Tag Archives: Language

A Moment Comes

a moment comesSet preceding the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan, this story of turmoil and politics is told from the alternating points of view of three very different narrators. Margaret is a privileged British girl, living in India because her father is one of the cartographers finalizing the borders that will divide the country into two separate religious states. She is spoiled and finds India hot, loud, and dangerous, but is enthralled by the culture. Anupreet, a beautiful Sikh girl, once confined to her home to protect her from violent angry men, is employed as a maid for Margaret’s family, where her family believes she will be safe. Eighteen-year-old Tariq, a Muslim, hired as a translator for Margaret’s father, is caught between his forbidden interest in Anupreet and Margaret, who might be able to help with his goal of studying at Oxford. It is a dark and violent time, when no one is safe. Ultimately, 10 to 14 million people in India relocated and over one million died as a result. The time of Partition is underexplored in Western literature, especially in young adult historical fiction. A Glossary defines words used in the book and also mentions places and foods.   An Author’s Note offers even more information and details Bradbury’s connection to India. mjw
Title: A Moment Comes
Author: Jennifer Bradbury
Publisher
: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Simon & Schuster, New York
Copyright
: 2013
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-4169-7876-3
Hardcover pages
: 288
Age range
: 12 up
Genre
: Historical fiction
Book setting
: Jalandhar, India
Author’s ethnicity
: U.S.
Author’s residence
: U.S.  Author has lived in India.
Awards: 2014 South Asia Book Award
Subjects
: Culture, Household employees, India, Muslims, Pakistan, Partition 1947, Punjabi, Radcliffe Line, Sikhs, Tolerance

Written In The Stars

Written in the StarsPakistani-American Naila is a graduating senior at her high school in Florida. She has a college scholarship to become a medical student and she is in love with a wonderful boy named Saif. She has to keep Saif a secret from her conservative immigrant parents. They want what they think is best for her and the choosing of her husband is left up to them with no input from her. But they do find out and they are furious. They whisk her off to Pakistan to find her roots and a husband. Naila has to endure so much – terror, anguish, and loneliness. Everything she knew, loved, and dreamed was taken from her. She is drugged, threatened with shame and death, and coerced into an unwanted, forced marriage. Naila’s first person account of the Pakistan world – huge families, marketplaces, homes, buses, and cuisine – add an extra dimension to this heart-wrenching, but ultimately hopeful novel. A touching Author’s Note explains the difference between arranged and forced marriages and that forced marriages can happen in any country, culture, or religion. Though they are opposed everywhere, they are real and dangerous. Also included are a Glossary and Resources for advice and help. mjw

Title: Written In The Stars
Author: Aisha Saeed
Publisher
: Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin Young Readers Group, New York
Copyright
: 2015
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-0-399-17170-3
Hardcover pages
: 284
Age range
: 14 up
Genre
: Fiction
Book setting
: Pakistan and Florida
Author’s ethnicity
: Pakistani-American
Author’s residence
: U.S.
Subjects
: Arranged marriages, Dating, Forced marriages, Love stories, Marriage, Pakistani-Americans, Relationships.

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

Boy who harnessed the windFourteen-year-old William Kamkwamba’s village in Malawi was hit by a drought in 2001 and 2002. Everyone’s crops failed and Malawi began to starve. William went to the community library, studied old science textbooks, and taught himself English so that he could build a windmill. Those around him thought he was crazy as he turned junkyard scraps into a working windmill that brought electricity to his home and water to his village. The stunning oil paint and cut paper illustrations, which are inspired by African artisan paintings, inform and entertain in this uplifting and inspiring true story about a family banding together to overcome adversity and a young boy becoming a man of science. An author’s note provides a photograph and more information on Kamkwamba’s “Green Machine.” He is a recent graduate of Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, and hopes to return to Malawi to work on renewable energy. This is the picture book edition of the original adult book and the 2015 middle grade edition of the same title. mjw
Title: The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind
Author: William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
Illustrator
: Elizabeth Zunon
Publisher
: Dial Books for Young Readers, New York
Copyright
: 2012
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-0-8037-3511-8
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 6-8
Genre
: Picture book, Biography
Book setting
: Malawi, Africa
Author’s ethnicity
: Malawi born
Author’s residence
: U.S.
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Grew up on the Ivory Coast
Illustrator’s residence
: U.S.
Awards
: 2013 NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, 2013 NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books
Subjects
: Ecology, Electric power production, English language learning, Famine, Hunger, Irrigation, Libraries, Mechanical engineers, Recycling, Self-empowerment, Windmills

Nine Open Arms

Nine Open ArmsA family of nine – three sisters, four brothers, their ever-optimistic father, and their strong-tongued grandmother Oma Mei – move into a run-down, mysterious brick house outside a small village in the province of Limburg, the Netherlands, in 1937. The house stands as long as nine open arms. The first and third parts of the story are narrated by eleven-year-old Fing, who tells of their new school, her father’s money-making schemes, family relationships, “tragical tragedy”, and the mysterious button-chewer, Oompah Hatsi. The middle part, narrated by Oma Mei, is set in the 1860s, and tells the story of the lovers Charley Bottletop and Nienevee, the traveler girl. By the end of this unique Dutch import, all the secrets are revealed and they neatly and believably click into place. Some Dutch words have been left untranslated and are defined in a Slang Words and Character List. A Map and Translator’s Note are also included in this well-crafted, challenging, and quirky story about storytelling. mjw
Title: Nine Open Arms
Author: Benny Lindelauf
Illustrator
: Dasha Tolstikova
Publisher
: Enchanted Lion Books, New York
Copyright
: 2014
Original Language
: Dutch
Translator
: John Nieuwenhuizen
Original Title
: Negen Open Armen
Original Publisher
: Em. Querido’s Uitgeverij B.V.
Original Copyright
: 2004
ISBN
: 978-1-59270-146-9
Hardcover pages
: 264
Age range
: 9 up
Genre
: Historical fiction, Mystery
Book setting
: Limburg, The Netherlands
Author’s ethnicity
: Dutch
Author’s residence
: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Translator’s ethnicity
: Dutch
Translator’s residence
: Australia
Awards
: 2015 Mildred L. Batchelder Award
Subjects
: Dwellings, Family life, Grandmothers, Mystery, Romanies, Single-parent families, Sisters

Soccer Star

Soccer StarIn an impoverished favela in Brazil, young Felino’s enthusiasm for soccer is infectious. He works on a fishing boat and visits his friends, who also cannot attend school because they must work to support their families. His little sister Maria longs to play soccer with Felino’s team, but their rule is no girls. But when the team’s goalie injures his wrist, they call Maria from the sidelines. No “useless old rule” will keep his team of hopeful soccer stars from a win. Digitally colored drawings dramatically portray the Brazilian setting in this uplifting story. Portuguese words are smoothly integrated and are easy to translate through context. This is a timely picture book, since the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. mjw
Title: Soccer Star
Author: Mina Javaherbin
Illustrator
: Renato Alarcao
Publisher
: Candlewick Press,  Somerville, Massachusetts
Copyright
: 2014
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-0-7636-6056-7
Hardcover pages
: 40
Age range
: 5-8
Genre
: Picture book
Book setting
: Brazil
Author’s ethnicity
: Iranian
Author’s residence
: California, U.S.
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Brazilian
Illustrator’s residence
: Brazil
Subjects
: Brazil, Brothers and sisters, Poverty, School, Sexism, Soccer, Sports

In The Forbidden City

In the forbidden cityAccompanied by a mischievous cat, readers will tour the Forbidden City, which was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. Intricately detailed, delicate line drawings of buildings, gardens, courtyards, emperors, empresses, and even modern-day tourists illustrate exciting tales of architecture, history, and art. Engaging text, fun cartoons, and dialog bubbles present 600 years of Chinese rulers, including Empress Dowager Cixi, the powerful and charismatic woman who controlled the Manchu Qing dynasty for 47 years. Relevant information about events in the world at large is included to provide historical context. For example, the Garden of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity was completed in 1776, the same year as another big event – the creation of the United States of America. Several grand foldout spreads emphasize the size of the 178 acre complex, and a plastic magnifying glass is wisely provided for spending hours scrutinizing the wealth of visual detail. mjw
Title: In the Forbidden City
Author: Chiu Kwong-Chiu
Illustrator
: Design and Cultural Studies Workshop
Publisher
: China Institute in America, New York
Copyright
: 2014
Original Language
: Chinese
Translator
: Ben Wang
ISBN
: 978-0-9893776-0-7
Hardcover pages
: 52
Age range
: 9 up
Genre
: Nonfiction picture book
Book setting
: Beijing, China
Author’s ethnicity
: Chinese
Author’s residence
: Hong Kong
Subjects
: Architecture, Art, Emperors, Empresses, Forbidden City, History, Palaces

The Dinner That Cooked Itself

Dinner that cooked itselfLong ago in ancient China, respectful and hardworking Tuan longed for a wife. However, the matchmaker’s suggestions were all unsuitable, either because of clashing zodiac symbols or unsimilar backgrounds. One evening, Tuan discovered a large snail. He took pity on it and took it home. The next night, when he returned home from working in his field, a delicious dinner was waiting for him. This happened night after night. Tuan learned that the mystery cook was White Wave, who was sent by the Lord of Heaven to look after him until he married. The mixed media, textured illustrations in an earthy muted palette are enchanting. Chinese calligraphy appears above certain animals and objects in the story. A note on Chinese calligraphy completes this picture book, which is based on a Chinese folktale that proposes that hard work will result in good fortune. mjw
Title: The Dinner That Cooked Itself
Author: J.C. Hsyu
Illustrator
: Kenard Pak
Publisher
: Flying Eye Books, an imprint of Nobrow Ltd., London
Copyright
: 2104
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-909263-41-3
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 5-7
Genre
: Picture book
Book setting
: Ancient China
Author’s ethnicity
: Taiwan born
Author’s residence
: San Francisco, California
Illustrator’s residence
: San Francisco, California
Subjects
: Calligraphy, China, Chinese characters, Chinese zodiac, Folklore, Kindness, Snails, Tales

A Good Home for Max

A Good Home for MaxAt night, Tabi, a kind-hearted little mouse, tidies the little toyshop where he lives. He worries about his best friend, Max the Dog, who never gets taken by a customer to a new home. Barnaby the Elephant, Gemma the Giraffe, Clarence the Bear, and the other toys all find good homes with a child to play with and a family to love. Since Max is always kept behind, Tabi decides to help Max find a good home. He tries every trick he knows. Finally, he notices something different. Max is gone. He sneaks on to the toyshop’s delivery truck and discovers that Max has a new home – across the street from the toyshop. And they remain best friends. The patterned, muted-color, paper-craft illustrations have many French words in signs and labels that add to this charming story about friendship. mjw
Title: A Good Home for Max
Author: Junzo Terada
Illustrator
: Junzo Terada
Publisher
: Chronicle Books, San Francisco, California
Copyright
: 2014
Original Language
: Japanese
Original Title
: Tabi no zakkaya (Tabi’s General Store)
Original Publisher
: Gakushu Kenkyusha
Original Copyright
: 2005
ISBN
: 978-1-4521-2702-6
Hardcover pages
: 40
Age range
: 3-5
Genre
: Picture book
Author’s ethnicity
: Japanese
Author’s residence
: Osaka, Japan
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Japanese
Illustrator’s residence
: Osaka, Japan
Subjects
: Dogs, Friendship, Mice, Soft toys, Retail stores, Toys

Wandering Wind

Wandering WindJoginder, Daniel, Nicole, and Yasim are four friends who interact to help each other and solve a problem in this sweet story. The children are Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, and Christian. Lively watercolor paintings depict the different head coverings the children wear in the swirling wind. This book highlights both similarities and differences among children across religions and cultures. There is no intent to impose religious beliefs or practices. Included are a Note to Parents and Teachers and guiding questions for discussion. mjw
Title: Wandering Wind
Author: Mubina Hassanali Kirmani and Brach Laster
Illustrator
: Betsy Carnes
Publisher
: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Copyright
: 2013
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-4825-8700-5
Paperback pages
: 30
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture book
Author’s ethnicity
: Indian-Kenyan (Kirmani)
Author’s residence
: U.S.
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: U.S.
Illustrator’s residence
: U.S.
Subjects
: Hijab, Kippah, Mantilla, Patkas, Religion, Social interaction

The Memory of an Elephant: An Unforgettable Journey

the memory of an elephantAn elephant never forgets! This quirky, oversized, content-rich cabinet of curiosities is the story of Marcel, a very cool elephant. Narrative text describes Marcel. He is a connoisseur of good food, a clotheshorse, a skyscraper expert, and he is compiling an encyclopedia. Illustrations, sidebars, and full-page compendiums give facts about his many interests, including elephants, buildings, ships, geography, and plants. For example, we see Marcel playing a tuba and the opposite page offers facts on instruments, such as the sitar, balalaika, glockenspiel, and electric guitar. The brilliant, detailed spreads are captivating. In the end, his friends arrive to celebrate his birthday. They dance the night away beneath the stars. Marcel’s story concludes with a recipe for La Crepe Marcelette (with banana), his gourmand glossary, a key to the modern furniture in his apartment, and a list of his rare and amazing animal friends. mjw
Title: The Memory of an Elephant: An Unforgettable Journey
Author: Sophie Strady
Illustrator
: Jean-Francoise Martin
Publisher
: Chronicle Books, San Francisco
Copyright
: 2014
Original Language
: French
Translator
: Kate Willsky
Original Title
: La memoire de l’elephant
Original Publisher
: Helium, Paris
Original Copyright
: 2012
ISBN
: 978-1-4521-2903-7
Hardcover pages
: 38
Age range
: 8 up
Genre
: Picture book
Book setting
: Asia, Panama, Paris, Vietnam
Author’s ethnicity
: French
Author’s residence
: France
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: French
Illustrator’s residence
: France
Subjects
: Animals, Birthdays, Buildings, Elephants, Encyclopedia, Fashion, Food, France, French history, Furniture, Memory, Music, Paris, Ships

Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin

hana hashimotoYoung Hana has signed up to play her violin in her school’s talent show, but she has only had three lessons. Her brothers tease her and suggest that she will be a disaster. Hana remembers her visit to her grandfather, Ojiichan, in Japan. He played Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Bach on his violin in the symphony orchestra in Kyoto. He also played songs about crows cawing, crickets chirping, and raindrops falling on oil-paper umbrellas. On the day of Hana’s performance, she plays her best (gambarunoyo) and surprises everyone – even herself. The beautiful illustrations, rendered in pencil and colored digitally, weave in special details and scenes from Japan. Music notes float through the air in this delightful story about determination and the importance of music. mjw
Title: Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin
Author: Chieri Uegaki
Illustrator
: Qin Leng
Publisher
: Kids Can Press Ltd., Toronto
Copyright
: 2014
Original Language
: English
ISBN: 978-1-894786-33-1
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture book
Author’s ethnicity
: Japanese
Author’s residence
: Canada
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Chinese
Illustrator’s residence
: Canada
Awards:  2015 USBBY Outstanding International Books Grades PreK-2, 2015 Ezra Jack Keats Book Award
Subjects
: Creativity, Grandfathers, Japan, Language, Music, Perseverance, Talent shows, Stage fright, Violin

Jasmine Skies

jasmine skiesFourteen-year-old, mixed-race, Mira Levinson, who lives in London, travels to Kolkata to visit her cousin Priya, after the death of her Granddad Bimal. She is overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and people she encounters. The sweltering heat, crowded streets, hard-hitting and heart-breaking poverty, and mouth-watering descriptions of food are really brought to life. Mira is compassionate, funny, and inquisitive. She is quiet, loves to paint, and is comfortable in a sari. Priya is an underground DJ and a gifted classical dancer, who is full of spunk and ambition. She dyes her hair red and wears skinny jeans and t-shirts instead of traditional Indian dress. The two are opposites, but they quickly become best friends. Added to this perception-changing story are the mystery of why Mira’s mother and Aunt Anjali had a falling out years ago and a love affair with the sweet boy, Janu. Many issues remain unresolved in this thought-provoking book. It is a sequel to Artichoke Hearts (a.k.a. Mira in the Present Tense). Watch for Brahmachari’s next book. mjw
Title: Jasmine Skies
Author: Sita Brahmachari
Publisher
: Albert Whitman and Company, Chicago
Copyright
: 2014
Original Language
: English
Original Publisher
: Macmillan Children’s Books, UK
Original Copyright
: 2012
ISBN
: 978-0-8075-3782-4
Paperback pages
: 332
Age range
: 8-12
Genre
: Fiction
Book setting
: Kolkata, India
Author’s ethnicity
: Indian
Author’s residence
: UK
Awards
: Longlisted for the 2013 Carnegie Medal
Subjects
: Culture, Dance, India, Kolkata