Tag Archives: Language

The Only Road

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A timely novel gives a face to the immigrants that struggle to get from Central America into the United States. Jamie’s cousin, and best friend, Miguel is murdered by the local gang in Guatemala: the Alphas. They will come for Jamie and his cousin Ángela next unless they find a way to escape. Together the two frightened teens take the only road available to them; they ride a truck out of Guatemala into Mexico. From there they head on a long and arduous journey full of dangerous gangs, violence, and a few kind allies to find their way to the safety of the United States. The teens team up with others, including a dog named Vida, to find Jamie’s older brother in the United States. Throughout their journey Jamie draws the landscapes and people and even earns money for his pencil illustrations. Alexandra Diaz seamlessly intertwines Spanish phrases into the book including resources such as a glossary, an author’s note, further reading suggestions, and a bibliography at the end of the novel.  amo

Title: The Only Road Author: Alexandra Diaz Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English (Spanish edition available) ISBN:978-1-4814-5750-7 Hardcover pages: 320 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Fiction based on current events Book setting: Guatemala, Mexico, United States Author’s ethnicity: Cuban Author’s residence: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA Awards; 2017 Pura Belpre Author Honor Subjects: Artwork, Dogs, Drawing, Family, Gangs, Immigration, Travel, Violence

Red’s Road To Green

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Busy Red Tractor journeys through Ireland, past Kilteel Castle and Hook Head in Wexford. Cows, sheep, gulls, marching bands, Irish dancers, and more represent the colors of Ireland. The story is written in rhyme and illustrated with brightly colored paintings of the Irish countryside. Color words are also provided in Gaelic. mjw

Title: Red’s Road To Green Author: Amie Ni Nuallain Illustrator: Marina Wild Publisher: The Indie Celt Copyright: 2015 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-9962594-1-5 Paperback pages: 32 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Ireland Author’s ethnicity: Irish Author’s residence: U.S. Illustrator’s ethnicity: Irish Illustrator’s residence: Ireland  Subjects: Colors, Dancers, Ireland, Shamrocks, Sheep, St.Patrick’s Day, Tractors

Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey

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This stunning bilingual Arabic/English picture book was inspired by the unique stone-collage art of Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr. It is the story of Rama and her family, who are forced to flee their once peaceful village to escape the devastation of the civil war. Taking only what they can carry on their backs, Rama, her mother and father, her grandfather, and her brother Sami, walk to freedom in Europe. The artist’s images are photographs of carefully placed stones, creating figures that come to life to tell the story.   A forward tells how the author discovered Badr’s art. mjw

Title: Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey Author: Margriet Ruurs Illustrator: Nizar Ali Badr Publisher: Orca Book Publishers Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English and Arabic Translator: Falah Raheem ISBN: 978-1-4598-1490-5 Hardcover pages: 28 Age range: 9-12 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Syria and Europe Author’s ethnicity: Dutch Author’s residence: British Columbia Illustrator’s ethnicity: Syrian Illustrator’s residence: Syria Subjects: Bilingual books, Civil war- Syria 2011, Refugee crisis, Refugees, Stone art, Syria.

Lucky Broken Girl

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Fifth-grader Cuban-Jewish Ruthie and her family emigrated from Cuba to New York. Because she doesn’t speak English, she is placed in the “dumb” class at school. She works hard and is finally promoted to the “smart” class, but her dreams are derailed by a terrible car accident and a broken leg that leave her in a body cast for most of 1966 and 1967. While she is recovering, she is cared for by her mother, visited by her tutor from school, and befriended by her new Mexican neighbor who inspires her with stories of the artist, Frida Kahlo. Ruthie has a tough time overcoming cultural differences and her injury, but her strength, resilience, and hope help her grow and flourish. The book is based on the author’s own experience. mjw

Title: Lucky Broken Girl Author: Ruth Behar Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Reader Group Copyright: 2017 Original Language:  English ISBN: 978-0-399546-44-0 Hardcover pages: 256 Age range: 10 up Genre: Fiction Book setting: Queens, New York Author’s ethnicity: Born in Havana, Cuba Author’s residence: U.S. Awards: 2018 Pura Belpre Honor Subjects: Accidents, Broken bones, Drawing and painting, Growing up, Health, Hispanic and Latino

Somos Como Las Nubes/We Are Like The Clouds

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Over 100,000 children have left Central America for the United States. The powerful poetry in this bilingual Spanish/English book describes the hardships and risks these children undertake and their hope for a new life in America. The first poems show the beauty of Central America. Next, they depict the problems, including gangs. The children face rough conditions with courage. The final poems take place in Los Angeles. The author was a refugee from El Salvador’s war in the 1980s. Beautiful surreal paintings complement the imagery of the poems. mjw

Title: Somos Como Las Nubes/We Are Like The Clouds Author: Jorge Argueta Illustrator: Alfonso Ruano Publisher: Groundwood Books, Toronto Copyright: 2016 Original Language: Spanish Translator: Elisa Amado ISBN: 978-1-55498-849-5 Hardcover pages: 36 Age range: 7-12 Genre: Picture Book/Poetry Book setting: Central America and U.S. Author’s ethnicity: Salvadoran and Pipil Nahua Indian Author’s residence: San Francisco Illustrator’s ethnicity: Spanish Illustrator’s residence: Madrid Awards: Author has won the International Latino Book Award.  Illustrator has won the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Subjects: Hispanic, Homelessness, Immigration, Latino, Poverty, Refugees, Stories in verse

Dragonfly Kites/Pimithaagansa

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Two young Cree brothers, Joe and Cody, are spending the summer with their made-up toys, like stick friends and stone children. They find a wild baby Arctic tern, squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks, and they make up names for everything, even the ants. Their favorite activity is flying dragonfly kites. They make them by catching dragonflies and tying thread around the middle of each dragonfly before letting it go. They then chase their dragonfly kites. At night, when they go to bed, they dream of the dragonflies. The creative, clear, and delicate collage illustrations are influenced by Cree artists. The book is written in English and Cree and is the second book in the Magical Songs of the North Wind trilogy. mjw

Title: Dragonfly Kites/Pimithaagansa Author: Tomson Highway Illustrator: Julie Flett Publisher: Fifth House Publishers, Canada Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English/Cree Translator: Tomson Highway Original publisher:  Harper Collins Original Copyright: 2002 ISBN: 978-1-897252-63-5 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 6-8 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Manitoba Author’s ethnicity: Born in Manitoba, Canadian, Aboriginal Author’s residence: Ontario Illustrator’s ethnicity: Cree-Metis ancestry Illustrator’s residence: Vancouver, BC Awards: Illustrator has won the first PMC Aboriginal Literature Award in 2014 Subjects: Bilingual books, Canada, Cree children, Dragonflies, Dreams, Kites, Siblings, Sleep

Are You An Echo? The Lost Poetry Of Misuzu Kaneko

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Misuzu was born in a Japanese fishing village in 1903. She loved school and books and, unlike most girls, got to stay in school until she was seventeen. Her mother managed a bookstore, where Misuzu spent many hours. Young Misuzu wrote poetry and quickly became a successful children’s writer. She wrote about stars, snow, fish, silkworms on mulberry leaves, dandelions, and all the world. An author’s note and a translator’s note provide more information and tell that her work was nearly forgotten. This meticulously researched picture book, with lovely paintings of early 20th century Japanese life, features Misuzu’s heart-breaking story and a collection of her poetry in English and the original Japanese. mjw

Title: Are You An Echo?  The Lost Poetry Of Misuzu Kaneko Author: Misuzu Kaneko (1903-1930), David Jacobson Illustrator: Toshikado Hajiri Publisher: Chin Music Press,  Seattle, Washington Copyright: 20116 Original Language: Japanese Translator: Sally Ito and Michiko Tsuboi Original Copyright: 1923-1928 ISBN: 978-1-634059626 Hardcover pages: 64 Age range: 9-14 Genre: Poetry, Picture Book Biography Book setting: Japan Author’s ethnicity: Japanese Author’s residence: Kaneko lived in Japan Illustrator’s ethnicity: Japanese Illustrator’s residence: Japan Subjects: Authors, Fishes, Haiku, Japanese Poets

Finders Keepers? A True Story In India

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This introduction to the traditions, daily life, and culture of India takes readers on a bus journey through the Rajasthan countryside. The narrator describes how, when he lost his wallet, a young boy returned it and refused to accept a reward for his honesty. Terms like chapatis, saris, torans, and more are smoothly integrated into the text. A map sets the scene for the journey. Back matter includes a glossary, pronunciations, Indian facts, character building questions, and a craft activity to make a paper toran. The book is available in a Spanish edition, Es Mio? mjw

Title: Finders Keepers? A True Story In India Author: Robert Arnett Illustrator: Smita Turakhia Publisher: Atman Press Copyright: 2013 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-96529008-1 Hardcover pages: 34 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: India Author’s ethnicity: U.S. Author’s residence: Columbus, Georgia.  U.S. Illustrator’s ethnicity: born in Mumbai, India Illustrator’s residence: Texas Subjects: Character building, Culture, Hinduism, Religion, Values

Somewhere Among

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Set in 2001, eleven-year-old American-Japanese Ema has moved in with her grandparents in Tokyo because of her mother’s difficult pregnancy. Fitting in is difficult – she is a “foreigner.” In free verse, Ema describes her life and concerns. Her Papa is away at work too much. Obaachan (her grandmother) is stern and domineering. Jiichan (her grandfather) is sweet, but fragile. Japanese school is a challenge. And she worries about her soon-to-be Little Sister. The story is about connectedness, as Ema is stuck between two worlds and two cultures. Viewing the September 11, 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers from Japan is especially intriguing. The author’s very extensive website gives information about the history, holidays, anniversaries, and tragedies Japan and America share that are woven throughout the story. Also included are the author’s inspiration, photos, a story playlist, and peace education opportunities and programs. mjw

Title: Somewhere Among Author: Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English   ISBN: 978-1-4814-3786-8 Hardcover pages: 448 Age range: 9-12 Genre: Historical Fiction, Verse Book setting: Tokyo, Japan Author’s ethnicity: Japan Author’s residence: U.S. Subjects: Asia, Asian-Americans, Belonging, Japan, Grandmothers, New baby, Novels in verse, Peace ,Pregnancy, Racially mixed people, September 11 Terrorist Attacks – 2001

Mabrook!: A World Of Muslim Weddings

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Congratulations – Mabrook! This colorful picture book looks at Muslim wedding ceremonies all over the world. In Pakistan, there is a henna party and the groom rides in on a great white horse. In Morocco, guests feast for days and days and days. In Great Britain, the party wears hijabs, kilts, and kurtas. Although Muslims celebrate in different ways all around the world, they all share the same ceremonies and religious rites. They join two hearts and begin a new journey. The acrylic and collage illustrations bring the weddings and the different communities to life. A note about Muslim weddings and a glossary complete the celebration. mjw

Title: Mabrook!: A World Of Muslim Weddings Author: Na’ima B. Robert Illustrator: Shirin Adl Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books. London Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-84780-588-1 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 5-8 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Great Britain, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia Author’s ethnicity: Scottish/Zulu Author’s residence: London and Cairo Illustrator’s ethnicity: Born in U.K., brought up in Iran Illustrator’s residence: Oxford, England Subjects: Holidays and celebrations, Islam. Marriage, Religion. Weddings

It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel

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It’s 1978, and sixth grader Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh, who was born in Abadan, Iran, has just moved to Newport Beach, California. Her fitting in is very difficult because of the protests, revolution, and the taking of the U.S. hostages in Iran. Her father loses his job as an engineer at an oil refinery and Cindy has to face hostile prejudice at school and in her neighborhood. Humorous asides will keep readers engaged as Cindy finds new friends after moving, deals with family issues, and discovers her middle school self. Each short chapter has a clever title and the final author’s note suggests documentaries and websites with more information about the historical and cultural facts of this semi-autobiographical novel. mjw

Title: It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel Author: Firoozeh Dumas Publisher: Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-544-61231-0 Hardcover pages: 384 Age range: 10-12 Genre: Fiction Book setting:  Southern California, U.S. Author’s ethnicity: Iranian Author’s residence: Munich, Germany Subjects: Emigration and immigration, Friendship, Humorous stories, Iran, Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981), Iranian-Americans, Middle East, Muslim-Americans. Prejudice and racism, Social issues – adolescence, United States history – 20th century

The Princess And The Warrior: A Tale Of Two Volcanoes

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Princess Itza has many wealthy and powerful suitors, but she refuses them all. She loves a warrior named Popoca because he loves her for who she is and promises to stay by her side no matter what. Itza’s father, the emperor, does not want his daughter to marry a mere warrior. He tells Popoca that if he can defeat their enemy, Jaguar Claw, he can marry Itza. When Popoca is close to victory, his opponent sends a messenger saying Itza has fallen into a deep sleep. Popoca returns home and even he cannot wake her. He stays by her side and two volcanoes are formed – Itzaccihuatl, who continues to sleep and Popocatepetl, who spews ashes and smoke from time to time trying to wake his sleeping princess. This retelling of an ancient Aztec legend is illustrated by Tonatiuh’s recognizable artwork with sharp lines and figures always shown in profile. A glossary with pronunciations and an author’s note about the artwork and source materials are included. mjw

Title: The Princess And The Warrior: A Tale Of Two Volcanoes Author: Duncan Tonatiuh Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh Publisher: Abrams Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-4197-2130-4 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 6-9 Genre: Picture Book, Folk Tale Book setting: Mexico Author’s ethnicity: Mexican Author’s residence: Mexico Illustrator’s ethnicity: Mexican Illustrator’s residence: Mexico Awards: Author/illustrator has won the Pura Belpre Award.  2016 New York Times Best Illustrated Books. Subjects: Fairy tales, Folk tales, Geography and cultures, Hispanic and Latino, Mexico, Myths, Multicultural studies