Multicultural Book List Compiled and Reviewed by Members of the Educating Linguistically Diverse Students Class Fall 2005, University of New Mexico

Picture Book

Chapter Book

Aardema, V. (1975). Why mosquitoes buzz in people’s ears. New York:

Scholastic Inc.

The first picture book I read was, "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears," by Verna Aardema. In this book it tells how miscommunication can affect everyone around you. The Mosquito lies to the iguana, who scares the python, who frightens the rabbit, who alarms the crow, who startles the monkey, who kills mother owls owlet, who won't wake up the sun because of her sadness. At the end of the story it says that mosquitoes buzz in people's ears to ask if they are still mad about the baby owls death...the response they get is a big KPAO! This story is a folk tale from West Africa. It has very beautiful illustrations.

Abeyá, E. Hansel & Gretel

"Little mouse, little mouse; Who is nibbling my house?" In addition, with these words, Hansel and Gretel were invited into the gingerbread house of the wicked witch. Find out about their adventures in this newly illustrated bilingual version of a true classic.

Adler, D. A. A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman

This book is a picture book biography. The pictures are amazing and tell the story so much more vividly and emotionally. The author does a great job in telling the story with limited words. You could do an entire thematic unit with this tiny book.

Alarcon, F, X. Poems to Dream Together

A bilingual collection of poetry by an acclaimed Chicano poet Francisco Alarcon celebrating family, community, nature and the positive power of dreams to shape our future.

Anaya, R. Bless Me, Ultima

This is a story based on a Hispanic folktale. It is also written by a New Mexican. It is also a more difficult book to read, so would probably be appropriate for high school through adult.

Anaya, R. (1997). Maya’s children the story of la llorona. New York:Hyperion Books

This story takes place in ancient Mexico, the beautiful and magical grandchildren of the sun god are endangered by the threat of Senior Tiempo (or Father Time), who was jealous of their immortality plots to destroy them. Maya creates children for herself out of clay pots and eventually Senior Tiempo tricks her and steals her children.

Andrew, D. Summer Girl

A young white girl moves to the south and experiences the horrible treatment towards the Blacks community. She tries to make changes to the injustices commented towards Blacks. In the end she becomes a strong activist for civil rights.

Armstrong, W. Sounder

I have always heard of this book, but I never had the chance to read it. I finally read it and really enjoyed it. It was about a black family, when blacks were still segregated and treated badly. It showed how one family struggled daily and tried to make the best of it. The best part of the book is that it is told from the child’s point of view, which I believe would help students relate to what this child is going through.

Armstrong, W. H. Sounder

This is the story of a poor black family barely making it. The father hunts every evening with the family dog, Sounder. One evening he leaves without the dog and returns late with ham. This is exciting until the local authorities come and take him to jail for stealing it. They shoot the dog in the process. The boy then spends large amounts of time looking for his dad, and the dog survives, although badly injured. In his travels the boy meets a teacher who takes him in and educates him.

This is a very touching story and really shows the differences in the way people were treated for their color and how differently they lived.

Banyai, Istvan. Zoom.

Take a closer look into others and surroundings.

Beaumont, K. (2004). I like myself. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Told with Dr. Seuss like poetics, this book celebrates the glory of being oneself, warts, wrinkles, and all.

“Even when I look a mess,

I still don’t like me any less,

‘cause nothing in this world, you know,

can change what’s deep inside, and so...

No matter if they stop and stare,

no person

ever

anywhere

can make me feel that what they see

is all there really is to me.”

Berenstein, S. and Berenstein L. The Berenstein Bears and the Nerdy Nephew

Brother, Sister, and Cousin Fred are helping Ferdy, a new cub, around school. But, when Ferdy turns out to be not so nice it proves to be a hard job for the cubs to complete. "Nerdy Ferdy" learns how to fit in, and the cubs learn he's not so bad after all.

Bird, E. J. & Hoyt-Goldsmith, D. Arctic Hunter Lawrence Migdale (Illustrator).

A young boy describes his life in Alaska,

a life where ancient traditions and modern challenges meet.

Blue, M. Little Prankster Girl

This book was written in both Navajo and English. It was about a young Native American girl that wanted to learn how to weave, but her mother and grandmother both had to agree when that time would be that they would teach her how to weave. The mother thought she was not ready yet, so they sent her to herd sheep with her baby sister. She made her sister laugh while she taught herself how to weave small blankets. When she returned home her grandmother found her blankets and showed her mother. They were so excited that her sister laughed and she made beautiful small blankets that she agreed she would teach her more on how to weave.

Blume, J. Blubber

This story is about a girl named Linda who gets teased by her peers. One day, the teasing takes a turn when another girl in the classroom gets to see what it is like to be made fun of.

Boda, F. The Princess and the Pea

How to find a TRUE Princess? Only a TRUE Princess would be delicate enough to feel a pea hidden underneath 20 mattresses...and so the Prince and his Princess were married, living happily ever after. Retold in Spanish & English, this classic fairy tale will delight young readers who will delight

in the wonderful illustrations and easy-to read story lines.

Boda, F. Cinderella

Lively art illustrations accompany the favorite tale of Cinderella. Retold in both Spanish & English, this universally familiar story is a springboard for inspiring early readers and older learners alike to relive the wonderful tale of the young girl who, although mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters, finds happiness in the arms of her prince with the help of her fairy godmother.

Bowie, C.W. Busy Toes.

Illustrations and text illustrate diversity.

Brown, Margaret Wise. "The Important Book."

Celebrates uniqueness.

Bruchac, J. Eagle Song

I loved this story about a 4th grade boy who has to move from the Mohawk reservation to Brooklyn because of his father’s work. The main character, Danny, is so well written and he really evokes a sense of sympathy for the “new kid” who doesn’t fit in. He reminds us of how painful it is to be made fun of/picked on AND how it hurts to be ignored (those students who don’t make fun of him or call him “Chief” just don’t talk to him at all). To resolve a conflict between Danny and some bullies, his father visits the class and tells an Iroquois legend of peace in which the terrible enemy ends up being a great leader. The father tells his son and the rest of the class how his people believe there is good in everyone and our enemies have the potential for greatness just as much as our friends do. This book reminds us that sometimes it is difficult and it takes courage to accept others, but we gain more by doing so than by fighting and trying to destroy our enemy (or those different from ourselves).

I think all of these stories remind us that above all we are human and each one of us has strengths and talents as well as struggles and weaknesses. No matter how we are different, we are all still People, with unique stories that deserve to be shared and appreciated. If we learn to treasure our differences rather than despise them, our lives can be richer and fuller and we can share a tolerant and peaceful world.

Byard, C. Three African Tales

This is a story of three African tales combined to create a story of adventure for a young African boy. In the end he is no longer a boy but a man.

Cameron, A. Colibri

This book is about a young Mayan girl is kidnapped by a horrible man who forced her to lie and beg for money. She suffers through abuse and often dreams of returning to her parents.

Carle, Eric. A House for Hermit Crab.

Celebrates optimism, growth and family.

Carlsson, J. Camel Bells

This book is about a twelve year old boy finds himself the head of the household after his father passes away. He moves to Kabul to earn money but Soviet troops invade Kabul and overthrow the government. Rebels called the Mujahedeen begin to fight back as the boy has a difficult decision to make.

Carvell, M. Who Will Tell My Brother?

This book is about a teenager who is on a mission to remove offensive mascots from his high school, but in the process learns more about his heritage, ancestors, and culture.

Clements, A. The Report Card

A girl-genius in the fifth grade has refused to reveal her real identity her whole life, in fear of being different. Finally, fed up with the unneeded stress of grades and testing Nora makes a plan to change the grading system forever...or maybe just learn to accept herself.

Climo, S. (1993). The korean cinderella. Mexico: HarperCollins Publisher

The book was a variation of the classical Cinderella story. Her mother died and her father married another woman who had two daughters of her own. The daughters and the step-mother hated her and made her do all the hard labor but she always had help from a creature from nature¼In the end she marries the prince and lives happily ever after.

Cohlene, T. Ka-ha-si and the loon. Vero Beach, Florida: The Rourke Corporation

This book retells the story of the legend of Ka-ha-si who acquires great strength and boldness and uses them to rescue his people in times of peril. The people think that he is lazy because he likes to sleep all the time, but when none of the hunters can find food Ka-ha-si comes to the rescue.

Conlon-McKenna, M. Wildflower Girl

Peggy O'Driscoll, a thirteen-year old girl, leaves her home in Ireland during the Great Famine, to make a better life for herself in America. Despite the fact that she is scared and misses her family, she displays great courage and strength.

Combs, B. ABC: A Family Alphabet Book,Desiree Keane (Illustrator),

Brian Rappa (Illustrator). This book teaches the alphabet to young children while exposing them to different and diverse kinds of families and people.

Curtis, C. P. (1936). Bud, not Buddy. New York: Delacorte Press.

This is a running away to home story. Set in the 1930's, Bud’s journey from the Hooverville of Flint, Michigan, to big lights of Grand Rapids is set in the context of the Jazz Era black community. Determined to find the father his dead mother never quite got around to telling him about, he find instead one ornery Grampa and is adopted by his band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression.

Dahl, Roald. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Looks at differences among children.

Dávila-Martinez, D. A School Named for Someone Like Me

Have you ever wondered how schools get their names? This is the story of how the Jaime Dávila Elementary School received its name. This inspiring biographic tale weaves Jaime's accomplishments with anecdotes that demonstrate rich family traditions and his desire to help the Hispanic community.

Derby, S. Mi Escalera

An African American girl shares the private world of playtime on her front steps of her house over each of the 4 seasons.

Dorris, M. Sees Behind Trees

Set in the colonial past, this coming-of-age story is about a young Powhatan Indian boy with a visual disability who dreads the warrior's test, a rite of passage for boys his age to enter manhood, but ends up passing the test with flying colors by using his acute senses of hearing and smell.

Falwell, C. David's Drawings

This books tells of a young African American boy who makes friends in school by letting his classmates help with his drawing of a bare winter tree.

Fellows, N. A Lei for Tutu Rebecca, Linda Finch (Illustrator)

A young Hawaiian girl who loves making lei with her grandmother must make a very special one for Lei Day when her grandmother becomes ill.

Figueredo, D. H. The Road to Santiago

During the Cuban revolution of the 1950's a boy and his family overcome obstacles to reach Santiago and celebrate Christmas with relatives.

Filipovi_, Z. (1994). Zlata’s diary: A child’s life in Sarajevo.. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Set between September 1991 and October 1993, Zlata Filipovi_’s diary records the crumbling peace of Bosnia-Herzegovinia and the seige of Sarajevo. Beginning with the bright new school year of 1991, Zlata paints a warm portrait of family and friends, culture and laughter that is all too soon overwhelmed by the grim reality of twentieth century war. Her diary is a universal account of the horrors of war on par with Anne Frank’s diary but more immediate to our time.

Fox, Mem. Tough Boris.

Shows difference between outer and inner self.

Frost, H. El agua como liquido/ Water as a Liquid

This is a book on water topics. It is for reading level for Grades K-1 and interest level Grades for PreK-2. This is one book in a series of books on water topics. These selections explore basic science concepts related to water in a way young readers can understand. Simple text in Spanish and

English with colorful photographs shows water in its various forms and demonstrates how people, plants, and animals depend on water for survival. El agua como gas/Water as a Gas, El agua como líquido/Water as a Liquid, El agua como sólido - Water as a Solid, & El agua como del agua - The Water Cycle

Garay, L. The Long Road

This book is a wonderful book, that shows the journey and struggle that one Mexican family goes through. Starting at the desperate flee from the village and separation from the family all the way through their journey to America and school. It a very real journey and struggle and is very heartwarming.

Geras, A. Golden Windows and Other Stories of Jerusalem

This was a collection of five short stories about a single family (different generations) that lived in Jerusalem. The way that the book is written it easy enough for students to understand, but it also throws in some vocabulary and terms that are from that time and location.

Geras, A. My Grandmother's Stories

This is a collection of stories told by the author’s Jewish grandmother. The stories range from old traditional tales to family tales. All of the stories are told in regards of teaching and explaining the Jewish traditions. This is also a great find.

Giff, P.R. (1995). Say hola, sarah. Milwaukee: Gareth Stevens Publishing.

Sarah is too embarrassed to speak Spanish in front of her friends at the Columbus Day party until Anna’s cousin from Columbia explains her own secret fear. After that Sarah was no longer scared to speak Spanish and had fun talking to Anna in Spanish. This book also contains a few Spanish phrases at the beginning to help the reader understand the story.

Goble, P. (1990). Dream wolf. New York: Bradbury Press.

Tiblo and Tanksi wander too far from the berry pickers and are lost, then Tiblo dreams of a wolf spirit that leads them gently home. Set in the time when all animals were brothers and sisters, this tale tells the origin of the special tie between the Plains People and the Wolf People.

Godden, R. Premlata and the Festival of Lights

Premlate young India girl. Her community celebrate the Festival of Lights by decorating there house with lights. But she had to sell there light to by rice to eat. In the end she finds ways to provide for her family and has one of the brightest light on her home during the Festival of Lights.

Golden, A. Memoirs of a Geisha

Culture Depicted--Japanese

This is a tasteful work about a girl from a fishing village in the 1930's. When her family comes upon hard times, she and her sister are sold. Sayuri's brutal but pampered life as a Geisha is heaven compared to her sister's, who has been sold to a brothel. This story follows Sayuri through decades of her life, loves, triumphs and pain. It is an eye-opening look at the realities women faced in other parts of the world. Though it is very slow-moving, it is a great book giving insight into the Eastern way of thinking.

Gorman, C. Dork in Disguise

Jerry Flack, a 6th grader, has been a dork all of his life. When his family moves to a new town Jerry sees it as an opportunity to completely revamp his image. Along the way Jerry learns that it's cool to accept and be proud of who you really are.

Gorsline, D. North American Indians

This book gave a brief overview of many of the different tribes across North American, and had a great illustration for each tribe. It also has a map in it showing where the different tribes were settled.

Gray, N. A Country Far Away, Philippe Dupasquier (Illustrator)

This book portrays the similarities in the life experiences of a boy in a rural African village and one in a Western country.

Green, T. Twilight Boy

A young girl, the daughter of a trader, live at a Trading Post on the Reservation. She becomes horrified after some strange encounters which the locals called Skinwalkers. She then looks for help from a young man called Twilight Boy who has the powers to relieve her from her horrors.

Grifalconi, A. The Village that Vanished

This book is very sweet about a village that is trying to escape being caught by the slave traders. It shows the faith that they have and the cunning it takes to survive things that are so hard.

Harrison, B. Theo

This was a really inteserting book that was based around the World War II, and the life of a young boy in Greece during this time. It is a completely different look at how we have all learned about it over the years. It's a great book to help the students expand on their knowledge of what Hitler and the Germans were doing in different countries around the world.

Hayes, J. El Cucuy

This book is also written in both English and Spanish. It is about a single father raising three girls on his own. One of the girls is helpful around the house and worries about her father. The other two daughters just play and make fun of their sister. One day their father takes them to the woods and calls upon El Cucuy to come and get his awful daughters. That night El Cucuy comes and takes the two daughters to his cave. The father feels awful about what he has done and spends the next few days looking for his daughters. Finally, they are found and returned home to their father were they never misbehave again.

Henry, O. The Ransom of Red Chief

Two white men get in their brains that it would be easier to kidnap someone for ransom rather than to robe a bank. They planned to kidnap a young boy who had a successful father. This was a young Native American boy and they had no idea what they were getting into. This young boy shows these two mean a whole new meaning about differences in their culture that they probably should have researched a little better. It is a cute funny insight to culture differences and the strengths in each.

Hesse, K. Letters from Rifka

What a great book! This story is about a Russian Jewish family trying to move to America written through the voice of a 12-year old girl’s letters to her cousin describing the journey. This book has so many underlying themes besides just being a good story. Some of the things it made me think about include the emphasis we place on looks (does a “clever” girl get farther in life than a pretty girl?). Prejudice and (mis)judging people based on generalizations are basic themes but I think the author also makes a case for loving thy enemy. The main character is also brave and curious and talented—which reminds me of another theme about discovering your talents and how sometimes we think we aren’t special because our strengths come so easily and it takes an “outsider” to help us realize we have much to contribute to the world. There are also seedlings planted in my mind that make me think about how different we can be from our siblings and how we love our families even though we don’t always understand them or get along with them. I could come up with about 10 more, but I’ll stop here; this book has tons of possibilities to help teach children about diversity.

Hesse, K. Letters From Rifka

Rifka is a Jewish girl living in Russia. Her family flees from Russia, hoping to immigrate to America--which she knows nothing about. During her journey Rifka encounters many obstacles. She has to help her family many times get passed the Russian soldiers (being the only one who can pass for a Russian and not a Jew). She carries with her a volume of poetry that her cousin Tovah had given to her (a cousin she had left behind). Not having a real journal, she writes in the margins of the poetry book--letters to her cousin.

This story is a true story, one of courage, determination, and a dream that eventually comes true.

I feel this novel would be a wonderful book to show students how hard it has been for other children to find freedom. Many times we forget the sacrifices that others have made to come to America--seeking freedom. I think we need to help our students find their spirit of courage, freedom and determination--show them that they need to strive for their dreams, it is possible!

Hinton, S. E. The Outsiders

This is one of my favorite books of all time. This book is multicultural in a more social sense, than racial sense. There is a group known as "Greasers" and they are the poor kids who live a rough life. This book tells the story of a "family" of friends who look out for each other. It shows clearly a distinction between how they are treated by their peers, police, and everyone around them because of their social status. In the end several end up dead, which is sadly the road that most of them have known they are walking. The great thing about his book is it does show how misconceptions and life problems can lead to a very damaging and judged life.

Hjemboe, K. My Horse

This is a cute story about a little boy and his horse and all the things they do together.

Hobbs, W. Title: Kokopelli's Flute

I had so much fun reading this book! I had no idea what the story was going to be about, I picked the cover because of its title. Once I started reading it I discovered that it was set right here in the Four Corners area, and made several references to the area, and different situations that are native to the area. I didn't want to put the book down because I wanted to see where the author would refer to next. This would be a great book to read to students, to update them on the area, but possibly give them more insight and have them use their imaginations about what is around them.

Hobbs, W. Kokopellis Flute

This book is another really great book about the old ways. A boy finds a flute that once belonged to a medicine man and blows in it. From that point on he becomes a rat at night and a human during the day. The struggles he goes through to save his families dry land traditional farm from himself is really touching. When another man comes with the same powers he learns how to use the flute and changes back. This is a really great story in a couple ways, there is the mix of old traditions and folk lore, but also the boys family grows foods that are close to the ones the ancient people grew. In the end it shows that even though we have adapted in order to grow quantities, we have lost much of the healing power and importance that came with the old crops, as well as the old tradition.

Hobbs, W. Far North

This is a really great book about two boys who come from different cultures and have to struggle together to stay alive. They must rely on the traditional ways taught to them by one of the boys Grandfathers. It's a really great book to show how different cultures are needed even still and really shows the development of the appreciation for traditional ways in both the boy’s views.

Holm, A. (1965). I am David. New York: Harcourt, Inc.

Originally published under the title North to freedom, this translation of Danish author Anne Holm’s cold war novel was one of the favorite books of my childhood. This too is a running away to home story, but one shaded in a far grimmer light than Bud, not Buddy. Raised in an eastern European concentration camp 12-year old David has seen the worst that can happen to the human spirit, only when he escapes can he begin to realize what it is like to be truly alive.

Hooks, B. Skin Again, illustrated by Chris Raschka

Our skin is only a cover to the story of what's really inside. Really knowing a person takes time and effort, are you willing to look?

Hoyt-Goldsmith, D. and Bird, E. J. Arctic Hunter Lawrence Migdale (Illustrator).

A young boy describes his life in Alaska, a life where ancient traditions and modern challenges meet.

Hunter, S. H. (1996). The unbreakable code. Flagstaff, Arizona: Northland Publishing.

This is my favorite book about the Navajo Code Talkers as it unfolds in the tale a grandfather tells his young grandson. Upset because he must leave the reservation to live in Minnesota, John contemplates hiding away until his grandfather talks about his experiences in the larger world during World War II. Recruited as a code talker, Grandfather relies on the blessings and ceremonies of his culture in order to survive, and these too go with his grandson.

This story is a wonderful example of cultural integrity and continuity. Because the book also includes a very good description of the code talker history, and as well as the original code invented in 1942, the book could also be used to cover cryptograms, local history, and the contributions of local people to World War II.

Huntley, P. The Hemingway Book Club of Kosovo

Culture Depicted--Kosovo Albanian

This book is a diary kept by Paula Huntley from October 2000 to April 2001, as she taught ESL classes to adults during the repatriation of Kosovo. This is after the genocide that was on the news in 1999. I bought this book because I wanted to better understand the conflict that received only blurbs in the media, but very little of that story was addressed. What became more important to the book were the stories of the survivors who struggled to recover and make good lives for themselves in the aftermath.

Ishinabe, F. Hiros Pillow

This is a Japanese book that talks about a mother who likes to sew different things for her son. She sewed him a pillow that looked like a bear, and one day Hiro went to the woods with his dog and pillow in hand. He later fell asleep on his pillow that his mother made for him, to awaken later with all the animals in their forest asleep by him with pillows of their own.

Kalashnikoff, N. The Defender

Turgen is a sheepherder high in the Siberian mountains. He is an outcast to society and viewed as an advocate of the devil because of his connection to his animals. His only friends are one family consisting of a widow and her two children. Turgen takes it upon himself to help and defend the family as he does his beloved animals.

Many times I feel children are not understood. Many may be considered outcasts by their classmates--because of a lack of understanding. This book would be wonderful to use in a classroom of 6th graders--the beginnings of clicks etc. Students need to learn to understand each other, as teachers need to understand their students.

Katherine Anne Porter Young Writers, Wiley’s Ways

After being scooped from the bottom of the sea, destined for seafood restaurant, Wiley, a ten-year old crab escapes and embarks on a series of adventures that lead him the campus of the University for People and Creatures. While there, he meets a host of interesting characters who inspire him to change his future prospects by attending college himself one day. Targeted at 4th, 5th and 6th graders, this books was written and illustrated by 12 high school students with the goal of encouraging children to begin thinking about going to college.

Kidd, S. M. (2002). The secret life of bees. New York: Penguin Books.

This book is too good not to share with a class of older elementary or secondary students. Set in the rural South Carolina in 1964, the year of the Civil Rights Act, this is a coming of age story told from the perspective of a motherless young white girl who is enveloped in the warm embrace of the black community when she runs away from a loveless father. Her adventure begins when she accompanies her best friend and protector Rosaleen to register to vote. When Rosaleen is set upon and beaten by a trio of the worst racists in town, Lily has to break her out of jail in order to save her life. The rest of the story is an insightful look at the saving grace of love, civil disobedience, and bee-keeping.

Lame Deer, Crow Dog, L. and Leading Cloud J. The Sound Of Flutes

This is a large collection of Native American collections. The reading level is for an older elementary student or middle school student. They are written in a sense where you can truly hear the voice of the author.

Lester, J. Shining

Shining is a wonderful story about a young girl born in a mountain village of Africa. She is a perfect baby--except she is completely silent. Her "believed" handicap of not being able to speak, keeps her isolated from the rest of the village, but her parents remain devoted. When all the young girls go for their motherhood training for a year--Shining is rejected--thought not to be worthy. Through all her trials her parents remain loyal, staying by her side and protecting her. In the end Shining's secret is revealed--she is to be the next leader of the tribe, her silence was all a part of her destiny--she was to listen and then join the ancestors as leader.

I think this book would be a wonderful way to let students know that diversity is all right. Judging people without knowing their backstory/history can prove to be fatal. As educators we do not know where our students are coming from without research. Each student is different, and learns differently. It is our responsibility to help them shine using what they have in the best way they can.

Lester, J. Black Cowboy, Wild Horses

This book is about a black cowboy named Bob Lemmons who was an expert and tracking and capturing wild mustangs.

Lewis, C.S. The lion, the witch, and the wardrobe. (1950). New York: HarperCollins

Four English school children find their way through the back of a wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia and assist Aslan, the golden lion, to triumph over the white witch, who has cursed the land and made it winter forever with no Christmas. The children defeat the witch and take their places on the four thrones and Narnia is returned to the wonderful land it used to be. The children, who are all grown up now, find their way back through the wardrobe and not one minute has passed. They tell the professor of their adventure and he tells them maybe one day they will see Narnia again, because once a king or queen in Narnia, always a king or queen!

Lin, G. Where on Earth is my Bagel?

A tale about a boy in Korea who dreams of a New York bagel and with the help of his friends he figures out how to get one.

Littlesugar, A. A Portrait of Spotted Deer's Grandfather, Marlowe de Christopher (Illustrator),

When Spotted Deer's grandfather dreams that one white man can keep the Indians from blowing away forever, Moose Horn agrees to let George Catlin paint his portrait.

Lowry, L. Number the Stars

This is a true story of friendship and commitment. Annemarie Johansen lives in Copenhagen. She is ten years old and has a best friend Ellen Rosen who is a Jew. During 1943 both girls lives are filled with school, food shortages, and Nazi soldiers marching in their town. All the Jews are being relocated, therefore Ellen moves in with Annemarie. Eventually both girls have to embark on a dangerous mission in order to save Ellen from death in a concentration camp.

This would be a wonderful book to show true friendship, commitment, and a time period that was full of persecution and tragedy. Students would really be able to connect to this book, these two girls are just like any other child--with goals, dreams, etc., but find themselves having to survive on their own, using problem solving and survival skills.

Ludy, M. The Grump written and illustrated by Mark Lud

(This book is awesome!)

No one likes the Grump because the Grump likes no one. That is except for a very special young girl who only sees the Grump as someone who desperately needs a friend. Christian inspired, it teaches about forgiveness and loving those who aren't always very lovable.

Marchant, B. A Boy Named Chong

This book is about a Laotian-American boy who is struggling to speak English. He recalls the journey and circumstances he and his family took when they became refugees. They were put in a refugee camp in Thailand but eventually found their way to the United States.

Marphy, R. Black Angels

This book shows the horror of the 1960's where black and whites were still separated. Celli Jenkins is the little girl who lives in this day in age when civil rights were beginning. She saw black angels playing on the white side of her street. From then on her summer had changed and showed a whole new light on her life.

Mayer, M. Shibomi and the Kite maker

This is a Japanese tale of a King who had a beautiful daughter. He wanted to protect her from the ugliness of the rest of the world so he built a large wall around his kingdom. His daughter was saddened by the rest of the world so she wished for a kite maker to make her a large kite she could fly away on. She flew away with her friend the kite maker. Many years past when they found her and let her know that her father had changed the ugliness of the world around them, and she needed to come home to her father that was dying. She then went home and told her father she would continue making the world a better place, so now all the village fly's kites to celebrate.

McKissack, P. C. (2000). The honest to goodness truth. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks.

This wonderful story about the pitfalls of total honesty is set in the rural South. Told in Libby’s own dialect, this the story of her dawning realization that “The truth is often hard to chew. But if it is sweetened with love, then it is a little easier to swallow.”

McKissack, P. C. A Picture of Freedom: The Diary of Clotee, A Slave Girl, Belmont Plantation, 1859

From the Dear America Series

Culture Depicted: African American Slaves

Though this is a fictional work for young readers, it is written as the diary of a young slave girl. The author does an excellent job of taking the reader into the lives of American slavery and the horrors, triumphs, and dreams of children living in slavery. It is a heart wrenching book. Because of the subject matter, a reader needs to be more mature in their thinking or have support in reading this book. I wouldn't recommend it for children younger than fourth or fifth grade. I think it would be an excellent tool to teach students to truly understand the implications of slavery. It really brings history ALIVE, and gives connections that bring students in. This entire series would be valuable in teaching American History, and would make excellent read-alouds.

McLerran, Alice. Roxaboxen.

Imagination in a rural community.

Medearis, A. S. (2000). Seven spools of thread: A Kwanzaa story. New York: Scholastic Inc.

Set in Ghana, this tale tells the story of seven brothers who most learn to get along, or loose everything they have. In doing so they exemplify the Nguzo Saba, the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

Medina, T. Christmas Makes Me Think

A young boy considers the meaning of giving & sharing as he comes to understand the true spirit of Christmas.

Meir, M. Alina a Russian Girl Comes to Israel

This is a true story that tells about the term oil of the Jewish people that moved to the Soviet Russia, where many Jews were not free to live as Jews. It tell of a young girl Alina who has to deal with differences in the games played, food eaten, and customs of a new world she came to be a part of.

Miles, M. Annie and the Old One

Illustrated by Peter Parnall

(Newberry Honor Book)

Culture depicted--Navajo

This book is about Annie, a young Navajo girl, living in a traditional manner. Annie's grandmother is nearing death, and Annie works to understand and resolve this issue.

Miller, W. Night Golf

Set in the south of the late 1950's an African American boy who longs to play golf, is banned from the game because of the color of his skin.

Miller, W. The Piano

Set in the deep south of the early 1900's an African American girl learns to play the piano from her white employer and their mutual love of music rewards them with friendship that transcends ages and race.

Miller, W. Rent Party Jazz

An African American boy living in New Orleans in the 1930's raises money to pay the rent with the help of a popular jazz musician.

Mollel, T. M. The Princess who Lost Her Hair

illustrated by Charles Reasoner

Culture Depicted--An Akamba Legend from Kenya, Africa

A vain princess is prideful about her long beautiful hair, and refuses to spare a few strands for a bird to build her nest. The bird curses the princess and all of her hair falls out. A beggar boy receives visions in his dreams of how to cure her baldness, but is dismissed by the king. He sneaks into the palace garden each night to plant and water the tree that will re-grow the princess's hair, but must also open the princess's heart.

Moore, M. First Fire

This is a traditional Native American tale. It is about how Spider brought the first fire to his friends.

Mora, P. A Library for Juana: the World of Sor Juana Ines

Illustrated By: Beatriz Vidal

This story is based on the real life of Sister Juana Ines de la Cruz who began reading at 3 years of age and was well-known for her poetry, music and knowledge. She persistently sought knowledge and education no matter what cultural or gender bounds that meant she had to cross. This story speaks loudly about following the path that is right for you, not the path that society has laid out for you; it teaches us that it is OK to be different and live outside the “norm”. It also has an underlying theme that sometimes the “norms” need to be challenged; Juana is a great example of thinking for herself and individuality.

Morrow, B. O. A Good Night for Freedom

Illustrated By: Leonard Jenkins

Based on a true story, this book is about a young girl faced with a difficult decision—she can either tell about two slaves her neighbor is harboring or she can help them escape to freedom. This story opens the door to discussions about doing the “right” thing—even when it goes against your own parents’ beliefs—and how scary it can be to stand up for yourself or someone else. Included are some interesting author’s notes that shed light on the real setting and some illustrator’s notes that describe how the pictures are deliberately dark and confusing to capture his feelings toward the turmoil of the story and slavery in general.

Muth, J. J. Zen Shorts

When a giant panda named Stillwater moves into their neighborhood, Addy, Michael, and Karl (brothers and sister) learn some valuable lessons from him on how to treat others. Inspired by Japanese, Buddhist meditations, these short stories teach us to look at ourselves and the world around us.

Nelson, S. D. Gift Horse: A Lakota Story

This book is about a young Native American boy is given a horse from his father and throughout the story he tries to prove himself to his father and his tribe so he can become a Lakota warrior.

Nichols, J. T, The Milagro beanfield war

It is a story about water rights and water wars in New Mexico. It is written by a New Mexican. It is a more difficult book to read, so would probably be appropriate for high school through adult.

Nikola-Lisa, W. Bein' with You This Way, illustrated by Michael Bryant

This picture book celebrates diversity through a cute rap-like beat. A little girl and her friends on a playground discover that even though they all look different on the outside, they're very much alike inside.

Osborne, M. P. American Tall Tales, Michael McCurdy (Illustrator),

Nine stories of early American folk heroes, including Johnny Appleseed and Davy Crockett.

Paul, A. W. (2004). Mañana Iguana. New York: Scholastic Inc.

An updated setting of the Little Red Hen, Iguana’s lazy friends Conejo, Tortuga, and Culebra keeping promising they will help get ready for the fiesta—mañana. When the time comes, of course, they have done nothing, Lunes a Viernas. A fun tale and a gentle introduction to the days of the week in Spanish.

Paul. P.G Dance With Me Gods

A young Pueblo boy must decide where to choose between his culture or the ways of the Spanish priests who have changed their ways of live. This decision will ultimately lead him to revolt against the Spanish to become the biggest revolt in Native American history.

Perez, L. K. First Day in Grapes

Illustrated By: Robert Casilla

This is a really good story about a young boy whose migrant family moves often because they pick fruits and vegetables for a living, so they constantly move to where the crops are in season. The author describes the boy’s angst and eventually his triumph in a very endearing way. Besides all of the obvious “tolerance”, “acceptance”, “perseverance” themes, I also think there was a “brains over brawn” theme to this story because the boy avoids a fight by chumping these bullies by spouting off math facts at them. Maybe mathematics is the universal language!

Perez, L. K. First Day in Grapes, illustrated by Robert Casilla

Chico's family has always moved to follow the harvest. Chico is scared his first day in school in their new home for the grape harvest. It turns out to be a good day though, with a nice teacher, a new friend, and even the bus driver knowing his name.

Perez, L. K. First Day in Grapes illustrated by Robert Casilla

This story is about a young boy named Chico who has to move from camp site to camp site in California. His father is a fruit picker and has to move to where there is work. School is very hard for Chico--he will just begin to get settled, when it is time to move again. He doesn't have time to really make friends or get to know his teachers. The first day of third grade Chico enters once more into a new school, however this time students sitting around him notice his math skills. They ask him to join the math fair.

Chico faces many obstacles in the book--bullies, shyness, confusion, and the possibility of moving once agian--however he overcomes them with courage and crativity. he finds that as long as he has his family all other obstacles do not seem so big.

Classrooms are fluid--students leave, move, join, etc. Many may live in a situation like Chico. This book would be wonderul in showing students that there are those who live differnetly from them, but it is ok. They still are very talented, smart, and have a lot to offer. This book would be a good community building book.

Pickering, M. Lessons for Life: Education and Learning

This is a non-fiction book that describes the schools and ways of learning in different parts of the world. It is very informative and allows students to make comparisons between themselves and other students in the world. There is not an outright moral to this book but it is written in a way that encourages students to appreciate the education they are privileged to receive and points out that not ALL children are so lucky.

Pilkey, Dav. Dogzilla.

Community unity and accomplishments.

Polacco, P. Babushka's Doll

Culture Depicted--Russian

Natasha was a spoiled child who demanded all of her Babushka's (grandmother's) time and attention. Her grandmother gave her a doll that the grandmother only played with once as a child. The doll comes to life and behaves in a demanding manner just as Natasha had.

Polacco, P. Babushka's Doll

I love this story!! I wish that every child in the world could read this story--life would be a lot easier. Patricia Polacco truly captures the "egocentrism" stage of children in her doll character. In the story Natasha (a Russian/Jewish girl) will not leave her grandmother (Babushka) alone. She fusses and picks and wants everything at once. Her grandmother finally gives up and leaves her alone to play with her doll she had when she was young. She tells Natasha that she only played with the doll once--which Natasha does not understand why until later.

When Natasha goes to play with the doll it comes alive and turns into a terror. She bosses Natasha around, nags, picks, wants everything at once ( in other words she turns into Natasha). By the time Natasha's grandmother comes home she is exhausted and has completely changed her attitude.

I think this book could be a help in the classroom especially when considering management. usually a class has over 20 students and each needs/wants something different. the teacher can have her hands full very quickly. Chilren really like this book and catch-on right away what its purpose is--they can really relate to this little Russian girl and see how their attitude may need to change also!

Polaco, P. When Lightning Comes in a Jar

Cultural diversity is a part of every person's life. Family represents diversity. Trisha's family--who lives in the South, are very diverse. At their family reunions they have specified traditions that take place every year. First they have a great feast, then play croquet and best of all have storytelling. During storytelling time each relative tries to top the other with their yarns. Trisha's grandmother tops them all by promising to show the children how to catch lightning in a jar. Trisha is amazed and soon finds out that this tradition will be carried to the next generation by her.

I never really thought of my family as being that diverse--but as shown in this book, each family usually has a unique ritual, even if it is catching fireflies. It is important to honor such rituals and have students share their own. It is a wonderful way to really see and understand each child's backstory and to build community.

Polacco, P. Pink and Say

This book is not one to read without a tissue handy. It is the story of two boys who meet during the civil war and become friends. The African American boy and his mother both end up getting killed in the end. (It's very sad.)

Polacco, P. Chicken Sunday

This book is really sweet about a girl who has an "adopted" grandmother and the kids want to buy the grandmother a hat she has been admiring. They try to find a way to do this. It is very touching.

Powell, P. The Turtle Watchers

This talks about the life of three Caribbean girls, who deal with protecting the eggs of a turtle. This is a humorous story that shows parts of the world that most of us may not think of how nature takes their course. Storms, people, and animals are all part of nature. These three girls take it upon themselves to protect what is important to them.

Raczek, L. T. (1999). Rainy’s powwow. Flagstaff, Arizona: Rising Moon.

Rainy does not come from a powow family. She has no uncle to give her an eagle feather. So how is she to find her dance and her own special name? A gentle introduction to Native American world views and intertribal culture.

Ransome, A. The War of the Birds & the Beasts

This is a Russian tale about a boy named Ivan who lived in the woods and the animals have human like qualities in the sense they can talk to each other and Ivan. The animals of the woods get in a fight with each other because a mouse and a sparrow don't know how to share. In the end a Fire-Bird and Bear get in a fight and the birds wing is broken. This book is really captivating and tells a good lesson.

Raven, T. Circle Unbroken

This book is about a grandmother who shares with her grandchildren the story of the Gullah people. She talks about their traditions as a culture but mainly focuses on basket making which is huge in their culture.

Ringgold, F. (1991). Tar beach. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc.

Set on the rooftop of a tall apartment near George Washington Bridge in Harlem, this book is based on a marvelous story quilt that celebrates summer time and rising above all those things that keep the “colored folks and half-breed Indians” down.

Roop, C and Roop, P. The Diary of Mary Jemison, Captured by the Indians

In this story a young girl is adopted by a Seneca tribe that killed her entire family. She was adopted to “replace” a brother that had been killed in the tribe. It is most interesting because it is told in Mary’s own words—she tells about her great sadness over losing her family and about how she was able to adapt and eventually enjoy her life with the Indians. I think this story illustrates how resilient the human spirit is and how it is possible to embrace your enemy and love them. It is an example of one person making a choice to make the best of her life through forgiveness, as well as acceptance and eventual appreciation of a culture that was very different from her own.

Rosa-Casanova, S. Mama Provi and The Pot of Rice illustrated by Robert Roth

This book shows the family connectons that many Hispanic families have. Mama Provi lives on the first floor and her grandaughter Lucy lives on the top floor. Lucy's grandmother makes her rice and takes it to her on the top floor. She has to carry it several stories--and on her way she is stopped or stops to chat with neighbors. Each neighbor thinks her rice smells so good that they each ask for a portion--which she gives them for something in return. For example, bread, something to drink, a vegetable, etc. By the time she reaches the top floor she has a complete meal to share with her grandaughter.

Many children have a very strong tie to their families, and therefore teachers need to realize these connections. Children are a part of their families; that is their background. Students need their teachers to make an effort to honor and show the importance of each child's background and heritage. Like the rice--each child has something, a tradition, memory, hobby, etc. that needs to be honored and noticed and shared.

Roughsey, D. The Giant Devil-Dingo

A Aboriginal village in being attacked by a giant dingo. And it takes two young brothers to kill the dingo and become heros in the village.

Ryan, P. M. Mice and Beans

This book is about a grandmother whose name is Rosa Maria. She is cooking a big meal for her grandchild’s birthday party, but things keep disappearing from her kitchen.

Sage, J Coyote Makes Man

This is a version of a Native American myth. It is really neat creation story and the pictures almost look like there were done almost in a collage theme. The story goes through and tells how the animals decide what man should be like and make him.

Sauer, J. Fog Magic

The young girl in this book, Greta, loves the Fog. She lives in a coastal village with her family, and walks in the fog whenever possible. One day she is walking in the fog and comes across a stone house, where an old cellar hole used to be. Through the fog Greta goes on many adventures that people can't understand, but she knows they hold secrets and meanings for her.

This book is wonderful for those students who have a wild imagination. Fog and the Coastal regions of England are experiences that many students may not understand, but imagination is something they can truly relate to. This girl travels to the past meeting all types of characters, students will really get wrapped up in her adventures.

Saunders-Smith, G. La luz del sol/ Sunshine

This is a book on weather topics. It is for reading level for Grades K-1 and interest level for Grades PreK-2. This is one book in a series of books on weather topics. These books teach readers why our planet needs clouds, rain and sunshine, and even how lightening happens! Simple text introduces

students to expository language while answering their weather questions in

Spanish and English with full color photos. La lluvia/Rain, La luz delsol/Sunshine, Las nubes/Clouds, & Los relápagos/Lightening.

Say, A. Grandfather's Journey

This book is about a man, from Japan, that set out to America when he was young, and fell in love with California. As he grew older he was torn between moving back to Japan and raising his family or staying in America. He ended up moving back, but still loved America, and came back to visit. This story is told from the grandson's perspective, which ended up flowing in this grandfather's footsteps.

This is a really good book, because it bring the past and the present together, from a single family and the struggles that they had that were passed down from each generation.

Say, A. Tea with Milk

This story is about a Japanese girl that is struggling to find herself in another country, that country is Japan. She was raised in America and her family moves back to Japan. In Japan she feels like she is a foreigner and dreams of America. She then realizes that anywhere can be home as long as you make it that way.

This book is by the same author as my first book I read. It was interesting that the books seemed to go together.

Seeger, P. (1963) Abiyoyo. New York: Simon & Schuster Books.

In this story, a father and son are banished from a town for causing too much mischief. The little boy and father are welcomed back when they find a way to make the dreaded giant, Abiyoyo disappear.

Siegelson, K. In the Time of Drums

This book is a ghost story about a group of Africans who were brought to the South to be slaves

Shaw, J. (1986). Meet Kirsten, an American girl. Wisconsin: Pleasant

Company Publications.

Kirsten's first sight of New York was from the deck of the Eagle. In the harbor, merchants, sailors, delivery boys, and peddlers jostled crowds of immigrants and dockworkers. The noise and bustle must have been scary, but arriving signaled the end of a long, hard journey and the beginning of a new life in America. This gives a wonderful perspective of what it must have been like for children coming to America. This book also includes factual information and a photo gallery of Kirsten life.

Shaw, J. (2002). 1764 Kaya and lone dog, a friendship story. Wisconsin: Pleasant

Company Publications.

Kaya's people traveled to Celilo Falls to catch the salmon that were making their yearly run up the river. Hundreds of tepees and lodges lined both shores of the river. Many different tribes came to this river valley each summer to fish and trade. In this American Girl book, there are descriptions of actual events about the Nez Perces and a photo gallery of her friends and family.

Singh, R. The Indian Storybook

This book is not about Native Americans, but India Indians. It's about a young girl that is arranged to married a prince by her father. She does everything possible to get out of it. Final she moves away and never comes home.

Soto, G. Big Bushy Mustache

Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Culture depicted--Hispanic

Ricky is a young boy who wishes to be more like his father. When they dress up for a play at school, ricky chooses a mustache so that he will look more like Papi, and cannot bear to part with it, so sneaks it home. He looses it, and his family helps him to correct the problem.

Souci, R. D. The Little Seven-Colored Horse

Juanito a young Spanish boy catches a seven-colored horse. He uses the horse to impress a female by capturing a prize. He marries her in the end.

Steptoe, J. Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

taken from a collection, Kaffir Folktales, by G.M. Theal written in 1895

Caldecott Honor Book

Culture depicted--African (Zimbabwe)

A Cinderella-type story, Mufaro has two beautiful daughters, Manyara and Nyasha. Manyara is vain and treats others badly while Nyasha is kind to all. The maidens of the land are called to the city to appear before the king in order for him to choose a bride. Manyara leaves early to gain an advantage. She is inconsiderate to those she meets along the way, while Nyasha comes along later and is kind to all she meets. Of course, it works out better in the end for Nyasha.

Stoodt, J. How the Rattlesnake Got Its Rattle

This tale is about a snake who loved to play desert ball with all his friends. The animals playing desert ball all were very frustrated because their game was often ruined by the wild horses running through. Snake decided to do something about it and while doing so swallowed a mouthful of rocks.

Swamp, C. J. Gracias te damos

A traditional Iroquois celebration of the beauty of mother earth.

Sweeney, J. Little Honu

This is cute story with great illustrations (looks like decoupage) about a little turtle looking for his place in the world. He is afraid at first—especially of Big Honu because he is SO BIG—but he ends up making friends with the sea creatures that are like him as well as those that are not just like him. I think this simple sweet story can be used with young children to discuss how we are like our classmates and other students, and how we are different; we can use it to show that if we overcome our fears we can make friends. And it could also be used to introduce the culture of Hawaii (Honu is Hawaiian for turtle—there are a few other Hawaiian words in the story as well).

Tapahonso, L. Songs of Shiprock Fair

This is a great story told by a young Navajo girl. She describes her annual experience at the Shiprock Fair.

Toye, W. How Summer Came to Canada

Pictures By: Elizabeth Cleaver

This is a legend of the Micmac Indians of Eastern Canada about Winter settling from Northern Canada into Eastern Canada to live. Their god Glooskap lures the Queen Summer from the South into Canada to reign half a year with Winter reigning the other half. I chose this story as culturally diverse because we (myself included) often tend to think of Native Americans as just living here in the United States and we ignore the fact that Canada and Mexico are part of North America and there are natives from those countries as well that have unique cultures and stories.

Tripp, V. Nellie's Promise

Illustrations by Dan Andreasen, Vignettes by Susan McAliley

From the American Girl Series

Culture Depicted--Irish Immigrants 1906

This is one of the many American Girl books that takes readers into the lives of American children in different cultures and times in the United States' History. This is another great series to cultivate interest in history and cultures. Unfortunately, it is tailored for girls, and I don't know of a comparable series for boys. An interesting thing about this series is that at the end of each book, there is factual historical information on the topic in the book. This one includes information about adoption in 1906, and the realities for orphans and immigrants.

The book is a spin off from the Meet Samantha books. Nellie O'Malley is an Irish Immigrant who works as a servant with her father and two sisters. Her mother has died, and soon her father does as well. She is sent to an orphanage, where she is separated from her sisters and treated horribly. Samantha helps the O'Malley girls escape and they are eventually adopted by Samantha's Aunt and Uncle, who have also adopted Samantha. This book picks up where the girls are adjusting to their new lives, and Nellie introduces Aunt Cornelia to the Settlement houses, which were like schools to help immigrants adjust to life in America. Again this is a great series to cultivate interest in history and is appropriate as a read-aloud for even young girls.

Twinem, N. Baby Coyote

This is a cute little book that has both English and Spanish words in it. It teaches children how to count up to five in both languages using pictures of butterflies, snakes, cactus, lizards, and quails.

Wahl, J. Tallypo

This a southern folk tale which is kind of spooky! It is a lot of fun and the illustrations are out of this world. It is easy to read but I don't think younger students would like it as much as older elemntary students.

Washington, D. L. A Pride Of Africa

This was probably my favorite chapter book because the story was so vivid and it had so much meaning! I highly recommend it. This book also had great pictures and the pictures were so captivating.

Waters, K & Slowvenz-Low, M. Lion Dancer

This a cool picture book, it is set up almost like a family photo album and is told by the young boy in the family. This is a Chinese-American family that live in Chinatown. The boy tells about the Chinese New Year and what the Lion Dancer is and what it symbolizes.

Watkins, Y. K. Tales from the Bamboo Cove

This book is written differently it has many different tales but they are interwoven, I think this would be a great read aloud book for students.

Weitzman, D. Rama and Sita

This is a really different picture book. The pictures are a little abstract and could be kind of scary for some kids. The story is an ancient Java tale told in Asia and it is simply about the struggle between good and evil. The good of course pervails and in the end it is just a storyteller telling the story of Rama and Sita.

Whitethorne, B. (1994). Sunpainters: Eclipse of the Navajo sun. Flagstaff, Arizona: Northland Publishing.

In this story the central place of nature in the Navajo culture is told through the story of the Na ách áahii, the children that repaint the earth’s rainbow colors in time of need. Through storytelling, prayers, and love Grandfather teaches Kii Leonard respect for Mother Earth and Father Sky.

Williams, S. A. Working Cotton

A great book about a family working the cotton fields to get by. This book has great illustrations that make you feel like you are really a part of the book. Also the way that the book is worded makes you feel like you are part of the story. It is told from the daughter’s eyes, and is worded the way that she would speak.

Williams, Vera. A Chair for My Mother.

Thinking of others, love, giving, and family.

Winchester, F Muslim Holidays

A young Middle Eastern boy tries to adjust to American traditions while trying to practice his Muslim religion. In the end he is able to adjust with the help of a Muslim community.

Winter, J. Josefina

Josefina is a young woman who creates what's around her out of clay. She wants to capture and keep moments from her life and keep them alive for the future. This book is bilingual--having many words in both English and Spanish. It would be an inspiring and appealing book for children. It could be used to talk about different cultures--their customs, traditions, stories, etc. and how to preserve them through an art medium. The class could do a similar project representing the class community--making those connections.

Winter, J. Follow the Drinking Gourd

This book is really neat book about an old sailor who decided to help the slaves escape. He taught them a song that told them how to escape and then helped them escape.

Youmee, A Haitian Story of Hope- SeLavi,

This is a great true life story about the homeless children that struggle everyday to survive in the streets of Haiti. As you read the story, you think that it is just a non-fiction book about Hati, but after the story is over the author tells us that this is a true story and she had met the children that she wrote this book about. This is a really good book, to let students know that these aren't just stories to entertain us, they are real life stories that are going on in the world.

The following are a couple books on creative, multicultural activities to do in your classroom:

-Hands Around the World by Susan Millard

-Small World Celebrations by Jean Warren and Elizabeth McKinnon

My Favorite LOCAL illustrator is Anthony Chee Emerson.