Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020: If You Were Me and Lived in…China by Carole P. Roman

Written by Carole P. Roman, Illustrated by Kelsea Wierenga, Published by Chelshire, 2015 (nonfiction, 6-9)

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This title is part of a nonfiction series. I was given a copy by the author Carole Roman in celebration of Multicultural Children’s Book Day. This title explores the Chinese culture explaining main holidays, landmarks, as well as a few Chinese words. There was only a slight slip up that I noticed; Under the food section it mentioned that fried ice cream is a common dessert in China. However, fried ice cream is mostly served in Chinese restaurants in Australia, not China. Besides that, there are plenty of facts having to do with geography as well as historical sites such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors.

BACKGROUND

Readers are taken through an informative tour of China and its culture. The text includes pronunciation guides, statistics, as well as highlights of the many wonders of China.

BEST FOR

This nonfiction would be suitable for a research project or lesson. It would be too long a read aloud for one storytime, unless you were planning to read it over several days.

PAIR WITH

Angel in Beijing by Belle Yang

The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading If You Were Me And Lived In…China.

Shop your local indie bookstore

Multicultural Children’s Book Day 2020 (1/31/20) is in its 7th year! This non-profit children’s literacy initiative was founded by Valarie Budayr and Mia Wenjen; two diverse book-loving moms who saw a need to shine the spotlight on all of the multicultural books and authors on the market while also working to get those book into the hands of young readers and educators.
Seven years in, MCBD’s mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in homes and school bookshelves continues.
MCBD 2020 is honored to have the following Medallion Sponsors on board

Super Platinum

Make A Way Media/ Deirdre “DeeDee” Cummings,

 Platinum

Language Lizard, Pack-N-Go Girls,

Gold

Audrey Press, Lerner Publishing Group, KidLit TV, ABDO BOOKS : A Family of Educational Publishers, PragmaticMom & Sumo Jo, Candlewick Press,

Silver

Author Charlotte Riggle, Capstone Publishing, Guba Publishing, Melissa Munro Boyd & B is for Breathe,

Bronze

Author Carole P. Roman, Snowflake Stories/Jill Barletti, Vivian Kirkfield & Making Their Voices Heard. Barnes Brothers Books,  TimTimTom, Wisdom Tales Press, Lee & Low Books,  Charlesbridge Publishing, Barefoot Books Talegari Tales

Author Sponsor Link Cloud

Jerry Craft, A.R. Bey and Adventures in Boogieland, Eugina Chu & Brandon goes to Beijing, Kenneth Braswell & Fathers Incorporated, Maritza M. Mejia & Luz del mes_Mejia, Kathleen Burkinshaw & The Last Cherry Blossom, SISSY GOES TINY by Rebecca Flansburg and B.A. Norrgard, Josh Funk and HOW TO CODE A ROLLERCOASTER, Maya/Neel Adventures with Culture Groove,  Lauren Ranalli, The Little Green Monster: Cancer Magic! By Dr. Sharon Chappell, Phe Lang and Me On The Page, Afsaneh Moradian and Jamie is Jamie, Valerie Williams-Sanchez and Valorena Publishing, TUMBLE CREEK PRESS, Nancy Tupper Ling, Author Gwen Jackson, Angeliki Pedersen & The Secrets Hidden Beneath the Palm Tree, Author Kimberly Gordon Biddle, BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 by Mia Wenjen, Susan Schaefer Bernardo & Illustrator Courtenay Fletcher (Founders of Inner Flower Child Books), Ann Morris & Do It Again!/¡Otra Vez!, Janet Balletta and Mermaids on a Mission to Save the Ocean, Evelyn Sanchez-Toledo & Bruna Bailando por el Mundo\ Dancing Around the World, Shoumi Sen & From The Toddler Diaries, Sarah Jamila Stevenson, Tonya Duncan and the Sophie Washington Book Series, Teresa Robeson  & The Queen of Physics, Nadishka Aloysius and Roo The Little Red TukTuk, Girlfriends Book Club Baltimore & Stories by the Girlfriends Book Club, Finding My Way Books, Diana Huang & Intrepids, Five Enchanted Mermaids, Elizabeth Godley and Ribbon’s Traveling Castle, Anna Olswanger and Greenhorn, Danielle Wallace & My Big Brother Troy, Jocelyn Francisco and Little Yellow Jeepney, Mariana Llanos & Kutu, the Tiny Inca Princess/La Ñusta Diminuta, Sara Arnold & The Big Buna Bash, Roddie Simmons & Race 2 Rio, DuEwa Frazier & Alice’s Musical Debut, Veronica Appleton & the Journey to Appleville book series  Green Kids Club, Inc

We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.

Co-Hosts and Global Co-Hosts

A Crafty Arab, Afsaneh Moradian, Agatha Rodi Books, All Done Monkey, Barefoot Mommy, Bethany Edward & Biracial Bookworms, Michelle Goetzl & Books My Kids Read, Crafty Moms Share, Colours of Us, Discovering the World Through My Son’s Eyes, Educators Spin on it, Shauna Hibbitts-creator of eNannylink, Growing Book by Book, Here Wee Read, Joel Leonidas & Descendant of Poseidon Reads {Philippines}, Imagination Soup, Kid World Citizen, Kristi’s Book Nook, The Logonauts, Mama Smiles, Miss Panda Chinese, Multicultural Kid Blogs, Serge Smagarinsky {Australia}, Shoumi Sen, Jennifer Brunk & Spanish Playground, Katie Meadows and Youth Lit Reviews

FREE RESOURCES from Multicultural Children’s Book Day

TWITTER PARTY! Register here!

Hashtag: Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and be sure and look for/use our official hashtag #ReadYourWorld.

Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell

Written by Charlene Willing McManis with Traci Sorell, 2019. (Historical Fiction, 9-12)

This read will make you reevaluate your biases. I already believe that accurate representation in media and books is important, but this book will cement that belief in case you had even a shred of a doubt. There were times where I was cringing reading how Regina and her family had to deal with questions from their Los Angeles neighbors about being “a proper Indian” and witnessing the school’s Thanksgiving play. This is such an important read for kids and adults alike.

BACKGROUND

Regina and her family are notified that the federal government terminated their tribe effectively erasing their reservation off the map. Through the relocation program the family moves to Los Angeles where the family will have to face many obstacles including what it means to be Umpqua and American. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

A middle grade read for lovers of historical fiction, Native American history, family relationships, and identity.

PAIR WITH

I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Indian No More

Shop your local indie bookstore

Chinese New Year Colors by Rich Lo

Written and illustrated by Rich Lo, Published by Holiday House, 2019 (concept, 3-6)

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Gung Hay Fat Choy! It’s the year of the rat! We celebrate every year with friends and family with a huge potluck. While we do not do all the rituals associated with the holiday, I try to talk to my sons about the culture to help them appreciate it. This new publication is fun especially for my youngest since it has eye-popping illustrations, highlights Chinese culture, and includes Chinese Kanji and romanized Chinese with accent marks. Plus it helps going over his colors too!

BACKGROUND

A bilingual book that not only goes over colors, but explores Chinese culture with an accompanying object. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a two minute read aloud ideal for preschool children and Chinese New Year. Also great for going over colors and exploring Chinese culture and language.

PAIR WITH

D is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine

My Chinatown: One Year in Poems by Kam Mak
My Chinatown: One Year in Poems by Kam MakHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Chinese New Year Colors

Shop your local indie bookstore

Nimoshom and His Bus by Penny M. Thomas

Written by Penny M. Thomas, Illustrated by Karen Hibbard, Published by Highwater Press, 2017 (fiction, 3-6)

Nimoshom.jpgBecause of residential schools and other culture suppression policies many indigenous languages in North America were nearly lost. Thankfully efforts have been made to preserve and teach them once again. It is because of this history it is wonderful to see titles like these that teach about something so precious.

BACKGROUND

Nimoshom is a bus diver. Every morning he has a gentle way of interacting with children while talking to them in Cree. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a two minute read aloud. A great way to showcase Cree culture, especially in a contemporary setting. Also a way to talk about important members in the community. It additionally provides a glossary of the terms used.

PAIR WITH

You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray Smith

Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock by Dallas Hunt

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Nimoshom and His Bus

Shop your local indie bookstore

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang

Written by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua, Published by Aladdin, 2019 (fiction, 4-8)Amywupbao

This brightly illustrated story is about a young girl’s struggle to make a perfect bao. All I can say is THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!! Growing up I made countless egg rolls, wontons, and dumplings with my mom. I also experienced every frustration expressed by Amy. Honestly, I still overfill the dumplings! Yet, you carry on because the delectable results are so worth it.

BACKGROUND

Asian American Amy loves making baos with her family. The only problem is everyone can make a perfect bao except her! Some serious thinking and tweaking is needed for perfect results. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud. This would work for a playful storytime or a way to model perseverance and problem solving. A great discussion starter for family traditions and culture around food.

PAIR WITH

Dumpling Dreams: How Joyce Chen Brought the Dumpling from Beijing to Cambridge by Carrie Clickard

Dumpling Soup by Jama Kim Rattigan

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

Shop your local indie bookstore

Bodega Cat by Louie Chin

Written and illustrated by Louie Chin, Published by Pow! 2019 (fiction, 6-9)

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It is always great to find a title that shows the diverse interactions that happen in life everyday. Told through the perspective of a cat (who owns the place, obviously!) Readers are taken through the in and outs of running a Bodega (a neighborhood store in the East Coast). The bright illustrations are rich with so many snapshots of community.

BACKGROUND

An orange tabby is very proud of the Bodega that his Latino family runs. The tabby also offers a tour of the in and outs of running such a store and the wonderfully rich community that surrounds it.

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that is great for going over Latino/Hispanic culture and influences in New York City. Another way to start discussions on diversity, tolerance, empathy, and community.

PAIR WITH

Apple Pie Fourth of July by Janet S. Wong

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

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Bodega Cat

Shop your local indie bookstore

A Big Bed For Little Snow by Grace Lin

Written and Illustrated by Grace Lin, Published by Little, Brown and Company, 2019. (fantasy, 3-6)

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Happy Holidays everyone! No matter if you are celebrating or not, or what you are celebrating if you are, I hope you enjoy a moment of peace and comfort! To be honest this week’s title was my go-to gift for many friends and family this year. A wonderfully whimsical tale of fun about a boy and a white flurry of snow!

BACKGROUND

It’s bedtime for Little Snow and Mommy warns him that beds are for sleeping not jumping. But how can you resist when you have a big blue cloud for a bed? Mommy and Little Snow are Asian. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud that is perfect for bedtime, to talk about snowflakes or the winter seasons. It is also a great way to inspire creativity.

PAIR WITH

First Snow by Bomi Park

Goodby Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Park

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading A Big Bed For Little Snow

Shop your local indie bookstore

Niko Draws a Feeling by Bob Raczka

Written by Bob Raczka, Illustrated by Simone Shin, Published by Carol Rhoda Books, 2017. (fiction, 5-9)

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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.

PAIR WITH

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

Drawn Together by Minh Lê

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Niko Draws a Feeling

Shop your local indie bookstore

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Written by Matthew A. Cherry, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison, Published by Kokila, 2019. (Picture book, 4-9)

Hair love Finally got a hold of this gem! Based on my own reading history I believe this is the second book I have seen that celebrates Black natural hair. Of course Vashti Harrison’s illustrations are perfectly adorable as well. An animated short of the title is available on YouTube. Make sure you have a tissue handy!

BACKGROUND

African American Zuri loves her hair but she was a very special hairstyle that requires a professional touch. Hopefully Daddy is up for it! #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud great for promoting self-acceptance. Also a wonderful choice for father’s day and imagination.

PAIR WITH

Don’t Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Hair Love

Shop your local indie bookstore

Ho’onani Hula Warrior by Heather Gale

Written by Heather Gale, Illustrated by Mika Song, Published by Tundra, 2019. (fiction, 5-9)

IMG_2150Kudos to Tundra for publishing great picture books that focus on indigenous voices! I find it a challenge to find a lot of picture books about Hawaiian culture set in contemporary settings. This wonderful title is about a nonbinary youth who was featured in the documentary A Place In the Middle.

BACKGROUND

Young Hawaiian Ho’onani Kamai always felt she is more kane (boy) than wahine (girl). She wants to lead a traditional hula chant at her school, a role that is traditionally done by a kane. But will others accept her in that role?

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud, great to open up discussions about Hawaiian culture,  authenticity, empathy, tolerance, and gender fluidity.

PAIR WITH

Shark King by Kikuo Johnson

The Last Princess: The Story of Princess Ka’iulani of Hawai’i by Fay Stanley

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Ho’onani Hula Warrior

Shop your local indie bookstore