I Can Make This Promise by Christine Day

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.

PAIR WITH

Two Roads by Joseph Bruchac

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading I Can Make This Promise

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It Began With a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear

Written by Kyo Maclear, Illustrated by Julie Morstad, Published by Harper, 2019. (Biography, 5-9)

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Gyo Fujikawa was the first mainstream illustrator to draw characters of different races together in a children’s book. She also published over fifty books in her career in addition to her other artistic endeavors. She was a pioneer and her courage shines through in this stunning biography. Seriously, just the illustrations alone will captivate you!

BACKGROUND

Japanese American Gyo Fujikawa felt she never fit in, but she knew she loved to draw. After art school, various obstacles including the imprisonment of her family in internment camps during WWII doesn’t deter her from being an artist and activist. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that would be a wonderful biography to include in a unit. It is also ideal for starting a discussion about activism, representation, diversity, grit, empathy, and justice. Includes a timeline, notes, and bibliography.

PAIR WITH

Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines by Jeanne Walker Harvey

Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story by Paula Yoo

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading It Began With a Page

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The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali

Written by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S.K. Ali, Illustrated by Hatem Aly, Published by Little, Brown and Company, 2019. (Picture Books, 4-10)

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Oh my goodness! This book is one of the best picture books I’ve read this year, and that’s saying a lot! The narration is deceptively complex and poetic while Aly’s illustrations just elevate the entire story to another level. Author Ibtihaj Muhammad is the first Muslim American in a hijab to compete in the Olympics, winning a bronze in the women’s saber team. She drew inspiration from her own life to write this story. This title is rich in themes and has so many extensions!

BACKGROUND

African American Muslim Faizah watches as her older sister Asiya picks out her first hijab. It is the bluest blue hijab she has ever seen. As their day at school progresses, Faizah watches as Asiya deals with all the reactions to her hijab, learning strength and confidence in being authentic to herself and her faith. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud that is great for talking about religious symbols or clothing. It is also a great way to start a discussion about bullying, empathy, tolerance, resilience, self-acceptance, and also discussing colors!

PAIR WITH

Under my Hijab by Hena Khan

Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Proudest Blue

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Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour

Written by Wendy Meddour, Illustrated by Daniel Egneus, Published by Dial Books for Young Readers, 2019. (Picture Books, 4-9)

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I have seen many requests for books that talk about the refugee experience. This title does a great job respecting the levity of such a heavy subject while still making it appropriate and digestible for a young audience.

BACKGROUND

Young Lubna arrives in a tent city escaping an unnamed war. Shaken from the sudden loss of home, family, and friends she finds a pebble to draw a face on and talk to about her experiences. When a young boy Amir arrives to camp she shares the comforts of her friendship and pebble.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that spotlights the personal experiences of being a refugee. It is a great story to discuss empathy, tolerance, perseverance, coping skills and friendship.

PAIR WITH

The Arrival by Shuan Tan

Migrant by Maxine Trottier

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Lubna and Pebble

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The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Written by Tracey Baptiste, Published by Algonquin Young Readers, 2015. (Dark fantasy, ages 8-12)

Happy Halloween to those that celebrate! My boys (husband included) absolutely love this holiday so I have browsed more Halloween decor and stores than I care for. That being said, I felt that this book would be a perfect pick for readers who want to be creeped out but not totally freaked out. Also, Robin Miles does an exquisite job narrating the audiobook!

BACKGROUND

Corinne La Mer ignores the local talk of jumbies, or spirits that live in the forest on her Caribbean island home. It’s only when she goes into the woods to receive her mother’s necklace does she come out with more than what she bargained for. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A dark fantasy inspired by Caribbean folklore. A deliciously creepy read filled with suspense with a lead character with untapped powers.

PAIR WITH

Book #2 Rise of the Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste

Book #3 The Jumbie God’s Revenge by Tracey Baptiste

WHERE TO PURCHASE

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Clever Little Witch by Mượn Thị Văn

Written by  Mượn Thị Văn , Illustrated by Hyewon Yum, Published by Margaret K McElderry Books, 2019. (Holiday, 4-6)

Clever witch.jpgHalloween is right around the corner and luckily I have a very crafty husband who is able to make our sons’ costumes (I can sew, he’s just SO much better at it!) As I was thinking about the holiday, I do not recall seeing a lot of diverse Halloween books. Clever Little Witch is a great read aloud and Hyewon Yum’s illustrations are also expressive and playful!

BACKGROUND

Little Linh lives on a Southeast Asian Island and happens to be the cleverest witch around. The only problem is, how can you practice magic when you have a baby brother that messes with all of your magical things? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that is a visually funny and colorful read for Halloween. It also provides a funny take on sibling relationships.

PAIR WITH

The Twins’ Little Sister by Hyewon Yum

The Itty-Bitty Witch by Trisha Speed Shaskan

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Clever Little Witch

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Don’t Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller

Written and Illustrated by Sharee Miller, Published by Little Brown and Company, 2018. (Picture Book, 3-8)

Donttouchmyhair.jpgMy two sons are at that point where they are constantly testing personal boundaries. As lovely as this stage is, it reminded me of similar talks I would have with my students especially when they would all sit together for storytime. I had many requests in the past from teachers asking for books that talk about personal space. I am soooo glad to see that Miller tackles this issue in this humorous read!

BACKGROUND

Aria introduces herself and her love of her beautiful afro-textured hair. The only problem is everyone else is also enamored by her hair and will often touch it without asking permission! Fed up, Aria must find a way to advocate for herself. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud that promotes self-love and acceptance. Can also be used to teach tolerance. Most importantly, a great discussion starter for personal space, advocating for your needs, as well as respecting the boundaries of others.

PAIR WITH

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest of reading Don’t Touch My Hair

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Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando by Andrea Wang

Written by Andrea Wang, Illustrated by Kana Urbanowicz, Published by Little Bee Books, 2019. (Picture Book, 5-10)

Ramen

I do not know if it was all the late night meals with my dad, or that it was my family’s go-to method to warm up on those chilly days, but my favorite comfort food is a bowl of soup noodles. Now I have two kids that are both noodle boys! Yay! This engaging biography with charming illustrations is definitely one you will want to slurp up!

BACKGROUND

Japan is recovering from World War II and Momofuku Ando witnesses a long line of hungry people waiting for an expensive bowl of ramen. Struck by the scene he works on creating an accessible meal inventing instant ramen. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a twenty minute read aloud that would be perfect for a fun storytime, biography unit, to model grit, trial and error, and even STEM. Includes an author note, pronunciation guide, and afterword.

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

Hiromi’s Hands by Lynne Barasch

WHERE TO PURCHASE

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Where Are You From? By Jaime Kim

Written by Yamile Saied Mendez, Illustrated by Jaime Kim, Published by Harper, 2019. (Picture fiction, ages 4-8)

Where are you fromUgh! I cannot say how many times I have been asked this question, especially while I was in college. Personally I don’t mind people asking my ethnic background (Filipino-Chinese to be exact) but please, just be direct about it. I know people get disappointed when I say California, then Canada, then we have to play the game, “OOOH! Where are your parents from?” I always roll my eyes when people exclaim, “I knew it! I knew your parents had to be from Asia!” Sorry, personal rant over. That being said, I wish this book was around when I was a kid.

BACKGROUND

A young girl is bombarded with questions about her ethnicity by people in her community. Frustrated, she asks her Abuelo about her identity. He in turn explains the richness of her Latinx (Puerto Rico/Argentina) heritage. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a seven to ten minute read aloud. Great for exploring Latinx cultures, empathy, tolerance, appreciate for one’s cultural heritage, and family.

PAIR WITH

Isla by Arthur Dorros

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music by Margarita Engle

WHERE TO PURCHASE

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Just in Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book by Yuyi Morales

Written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales, Published by Roaring Brook Press, 2008. (Concept Book, ages 6-9)

Just in case.jpgSeptember is Hispanic Heritage Month and what better way to celebrate by reading one of Yuyi Morales’ warm colorful concept books? Seriously though, it feels like you are being wrapped in a warm happy blanket whenever you read one of her titles. Senor Calavera is so adorable, I’m so glad she wrote another story for him!

BACKGROUND

Senor Calavera prepares to go to Grandma Beetle’s birthday but needs a present! Luckily Zelmiro the Ghost is willing to guide him through the alphabet and possible gifts he can bring. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

This fifteen minute read aloud is a great way to highlight Hispanic/Latino culture including several Spanish words and concepts. It is also a great way to start a discussion of thoughtful gift giving.

PAIR WITH

Just a Minute by Yuyi Morales

N is for Navidad by Susan Middleton Elya

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Just In Case

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