your local indie bookstore

Double Happiness by Nancy Tupper Ling

Written by Nancy Tupper Ling, Illustrated by Alina Chau, Published by Chronicle Books, 2015. (Picture Book, 5-8)

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It’s always amazing to me how poetry can hold so much emotional power while saying so little. This page visually struck me how well it captured the emotions of hard goodbyes thanks to Alina Chau’s haunting imagery.

BACKGROUND

Told through a compilation of short poems, a young Chinese American brother and sister move from San Francisco to a new home away from family. Their Nai Nai or grandmother, packs them special gifts in their personal treasure boxes to comfort them on their new adventure.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that deals with the emotions during a move and finding a new home. Would also be a great example to use for a poetry unit.

PAIR WITH

A Piece of Home by Jeri Watts

Friends by Aiko Ikegami

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Double Happiness

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Journey for Justice: The Life of Larry Itliong by Dawn B. Mabalon & Gayle Romasanta

Written by Dawn B. Mabalon PhD with Gayle Romasanta, Illustrated by Andre Sibayan, Published by Bridge + Delta, 2018. (Biography, ages 9-12)

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May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. I found that this was the perfect time to showcase a title that I have been so excited about. I remember learning about Cesar Chavez and all the work he did for farm worker’s rights in elementary school in California. What I didn’t know was that the success was shared with Filipino farm workers and their leaders like Harry Itilong. Published by Bridge + Delta a portion of the proceeds are donated to nonprofits that support and promote Filipino culture.

BACKGROUND

Filipino Harry Itliong arrived to Seattle for the American Dream. After experiencing racism, discrimination, and dismal living conditions working on farms and canneries throughout the States, Harry becomes an activist. This book chronicles his struggles and  successes advocating for farm worker’s rights. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

This would be a definite choice for a biography project. It reads more like a chapter book with information rich text to fill a curious mind or project. It is too long for a single read aloud unless you plan to read it over several days.

PAIR WITH

Let ‘er Buck! George Fletcher, the People’s Champion by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Journey for Justice

Copies are only being sold through the publisher’s website. Please visit Bridge + Delta.