 Fourteen-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 |
Jasmine Skies
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In this striking, thoughtful first-person narration, a Mexican boy tells of his journey to the United States with his family as they face many dangers. The uncertainty all illegal immigrants face arouses empathy for the real risks surrounding relevant political issues, namely, migrant journeys taken in hopes of finding work and a better life. This bilingual, codex-style book literally unfolds as the story progresses and offers a straightforward Spanish translation on the reverse side of the English version. Brilliant illustrations in charcoal blacks and greys on amate, bark paper, are reminiscent of pre-Hispanic codices. cc
“Mary Had A Little Lamb,” the classic rhyme, has been transformed in this bilingual version which takes place in rural Peru. Each straightforward English verse is accompanied with the Spanish translation directly below, making this a perfect read-aloud. Readers are transported to Peru as they read the rhythmically flowing text and view warm gouache and ink illustrations. A wordless picture spread allows students to become authors, making up their own stories. Distinctive Peruvian features such as Andean dress, culture, and landscape are depicted. cc
Twenty-two nursery rhymes from around the globe are presented in English, the original language, and the original alphabet when appropriate. New Zealand, China, Australia, Norway, Ireland, Tonga, Jamaica, Japan, Zimbabwe, Fiji, Indonesia, Denmark, Iran, Germany, Samoa, Switzerland, Russia, Brazil, France, Holland, Iceland, and India are illustrated in bright collage and mixed-media artwork. Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen introduces the collection. Source notes are provided, but the name of the original language is not always given. mjw
Through fictional first-person poems and brief non-fiction prose, thirteen different Latino and Latina young people in the U.S., who have diverse backgrounds and experiences are introduced to readers. The poems are reflective and heartwarming and provide specific stories. The nonfiction essays explain historical and social context, the Ladino language, the Chinese and Japanese presence in Latin America, African roots, Latino immigration to the U.S., U.S.-Cuban relations, environmentalists, and more. Bold, hand-cut illustrations, a bibliography for teachers and parents, and additional resources for young people complete this celebration of the diversity of the Latino community. mjw
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