Written by Anika Aldamuy Denise, Illustrated by Leo Espinosa, Published by Harper, 2020 (Biography, Ages 6-13)
I am obsessed with musicals, especially during my teenage years, and the musical number “America” from West Side Story still invokes as much joy as it did the first time I watched it. As many know, the magnetic performance of Rita Moreno is a big part why it’s considered one of the most memorable moments caught on film. She even won an Oscar for it. So I was so excited when I saw that they were going to publish a picture book on her remarkable life.
BACKGROUND
Rita Moreno was signing and dancing for as long as she can remember in Costa Rica. When her and her mother ends up moving to America, she must navigate a new culture, language, while still pursuing her dream to perform.
BEST FOR
This fifteen minute read aloud would be great for a biography unit, discussing singing, dancing, or a great example of going for your dreams.
I finally got my copy in the mail this week and it did not disappoint! I have been excited to get a hold of this title since I read Traci Sorell’s previous middle grade novel, Indian No More. I was able to get a signed copy through a great bookstore called Birchbark Books. They are an independent Native bookstore located in Minnesota and have a great collection, check them out!
BACKGROUND
Native Mary Golda Ross was always gifted at math and science and paved her own path becoming an engineer responsible for designing aircrafts for the US during World World II. All along the way she stayed true and taught according to the Cherokee values she was raised with. Much of her work is still kept secret today. A timeline, notes about Cherokee Values, and a bibliography is included. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
About a fifteen to twenty minute read aloud that would be great for a biography unit, STEM, to highlight trailblazers, and World War II.
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 by Rodha Ahmed, Illustrated by Stasia Burrington, Published by HarperCollins, 2018. (4-6)
I have been reading news about Victor Glover who is going to be the first Black NASA astronaut to live on the International Space Station. Amidst all the excitement it reminded me of this particular title. This is just a perfect read for those looking to inspire curiosity and wonder.
BACKGROUND
Ever since she was a girl Mae Jemison loved the night sky. Her parents always told her if she could dream it and work hard for it she could be an astronaut, which is exactly what she did. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
About a seven minute read aloud that would be great for a biography or career unit. Also a great way to inspire curiosity, STEM, and grit.
Written by Julie Leung, Illustrated by Chris Sasaki, Published by Schwartz & Wade Books, 2019. (Biography, 7-12)
My mother’s side of the family is very artistic including my mom, brother, and I. Although we all enjoy art and making it, there was an unspoken hesitation to see it as a viable career option. It was always deemed a hobby since back then people said, “you can’t make a living as an artist”. Reading this beautiful title make me reflect back on those times and thankfully see how much that perspective has changed. I love seeing so many Asian artists and their work occupying more public spaces and visuals. Plus, I do have two cousins that are professional artists and are doing very well for themselves.
BACKGROUND
A young Chinese immigrant Tyrus Wong comes to America as a Paper Son. Eventually he graduates from art school at the top of his class and gets a job at Walt Disney Studios where he pioneers the artistic style used in the feature film, Bambi. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
About a fifteen minute read aloud that would be great for a biography unit, discussing different artistic styles, perseverance, and empathy.
Written by Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce with Ashley Rousseau, Illustrated by Rachel Moss, Published by Akashic Books, 2020. (Biography, 4-6)
Even though the Olympics were postponed this year doesn’t mean we cannot appreciate the accomplishments and lives of athletes. I am always so happy to see new and diverse biographies get published and kudos to this particular title for being accessible to younger readers!
BACKGROUND
Six-time Olympic medal winner and representative of Jamaica, Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce always dreamed of great races. When her grandmother tells her that she is a promise, she puzzles at her meaning as she excels in her races. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
About a ten minute read aloud that highlights perseverance, grit, confidence, and of course the Olympics.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
These past few weeks I have been obsessed with doing portraits of Asian American women in ink and watercolor. Since May is Asian American Heritage Month, I decided to share a handful of them as well as some related titles.
KNOWN AS: Dorothy Toy
NAME Shigeko Takahashi
DATES: 1917-2019
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Her and her partner Paul Wing were a successful dance duo and the first Asian Americans to headline many vaudeville venues, dance on Broadway, and appeared in many films.
YOU SHOULD KNOW: She was the first Chinese American on film who was famous not only in Hollywood, but worldwide. She was outspoken of her frustrations with limited roles and typecasting for Asian actors.
Unfortunately there are no children’s books about Dorothy Toy (Yet! *cross fingers*) There is an excellent book written about Anna Wong.
BACKGROUND
Chinese American Anna May Wong always knew that she wanted to be a movie star and went on to be the first Asian American in Hollywood, but not without persistent barriers.
BEST FOR
This detailed biography is better suited for an ongoing read aloud or for a biography unit. Also ideal for any child wanting to read about film and Hollywood.
Written by Teresa Robeson, Illustrated by Rebecca Huang, Published by Sterling Children’s Books, 2019. (biography, ages 5-9)
In honor of international woman’s day I want to introduce this new biography and recipient of the APALA Literature Award for the picture book category. Wu Chien Shiung was an immigrant from China who became a talented physicist. She was crucial in proving new theories but was passed up for the Nobel Peace Prize not once, not twice…but THREE times! It’s safe to say that recognition for her contributions is loooong overdue!
BACKGROUND
Chinese physicist Wu Chien Shiung was born curious. Eventually that curiosity would take her far from her small hometown Liuhe, China to the USA. #Ownvoices
BEST FOR
About a fifteen to twenty minute read aloud that would be great for international women’s day *obviously* or any biography unit. Also a great STEM, social justice, or history read.
NAME: Hazel Ying Lee
KNOWN AS: Dorothy Toy
In honor of international woman’s day I want to introduce this new biography and recipient of the APALA Literature Award for the picture book category. Wu Chien Shiung was an immigrant from China who became a talented physicist. She was crucial in proving new theories but was passed up for the Nobel Peace Prize not once, not twice…but THREE times! It’s safe to say that recognition for her contributions is loooong overdue!
booktastings.home.blog 