Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

Written by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, Illustrated by Luisa Uribe, Published by The Innovation Press, 2020. (Picture Book, 5-10)

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My oldest son’s name is Tano (TAH-noh), it’s Japanese. My husband and I thought that it was a good representation of his Japanese heritage, unique, and still relatively easy to pronounce…..EASY right? Turns out that everyone either calls him TAN-oh or Connor (I don’t know why!) He just finished first grade and is already adept at correcting peers and teachers on his name. This particular title brings a fresh new take on the issue, and is filled with eye-popping illustrations!

BACKGROUND

A Black girl laments to her mother that no one at school can say her name, Kora-Jalimuso (KO-rah-DJAA-lee MOO-so). Her mother tells her that if they cannot say her name, she can teach them to sing it. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that is great for opening a discussion about tolerance, empathy, and self-acceptance. A glossary of names with pronunciation guides is included.

PAIR WITH

Always Anjali by by Sheetal Patel

Where Are You From? by Jamie Kim

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

The Book Itch by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, Published by Carolrhoda Books, 2015. (Picture Book, 7-10)

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Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is an award winning author of Black experiences, history, and stories. If you are looking to diversify your shelves, I would definitely look up her work which spans from picture books to young adults. She’s also just a lovely person. I was fortunate enough to share an Uber with her during a library conference and was particularly touched by her kindness and generosity. All of her work is stellar.

BACKGROUND

A young boy watches as his father builds the National Memorial African Bookstore. Not only were people able to get a hold of books, but it was an important gathering place for people like Muhammad Ali, Malcom X, and others to share and push for change. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a twenty minute read aloud that can be used to advocate for a love of reading, activism, and Black history.

PAIR WITH

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

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Melina Mangal

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Apple Pie 4th Of July by Janet Wong

Written by Janet Wong, Illustrated by Margaret Chodos-Irvine, Published by HMH Books for Young Readers, 2006. (Picture Book, 4-8)

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Hands down this is one of my favorites to read for July 4th. Growing up I didn’t see much representation in any media, books, tv, movies, and magazines. Since all those outlets painted a picture of what an “American” family looked like, I sometimes thought that the food and customs of my family was not “normal” or “American”. This is the same struggle that this girl faces.

BACKGROUND

A Chinese American girl struggles with her parents. She tries to tell them that people wouldn’t want to eat their Chinese food at their store for July 4th, they’re all going to be eating apple pie! #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that is a great for modeling empathy, tolerance, self-acceptance, nationality, and of course the 4th of July!

PAIR WITH

I, Too, Am America by Langston Hughes

Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvindar Naberhaus

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee

Written by Lyla Lee, Illustrated by Dung Ho, Published by Aladdin, 2020. (Realistic Fiction, 6-9)

I was really struck by the honesty of this book. Lee does a wonderful job in addressing hard issues such as the loss of a loved one, grief, moving to a new school, and microaggressions. She also does this all while keeping the tone and the characters hopeful and upbeat. Ho’s illustrations also bring more depth to each scene. On a personal note, I really connected with Mindy when her new classmates made fun of her lunch!

BEST FOR

Mindy is Korean American and is dealing with a lot. Not only has she moved across country with her Dad, they are both grieving the recent loss of her mom. It is not long before she makes plans to fix all their problems. #Ownvoices

PAIR WITH

Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade

Mindy Kim and the Birthday Puppy

Mindy Kim, Class President

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

You Matter by Christian Robinson

Written and Illustrated by Christian Robinson, Published by Atheneum Books For Young Readers, 2020. (Picture Book, 3-6)

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These are unprecedented times to say the least. However this particular title was just what every member of my family needed to hear right now. The playful illustrations also spark curiosity and wonder. Check out the excellent read along Robinson did for PBS.

BACKGROUND

Big, or small, no matter your place in this universe you matter. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud with many themes to use to initiate conversations about emotions, STEM and imagination.

PAIR WITH

The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

I am Enough by Grace Byers

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

When the Cousins Came by Katie Yamasaki

Written and Illustrated by Katie Yamasaki, Published by Holiday House, 2018. (Picture book, 4-7)

When cousins cameRecently 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.

PAIR WITH

Under my Hijab by Hena Khan

The Twins’ Little Sister by Hyewon Yum

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Something Happened In Our Town by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard

Written by Marianne Celano, Marietta Collins, and Ann Hazzard, Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin, Published by Magination Press, 2018. (Picture book, 4-9)

ShootThere are a lot of families out there that want to talk to their children about race, but don’t know where to start. This book is written by three psychologists who have worked at the Emory University School of Medicine serving children and families in Atlanta. Not only does the story lay out racism in a clear way for children, but the afternote provides detailed information for parents engaging in meaningful discussions with their kids.

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud. When a Black man is shot by police two families have an important discussion. The first family is White with a girl asking her parents and sisters why was the man killed. The second household is Black and how their lives are impacted. The next day the two classmates are faced with a choice to make together. #Ownvoices

PAIR WITH

A Sweet Smell of Roses by Angela Johnson

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Written by Lesa Cline-Ransome Published by Holiday House, 2018. (Historical Fiction, 9-13)

I wasn’t planning on releasing this trailer until next week, but given recent events I felt that it couldn’t wait. Racism has never gone away. I have dealt with racism throughout my entire life and despite all my experiences, it still hurts every single time. However, I will never understand how it is to be Black in America. What I can do is be anti-racist and take action to dismantle the racism that is built within our systems. I will continue to challenge my own biases. I will continue to teach my children about racism and give them books that act as mirrors and windows. And I will continue to really listen to voices that are different than mine in order to work towards a society that truly values life and justice.

BEST FOR

This middle grade novel is ideal for readers that love historical fiction with characters that love literature. This could also be used for units about The Great Migration, The Harlem Renaissance, and poetry.

PAIR WITH

Leaving Lymon by Lesa Cline-Ransome

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Asian American Month 2020: Susan Ahn Cuddy and Hazel Ying Lee

I am very thankful for the service and sacrifice of all those who served this country. For this Memorial Day Weekend I chose to honor two amazing pioneers.

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NAME: Susan Ahn Cuddy

DATES: 1915-2015

YOU SHOULD KNOW: Susan was the first female gunnery officer in the US Navy and the first Korean American to work in US intelligence. She served during WWII and trained many fighter pilots.

LEARN MORE:

Their ‘Tough’ Mom was also the Navy’s 1st Asian American Woman Officer

The Officer Who Opened the US Navy for Asian-American Women

IMG_3567NAME: Hazel Ying Lee

DATES: 1912-1944

YOU SHOULD KNOW: Born in Oregon, Hazel was the first Chinese American female to earn a pilot license and fly for the United States military. She is one of the two Asian American women of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

LEARN MORE:

Remembering Hazel Lee, the first Chinese- American female military pilot.

Hazel Ying Yee (1912-1944)

BOOKS

Unfortunately there isn’t a picture book about Susan Ahn Cuddy or Hazel Ying Lee. There is a picture book about Maggie Gee, the one other Asian American pilot in the WASP program during WWII.

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BACKGROUND

Chinese American Maggie Gee always dreamed of flying even though few women took to the sky. As she grows older WWII breaks out and Maggie takes to the sky to serve.

BEST FOR

About a twenty-five minute read aloud that would be appropriate for an ongoing storytime or biography unit. A great way to introduce a unit on flight or talk about WWII.

PAIR WITH

Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman by Nikki Grimes

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Asian American Month 2020: Kalpana Chawla & Chien-Shiung Wu

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NAME: Kalpana Chawla

DATES: 1962-2003

YOU SHOULD KNOW: Not only was she an astronaut and engineer who loved to fly, she also was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor posthumously in 2004.

LEARN MORE:

Astronaut Friday: Kalpana Chawla

Nasa: Kalpana Chawla

 

 

NAME: Chien-Shiung Wu

DATES: 1912-1997

YOU SHOULD KNOW: A Chinese American physicist she made significant discoveries in the field. She also was the first woman to serve as president of the American Physical Society and was awarded the Wolf Prize in Physics in 1978

LEARN MORE:

Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, The First Lady of Physics

Atomic Heritage Foundation: Chien-Shiung Wu

BOOKS

There are a few independently published titles about Kalpana Chawla, but that was all I could find.

A previous blog entry for a book about Chien-Shiung Wu:

Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom by Teresa Robeson