Inclusive Literature

 

Khan, H. (2017).  Amina’s Voice. Salaam Reads. ISBN:  978-1481492065

Plot Summary

Amina is a quiet and shy girl who likes to hang out with her best friend Soojin. This year Amina is starting middle school and everything is different. Soojin befriends Emily and Amina is worried that Soojin will no longer want to be friends with her. Her uncle comes to visit from Pakistan and the whole family is nervous and stressed about his arrival. Amina is facing so many changes which is causing her to become more anxious and then the unthinkable happens, someone vandalizes the Islamic Center that her family attends. This leads Amina to discover the love and support of her community and her friends.

Analysis

This novel is beautifully written and teaches of self acceptance and the love of community. This book also highlights diversity by including several different cultures in the story. The main character Amina and her family are Pakistani-American. Their culture is shown through clothes, food, language, and customs. Amina talks about wearing the traditional outfit of Pakistani people called a shalwar kameez as well as wearing a hijab. Her culture is also represented through the food the family eats such as curried chicken, lentils, naan, and salad with yogurt sauce. The author also includes religious customs such as reading the Quran and religious ceremonies. Another character in this story is Soojin, she and her family are Korean American. The author includes Korean culture through the foods they eat such as kimchi and bulgogi. This novel not only shows diverse cultures but also includes themes such as self acceptance, friendship, and community. Amina struggles as many children do when transitioning into middle school but finds herself in the end and gains confidence to be herself. A great coming of age novel perfect for any middle grade library.

Reviews

"Watching Amina literally and figuratively find her voice—bolstered by community, friendship, and discovered inner strength—makes for rewarding reading." ― Publishers Weekly

"[A] relatable portrayal of a tween who wants to fit in, and who’s devoted to her faith even amid her confusion about her family’s varied approaches to it." ― Horn Book

"Realistic fiction centered on a Pakistani-American Muslim girl is a refreshing change in the middle grade market.....It’s solid storyline and the common denominator of middle school drama highlights the fact that students from all backgrounds may be more alike than they realize. Recommended." -- School Library Connection ― May/June 2017

Connections

A Washington Post Best Children’s Book of 2017

Other books by Hene Khan include: Amina’s Song, More to the Story, and On Point. 

Pitman, G. (2014). This Day in June. Magination Press. ISBN: 978-1433816581

Plot Summary

This light and fun picture book tells of the pride parade that happens every year in June. It includes all the different people who take part in the parade and is told in rhyming couplets.

Analysis

This beautifully illustrated picture book includes bright, colorful pictures, and depicts the many facets of the LGBTQ+ community. Each page includes a rhyming couplet that describes the parade itself as well as the participants. This book is intended for young readers and promotes acceptance and love. Included in the back of the book is a reading guide that gives an explanation and background for each of the rhyming couplets and the pictures on each page. The author also includes a note to parents and caregivers in the back of the book. In this note the author gives ways that the book can help the reader discuss the LGBTQ+ community with others. Also included is ways to talk to children about sexual orientation broken down into age groups. This book is not only a fun and positive read but a great guide for parents everywhere to promote love and inclusion in their community.

Reviews

This Day In June adds a bright spot for diversity on any bookshelf, and will help bring the true colors and beautiful experience of LGBT pride to life for school age children and their families.

-Ellen Kahn, Director of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Family Project.

This Day in June is the pride parade picture book queer parents have been waiting for since, oh, 1970. We ve needed something that captured the joy and exuberance of the event, and something that helped kids picture the glorious range of gender expression and queer fabulousness that is so righteously on display at Pride (and by contrast so absent in most of our kids everyday lives). We ve wanted a sweet, playful opportunity to talk in advance about what they ll see, what it ll be like. We ve wanted to help them get as excited as we do, in anticipation, and have a way to share it with their friends. --VillageQ.com

Pitman, in her first book for children, salutes the LGBT parades that take place across the U.S. in June. Her couplets keep things marching steadily forward, but it s Litten s artwork that creates a sense of joyous excitement and showcases the diversity on display.

-Publisher's Weekly

Connections

Winner, Stonewall Book Award

Mike Morgan and Larry Romans Children's & Young Adult Literature Award

A Top Ten Title, American Library Association Rainbow List Winner

Notable Books for a Global Society Awards

Brock, R. (2018). Hope Nation: YA Authors Share Personal Moments of Inspiration. 

Philomel Books. ISBN: 978-1524741679

Plot Summary

This collection contains stories of hope written by popular young adult authors across the United States. Each story is personal and gives the reader hope for themselves and the future. The stories range in topics from LGBTQ+, near death accidents, racism, love, travel, and family. In these uncertain times this collection of stories will leave the reader feeling like there is a little room for hope in this big, scary world afterall.

Analysis

This raw and real collection of stories perfectly captures the world we are living in right now. It also gives the reader hope for the future despite everything going on. The collection represents a diverse group of authors and their cultures are shown in each of their personal essays. Some of the cultures represented are Afghan, Korean, African American, Cuban, and Taiwanese. The various cultures are shown through food, language, and customs. The LGBTQ+ community is also represented in this collection. Each essay gives the reader a different perspective of living in America and the different struggles that each author endures. It also shows the reader how hope can mean many different things to many different people. A great read to gain empathy and understanding for one another and a perfect fit for any YA library.

Reviews

 "This amazing outpouring of strength and honesty offers inspirational personal accounts for every reader who wonders what to do when everything seems impossible." --Booklist, starred review

"An important and inspiring read for thoughtful teens."--School Library Journal

"A must-read resource for English teachers, social studies teachers, and counselors....Each essay presents hope as the platform for positive action and growth....a strong addition to both YA and adult nonfiction collections." --VOYA

Connections

A 2019 Texas Topaz Reading List Selection

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Also edited by Rose Brock is Hope Wins: A Collection of Inspiring Stories for Young Readers.

Bailey, J. (2019). A Friend for Henry. Chronicle Books. ISBN: 978-1452167916

Plot Summary

This sweet story tells of a little boy named Henry looking for a new friend. At times his classmates can be too loud or too close for Henry. He is looking for someone to share with and to listen to him but this seems too difficult. Then Henry meets Katie and it seems like he may just find a friend after all.

Analysis

This story is perfect for anyone looking for a friend. The ink and watercolor illustrations are simple and show a diverse classroom setting. In this story Henry is Asian and Katie is African American. Their cultures are not specifically shown in this story however, the classroom shows many children of different cultures and abilities. The author never specifically states that Henry has autism but he displays several of the characteristics throughout the story. This is shown through him misreading social situations when he paints his classmates shoes because she has painted nails. Also, he organizes the colored rug squares and another student takes one and ruins his organization which leads him to a meltdown. This story has an overall theme of friendship and that friends don’t have to like the exact same things to be friends. A perfect fit for any library collection.

Reviews

  "A simple, upbeat story that might inspire readers to seek out friendship." —School Library Journal

"As diagnosed children on the autistic spectrum increase, so does the need for informative and positive presentations such as this." —Booklist

"This is a picture book that gently and deftly captures what it's like for an autistic child to make friends in a new classroom. It's a book that listens to them." - Kirkus Reviews

"With sensitivity and thoughtfulness, Bailey explores Henry's literal-minded, analytical personality. her portrayal of what autism might feel like from the inside rings true." —Publishers Weekly

Connections

2020 Schneider Family Honor Book

Module 5 Asian Pacific Literature

 

Soontornvat, C. (2020). A Wish in the Dark. Candlewick. ISBN: 978-1536204940

Plot Summary

Pong and his best friend Somkit have only known life inside of Namwon prison. Their mothers were prisoners therefore they must stay in the prison until they are 13. One day Pong escapes the unfair prison that he lives in only to discover that life on the outside is not fair either. The Governor who has supposedly saved their city after the great fire by bringing back the light is not all he seems to be. Nok is a young girl whose father is the warden of Namwon prison. When Pong escapes it causes havoc in Nok’s life and she has vowed to seek revenge on Pong. As the story unfolds both Pong and Nok discover that things aren’t always as they seem, and they discover that there is a difference between law and justice.

Analysis

This story is set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world and inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. This story shows Thai culture through food, clothing, and religion. One example of Thai culture is Pong living with the Buddhist monks. He stays in the temple and develops a special bond with one of the monks, Father Cham. Father Cham teaches him many lessons and ultimately leads him to find his purpose. Culture is also shown through the food in the story such as the mango trees that the boys eat from in the prison as well as the fish market that hides the Mud House hideout. There are several themes running through this story which include: oppression and civil disobedience. The characters also discover the power of friendship and standing up for what is right.

Reviews

It’s a novel—a stand- alone, no less—that seems to have it all: a sympathetic hero, a colorful setting, humor, heart, philosophy, and an epic conflict that relates the complexity and humanity of social justice without heavy-handed storytelling. Soontornvat deftly blends it all together, salting the tale with a dash of magic that enhances the underlying emotions in this masterfully paced adventure. An important book that not only shines a light but also shows young readers how to shine their own. Luminous.

—Booklist (starred review)

Combining themes of coming-of-age, protest, and the power of freedom, this book will inspire young readers to stand up for their own beliefs as well as those of all people. This is a thought-provoking adventure that will cause readers to ask themselves whether being safe or having freedom is the better option, and if that needs to be a choice at all.

—School Library Connection

A thrilling fantasy, set in a fresh, original world, with a vital message at its heart. A Wish in the Dark is incandescent.

—Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor–winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale

Connections

2021 Newberry Honor Book

Other books by Christina Soontornvat include: The Last Mapmaker, The Changelings, and Snowplace Like Home. 

Say, A. (1999). Tea with Milk. Houghton Mifflin. ISBN: 978-0547237473

Plot Summary

May lives in San Francisco with her Japanese parents. They speak to her in Japanese and serve her plain green tea. When May is with her friends she speaks English and drinks her tea with milk and sugar. One day her parents decide that they miss their home and move their family back to Japan. Here May sticks out and is homesick for America. She tries to be a good Japanese woman but does not like living in Japan. Then she decides to move to the city and get a job like an independent American girl. While living in the city she meets a man named Joseph. Together May and Joseph learn that home is not a place, but the people you share it with.

Analysis

This story has beautiful illustrations done in muted tones with watercolor. Many of the illustrations are painted in a portrait style. The culture represented in this story is Japanese. This is shown through food, dress, customs, and language. One way the author shows the Japanese culture is through food, by comparing a traditional Japanese breakfast of rice and miso soup with the American breakfast of pancakes. Also the author mentions several times the comparison of plain green tea and tea with milk and sugar. Some of the Japanese customs that May has to learn when returning to Japan are flower arranging, calligraphy, and the tea ceremony. The culture is also shown through the clothing with May wearing a traditional kimono for her new job in the city. The theme of this story is that home can be anywhere. May and Joseph are from two different places, he is Chinese and she is American, but with the support of each other they can make a home in Japan. May learns that she does not have to fit into any mold, Japanese or American, in order to be happy.

Reviews

"Continuing to explore place and home, Say tells the story of his mother, first introduced to readers in TREE OF CRANES. Born in California to Japanese immigrants, Masako is miserable when she moves to Japan with her parents after high school. The illustrations capture Masako's unhappiness and also her eventual contentment as she learns to combine two cultures." Horn Book

In describing how his parents met, Say continues to explore the ways that differing cultures can harmonize; raised near San Francisco and known as May everywhere except at home, where she is Masako, the child who will grow up to be Say's mother becomes a misfit when her family moves back to Japan. Rebelling against attempts to force her into the mold of a traditional Japanese woman, she leaves for Osaka, finds work as a department store translator, and meets Joseph, a Chinese businessman who not only speaks English, but prefers tea with milk and sugar, and persuades her that ‘‘home isn't a place or a building that's ready-made or waiting for you, in America or anywhere else.'' Painted with characteristic control and restraint, Say's illustrations, largely portraits, begin with a sepia view of a sullen child in a kimono, gradually take on distinct, subdued color, and end with a formal shot of the smiling young couple in Western dress. A stately cousin to Ina R. Friedman's How My Parents Learned To Eat (1984), also illustrated by Say.

Kirkus Reviews —

Connections

Other books by Allen Say include: Grandfather’s Journey, Drawing from Memory, and Tree of Cranes. 

Young, E. (2011). The House Baba Built. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN:

978-0-316-07628-9

Plot Summary

Right after the stock market crash in the United States Eddy’s family moves back to Shanghai. Here Eddy’s father leases land to build a home to keep his family safe during WWII. Not only was Eddy’s family kept safe here but his extended family as well. Then a German couple and their daughter move in to escape the war and find refuge in their home.. The house that Baba built becomes a safe haven full of joy and imagination for Eddy and his siblings.

Analysis

This memoir is beautifully written and illustrated. The illustrations vary in style, some are mixed media with photographs mixed in with line drawings or chalk. Others are collaged with crinkly paper, reed paper and paint. Many of the pages have fold outs featuring large illustrations or maps of the house Baba built. The text follows the flow of the story sometimes running diagonally across the pages. The culture represented in this story is Chinese. Most of the characters are Chinese except for the German couple and their daughter who come to live in the house. This is shown through food, customs, and historical references. Eddy talks about the food that they eat including bamboo shoots and fava beans and also references not having any meat because of the war. One of the customs mentioned was Chinese New Year and how the boys had to help grind the rice for the festivities. Also included in the back of the book is an afterword with pictures of the house Baba built long ago and today. There is a timeline of the events surrounding the time they spent in this home and an Author’s note at the very end. The Author’s note includes a drawing of the floor plan of the house where so many cherished memories were made, the house that Baba built.

Reviews

    In this picture book memoir by the Caldecott Medalist, which opens in 1931 (the year he was born), the stock market has crashed, and China is in turmoil. Young’s father, Baba, persuades a landowner in Shanghai to let him construct a huge brick house on his land; Baba promises to return the house after 20 years, long enough to keep his family safe until WWII ends. Young’s creation, shaped with help from author Libby Koponen, is as complex and labyrinthine as Baba’s house, with foldout pages that open to reveal drawings, photos, maps, and memories. Tender portraits of his siblings, torn-paper collages showing tiny figures at play, and old photos of stylish adults intermingle, as if they’d been found forgotten in a drawer. Young’s fans will savor stories of his East-West childhood; he and his four siblings raise silkworms, watch Westerns, train fighting crickets, and dance the conga when the war finally ends 14 years later. “Life,” Baba writes to his children, “is not rich not real unless you partake life with your fellow man”; Young set the course of his life by his father’s words. It’s history at its most personal. All ages. (Oct.) Publisher’s Weekly

Connections

Other books by Ed Young include: Lon Po Po, Voices of the Heart, and Seven Blind Mice. 

Lin, G. (2006). The Year of the Dog. Little, Brown and Company. ISBN:978-0316060028

Plot Summary

Pacy is excited for Chinese New Year this year because it is the year of the dog. Her parents tell her that the year of the dog is a good time for friends, family, and “finding herself”. Therefore Pacy is determined to make this year the best it can be and to find out what she wants to do with her life. This is going to be her lucky year. Right away Pacy discovers that this isn’t going to be as easy as she thought. She does however make a new Chinese friend Melody who helps her on her journey. The journey starts out rough with losing the science fair and being told she can’t be Dorothy in the school play because “Dorothy isn’t Chinese” by one of her classmates. Then the year ends with Pacy winning a writing contest and discovering her love of writing. This story is a quick, fun read that is perfect for young readers.

Analysis

This story is a quick read with fun line drawings throughout which add great detail to the story. The characters in this story are mostly Chinese or Taiwanese with many cultural references made throughout. The culture is shown through the illustrations of Chinese dress and food items. There are also many references to food such as when Pacy talks about her favorite breakfast of rice porridge with fried egg and dried pork on top. There are also many references to Chinese/Taiwanese holidays and customs such as Chinese New Year, Red Egg party to welcome her baby cousin, and her grandmother painting on her neck to get rid of her pain. The main character also discusses the different holidays that her family celebrates with a Chinese twist such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. The author also brings up the difficulty of being both Chinese and American, and how she felt too American for her Chinese friends and too Chinese for her American friends. This story is perfect for all children who can relate to fitting in and trying to find your purpose. Included in the back of the book is an Author’s note which discusses how the author developed the idea for the book and a little about her background. This book is perfect for any library, a great read.

Reviews

* "Lin does a remarkable job capturing the soul and spirit of books like those of Hayward or Maud Hart Lovelace, reimagining them through the lens of her own story, and transforming their special qualities into something new for today's young readers."―Booklist, starred review

"This comfortable first-person story will be a treat for Asian-American girls looking to see themselves in their reading, but also for any reader who enjoys stories of friendship and family life."―Kirkus

"Lin creates an endearing protagonist, realistically dealing with universal emotions and situations. Girls everywhere, but especially those in the Asian-American community, will find much to embrace here."―Publishers Weekly

Connections

Other books by Grace Lin include: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, When the Sea Turned to Silver, and A Big Mooncake for Little Star.

Module 4 Indiginous and Native American Literature

 

Bruchac, J. (2021). Rez Dogs. Dial Books. ISBN:978-0593326213

Plot Summary

Malian is visiting her grandparents on the reservation when COVID-19 hits. This turns her weekend visit into a much longer stay. Her parents are in Boston and must stay there until it is safe to travel. While staying with her grandparents Malian gets to know more about their past and the hardships of her people. She learns of the residential schools and forced relocation of so many of her people and decides to turn this new knowledge into a presentation for school. Malian also finds a new friend in the stray dog that wanders onto their property at the beginning of the shut down. She learns that the dog is here to teach and protect her.

Analysis

This story is written in verse and has old stories woven into the new one of Malian and COVID-19. This story also sheds light on the atrocities that happened and continue to happen on reservations across the country. The differences of how COVID-19 was handled on and off the reservation are discussed by the author. The reader also can connect to the COVID-19 lockdown and the experience that we all shared during that time. The characters in this novel are all Native American. There are cultural references in the Wabanaki language that is used as well as the community of the reservation. Stories of the past from the grandparents also give readers a view of their native culture. Malian learns about her grandparents and their culture through the stories they tell her. The native culture is also shown through the rez dog and how the grandparents relate and react to him. The theme of community is present in this story and how the Wabanaki people care for each other. Readers will relate to this difficult time and also develop empathy for the mistreatment of the native people long ago and today.

Reviews

“Hidden throughout this moving novel in verse, old stories are discovered like buried treasures.”—Kirkus, starred review

"Deftly handles weighty issues and provides readers a story they can connect with . . . [A] dose of hope for the future."—School Library Journal, starred review

“Story telling is an important part of culture, and Bruchac is a masterful storyteller who weaves culture with narrative."—School Library Connection, starred review

Connections

Other books by Joseph Bruchac include: Code Talker: A Novel about the Navajo Marines of World War II, Jim Thorpe: Original All American, and Killer of Enemies. 

Maillard, K. N. (2019). Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story. Roaring Brook 

Press. ISBN: 978-1-626727465.

Plot Summary

This beautifully written poem shares the history behind fry bread. The author shares the steps to make fry bread and the cultural significance it has on the Native American community.

Analysis

This story is told in verse and gives the steps of how to make fry bread along with the history and culture of fry bread. The illustrations are beautifully done and depict a modern Native American family working together to make the food they love. Included in the illustrations are examples of Native American culture such as the mixing bowl, tattoos, pottery, woven baskets, and clothing. In the back of the book the author also includes the recipe for fry bread along with an author’s note. In the author’s note each stanza is explained in more detail and historical facts are included. The author also explains items in the pictures and their cultural significance. The end pages of the book include all of the names of the indiginous tribes of North America. There are many cultural references throughout this book. The author explains that modern Native American people can have many different appearances which is what is shown in the illustrations. Native Americans are not all dark skin, long dark hair, and high cheekbones.

Reviews

“With buoyant, heartfelt illustrations that show the diversity in Native America, the book tells the story of a post-colonial food, a shared tradition across the North American continent . . . Through this topic that includes the diversity of so many Native peoples in a single story, Maillard (Mekusukey Seminole) promotes unity and familiarity among nations. Fry bread is much more than food, as this book amply demonstrates.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Fry Bread celebrates the thing itself and much, much more . . . Maillard and Martinez-Neal bring depth, detail, and whimsy to this Native American food story, with text and illustrations depicting the diversity of indigenous peoples, the role of continuity between generations, and the adaptation over time of people, place, and tradition.” ―Booklist, starred review

“This warm and charming book shows and affirms Native lives. The informational text and expressive drawings give it broad appeal.” ―School Library Journal, starred review

Connections

The Robert Sibert Medal Winner

American Indian Youth Literature Honor

Other books by Kevin Noble Maillard include: Loving v. Virginia in a Post Racial World: Rethinking Race, Sex, and Marriage. 

Tingle, T. (2006). Crossing Bok Chitto: A Choctaw Tale of Friendship and Freedom.

Cinco Puntos Press. ISBN: 978-1933693200

Plot Summary

This story tells about an unlikely friendship between an African American slave and a Choctaw Native American. In the story the river Bok Chitto separates the Native American lands from the plantations and slave owners land. If the slaves are able to cross the river then they are free. One day a native girl Martha Tom crosses the river and discovers an African American church service in the woods. There she befriends a young boy named Little Mo and his family. Then the mother of Little Mo discovers that she is going to be sold. Little Mo and his family rely on Martha Tom and her family to get them across the river to safety.   

Analysis

This beautifully written story tells of two cultures coming together to help one another. The stories of Native Americans helping runaway slaves is not commonly known and this author shares one of these stories with the reader. There are two cultures represented in this story, African American and Native American. The two cultures are shown by the way the characters dress and the language they use. The Choctaw wedding ceremony is described in this story and the style of dress for this ceremony is explained. There are also bits of Choctaw language sprinkled throughout the book. African American culture is shown through their church ceremony in the woods and the messages of faith throughout the story. The illustrations are dark and solemn and show the characters looking right at readers. At the end of the story is an author’s note with historical facts about the Choctaw nation as well as a note about Native storytelling. There are also two photographs, one of the current Choctaw nation and one of an 1908 wedding ceremony. The theme of friendship and kindness weaves throughout the story.

Reviews

"A moving and wholly original story about the intersection of cultures…Bridges creates mural-like paintings with a rock-solid spirituality and stripped-down graphic sensibility, the ideal match for the down-to-earth cadences and poetic drama of the text." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A very moving story about friends helping each other and reveals a lesser-known part of American History: Native Americans helped runaway slaves...While, this is a picture book; it would make a wonderful read-aloud for middle elementary students." —Children's Literature

"Crossing Bok Chitto… tells a tale with a happier ending, but its journey is no less a departure from the narrative of American uplift. In literature for children, this is a lesson as old as the Grimms. But these realities cut deeper than any fantasy." —The New York Times

Connections

2008-2009 Texas Bluebonnet Master Award List

Jane Addams Peace Award Honor Book

Other books by Tim Tingle include: How I Became a Ghost, Trust Your Name, and House of Purple Cedar.  

Gansworth, E. (2020). Apple Skin to the Core. Levine Querido. ISBN: 9781646140138

Plot Summary

This autobiography tells about the life of the author Eric Gansworth. He starts off by telling about his grandparents and their experiences with the government boarding schools and how that shaped them as young people. He then tells how his grandparents' experiences have shaped his parents and his own life. The word apple is a slur in the native community meaning red on the outside and white on the inside. This slur gave the author inspiration for this book. Gansworth also talks about how difficult it was to be an Onondaga among Tuscaroras. Gansworth grew up very poor on the reservation in a house with no running water or central heat. Through this hardship he pulls himself out of the despair of the reservation and to the world he desires.

Analysis

This story is written in verse and includes many pieces of artwork from the author himself. Also included are photographs of the author’s family, himself, and the house he grew up in on the reservation. At the end of the book the author includes notes about his stories, culture, and the artwork that was included in the novel. The characters in the story are mostly native. There are many cultural references throughout the story. The author tells of cultural events like the naming ceremony and the wedding ceremony. The author also talks about cultural foods such as fry bread and Indian cornbread and how they are made. The topic of the government boarding schools is also discussed and how they tried to take the native out of them. They also discussed the harmful effects these schools had on the people who attended them as well as the native community itself. This book is a gritty and real look at life growing up on a reservation. The author is honest and inspiring and this novel is a welcome addition to any library.

Reviews

 "With language rich in metaphor, this is a timely and important work that begs for multiple readings." - BOOKLIST (starred review)

"A searing yet dryly funny, at times intimate and at times highly literary picture of life hemmed in by majoritarian expectations and gutted by exploitation that made staying in the family home intolerable but leaving it unthinkable." - BCCB

  "Exceptional..A stirring depiction of Indigenous life likely to evoke empathy from and resonate with all who venture into Gansworth's world." - SHELF-AWARENESS (starred review)

Connections

Winner of the American Indian Youth Literature Award

Printz Honor Winner

National Book Award Longlist

Other books by Eric Gansworth include: If I Ever Get Out of Here, Give Me Some Truth, and Indian Summers.

Module 3 Hispanic/Latinx Literature

 

McCall, G.G. (2011). Under the Mesquite. Lee and Low Books. ISBN: 978-1600604294.

Plot Summary

Lupita is the oldest of 8 siblings living in a border town on the United States side. Her family often goes back to the small town in Mexico where she was born to visit family. Lupita is a quiet girl who loves writing and acting. Her life is pretty normal until her mother, the rock of the family, is diagnosed with cancer. Now while her father takes care of her mother Lupita is forced to take on new roles in her family. She is taking care of her siblings and taking care of household chores all while juggling school and her own life. Lupita uses her writing to deal with the fear of losing her mother to cancer and the chaos of her life.

Analysis

This story is inspired by the author's own story and written in verse. This story is a coming of age book that shows the love that family has for one another. Lupita is strong and committed to her family and takes on adult roles to help her father cope with her mother’s illness.. This story has many references to culture through language, family structure, location, and clothing. Sprinkled throughout many of the poems are Spanish words, which adds an authenticity to the poems. There is also a section at the back of the book that has names, Spanish words, and cultural references for the reader to refer to while reading the story. The author also talks about many towns in Mexico that the family travels to. The characters discuss going back and forth across the border and the cultural differences between the United States and Mexico. Lupita also discusses what it means to be a woman in Mexico, floral dresses, heels, makeup, and how she prefers to be more American in jeans and sneakers. This novel in verse gives the readers a peek into the life of a family who love and support each other as well as their struggles with being immigrants.

Reviews

A promising, deeply felt debut. --Kirkus Reviews

This stunning debut novel in verse chronicles the teenage years of Lupita, a character drawn largely from the author's own childhood...The simplicity of the story line belies the deep richness of McCall's writing. Lupita, a budding actress and poet, describes the new English words she learned as a child to be like lemon drops, tart and sweet at the same time and ears of corn as sweating butter and painted with chili-powdered lime juice. Each phrase captures the essence of a moment or the depth of her pain. The power of Lupita's story lies also in the authenticity of her struggles both large and small, from dealing with her mother's illness to arguments with friends about acculturation. This book will appeal to many teens for different reasons, whether they have dealt with the loss of a loved one, aspire to write and act, are growing up Mexican American, or seeking their own identity amid a large family. Bravo to McCall for a beautiful first effort. --School Library Journal

Connections

Pura Belpre Award Winner

Other books by Guadalupe Garcia McCall include: The Keeper, All the Stars Denied, and Summer of the Mariposas. 

Morales, Y. (2014) Frida. Roaring Brook Press. ISBN: 978-1596436039

Plot Summary

This picture book tells of the wonderful qualities of Frida Kahlo. She talks about her emotions and how that leads her to be alive and live life fully.

Analysis

This beautiful picture book is written in both English and Spanish. Some pictures are stop motion photographs of a doll to represent Frida and the things around her that she loves, others appear to be illustrations. Each two page spread has one or two verbs on it to describe where Frida finds her inspiration. The English words are bold and the Spanish translation is lighter behind the English. This book shows diversity through the images as well as the language. The character of Frida is dressed in traditional Mexican clothing to show her culture. Also included in this book is a note from the author in the back telling more about Frida herself. This note is written in both English and Spanish.

Reviews

“In this exploration of the imagery of artist Frida Kahlo, brief two- or three-word sentences provide dreamlike narration, and mixed-media images follow Frida as she discovers and opens a bright yellow wooden chest, releasing a fantasy in which playfulness leads to a knowledge, love, creativity, and ultimately, to her embrace of life.” ―BCCB

“*There have been several books for young readers about Frida Kahlo, but none has come close to the emotional aesthetic Morales brings to her subjects . . . an ingenious tour de force.” ―The Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW

“*Kahlo's unusual life story, background, and art have made her a frequent topic of biographies. Morales's perception of her creative process results in a fresh, winning take on an artist who has rarely been understood . . . Morales's art and O'Meara's photographs take this book to another level.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Connections

A 2015 Caldecott Honor Book

A 2015 Pura Belpré (Illustrator) Award

Other books by Yuyi Morales include: Dreamers, Bright Star, and Little Night/ Nochecita.

Mora, P. (2007). Yum! MmMm! Que rico! Lee and Low Books. ISBN: 978-1584302711

Lopez, Rafael. 2007. Yum! MmMm! Que rico! By Pat Mora, Lee and Low Books. 

Plot Summary

This collection of haiku poems tells about foods native to the Americas. These poems capture the look and taste of each of the foods they are describing.

Analysis

This collection of poems is written in haiku. On each two page spread is a poem as well as a portion of text giving readers facts about each food. This includes the food's origin and other fun facts. Diversity is found throughout this collection with language and illustrations. Spanish words are included in several of the poems. Also, many of the food originated in South America so that is depicted in the clothes the people wear in the illustrations. The people in the pictures are of all different skin tones and the families are diverse. The beautiful illustrations are acrylic on wood panels and brightly colored to add fun to the poems. This bright and fun collection of poems is perfect for any library collection.

Reviews

  "This inventive stew of food haiku celebrates the indigenous foods of the Americas." --Booklist

"Mora's descriptive poetry features wonderful word choices and gets it right to the essence of each food...Perfect for sharing as part of the curriculum or just for fun." --Book Links

"Teachers will find this a welcome addition to their social-studies units, but it should also win a broad general audience for its inventive, fun-filled approach to an ever-popular topic: food." --School Library Journal

"In this cross-curricular treat, imaginative...acrylic illustrations...are paired with playful haikus and a paragraph of information to introduce 14 foods indigenous to the Americas..." --SLJ Curriculum Connections

Connections

Other books by Pat Mora include: Tomas and the Library Lady, Chants, and The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe.   

Sanchez, E. (2017). I am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN:

978-1-5247-0048-5.

Plot Summary

Julia is not a perfect Mexican daughter, She wants to go away to college and move away from her family. The perfect daughter is her sister Olga, that is until she dies. Julia’s family is devastated by grief and Julia is left to fend for herself even though she too is struggling. In the midst of her grief Julia discovers that Olga may not have been so perfect all along. With the help of her best friend and her first boyfriend Julia sets out to discover the truth.

Analysis

This book is a coming of age story about a young Mexican girl with immigrant parents who are undocumented. The character of Julia is rough and gritty but painfully honest about how she feels about her so-called “crappy” life. Julia is also dealing with severe depression and anxiety which is exacerbated by her sister's death. This leads Julia to self harm. There are many references to the characters' culture in this novel. Julia’s mother often speaks Spanish to her so many of the phrases in the book are in Spanish with Julia explaining what they mean. The author also talks about a quinceanera, which is a Mexican tradition for when a girl becomes a woman at age 15. The author also tells about Julia going to visit family in Mexico and the culture of the small town her grandparents live in. They discuss the importance of extended family and the hardship of not being able to visit across the border due to money and visas. The author does a great job telling about the hardships of being a poor immigrant in the United States. The author also shows you how hard work can pay off by having Julia’s character ultimately get what she wants through hard work and perseverance. Overall this book is a gritty but honest story of the realities of being poor and an immigrant. Everyone should read this book.

Reviews

  “This book will change everything. . . . A perfect book about imperfection.” —Juan Felipe Herrera, Poet Laureate of the United States

 

“A wonderfully complex and interesting character.” —Los Angeles Review of Books

 

“Blistering. Julia’s persona rockets off the page and into your face from the get-go.” —Christian Science Monitor

 

“If you ever wanted to [understand] the harsh truths of immigrant life, this is the book you need to read.” —Bustle

Connections

National Book Award Finalist!

Instant New York Times Bestseller!

Other books by Erika L. Sanchez include: Crying in the Bathroom: A Memoir and Lessons on Expulsion: Poems.