This powerful autobiographical story of a Jewish family in Italy during World War II is narrated by six-year-old Lia. She and her family attempt to avoid Nazi deportation, and she ends up in a Catholic convent because it is too dangerous for the family to stay together. Lia’s descriptions of her different schools, new friends, and war conditions are sensitive and perceptive. Horrific details are left out. The book includes inserts, side notes, and letters that speak directly to the reader. Cute black-and-white illustrations enhance Lia’s memories of her survival. Back matter includes a letter from the author and images from Lia Levi’s photo album. The story is a young readers’ adaptation of the author’s award-winning WWII memoir. mjw |
| Title: Just A Girl: A True Story Of World War II Author: Lia Levi Illustrator: Jess Mason Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, LLC. Copyright: 2022 Original Language: Italian Translator: Sylvia Adrian Notini Original Title: Una bambina e basta Original Copyright: 2020 ISBN: 978-0-06-306508-6 Hardcover pages: 144 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Historical biography, Novel, Autobiography Book setting: Italy Author’s ethnicity: Italian Author’s residence: Rome, Italy Illustrator’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s residence: England Awards: 2023 Batchelder Winner Subjects: Boarding schools, Convents, Discrimination, Holocaust, Italy, Jewish, Memoirs, Survival, WWII |
Author Archives: omnilibros
Different: A Story Of The Spanish Civil War
Siblings, seven-year-old Socorro and nine-year-old Paco tell their story of Spain during the turbulent Spanish Civil War, 1936-1939. Fascist dictator Francisco Franco persecuted everyone who opposed him, and consequently, the children’s father had to flee Spain because of his political beliefs. The children and their mother remain in Spain and have to keep their secret. A letter arrives from their father in Venezuela that results in the family being reunited in Caracas, where they are still different but safe. Oil-pastel illustrations portray the worlds of the family. Based on the author’s family history, this middle-grade novel is supplemented with more information about Spain and the war, wartime refugees, a new life beyond Spain, and the lives of refugees today. A glossary of Spanish words and resources for children, young adults, and older readers are also included. mjw |
| Title: Different: A Story Of The Spanish Civil War Author: Monica Montanes Illustrator: Evan Sanchez Gomez Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2022 Original Language: Spanish Translator: Lawrence Schimel Original Title: Los distintos Original Publisher: Ediciones Ekare. Barcelona, Spain Original Copyright: 2020 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5598-5 Hardcover pages: 88 Age range: 9-14 Genre: Historical fiction Book setting: Spain, Venezuela Author’s ethnicity: Venezuelan Author’s residence: Madrid Illustrator’s ethnicity: Spanish Illustrator’s residence: Spain Awards: 2021 White Raven, 2023 Batchelder Award Subjects: Brothers and sisters, Caribbean and Latin America, Emigration and immigration, Military and wars, Refugees, Spain Civil War 1936-1939, Survival, Venezuela |
The Katha Chest
Asiya loves visiting Nanu’s house. It is filled with all sorts of treasures, the best being the katha chest. This is an old trunk full of quilts made from the old saris of her grandma, aunts, and mother. Each quilt has a story to tell. The illustrations are inspired by the Bengali folk art called Pattachitra – cloth paintings with simple colors, bold lines, and intricate details. Author’s and illustrator’s notes are provided. mjw |
| Title: The Katha Chest Author: Radhiah Chowdhury Illustrator: Lavanya Naidu Publisher: Salaam Reads, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Copyright: 2021 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1665903905 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture book Book setting: Bangladesh Author’s ethnicity: Bengali Author’s residence: Australia Illustrator’s ethnicity: Indian Illustrator’s residence: Australia Subjects: Aunts, Grandmothers, Memories Mothers, Quilts, Saris |
Girl On The Run
It’s 1933 in Berlin, and thirteen-year-old Amelie is beginning to feel the effects of Hitler’s rise to power. At school, she is picked on by her teacher for being Jewish, and her friends snub her for not joining the Aryan Youth Group. Her father remarries, and her new cruel stepmother plans to expose Amelie’s Jewish heritage to the Nazis. Amelie is a strong heroine who is also bright, courageous, and quick thinking. The novel is a real page-turner. A sequel, The Doktor’s Daughter (2022), brings Amelie back to Berlin after four years in Paris when questions arise about her father. This is another engaging read. mjw |
| Title: Girl On The Run Author: Nancy McDonald Publisher: Iguana Books. Toronto Copyright: 2021 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-77180-517-9 Paperback pages: 174 Age range: 10 up Genre: Historical fiction, Novel Book setting: Berlin, Paris Author’s ethnicity: Canadian Author’s residence: Stratford, Ontario Subjects: Coming of age, Germany, Holocaust, Jewish persecution, Nazis, Stepmothers, World War II |
A Story About Afiya
Afiya has a white summer frock that becomes decorated each new day with memories of her childhood. First, sunflowers are imprinted on her frock. Then it has patterns of more flowers and butterflies. Every day the dress is cleared and ready for new images. Pigeons, tigers, and fishes also adorn Afiya’s magical dress as she dances across every page. The expressive earth tone and pastel colored art was rendered in mixed media and finished digitally. mjw |
| Title: A Story About Afiya Author: James Berry (1924-2017) Illustrator: Anna Cunha Publisher: Lantana Publishing Ltd. London Copyright: 2020 Original Language: English Original Copyright: 1991 ISBN: 978-1-911373-33-9 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Jamaica Author’s ethnicity: Jamaican Illustrator’s ethnicity: Brazilian Awards: 2021 USBBY Outstanding International Book Subjects: Childhood, Clothing, Dresses, Flowers, Swahili |
Lands Of Belonging: A History of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Britain
Published for the 75th anniversary of the Partition of India, this engaging book is an exploration of the history, achievements, and culture of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Britain. “This book aims to piece together how South Asian and British history are connected. You might find it interesting, surprising, and sometimes very sad – but for the people of South Asia, and for South Asians in Britain, the future is full of hope and excitement.” The book not only provides historical details but it also spotlights Indian cuisine, traditions, festivals, dances, sports, famous people, language, and more. Included are a table of contents, a calendar of celebrations, a timeline of events, a glossary, and an index. Glorious artwork brings each page to life in this beautiful information book. mjw |
| Title: Lands Of Belonging: A History Of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Britain Author: Donna and Vikesh Amey Bhatt Illustrator: Salini Perera Publisher: Nosy Crow, London Copyright: 2022 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-83994-468-0 Hardcover pages: 64 Age range: 7-12 Genre: Nonfiction, Information Book Book setting: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Britain Author’s ethnicity: East African (Vikesh) Author’s residence: London Illustrator’s ethnicity: Born in Sri Lanka Illustrator’s residence: Toronto Subjects: Ancient empires, East India Company, Festivals, Food, Games, Holidays, Independence, Partition, World War I, World War II |
Madani’s Best Game
Madani is the neighborhood soccer star, who plays on his bare feet. Everyone watches when he plays and wonders what he could do if he only had a proper pair of cleats. Madani is saving money, but not for soccer shoes. Instead, he buys a new sewing machine for his mother. The story is narrated by one of Madani’s teammates. The author explains that the story was inspired by his work with immigrant families. The beautiful, smudgy illustrations, created with pencil, gouache, and colored pencil, capture the city neighborhood and the movement of the soccer games. mjw |
| Title: Madani’s Best Game Author: Fran Pintadera Illustrator: Raquel Catalina Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2022 Original Language: Spanish Translator: Lawrence Schimel Original Title: La mejor jugada de Madani Original Publisher: Ediciones Ekare. Barcelona, Spain Original Copyright: 2021 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5597-8 Hardcover pages: 48 Age range: 5-9 Genre: Picture book, Sports fiction Book setting: Spain Author’s ethnicity: Spanish Author’s residence: Spain Illustrator’s ethnicity: Spanish Illustrator’s residence: Spain Subjects: Immigrant life, Love, Poverty, Sewing machines, Shoes, Soccer, Teamwork, Values |
Our Own Little Paradise
On the last day of sixth grade, all of Nora’s classmates tell about their exciting summer plans – Italy, Croatia, Florida, Denmark, Paris, Portugal, and Spain. Nora lies and tells the class that she is going to the tropics. She keeps the lie growing through social media. The problem is that a new boy, Wilmer, has moved into the neighborhood and finds out that she has not gone to the tropics. Nora and Wilmer secretly build their own “tropics” in an abandoned apartment. By the end of summer, her whole class finds out that she lied, but the resolution is satisfyingly happy. This wonderful middle age story, with short chapters, addresses the struggles of trying to fit in, finding true friends, and different social classes. mjw |
| Title: Our Own Little Paradise Author: Marianne Kaurin Publisher: Arctis Books. Stamford, CT, USA Copyright: 2022 Original Language: Norwegian Translator: Olivia Lasky Original Title: Syden Original Publisher: H. Aschehoug and Co. (W. Nygaard) AS Original Copyright: 2018 ISBN: 978-1-64690-018-3 Hardcover pages: 300 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Fiction, Novel Book setting: Norway Author’s ethnicity: Norwegian Author’s residence: Oslo. Norway Translator’s ethnicity: US Translator’s residence: Oslo, Norway Awards: 2021 German Youth Literature Prize Subjects: First love, Holidays, Lies, Peer pressure, Relationships, Social media, Summer, Vacations |
It’s So Difficult
A child leaves the house and everything is so difficult. The school day is overwhelming. Counting things or calculating relaxes him. His mother tells him not to rush, that someday words will happen. But the noise makes everything so difficult. The book was inspired by the author’s experiences as a secondary school teacher in Spain. Interesting line illustrations created with collage, pencil, gouache, and digital media enrich this look at anxiety and overstimulation. mjw |
| Title: It’s So Difficult Author: Raul Nieto Guridi Illustrator: Raul Nieto Guridi Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Grand Rapids, Michigan Copyright: 2022 Original Language: Spanish Translator: Lawrence Schimel Original Title: Lo Dificil Original Publisher: Tres Tigres Tristes Original Copyright: 2020 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5584-8 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 5-9 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Spanish Author’s residence: Spain Illustrator’s ethnicity: Spanish Illustrator’s residence: Spain Subjects: Anxiety, Math, Overstimulation, Special needs |
My Name Is Bana
Seven-year-old Bana, a Syrian girl from Aleppo, took to Twitter to describe her war-torn home. In this picture book memoir, she offers her perspective on the war and being a refugee. She explains the origin of her name. Bana is a tall bushy tree that grows in Syria. Her father and mother wanted her to be strong just like the tree – being kind to others, standing up against injustice, and being brave in the face of fear. She also shows her strength by bringing joy to her brothers amidst bombings, starting over in a new country, and speaking to world leaders on behalf of Syrian refugee children. The illustrations rendered in acrylic paint and finished in procreate are emotional and bright. Arabic words are smoothly integrated into the text. An author’s note tells that the book is based on a true story. mjw |
| Title: My Name Is Bana Author: Bana Alabed Illustrator: Nez Riaz Publisher: Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2021 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1534412484 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture book, Autobiography Book setting: Syria and Turkey Author’s ethnicity: Syrian Author’s residence: Turkey Illustrator’s ethnicity: Pakistani Illustrator’s residence: Boston, MA Awards: 2022 NCSS Notable Books Subjects: Autobiography, Biography, Children’s writings, Human rights, Refugee children, Syria – Civil War, Trees |
It’s Up To Us: Building A Brighter Future For Nature, People, and Planet
This beautifully illustrated book is introduced by King Charles. His call to action for our planet is divided into four sections –Nature, People, Planet, and Terra Carta. The Terra Carta is a plan of action for the Earth created by HRH the Prince of Wales, now King Charles. The text is included in the book. Thirty-three award-winning artists from around the world have contributed wonderful artwork. Profiles of the illustrators are included as back-matter. The story tells how Nature operates and how People have damaged it. Information about the Prince’s Foundation and an index/glossary are also provided. mjw |
| Title: It’s Up To Us: Building A Brighter Future For Nature, People, and Planet Author: Christopher Lloyd Illustrator: 33 artists from around the world Publisher: What On Earth Books Copyright: 2022 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-9137505-6-5 Hardcover pages: 64 Age range: 6-10 Genre: Picture book, Information book, Nonfiction Author’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s ethnicity: 33 illustrators from around the world Subjects: Climate change, Conservation, Earth, Environment, Global community, Green living, Prince of Wales, Recycling, Sustainability. Terra Carta, Values |
Fly
Fourteen-year-old Felix Landon Yarrow – F.L.Y., or Fly has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. He carries around his father’s worn copy of Don Quixote to prove that there is a brain inside his uncooperative body. His first-person narrative in engaging free verse tells of his fascination with knighthood and chivalry. He fears that Carter, the school villain, is a danger to his crush/damsel in distress, Daria. Using his cleverness and invisibility – his superpower – he constructs a plan to save Daria. Fly is a courageous, kind, and funny character on a “quest/ for a noble life.” mjw |
| Title: Fly Author: Alison Hughes Publisher: Kids Can Press Ltd., Toronto Copyright: 2022 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1525-305-832 Hardcover pages: 197 Age range: 10-14 Genre: Fiction, Novel in verse Author’s ethnicity: Canadian Author’s residence: Edmonton, Alberta Subjects: Cerebral palsy, Courage, Don Quixote, Free verse, Poetry, Wheelchairs |

This powerful autobiographical story of a Jewish family in Italy during World War II is narrated by six-year-old Lia. She and her family attempt to avoid Nazi deportation, and she ends up in a Catholic convent because it is too dangerous for the family to stay together. Lia’s descriptions of her different schools, new friends, and war conditions are sensitive and perceptive. Horrific details are left out. The book includes inserts, side notes, and letters that speak directly to the reader. Cute black-and-white illustrations enhance Lia’s memories of her survival. Back matter includes a letter from the author and images from Lia Levi’s photo album. The story is a young readers’ adaptation of the author’s award-winning WWII memoir. mjw


