Tag Archives: Friends

I Kick And I Fly

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Fourteen-year-old Heera lives near the Red Light District in Behar, India. Soon her father will sell her into the sex trade to help feed the family and pay off his debts. The owner of a local hostel for at-risk girls offers to repay her family’s debt and teach Heera kung fu with the other girls in the hostel. Heera learns that her body isn’t an object to be sold, but an instrument through which she can protect herself and other girls. She also discovers the whereabouts of her missing friend, Rosy, through a king fu pen pal in the U.S. She launches into a dangerous rescue mission to New York to save her. This is an unforgettable, and captivating story of overcoming hardship by an activist/author who has dedicated her life to creating a world where no child is bought or sold. She is the founder of Apne Aap, an NGO working to end sex trafficking. A letter from the author captures her journey. Additional information and resources are also provided.  mjw

Title: I Kick And I Fly
Author: Ruchira Gupta
Publisher: Scholastic Press. New York
Copyright: 2023
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-338-82509-1
Hardcover pages: 352
Age range: 12 up
Genre: Fiction
Book setting: Nepal, India, USA
Author’s ethnicity: Indian
Author’s residence: New York and Delhi
Awards: 2024 South Asia Book Award
Subjects: Activism, Caste system, Hostels, Kidnapping, Kung fu, Martial arts, Poverty, Prostitution, Sex trafficking, Social issues, Social justice, Women’s empowerment

Hiro, Winter, And Marshmallows

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HiroHiro is a bear too curious to sleep all winter long. Her stomach rumbles, and her heart longs for adventure. She packs her things into her backpack and slips away from her sleeping family. She discovers winter and snow and smells the odor of burning wood and sweet, gooey toasted marshmallows. She finds a bonfire party, but scares everyone away except for Emile. He is a little boy hiding behind a tree. He whispers to Hiro that the marshmallows are done. He knows because he is a marshmallow expert. Hiro doesn’t want to scare Emile. Slowly, they begin to converse. “What’s it like being a bear?” And “What’s it like being an Emile?” They share stories and have fun together until Emile hears his mom calling for him. They both return to their homes. Hiro’s mom completes this quirky story with, “Goodness, it smells like marshmallows in here!” The delightful artwork in this dreamy fairytale is rendered in colored pencils, watercolors, acrylic paints, and markers. mjw
Title: Hiro, Winter, And Marshmallows
Author: Marine Schneider
Illustrator: Marine Schneider
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Copyright: 2024
Original Language: French
Translator: Vineet Lal
Original Title: Hiro, hiver et marshmallows
Original Publisher: Versant Sud
Original Copyright: 2018
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5632-6
Hardcover pages: 40
Age range: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity: Belgian
Author’s residence: Brussels, Belgium
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Belgian
Illustrator’s residence: Brussels, Belgium
Subjects: Bears, Bonfires, Hibernation, Marshmallows, Parties, Snow, Winter

Zia’s Story

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Zias StoryIn Kabul, Afghanistan, twelve-year-old Zia’s father tells him to take care of his mother, as he is arrested, never to be seen again. After that, in 1989, the Russian army pulls out of Afghanistan, there is a civil war, and the Taliban take over. Zia becomes the “man” for the neighborhood widows. He can no longer attend school, and the Taliban forbids women and children to be seen outdoors. Zia and his mother eventually are forced to flee Kabul and take refuge in Pakistan. A historical note provides additional information. Black and white drawings capture the mood of the story. This eye-opening story is based on the author’s own experiences as a young mother having to flee an Afghanistan torn apart by war with her young son. mjw
Title: Zia’s Story
Author: Shahnaz Qayumi
Illustrator: Nahid Kazemi
Publisher: Tradewinds Books. Vancouver, BC. Canada
Copyright: 2024
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-990598-14-2
Paperback pages: 88
Age range: 9-12
Genre: Historical fiction
Book setting: Afghanistan and Pakistan
Author’s ethnicity: Afghan
Author’s residence: Vancouver, British Columbia
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Iranian
Illustrator’s residence: Montreal, Quebec
Subjects: Afghanistan, Civil war, Kabul, Middle East, Refugees, Taliban, War

A Bright Light In Buenos Aires

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A Bright lightIt’s Dani’s birthday. He lives with his parents and sister in his Jewish community in Buenos Aires. He worries that his classmates won’t come to his party because they think the unique bright light that follows him everywhere is too annoying. His friends do attend his party and he realizes they like him just the way he is. His light is there to share with the world. When he blows out the candles on his cake, his big light becomes many small lights for his friends, who are delighted. Together, they create a brighter world. The cheerful illustrations rendered in pencil and Procreate, show how the Argentinian and Jewish cultures combine in Dani’s world. Backmatter explains Jewish life, experiences, and strength in Argentina, where 250,000 Jews now live in the capital city of Buenos Aires. A glossary of Spanish and Hebrew words is also included. This gentle story has an accompanying activity guide at KalaniotBooks.com. mjw
Title: A Bright Light In Buenos Aires
Author: Santiago Nader
Illustrator: Paula Wegman
Publisher: Kalaniot Books. Moosic, Pennsylvania
Copyright: 2024
Original Language: English
ISBN: 979-8-986-3965-8-3
Hardcover pages: 32
Age range: 5-10
Genre: Picture Book
Book setting: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Author’s ethnicity: Argentine
Author’s residence: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Argentine
Illustrator’s residence: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Subjects: Argentina, Birthdays, Buenos Aires, Celebrations, Diversity, Futbol, Hebrew, Jewish fiction, Shabbat, South America

Agreement Under The Stars

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AgreementThere was a time in the forest when the animals lived together in peace and harmony. But little by little the outside grew around them and the forest seemed to grow smaller and smaller. The animals couldn’t stand it anymore and soon there were quarrels. An emergency committee came up with a solution to restore peace. Some animals would be active during the day and sleep at night. Others would come out at night and sleep during the day. Since nobody volunteered to take the night shift, the committee selected animals to be the night creatures. However, the reason why we have daytime and nocturnal animals is not how it is told in the story. The book’s real message is that deforestation has caused the disappearance of one-third of our forests. The realistic-looking animals and bright colors rendered in ink and watercolors with rubbings and stamped textures are very appealing. The book is printed on “stone paper,” a special paper made of limestone. The paper doesn’t come from cutting down trees, doesn’t use water, and doesn’t need harmful chemical products. A final note tells more about deforestation and things we can do to save our forests. mjw
Title: Agreement Under The Stars
Author: Susana Rosique
Illustrator: Susana Rosique
Publisher: Cuento De Luz. Madrid,, Spain
Copyright: 2024
Original Language: Spanish
Translator: Jon Brokenbrow
Original Title: Acuerdo jajo las estrellas
ISBN: 978- 84-19464-82-8
Hardcover pages: 38
Age range: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity: Spanish
Author’s residence: Spain
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Spanish
Illustrator’s residence: Spain
Subjects: Cooperation, Deforestation, Empathy, Forests, Harmony, Nocturnal animals, Parable, Peace, Solidarity, Survival, Sustainability

Puppet

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PuppetThe aging English puppeteer Silvester creates one last puppet, named Puppet.  Puppet is different because he can talk and move on his own. Silvester takes Puppet to show him the wonders of the big wide world – reading books, love, growing up, music, play-acting, and much more. They meet new friends, Fleur and her mother, and they share Silvester’s puppet-making skills with the next generation. This is a heartwarming story about creativity, imagination, and the circle of life. The language is rich and warm. This beautiful tale, inspired by Pinocchio, is illustrated with quirky black-and-white drawings. mjw
Title: Puppet
Author: David Almond
Illustrator: Lizzy Stewart
Publisher: Candlewick Press. Somerville, Massachusetts
Copyright: 2024
Original Language: English
Original Publisher: Walker Books Ltd. UK
Original Copyright: 2024
ISBN: 978-1-5362-3917-1
Hardcover pages: 240
Age range: 8 up
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy
Book setting: England
Author’s ethnicity: English
Author’s residence: England
Illustrator’s ethnicity: English
Illustrator’s residence: London
Awards: Hans Christian Andersen Award, Carnegie Medal, Printz Medal
Subjects: Circle of life, Community, Creativity, Death, Imagination, Magic, Old age, Play, Puppetmasters, Puppets, Storytelling, Trust

Inkflower

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InkflowerInspired by a true story, this gritty dual timeline narrative tells about Australian high schooler Lisa and her father, who has ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and has six months to live. As he is dying, he recounts the devastating childhood time he spent at Auschwitz. He has kept the story and information about his Jewish family hidden – until now. His stories bring to life Lisa’s grandparents, aunts, and uncles she never had the chance to meet. Lisa also struggles with her own secrets. No one at school, including her boyfriend, knows she is Jewish or that her father is sick. This is an engaging read for young adults. The Walker Books website offers excellent classroom resources for the book. mjw
Title: Inkflower
Author: Suzy Zail
Publisher: Walker Books. Australia
Copyright: 2024
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-176059-39-4
Hardcover pages: 384
Age range: 14 up
Genre: Historical fiction. Young adult literature
Book setting: Australia. Germany
Author’s ethnicity: Australian
Author’s residence: Melbourne, Australia
Subjects: Antisemitism, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Auschwitz, Concentration camps, Death, Dying, Grief, Healing, Holocaust, Hope, Jewish, Love, Refugees, Survival, WW II

Bears Don’t Cry!

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Bears don't cryThis lovely sequel to Bear’s Don’t Read! (also on OmniLibros.com) features George, the bear who lives with a little girl called Clementine and her mother, who taught him to read. One day, he decides to take his library book back to the library by himself. Along the way, he sparks panic all over town. People are afraid, shops close, and the library closes, too. Poor George lands in a fountain, the diverse crowd laughs at him, and his library book gets ruined. Just then, Clementine runs from the crowd. When George sees her, he bursts into tears. Someone in the crowd whispers, “Bears don’t cry, do they?” Clementine explains that they have hurt his feelings. A lady from the crowd gives him a hankie; they are all genuinely sorry. The librarian brings George a new library book, which he then reads to the crowd. Colorful, detailed, lively illustrations enhance this heart-warming story about friendship and kindness. mjw
Title: Bears Don’t Cry!
Author: Emma Chichester Clark
Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
Publisher: Kane Miller, a division of EDC Publishing
Copyright: 2023
Original Language: English
Original Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books
Original Copyright: 2022
ISBN: 978-1-68464-514-5
Hardcover pages: 32
Age range: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity: British
Author’s residence: London
Illustrator’s ethnicity: British
Illustrator’s residence: London
Subjects: Bears, Books, Compassion, Friendship, Kindness, Reading, Understanding

Kindred Spirits: Shilombish Ittibachvffa

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Kindred SiritsIn 1845,  The Potato Famine devastates Ireland. More than a million Irish people die from starvation and disease, and another two million emigrate to Canada, the U.S., and Britain. In 1847,  the Choctaw people in America are still healing from their hardships on the Trail of Tears. They collect money to donate to the struggling Irish people. In 2017,  seven generations later, the Irish build a statue to remember their connection to the Choctaw Nation. It is the shape of twenty-foot-tall eagle feathers in a bowl. In 2000, in the American Southwest, the Navajo and Hopi Nations are greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Irish people remember the Choctaws’ kindness, and they pay it forward by donating over three million dollars to the members of the Navajo and Hopi Nations. The money was given by many ancestors who received the gift that the Choctaws gave to Ireland during the Potato Famine. Today and always, the four nations are unified by the empathy they have learned from hardship. They pass generosity and compassion as kindred spirits. Enchanting acrylic on canvas illustrations further distinguish this inspiring book. Back matter includes author’s and illustrator’s notes, historical information about the Trail of Tears and the Irish Potato Famine, more information on the nations today, a very helpful timeline, a glossary, and suggestions for learning more. mjw
Title: Kindred Spirits: Shilombish Ittibachvffa
Author: Leslie Stall Widener
Illustrator: Johnson Yazzle
Publisher: Charlesbridge. Watertown, MA
Copyright: 2024
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-62354-396-9
Hardcover pages: 32
Age range: 5-8
Genre: Picture Book, Nonfiction, Information Book
Book setting: Ireland and U.S.
Author’s ethnicity: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Author’s residence: McKinney, Texas
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Navajo Nation  in Pinon, Arizona
Illustrator’s residence: Pinon, Arizona
Subjects: Choctaw Indians, COVID-19, Emigration, Famine, Hopi Indians. Ireland, Navajo Indians, Potatoes, Trail of Tears

A Star Shines Through

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A StarNarrated by a young refugee, this beautiful and realistic picture book tells about having to leave home and the healing power of hope. The girl and her mother used to live in an apartment with a star-shaped lamp in their window. In their new country, everything is different – the language, their apartment, and the food. One day, the mother brings home art supplies so that they can make a cardboard star just like the one they had back home. That helps to make their new place feel a little more like home. The penultimate page shows the girl with a new friend, both carrying their musical instruments. The mostly blue and yellow illustrations were created with hand drawn contours and Photoshop. An author’s note explains that the book was inspired by Desnitskaya’s experience leaving Russia after the start of the Ukraine War. It is the author’s hope that his book can help children from different countries who have lost their homes to start loving the place where they were forced to be. mjw
Title: A Star Shines Through
Author: Anna Desnitskaya
Illustrator: Anna Desnitskaya
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Copyright: 2024
Original Language: Russian
ISBN: 978-0-8028-5631-9
Hardcover pages: 40
Age range: 5-9
Genre: Picture Book
Book setting: Moscow and Israel
Author’s ethnicity: Russian
Author’s residence: Montenegro
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Russian
Illustrator’s residence: Montenegro
Subjects: Art, Belonging, Emigration, Empathy, Home, Music, Refugees

Freedom Braids

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Freedom braidsYoung Nemy sows seeds, pulls weeds, and strips leaves in the sugarcane plantation where she is enslaved. She listens to stories told by “Big Mother” in a hidden shack where women braid each other’s hair. The braids create patterns that hide secrets. They tell stories that only the women can understand. They are maps to freedom. Beyond slaveholders and sugar fields, freedom braids will lead the way to a new home.  The new homes in this story are based on free communities in the thickly forested mountains of Colombia and are called palenques. The dark-toned artwork in this story of friendship, solidarity, and escape to freedom was created using digital tools. An author’s note provides more information, and the endpapers show different braid patterns. mjw
Title: Freedom Braids
Author: Monique Duncan
Illustrator: Oboh Moses
Publisher: Lantana Publishing Ltd., U.K.
Copyright: 2024
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-915244-80-2
Hardcover pages: 32
Age range: 5-8
Genre: Picture Book
Book setting: Colombia, South America
Author’s ethnicity: Jamaican
Author’s residence: New York City
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Nigerian
Illustrator’s residence: Lagos, Nigeria
Subjects: Braids, Diversity, Escape, Freedom, Hairstyles, Liberty, Slavery, Slave trade, Traditions

Room On Our Rock

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roomThere are two ways to read this story. When read conventionally, from front to back, it tells the tale of a group of seals and a seagull on their rock who are afraid of some approaching seals who have nowhere to go because their rock is being engulfed by the sea.  The first seals cry out, “This rock is ours. Go back to your own. Shoo! Go away!” They insist that the newcomers cannot join their rock group. The danger of the sea builds. However, there are two sides to every story. At the end of the first standard reading – “No room on this rock? Can it be true? Read back to front for another point of view.” When read this way, with the exact same words on every page, sharing, acceptance, and generosity emerge. “There’s space for plenty more. So it’s ridiculous to say – There’s no room on our rock.” The story now becomes an uplifting tale of hope. The seals on the rock welcome the struggling refugees. A subdued palette of soft blue-gray watercolors portrays the marine environment in the clever two-sided story.  This book is a companion volume to Move That Mountain by the same authors and illustrator. mjw
Title: Room On Our Rock
Author: Kate and Jol Temple
Illustrator: Terri Rose Baynton
Publisher: Kane Miller, A division of EDC Publishing
Copyright: 2019
Original Language: English
Original Publisher: Scholastic Press. Australia
Original Copyright: 2018
ISBN: 978-1-61067-902-2
Hardcover pages: 32
Age range: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity: Australian (both Kate and  Jol)
Author’s residence: Sydney, Australia (both Kate and Jol)
Illustrator’s ethnicity: New Zealander
Illustrator’s residence: Taupo, New Zealand
Awards: Charlotte Huck Award 2020
Subjects: Acceptance, Compassion, Danger, Fear, Inclusion, Marine life, Refugees, Rejection, Seals, Sharing, Exclusion