The Giving King*
by Brian Marchant
Illustrated by Green Bay first grader, Nou Vang
ISBN:978-1-885-29808-9
This is the story of a greedy king that falls ill, and he can find no one to help him. He even promised ten thousand gold coins to the person that could heal him. Still no one cared. That is until a wise old man came to him and gave him life-changing advice. To motivate the king to take his advice, the wise old man promised to give one gold coin back from the ten thousand owed for each good deed the king did. Find out which deeds were done and witness the transformation from the greedy king to The Giving King.
This book is written in English, Spanish, and Hmong. The illustrator came to America in 2004 from Tha Kra Bok, a refugee camp in Thailand.
For You are a Kenyan Child*
by Kelly Cunnane
Illustrated by Ana Juan
ISBN: 978-0-689-86194-9
Learn a little Swahili in this charming tale of a curious young Kenyan boy with one job to do: watch Grandfather's cows in the pasture. As a curious and social young boy, he quickly becomes distracted with a myriad of things...monkeys, the village chief, Grandmother's milky treat, and more! The cows scatter without the watchful eye. Soon, the boy crosses his grandfather along a path. Just when the reader things the boy will forever be in trouble...oh, you'll have to read it to find out!
Enjoy these additional Multicultural Literature Links!
Why two book trailers on this page? Well, this book is fantastic...um...if you can find it. Today, this treasure have limited availability, but you may find it in your local library. It's a newer book (published in 2009) called The Naming Ceremony. It's written by Bernae Okegbenro, and it's illustrated by Ronny Myles. (ISBN: 978-0-979-40251-7)
Four Feet, Two Sandals*
by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammad
Illustrated by Doug Chayka
ISBN: 978-0-802085296-0
This story
depicts life as a refugee in Peshawar, a city on the border of Pakistan and
Afghanistan. The two main
characters, ten year-old Lina and Feroza, each retrieve a sandal from a relief
worker truck. Soon, they meet one
another and decide it would be better to share the pair of sandals by each of
them wearing the pair of shoes every-other day.
Soon, Lina is notified that she and her family can immigrate to America. At first, the girls decide to let Lina keep the sandals, but then her grandmother sends her a traditional pair of leather shoes. At that time, Feroza gets the sandals. Feroza, right before the bus leaves with Lina aboard, decides that they each should keep one of the sandals, and they can reunite when it’s Feroza’s turn to go to America.
The Yankee at the Seder*
by Elka Weber
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Situated in Virginia immediately following the Civil War, ten-year-old Confederate Jacob Josephson lives the words of the table prayer at the Seder meal: All who are hungry, let them come and eat; all who are in need let them join us for the Passover meal. The unexpected guest, however, was a passing corporal from the Union Army.
The reader follows the conversation that parallels the plight of the Civil War to the Jewish people being slaves in ancient Egypt. The passing Jewish corporal appeased the young Confederate rebel by offering him his Union hat. He said, "You can tell all of your friends that you got a Yankee's head." The next morning, the corporal headed back to his unit.
The citizens of the south endured harsh economic times following the Civil War. A year after the chance meeting of Jacob and the corporal, the family receives a thank-you letter and a silver inscribed goblet, matzoh, and a bottle of wine.
At the end of the fictional story, there is "The Real Story." Here, readers learn about the author's research and the events that this book reflects.
Stitches and Pullin'
by Patricia McKissack
Illustrated by Cozbi Cabrera
ISBN: 978-0-375-83163-8
This book focus's on the community Gee's Bend, AL. This community is famous for their intricate and artistic cultural art form: quilt making. Written in free verse, the author shares the story of the love, care, and dedication put forth to create these works of art that are displayed in museums around the world. The Author's Note provides insight about the community and the struggles of their African American citizens.
There are numerous reasons to read and share multicultural literature. The most important, in my eyes, is that fact that we are now...after years of being told this would happen... truly a global society. We are more than citizens sharing the same planet; we are now partners with similar goals. To be able to work together, it is imperative to understand one another's culture. Do I wish everyone would also appreciate the various cultures? Sure, but I'm a realist. I do think we can all respect diverse cultures, though.
Challenge yourself, and I will do the same. Find books that showcase traditions, religious beliefs, and family ties. Thrive to understand perspectives. We'll reap the rewards in our partnerships across the globe.
Becoming Naomi Leon*
by Pam Munoz Ryan
ISBN: 978-0-439-26969-8
This coming of age story showcases an introverted Mexican American, Naomi. She and her brother Owen live happily with their grandmother...until her unscrupulous mother comes to try to remove Naomi from the home. The mother wants Naomi (and not her brother who has physical disfigurements) to gain more welfare money. With the help of friends, the grandmother heads to Mexico to find the father of Naomi.
This book seamlessly juxtaposes American and Mexican culture. The reader experiences Latino traditions through the eyes of the protagonist. Religious beliefs were shared, and the reader learns about the Lady of Solitude, mother of Jesus, known as Nuestra Senora de la Soledad. Mexican holiday traditions such as the Las Posadas at Christmas and the reason for throwing of the terra cotta bowls at New Years were described. Various Latino foods are described, and bunuelos would probably be my favorite with its cozy cinnamon and syrup flavors. A pivotal setting of the novel took place at the La Noche de los Rabanos festival.
Hot, Sour, Salty, Sweet*
by Sherri L. Smith
ISBN: 978-0-385-73417-2
The enduring main character, Ana, is a high-achieving eighth-grade valedictorian with a Chinese American father and African American mother. On the day of her 8th grade graduation ceremony, (which has been a Murphy's Law day), her best friend invites the cutest boy in school over (Jamie) to Ana's house for a meal. It's already a stressful day, and to add to the antics, her grandmothers (and their cultural dichotomy) constantly vi for Ana's affection. Together, the family creates a wonderful meal that is as diverse in flavor as their heritage. There are two touching speeches interwoven into the dinner conversation that reflect the histories of each side of the family. And...the girl does get the boy!
One of my all time favorite books... and ironically enough, it has been stolen from my private collection. Enjoy this book trailer for The Book Thief by Markus Susak.