Friday, October 20, 2017
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Monday, October 16, 2017
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Weatherford, C. B. (2006). Moses: when Harriet Tubman led her people to freedom. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
When Harriet's master decides to sell her and send her south, she bravely decides to pursue freedom by running away. Harriet's ongoing conversation with God guides her to safety as she flees her master in the cover of night. Harriet has visions of her broom as Moses' staff as God whispers to her that He will protect her. With His guidance and the help of strangers along the way, she reaches Philadelphia, her Promised Land. Utilizing the Underground Railroad, she repeatedly returns South, leading numerous slaves to freedom in Canada.
In this inspirational story of faith and trust, Carole Boston Weatherford begins her allusion to the Israelite's exodus with the title, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. Her soulful, melodious and conversational writing style emphasizes the close relationship between Harriet and her God, her only companion on her treacherous physical and spiritual journey. As I read this picture book, I imagined myself there with Harriet. Although this book was written for children from ages five to eight, I believe that readers of all ages will be moved and reminded of an era in our country's history that I am thankful has passed. Harriet was a hero and continues to be an inspiration to all.
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Author, Carole Boston Weatherford's website: https://cbweatherford.com/
Illustrator, Kadir Nelson's website: http://www.kadirnelson.com/
An interview with the author:
When Harriet's master decides to sell her and send her south, she bravely decides to pursue freedom by running away. Harriet's ongoing conversation with God guides her to safety as she flees her master in the cover of night. Harriet has visions of her broom as Moses' staff as God whispers to her that He will protect her. With His guidance and the help of strangers along the way, she reaches Philadelphia, her Promised Land. Utilizing the Underground Railroad, she repeatedly returns South, leading numerous slaves to freedom in Canada.
In this inspirational story of faith and trust, Carole Boston Weatherford begins her allusion to the Israelite's exodus with the title, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. Her soulful, melodious and conversational writing style emphasizes the close relationship between Harriet and her God, her only companion on her treacherous physical and spiritual journey. As I read this picture book, I imagined myself there with Harriet. Although this book was written for children from ages five to eight, I believe that readers of all ages will be moved and reminded of an era in our country's history that I am thankful has passed. Harriet was a hero and continues to be an inspiration to all.
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Author, Carole Boston Weatherford's website: https://cbweatherford.com/
Illustrator, Kadir Nelson's website: http://www.kadirnelson.com/
An interview with the author:
About Harriet Tubman:
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale
by John Steptoe
Steptoe, J. (1987). Mufaro's beautiful daughters: an African tale. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.
Two beautiful daughters of Mufaro from Africa are quite different in personality. Manyara is prideful, bossy and angry; whereas, Nyasha is humble, compassionate and joyful. When the king sends a message to the villagers that he will choose the most worthy and beautiful girl to be his wife, Manyara is convinced that she will become queen. Unbeknownst to Manyara, her disrespectful behavior is not a secret to the king, whose identity is later revealed to Nyasha in a just twist.
This traditional picture book was inspired by a folktale from G. M. Theil's 1895 book entitled Kaffir Folktales. It teaches a timeless lesson which, in 2017, is a national campaign: Kindness Matters. The characters' names and the illustrations are reflective of and honoring to African culture. Speaking of the illustrations, they are captivating. The animals and scenery are gorgeous. The way that John Steptoe uses light on the faces of his characters causes them to appear realistic, 3-dimensional, and angelic. In addition, it emphasizes the beauty of Mufaro's daughters, for whom the book was named.
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Author, John Steptoe's website: http://www.johnsteptoe.com/
Book trailer:
Preview of a musical Children's Theatre production:
Two beautiful daughters of Mufaro from Africa are quite different in personality. Manyara is prideful, bossy and angry; whereas, Nyasha is humble, compassionate and joyful. When the king sends a message to the villagers that he will choose the most worthy and beautiful girl to be his wife, Manyara is convinced that she will become queen. Unbeknownst to Manyara, her disrespectful behavior is not a secret to the king, whose identity is later revealed to Nyasha in a just twist.
This traditional picture book was inspired by a folktale from G. M. Theil's 1895 book entitled Kaffir Folktales. It teaches a timeless lesson which, in 2017, is a national campaign: Kindness Matters. The characters' names and the illustrations are reflective of and honoring to African culture. Speaking of the illustrations, they are captivating. The animals and scenery are gorgeous. The way that John Steptoe uses light on the faces of his characters causes them to appear realistic, 3-dimensional, and angelic. In addition, it emphasizes the beauty of Mufaro's daughters, for whom the book was named.
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Author, John Steptoe's website: http://www.johnsteptoe.com/
Book trailer:
Preview of a musical Children's Theatre production:
Kindness Matters campaign: http://kindness-matters.org/
Tar Beach
by Faith Ringgold
Ringgold, F. (1991). Tar beach. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc.
While sleeping on Tar Beach, eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot dreams of being able to fly. She soars over her apartment building rooftop and sees her family and neighbors below. As she floats over the George Washington Bridge, union building, and ice cream factory, she claims them as her own and imagines what a difference this will make in her life and that of her family.
When I looked at the cover and title of this book, I guessed that it was going to be about a family's happy experiences on the tar-covered top of an urban apartment building. Although my conjecture was correct, this fantasy picture book contains so much more. It touches on bi-racial prejudices, a time in history when a worker was not allowed to join the union because his father was not a member, urban life, and the desire for freedom. It is a unique and rich story. As a bonus, at the end, I found out that the book is based on a story quilt created by the author, Faith Ringgold, which is currently on display in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
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Author, Faith Ringgold's website: http://www.faithringgold.com/
Tar Beach quilt: http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d06.htm
Tar Beach 2 quilt: http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d09.htm
Book trailer:
While sleeping on Tar Beach, eight-year-old Cassie Louise Lightfoot dreams of being able to fly. She soars over her apartment building rooftop and sees her family and neighbors below. As she floats over the George Washington Bridge, union building, and ice cream factory, she claims them as her own and imagines what a difference this will make in her life and that of her family.
When I looked at the cover and title of this book, I guessed that it was going to be about a family's happy experiences on the tar-covered top of an urban apartment building. Although my conjecture was correct, this fantasy picture book contains so much more. It touches on bi-racial prejudices, a time in history when a worker was not allowed to join the union because his father was not a member, urban life, and the desire for freedom. It is a unique and rich story. As a bonus, at the end, I found out that the book is based on a story quilt created by the author, Faith Ringgold, which is currently on display in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
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Author, Faith Ringgold's website: http://www.faithringgold.com/
Tar Beach quilt: http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d06.htm
Tar Beach 2 quilt: http://www.faithringgold.com/ringgold/d09.htm
Book trailer:
The People Could Fly: The Picture Book
by Virginia Hamilton
Hamilton, V. (1985). The people could fly: the picture book. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
The people of Africa who knew magic could fly...until they were taken across the ocean against their will to be slaves. They toiled in cotton fields under the supervision of an abusive overseer who whipped them mercilessly. When a woman with a baby could take no more, old man Toby recited the magic words that allowed her to fly to freedom. Soon a young heat-exhausted man, then others, followed.
This folktale was originally published in 1985 as part of a collection. As a tribute to the author after her death in 2002, it was published as a stand-alone picture book with new illustrations by the artists of the initial book. The story tells the heart-wrenching history of slavery, which stole the freedom of those in Africa. In my opinion, flight is used in the story to represent freedom. Initially, the characters had beautiful black wings, but once they were captured, they lost them. I think that those who flew away later without wings represent those who escaped slavery by running away and possibly those who utilized the Underground Railroad to do so. This is a great book for introducing the topic of slavery and for discussion groups regarding individual rights, freedom, and a dark period in the history of our nation.
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Author, Virginia Hamilton's website: http://www.virginiahamilton.com/
Jos Duncan's version of The People Could Fly:
The people of Africa who knew magic could fly...until they were taken across the ocean against their will to be slaves. They toiled in cotton fields under the supervision of an abusive overseer who whipped them mercilessly. When a woman with a baby could take no more, old man Toby recited the magic words that allowed her to fly to freedom. Soon a young heat-exhausted man, then others, followed.
This folktale was originally published in 1985 as part of a collection. As a tribute to the author after her death in 2002, it was published as a stand-alone picture book with new illustrations by the artists of the initial book. The story tells the heart-wrenching history of slavery, which stole the freedom of those in Africa. In my opinion, flight is used in the story to represent freedom. Initially, the characters had beautiful black wings, but once they were captured, they lost them. I think that those who flew away later without wings represent those who escaped slavery by running away and possibly those who utilized the Underground Railroad to do so. This is a great book for introducing the topic of slavery and for discussion groups regarding individual rights, freedom, and a dark period in the history of our nation.
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Author, Virginia Hamilton's website: http://www.virginiahamilton.com/
Jos Duncan's version of The People Could Fly:
Goin' Someplace Special
by Patricia C. McKissack
McKissack, P. C. (2001). Goin' someplace special. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
When 'Tricia Ann excitedly asks her grandmother if she may go to Someplace Special on her own, she is thrilled when she receives permission. As she takes the bus, visits Peace Fountain, eats a pretzel from a street vendor, and gets jostled at the Southland Hotel along the way, she becomes discouraged due to the prejudices she experiences. But, all is not lost. Blooming Mary helps her to remember her grandmother's words which give her the strength she needs to press on to Someplace Special, where all are welcome.
In the Author's Note at the end of the book, author Patricia McKissack reveals that although the setting of the story is fiction, the happenings within are from her own experiences as a child. This broke my heart. I hurt for everyone who has ever been made to feel angry, hurt, embarrassed, or alone because of who they are. It is wrong. I hope that every child or adult who reads this book gets that message. I am thankful, though, for people like Mama Frances, Mrs. Grannell, Jimmy Lee, and Blooming Mary who help others to be proud of who they are, not let others steal their happiness, listen to wisdom, and know that they are special just because they are a human being. In addition, I pray that the library I am given the privilege to oversee will always be known as a safe place where all are welcome, as the one in this beautiful picture book.
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About the author, Patricia C. McKissack: http://www.patriciamckissack.com/
An interview with the author and her husband:
When 'Tricia Ann excitedly asks her grandmother if she may go to Someplace Special on her own, she is thrilled when she receives permission. As she takes the bus, visits Peace Fountain, eats a pretzel from a street vendor, and gets jostled at the Southland Hotel along the way, she becomes discouraged due to the prejudices she experiences. But, all is not lost. Blooming Mary helps her to remember her grandmother's words which give her the strength she needs to press on to Someplace Special, where all are welcome.
In the Author's Note at the end of the book, author Patricia McKissack reveals that although the setting of the story is fiction, the happenings within are from her own experiences as a child. This broke my heart. I hurt for everyone who has ever been made to feel angry, hurt, embarrassed, or alone because of who they are. It is wrong. I hope that every child or adult who reads this book gets that message. I am thankful, though, for people like Mama Frances, Mrs. Grannell, Jimmy Lee, and Blooming Mary who help others to be proud of who they are, not let others steal their happiness, listen to wisdom, and know that they are special just because they are a human being. In addition, I pray that the library I am given the privilege to oversee will always be known as a safe place where all are welcome, as the one in this beautiful picture book.
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About the author, Patricia C. McKissack: http://www.patriciamckissack.com/
An interview with the author and her husband:
In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall
Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
Steptoe, J. (1997). In Daddy's arms I am tall. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc.
In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall is a collection of thirteen poems offering words of wisdom and celebrating family relationships between sons, fathers, and grandfathers.
Dads are great influencers of their children whether they realize it or not. These poems, which vary in length and form, testify to the positive lasting impression these critical men make. Javaka Steptoe's illustrations are extremely expressive. His use of screen netting, paper, paint, lace, and even dirt add depth to the words and appear dimensional on the flat pages. The poems paired with the pictures made me think deeply, helped me realize the impact my own father had on who I've become, and brought back joyful memories of my childhood. Enjoy...then go tell your father how much you love him!
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Javaka Steptoe's website: http://www.javaka.com/
Author/illustrator talks about his books:
In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall is a collection of thirteen poems offering words of wisdom and celebrating family relationships between sons, fathers, and grandfathers.
Dads are great influencers of their children whether they realize it or not. These poems, which vary in length and form, testify to the positive lasting impression these critical men make. Javaka Steptoe's illustrations are extremely expressive. His use of screen netting, paper, paint, lace, and even dirt add depth to the words and appear dimensional on the flat pages. The poems paired with the pictures made me think deeply, helped me realize the impact my own father had on who I've become, and brought back joyful memories of my childhood. Enjoy...then go tell your father how much you love him!
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Javaka Steptoe's website: http://www.javaka.com/
Author/illustrator talks about his books:
Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom
by Shane W. Evans
Evans, S. W. (2011). Underground: finding the light to freedom. New York: Roaring Brook Press.
In the dark of the night, a family escapes slavery. They move stealthily; running, crawling, and resting as needed. They must trust those they don't know even though they are afraid...until they reach freedom.
Using only forty-nine words, Shane W. Evans conveys what it was like to escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. Though few, his words in harmony with his illustrations speak volumes. For example, two simple words, "the escape," and the picture of a father (with eyes on the house and finger to lips), mother (with eyes on her son), and son (with eyes on his mom) show the family relationship, fear, time of the night, and risk factors (person in the background, light on in the house) involved. What an outstanding picture book for young children to read in order to understand the Underground Railroad, slavery, and history! In addition, the author's note at the end is a beautiful tribute to freedom and those who help others find it.
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Animated reading of Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom and a message from author, Shane W. Evans: http://shaneevans.com/underground/
Information about other civil rights' heroes:
Harriet Tubman - https://www.biography.com/people/harriet-tubman-9511430
Sojourner Truth - https://www.biography.com/video/sojourner-truth-mini-biography-11191875531
Fredrick Douglass - https://www.biography.com/people/frederick-douglass-9278324
More about the True Light Resource Center: https://www.truelightfrc.org/
In the dark of the night, a family escapes slavery. They move stealthily; running, crawling, and resting as needed. They must trust those they don't know even though they are afraid...until they reach freedom.
Using only forty-nine words, Shane W. Evans conveys what it was like to escape slavery through the Underground Railroad. Though few, his words in harmony with his illustrations speak volumes. For example, two simple words, "the escape," and the picture of a father (with eyes on the house and finger to lips), mother (with eyes on her son), and son (with eyes on his mom) show the family relationship, fear, time of the night, and risk factors (person in the background, light on in the house) involved. What an outstanding picture book for young children to read in order to understand the Underground Railroad, slavery, and history! In addition, the author's note at the end is a beautiful tribute to freedom and those who help others find it.
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Animated reading of Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom and a message from author, Shane W. Evans: http://shaneevans.com/underground/
Information about other civil rights' heroes:
Harriet Tubman - https://www.biography.com/people/harriet-tubman-9511430
Sojourner Truth - https://www.biography.com/video/sojourner-truth-mini-biography-11191875531
Fredrick Douglass - https://www.biography.com/people/frederick-douglass-9278324
More about the True Light Resource Center: https://www.truelightfrc.org/
Talkin' About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman
by Nikki Grimes
Twenty of Bessie Coleman's family members and friends gather together to mourn her death. Each shares a personal recollection. When pieced together, a picture of Bessie's life is unveiled from her birth in 1892 to her young death in 1926. During a time of racial segregation, Bessie overcame the odds to become the first female African-American pilot.
Although the monologue format of this book is fiction, the information within each personal narrative is not. These stories make Bessie's biography an interesting read and help the reader to understand both a bit about the people who were part of Bessie's life as well as the times in which she lived. The brownish monotone pictures of each of the "speakers" provide an aged, but timeless, appeal. These, paired with what appear to be watercolor paintings of scenes from Bessie's life, transport the reader back in time. Her story is an inspiration and proclaims a clear message to pursue your dreams while refusing to let anything hold you back.
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Author, Nikki Grimes' website: http://www.nikkigrimes.com/
More about Bessie Coleman:
Beautiful Blackbird
by Ashley Bryan
Long ago in Africa, there were birds of every color, but only one which was black...Blackbird. When the leader, Ringdove, calls for the birds to vote on who is the most beautiful of all, Blackbird is unanimously chosen. The other birds decide that they want to be black, too, and ask for Blackbird's help. He agrees to add bits of black to their coloring with his feather brush, but reminds them that what really matters is what is on the inside.
This traditional tale from the Ila-speaking peoples of modern day Zambia has the mood of celebration with its bright-colored illustrations, sing-song text, and theme(s): Black is beautiful; appreciate your heritage because it makes you unique; What is inside defines you, not what you look like. I envision groups of children acting out this book or chiming in during the birds' songs. In addition, it would be an excellent source for teachers to use due to the numerous literary devices incorporated within the text including repetition, rhyme, alliteration, and onomatopoeia.
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The Ashley Bryan Center: https://ashleybryancenter.org/
Video reading of Beautiful Blackbird by author, Ashley Bryan (will make you smile): https://vimeo.com/199083563
Trombone Shorty
by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews
As a young boy growing up in New Orleans, Troy Andrews was surrounded by music. His brother played the trumpet and was the leader of a band. Parades marched through the streets during Mardi Gras. Jazz musicians influenced the culture. Troy wanted to be a part of it all. So, at age four, he found a broken trombone and began to play. His brother proudly nicknamed him Trombone Shorty because the trombone was so much larger than Troy was. With lots of practice and a surprise performance with Bo Diddley, Trombone Shorty never looked back! He became a famous musician who actively mentors and inspires other young children.
This book is fun! I could envision music playing in the background as I read this inspiring biographical picture book. The illustrations almost moved before my eyes starting with the swirling sounds collaged on the first page and ending with the radiating trombone blasts on the last. Trombone Shorty himself cleverly mixed the culture of New Orleans into the text by splashing their phrase for saying "hello" to a friend, "where y'at," throughout the book. He states at the beginning his purpose in telling his story: To explain how he got his nickname. However, it is evident that his goal is also to inspire others to be passionate about music and to follow their dreams. Troy's use of simile and metaphor are sensory and culturally effective, especially the one where he links the conglomeration of musical sounds to gumbo. I especially enjoyed the symbolism of the balloons which appeared on multiple pages throughout the book and which metamorphosed into a hot air balloon at the end. This book is well deserving of the Coretta Scott King award!
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Trombone Shorty's official website: http://www.tromboneshorty.com/
Book trailer:
Illustrator, Bryan Collier's website: http://www.bryancollier.com/
An interview with Bryan Collier:
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Monday, October 9, 2017
Juana & Lucas
by Juana Medina
Juana lives in Bogotá, Columbia, and speaks Spanish. Her favorite things are drawing, Astroman, brussel sprouts, Bogotá, reading books, and her best friend, Lucas, who is her dog. Tragedy strikes on the first day of school when she finds out that she will have to learn English this year for Mr. Tompkins's class. All of the important people in Juana's life agree that learning English is a great idea, even though she disagrees because it is so hard and frustrating to learn. The possibility of an exciting trip with her grandparents becomes just the motivation she needs to persevere.
With its short chapters, expressive pictures, appealing layout, and natural flow, Juana & Lucas is a wonderful book for elementary school-aged children to read. Written from Juana's perspective, readers will easily relate to her joys and frustrations. This book is best for anyone who is either interested in or fearful of learning something new. As they see Juana embrace her fears and achieve success, readers will be motivated to do so as well. The book introduces its reader to the culture of Bogotá and to Spanish vocabulary, which is interjected throughout, making it feel as though Juana is a real, authentic Columbian.
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Author, Juana Medina's website: http://www.juanamedina.com/
An interview with the author:
Just in Case: a Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book
by Yuyi Morales
It is the day of Grandma Beetle's birthday party. Señor Calavera is extremely excited to attend. As he sets out on his bicycle, he is suddenly reminded by Zelmiro the Ghost that he has forgotten something important...a gift of what Grandma loves most. He diligently searches for the perfect gift, choosing various treasures for each letter of the alphabet, but missing the mark until an accident leads him to discover what Grandma truly loves the most.
This is an interesting traditional tale with Day of the Dead implications, a Spanish alphabet book, and is a follow-up to Just a Minute. Calavera is Spanish for skull. Edible sugar skulls are used in celebration of this holiday and believed to welcome back those who have passed out of this life when the candy skulls are offered on the altar. This story is written in English with some Spanish vocabulary, mostly found as the names of the gifts that are chosen for Grandma. This book could be used to introduce Mexican holidays/culture/alphabet to children, as well as for a celebration with those who are already familiar with Día de los Muertos. Without prefacing the book with some background information, children will likely have questions after reading it, as I did. Some simple research will answer those questions and make the story more meaningful, as will reading Just a Minute, Yuyi Morales' first Señor Calavera book.
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Author, Yuyi Morales' website: http://www.yuyimorales.com/
Señor Calavera's invitation to the ALA Pura Belpre book award ceremony:
Who is Señor Calavera? http://www.srcalavera.com/jarana.html
Read the first book, Just a Minute:
Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: a Migrant's Tale
by Duncan Tonatiuh
When drought comes to the ranch causing no crop growth, Papá Rabbit and others must leave their families to hunt for work. On the day of Papá's expected return, he does not come. Worried, Pancho sets out to search, carrying only a backpack full of his father's favorite food. Pancho meets a coyote along the way, who agrees to take him on a shortcut in exchange for the food. When the food is spent and Coyote is still hungry, he decides to eat Pancho. A surprise visitor saves the day!
This traditional Mexican tale resembles The Gingerbread Man and Little Red Riding Hood in some aspects. However, it is not a simple fairy tale. Rather, it is an allegorical children's picture book documenting the plight of an illegal immigrant and his family. In fact, Señor Coyote represents a non-animal kind of coyote, which is a slang term for a person who smuggles people illegally between the US and Mexican border. This book is an excellent resource for bringing to light this legitimate problem and for the brainstorming of solutions.
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Author, Duncan Tonatiuh's website: http://www.duncantonatiuh.com/
Book trailer:
Los Gatos Black on Halloween
by Marisa Montes
On Halloween night, a monster ball is held in the Haunted Hall. Black cats, jack-o-lanterns, witches, skeletons, ghosts, ghouls, zombies, a vampire, a mummy, a werewolf, and corpses attend. They enjoy music and dancing until there is a knock on the door. It creaks open to reveal the scariest creatures of them all!
This rhyming Halloween picture book is full of iconic creepy creatures true to the season. Each double-page spread contains a stanza of the poem and an illustration that creatively extends the concept. The words are printed on a curve, which is visually appealing and helps the stanzas to flow together as if they were being sung. Spanish words are printed in italics to make them easily identifiable. The surrounding words work in tandem with the pictures to help the non-Spanish speaker understand them. A helpful glossary at the end of the book defines all of the Spanish words, in case the reader has a question about them. This book could be used to motivate children to write their own Halloween poems, to create lists of descriptive words to use when writing, to develop vocabulary, or to introduce the Day of the Dead (Mexican holiday: Día de los Muertos).
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About author, Marisa Montes: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/authors/marisa-montes/
Creepy book trailer:
Doña Flor: a Tall Tale about a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart
by Pat Mora
Doña Flor is an immense woman who lives amongst her normal-sized neighbors in a small village. She is often seen carrying the children to school, talking with animals, and reading books from the library. When a threatening roar begins to scare the villagers, Flor is determined to find the source. Once she does, she is amused by what she discovers and makes a new friend in the process.
This picture book is an entertaining tall tale reminiscent of Paul Bunyon. It is laced with Spanish words, artfully printed in italics and surrounded by context clues to help non-Spanish speakers understand them. The illustrations are beautifully done and help bring Doña Flor's character to life. This book is an excellent source for teachers to use when introducing tall tales, positive role models, exaggeration, personification, similes, respectful titles, descriptive adjectives, and positive character traits.
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Author, Pat Mora's website: http://www.patmora.com/
Pat Mora shares teacher reactions to book:
Illustrator, Raul Colón, talks about illustrating the book:
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Frida: Viva la Vida = Long Live Life
by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Twenty-six biographical poems about Frida Kahlo follow a timeline from her birth in 1907 to her death in 1954. They cover her polio suffering, relationships with her father and mother, terrible bus accident injury, progression as a painter, marriages to Diego, miscarriages, and Diego's infidelity. At the end of the book, there is bonus information including excerpts from Frida's diary/letters, a brief biography, a chronology of her life, and a glossary of terms.
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand's collection of poems written about the famous artist, Frida Kahlo, provides a glimpse into Frida's life and gives a voice to Frida's artwork. Although written by Bernier-Grand, the poems are penned from a first person point of view, causing them to appear as though they were written by Frida. They contain facts about her from birth until death, as well as interesting artifacts of information such as why she goes by Frieda, even though her first name is Magdalena. Paired with photographs and art pieces by Frida herself, this book lets the reader experience the joys and heart-wrenching pain of her life. This match of text and illustration make the book interesting and appear as though it is in story format, even though it contains only poems.
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Author, Carmen T. Bernier-Grand's website: http://www.carmenberniergrand.com/
More on Frida Kahlo: https://www.fridakahlo.org/
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Esperanza Rising
by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Esperanza lives an enchanted, pampered life; that is, until her papa suffers an untimely death and her evil Tío Luís forces her mother to make a difficult decision rendering them penniless. As a result, Esperanza and her mother must immigrate to the United States with the family who once served hers. After they arrive, Esperanza learns many housekeeping skills while the adults work on a California farm labor camp. When her mother contracts Valley Fever, Esperanza becomes a field-worker as well. Although she no longer possesses the treasures from her past in Mexico, as she embraces her new life, she discovers life's greater treasures.
This chapter book, written for children aged five to eight, is multifaceted. It accurately depicts the circumstances of a Mexican family escaping across the border in order to survive. It also captures the plight of immigrant labor camp workers in 1924 and the struggle of whether or not to participate in a strike. Pam Muñoz Ryan expertly knits these elements within this beautiful coming-of-age story, inspired by Ryan's own grandmother's experiences. Readers and listeners will be inspired by the overarching theme: do not be afraid to start over.
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Author, Pam Muñoz Ryan's website: http://www.pammunozryan.com/
Book trailer:
Mexican immigration during the Great Depression: https://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/immigration/mexican6.html
The Storyteller's Candle
by Lucía González
Hildamar, her parents, aunts, uncle, and cousin move to a barrio of cold New York from warm Puerto Rico. On the way to school, Hildamar and Santiago notice the public library, but are told by their Aunt María that it is only for English speakers. So, they are quite surprised when the public librarian, Pura Belpré, visits their school that day, speaks Spanish, and tells them that the library is for everyone! Many of the immigrants excitedly visit the library together. Pura helps them to plan a wonderful play, as well as a Three Kings' Day celebration.
I was beyond thrilled when I read this book. I had no idea when I started to read this Pura Belpré award winning book that it was going to be about Pura Belpré herself! Pura is portrayed in such a loving, nurturing, motivating, and creative way, that as a future librarian, I was inspired to be like her when I have a library of my own to oversee and children to pour into one day. In addition, I recently read Martina the Beautiful Cockroach and Nine Days to Christmas, A Story of Mexico. I couldn't believe it when the Martina folktale and the Three Kings' Day tradition from these books appeared in The Storyteller's Candle! This authenticated the cultural aspects of this book that were displayed in the Spanish words splashed throughout the story, as well as in the traditions and strong family community within the text. On each two-page spread, the story is written in both English and Spanish, furthering the theme: the library is for everyone. Regarding the illustrations, readers of all ages will likely search every page for the clever use of an actual newspaper from 1930. Every aspect of this book is muy fantástico!
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Interview with author, Lucía González: http://pageturneradventures.com/2011/09/rileys-interview-with-childrens-author-lucia-gonzalez/
Lulu Delacre on illustrating the book:
Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach:
Three Kings' Day: http://www.mexonline.com/history-lostresreyes.htm
Monday, October 2, 2017
Mango, Abuela, and Me
by Meg Medina
Mia's grandmother leaves her own home behind to come live with Mia and her parents. Unfortunately, communication is difficult because Abuela speaks Spanish, but Mia speaks English. Mia labels household objects and the two play language games. Although this helps a bit, it is Abuela's new parrot, Mango, that bridges the gap between them.
Prekindergarten through third graders are a good audience for this book. Its colorful pictures and animals will attract young readers, and those living in households which have extended family members such as grandparents residing there will certainly relate. This book teaches that different languages do not have to be a barrier to relationships. Love can bridge the gap. In addition, this book is a great resource for introducing Spanish vocabulary.
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Author, Meg Medina's website: https://megmedina.com/
Book trailer:
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach
Retold by Carmen Agra Deedy
Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha has come of age and is ready to get engaged, but wonders how she will find her true love. While her mother and aunt give her something lovely to wear for when she entertains her suitors, her grandmother gives her interesting advice for how to find her perfect match instead. Martina reluctantly follows her grandmother's guidance and is pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
Carmen Agra Deedy's retelling of this Cuban folktale and Michael Austin's exquisite illustrations make this traditional picture book unforgettable. Deedy cleverly works in characteristics of a real cockroach, such as having six legs covered in little hairs. These details are shared in a humorous way. Children won't even realize that they are learning about insects. Spanish words also appear throughout the story in a way that is appealing and understandable to non-Spanish speakers. The illustrations are quite creative, immersing the reader into the world of a two-inch long critter. The wise message of this story is easily understood and, hopefully, taken to heart: character is more important than looks.
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Author, Carmen Agra Deedy's website: https://carmenagradeedy.com/
Book trailer:
Information about the Cuban Cockroach: https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=cuban-cockroach
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