Culture 6 - Inclusive Literature

 

Tammy Sierra

5361-Dr. Brock

Culture 6- Inclusive Literature

 

Khan, Hena. (2017). Amina’s voice. [EBook]New York, NY: Salaam Reads. ISBN

9781481492089.

 Summary

Amina’s Voice is about a 6^th grade Pakistani American girl who is beginning to stray away from her Pakistani culture and traditions. Her uncle comes to visit, which she tries to make a good impression on him. The story continues as Amina faces the many challenges of middle school by making new friends, accepting others, and staying true to one’s identity. Through the power of unity, her community pulls through after a traumatic event has occurred. 

Critical Analysis 

Amina’s Voice showcases a range of characters throughout the story. There is the main character’s parents who is dealing with their children adjusting the American lifestyle, which in their eyes in not a negative thing, but are trying to keep some Pakistani traditions and culture alive in their children. Expectations of attending Sunday school, the tradition of reciting the Ramadan are a few examples in the story. The characters in the story are relatable as they are 6^th grade student going through issues such as making new friends, dealing with insecurities, staying true to oneself, and young love. The best friend Soojin is going through the process of becoming an American citizen, which provides a relatable experience for some readers.

Pakistani culture representation is present throughout the story for example, parents speak in Arabic at times, the events of the mosques being attacked, Ramadan, and traditional desserts from Pakistan.

Present day issues on terroristic attacks is one of the problems in the story. Readers who are not of that religion or have not experienced the unfortunate events of their place of worship being burned down or attacked, gives insight to this real world problem.

The association of strong morals and values are shared throughout the story such as respecting elders/ others and high expectations of doing well in school. These morals and values stand true especially when Amina’s uncle, who is from Pakistan and was not fond of the idea of his brother uprooting the family to America, comes and visits. The idea presenting a perfect family is one of the main concerns for Amina’s father, but in the end Amina’s Uncle understands the blending of both the Pakistani and American culture is not a bad thing after all.

Review Excerpts

Booklist starred (February 1, 2017 (Vol. 113, No. 11))

Grades 3-6. Amina enjoys spending time with her best friend Soojin and practicing her singing, as long as no one is around to hear her. When Soojin starts talking about selecting a second, more American name when she becomes a citizen, Amina feels she is starting to lose her friend, especially as Soojin starts to befriend classmate Emily and talk about boys. To add to Amina’s worries, her parents have signed her up to be part of a statewide Quran recitation competition. While Amina has a beautiful singing talent, she’s afraid she won’t do well and is searching for a way out. When the Islamic Center is vandalized, however, Amina begins to discover things about her family, her friends, her community, and herself that ultimately help her through her difficulties, in particular, that the support she needs is all around her. The Amina that readers meet at at the beginning of the story—a shy, unsure young girl—gradually and beautifully blossoms into the confident girl she longs to be. Khan gracefully balances portraying the unique features of Amina’s cultural and religious background with familiar themes of family, belonging, and friendship worries, which should resonate with a wide range of readers. Written as beautifully as Amina’s voice surely is, this compassionate, timely novel is highly recommended for all libraries.

Horn Book Magazine (March/April, 2017)

Musically talented Amina struggles with shyness and, since she started middle school, with issues of assimilation. Her best friend Soojin, who is Korean American, is considering changing her name with the encouragement of new friend Emily, which leaves Amina feeling self-conscious about her own Muslim Pakistani American identity. Meanwhile, her conservative, traditional uncle, Thaya Jaan, visiting from Pakistan, objects on religious grounds to her singing and piano playing just as she’s trying to get up the courage to perform in a school concert. After the local Islamic Center, including the mosque, is vandalized, the text vacillates between believably depicting the shaken-up congregants and spelling out a few too many ideas that readers might otherwise figure out on their own. This first title from new Muslim-focused imprint Salaam Reads is more successful in its depiction of day-to-day interactions, its shifting middle-school personalities and friendships, and its cozily busy community scenes. The result is 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. shoshana flax

Connections

For more great reads about Pakistani American fiction, browse the following list below:

Faruqi, Saadia. Yasmin the Friend. ISBN 978151584644

Ferruolo, Jeanne. A Galaxy of Sea Stars. ISBN 9780374309091

Hena, Khan. Amina’s Song. ISBN 9781534459885

Saeed, Aisha. Bilal Cooks Daal. ISBN 978153448110

 

Brock, Rose (Ed.) (2018). Hope nation. [ebook]. New York, NY: Philomel Books. ISBN

9781524741846

Summary

Hope Nation is an anthology of young adult authors who have written their experiences on what defines hope in their eyes. Hope can be determined different ways, but for some it is through their life choices, inspiration of others, determination, and life events.

Critical Analysis

Readers of Hope Nation gain the opportunity to read about hope perceived through the many authors who have contributed to this anthology. What is Hope? Hope can be defined and experienced in many ways. The experiences of hope as defined by these authors is read through a variety of settings, events, and understandings that readers can relate to.

The authors’ stories are thought provoking that may provide a connection to its readers. Take Nicola Yoon for example. Her life story when she married her Korean American husband. She faced many challenges as she tried to get along with her in-laws. The bigger issue was that she was not Korean American. Interracial couples is still hard to accept for some individuals, but the hope Yoon believes is her in-laws “they are more open to the work than they were before I came into their lives. This counts for hope.”

Kate Hart’s idea of hope is, “hope is in the work.” Many of us battle with what is and what isn’t, but it is through the work that is put forth as we begin to make progress on our goals. The message of Hart’s hope is you get what you put in and it has to start from somewhere. We can all relate to this hope as we set forth small and large goals in our journey of life.

Julie Murphy’s view on hope is, “sometimes you just have to search for tiny hopes until tiny hopes make bigger hopes.” For some of us that is all we can do. I think about the readers of this book, myself included, feel hope has to begin somewhere even if it just a glimmer.

We all come from different backgrounds and walks of life, but after reading Hope Nation, I can’t help but feel “not being the only one” in terms of finding the true meaning of hope as it comes in many different shapes and forms.

Review Excerpts

Booklist starred (April 15, 2018 (Vol. 114, No. 16)) – “Grades 9-12. Hope is something many people struggle to understand, much less achieve, and teens are no exception. In this anthology of 21 essays, 1 short story, and 1 conversation, 24 YA authors pour their deepest emotions into a variety of interpretations of hope. Many write about survival in the current political climate. Others address marginalization or speak to being overwhelmed by a variety of internal and external influences. David Levithan reveals his feelings about today’s politics via a short-short story set at a march complete with pussy hats. Libba Bray shares a harrowing account of the car accident that left her with a prosthetic eye. Atia Abawi opens up about the prejudice she faced while working to become a TV news reporter. Romina Garber’s essay talks about the immigrant experience, perceived pressures, sacrifices, and labels. These and the other 20 authors come from diverse backgrounds that span race, religion, economic class, family makeup and stability, experience, age, country of birth, and sexual orientation. Yet they all overcame obstacles to their dreams through hope. Attitudes and tone differ from one piece to the next, but the essential point is that “hope is a decision,” and one that requires work. This amazing outpouring of strength and honesty offers inspirational personal accounts for every reader who wonders what to do when everything seems impossible.”

Kirkus Reviews (March 1, 2018) – “Hope Nation brings together 24 top young adult authors who share personal essays about hope. Their audience is teenagers, but this collection is a treasure trove of wisdom for older readers too. It achieves this with stories from a wide array of perspectives and diverse identities: the struggles of being Muslim in a post–9/11 world as described by Aisha Saeed, the complex constrictions of life in the closet made plain by Alex London, and the terrifying anxieties of being black in contemporary America by Nic Stone, among others. Even if these authors’ stories do not exactly mirror each of their readers’, together they open the door to an investigation of what hope means. Although it can mean different things and present itself in innumerable ways, the underlying message of this anthology is that it is important to cling to hope: Use hope as a flashlight, a mantra, a walking stick, a tool for every circumstance life throws at human beings. This work comes at a crucial time, as many people struggle to find hope in a confusing and disappointing world. A salve when days are bleak. (Nonfiction anthology. 14-adult)”

 

Connections

Similar reads such as Hope Nation are:

Giles, Lamar. Fresh Ink: An Anthology. ISBN 9781524766313

Havrilesky, Heather. What if this were enough? ISBN 9780385542890

Oh, Ellen. Flying Lessons & Other Stories. ISBN 9781101934623

Rhuday-Perkovich, Olugbemisola. The Hero Next Door. ISBN 9780525646334

 

 

 

Thompson, Laurie A. (2015). Emmanuel’s dream: A true story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah. (Ill.Sean      

            Qualls). New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 9780449817469.

 

Summary

Emmanuel was born with a disability. His mother was determined to teach Emmanuel to do things on his own as well as attend school. His mother falls ill and feels it is his obligation to help support his family. He got a job as a server and a shoe-shiner and provided for his family. He returns home to visit his dying mother. Determination and his mother’s inspiring last words help Emmanuel prove to everyone “disabled does not mean being unable”. He sets out to bicycle around Gahanna, as he shows the world anything can be done.

Critical Analysis

With the focus on disabilities this stories provides a powerful message on how anything is possible. This story is a true story about Emmanuel and his determination to prove to the world anything is possible with or without a disability. Born with a deformed leg, his mother had high expectations from him even with a disability.

When his family needed him more than ever, he did not use his disability as a crutch, instead he took on the responsibilities of his family and provided for them by getting two jobs working away from home.

As his mother passes away, he uses her words as a part of inspiration and proved to everyone anything is possible, if you put your mind to it. Highlights of this story gives those who are differently abled the inspiration they may be looking for, and for those who are not abled differently, a deeper understanding of one person’s outlook on being differently abled.

The illustrations provide great visual representation of the text. For readers not familiar with West Africa, Ghana to be exact the illustrations provide a small representation of that part of the continent, from the clothing/ head wraps the women wear, to the unique shapes of the houses, and the carrying of the baskets of food.

Review Excerpts

Booklist (February 15, 2015 (Vol. 111, No. 12))-“Grades K-2. Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah was born in Ghana with a severely deformed leg, but with boundless self-determination, he became a world-renowned athlete and activist. In the beginning of her straightforward, free-verse text, Thompson only lightly touches on what it’s like for disabled people in Ghana: “Most people thought he would be useless, or worse— / a curse.” But most of Emmanuel’s childhood is characterized by discrimination. When he tries to find work to support his sickly single mother, most people “told him to go out and beg / like the other disabled people did.” Stalwart Emmanuel, however, is resolute about making a difference, and he obtains a bicycle to travel around Ghana, nearly 400 miles in 10 days, to prove just how capable disabled people can be. Qualls’ illustrations—simple line drawings and stylish, expressive figures filled with layers of rich, warm color on pale, thickly painted backgrounds—capture Emmanuel’s triumphs beautifully. An author’s note describes Emmanuel’s activism in more detail, particularly the Persons with Disabilities Act, passed in Ghana following his bike ride.”

Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2015)-“Yeboah, born in rural Ghana in 1977 with only one functional leg, grew up to become a national hero and disabilities activist. Learning to ride a bike brought him to the national stage: he embarked on a 400-mile bicycle ride through Ghana, spreading his message that "being disabled does not mean being unable." The text is clearly written; mixed-media illustrations match its upbeat tone.”

Connections

Polacco, Patricia. Thank You, Mr. Falker. ISBN 9780399257629

Thomas, Pat. Don’t Call Me Special:  A First Look at Disability. ISBN 9781415542170

Rogers, Fred. Extraordinary Friends. ISBN 9780698118614

 

LaCour, Nina. (2017). We are okay. [Ebook]. New York, NY: Dutton Books. ISBN

9780399538513

Summary

Marin a young girl who lives with her grandfather goes through the unfortunate of losing her mother at a young age. She believes the life her grandfather and paved for her, but when he dies, she soon finds out the truth about who her mother is. Marin goes through a period of betrayal and loneliness, but finds solace through her best friend and her family.

Critical Analysis

We are okay can speak in volumes to young adults. Characters are easily relatable. Marin has lost her only guardian and experiences feelings of loneliness and betrayal. Attending college on the other side of her home, provides much needed space away from her reality.

The feeling of losing a parent or guardian can take a toll on anyone especially young individuals. Marin is also dealing with unspoken feelings towards her best friend. Many young adults go through these feelings, but never speak up in fear of rejection. We Are Okay shows that being open with others can help clear up uncertain situations and feelings of this sort is okay to have. The insight the story offers can provide empathy for those who have lost loved ones.  

Friends show up in places without even expecting them. For example her college roommate is exactly what Marin needs as she settles in her dorm room. Her roommate doesn’t ask questions about her past, takes her out, and provides all the little extras (clothes/food/outings) without asking for anything in return.

 

Review Excerpts

Booklist starred (December 1, 2016 (Vol. 113, No. 7)) - “Grades 9-12. It’s the winter break during Marin’s first year at college, and she is facing the holidays thousands of miles from her San Francisco home. Since her grandfather died the previous summer, Marin feels set adrift. Not only has she lost Gramps, her sole caretaker, but he’d been keeping secrets, and when she discovers the truth, it shatters everything she believed was true about her life. Engulfed in pain and feeling alone, she shuns her best friend Mabel’s numerous calls and texts. But Mabel flies cross-country, determined to help her friend deal with her grief. Marin is afraid that Mabel regrets the physical intimacy that had grown between the two girls while she was still in California, and braces herself for more heartache, but Mabel surprises her in more ways than one. With the most delicate and loving strokes in Marin’s first-person narrative, LaCour paints a captivating depiction of loss, bewilderment, and emotional paralysis. Images of the icy winter surrounding Marin in New York contrast sharply with her achingly vibrant memories of San Francisco. Raw and beautiful, this portrait of a girl searching for both herself and a sense of home will resonate with readers of LGBTQIA romances, particularly those with bisexual themes, and the poignant and affecting exploration of grief and betrayal will enchant fans of character-driven fiction.”

Horn Book Guide (Fall 2017)- “Alone on a snowy campus for winter break during her first year of college, Marin--who abruptly fled her California home for reasons that only gradually become clear--anxiously awaits the arrival of her best friend for a visit. Marin's harrowing, heartbreaking backstory illustrates the complexities of a friendship that turns romantic and the knotty relationship between grief and memory.”

Connections

Similar books are as follows:

Zentner, Jeff. Goodbye days: a novel. ISBN 9780553524079

Hurwin, Davida. A time for dancing. ISBN 9780316036344

Caletti, Deb. The last forever. ISBN 9781442450004

Forman, Gayle. I was here. ISBN 9780451471475

Culture 5: Native American Literature

Bibliography 

Tingle, T. (2015). How I became a ghost. When a ghost talks, listen: A Choctaw

            Trail of Tears story. Oklahoma City, OK: The RoadRunner Press. ISBN 

978-1937054557

Summary 

How I Became a Ghost follows Isaac, a 10 year old American Indian from the Choctaw tribe. The Choctaw tribe Isaac’s friends and family belong to are being forced out of their homes and land forced to seek out a new place to call home. It is through events through this time, Isaac retells the events that lead him in becoming a ghost. With the uncertainty of what ghost life has in store for him, and new found courage, Isaac can help his loved ones on this journey. 

 

Critical Analysis 

Author Tingle brings history and fiction together in How I Became a Ghost. With the setting in Choctaw Nation Mississippi in 1830 helps set the stage for this historical fiction. 

 The characters are those from the Choctaw tribes and are based on families living in those times. Because the main character in the story is a 10 year old boy, many readers can relate with his way of thinking and or feelings, even though the story takes place many years ago and the character is from a different culture.  

 Events in the story such as the Treaty Talks allow readers to learn about different events or reasons why American tribes were forced to leave their homes. 

 As the Choctaw tribe is one of the larger tribes reading about others such as the Nahullo people creates an understanding for readers there are other tribes in history and in the present than for example, the infamous Cherokee tribes. The native language used throughout the story (“Hoke”, “Yakoke”, and “Halito”) helps with the authenticity of the story. 

 

If readers are unfamiliar with The Trails of Tears, a story such as this one is a great way to begin discussions on the history of the American Indians. 

 

Review Excerpts 

Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2014) “Isaac is alive and well at the start of this Trail of Tears story, beginning in the Choctaw Nation in Mississippi in 1830. But soon there is Treaty Talk, followed by the arrival of Nahullo (white) men, and the Choctaw must begin their journey west. Tingle, a Choctaw storyteller, relates his tale in the engaging repetitions and rhythms of an oft-told story.”

Kirkus Reviews starred (June 15, 2013) “A 10-year-old Choctaw boy recounts the beginnings of the forced resettlement of his people from their Mississippi-area homelands in 1830. He begins his story with a compelling hook: "Maybe you have never read a book written by a ghost before. I am a ghost. I am not a ghost when this book begins, so you have to pay very close attention." Readers meet Isaac, his family and their dog, Jumper, on the day that Treaty Talk changes everything. Even as the Choctaw prepare to leave their homes, Isaac begins to have unsettling visions: Some elders are engulfed in flames, and others are covered in oozing pustules. As Isaac and his family set out on the Choctaw Trail of Tears, these visions begin to come true, as some are burned to death by the Nahullos and others perish due to smallpox-infested blankets distributed on the trail. But the Choctaw barrier between life and death is a fluid one, and ghosts follow Isaac, providing reassurance and advice that allow him to help his family and others as well as to prepare for his own impending death. Storyteller Tingle's tale unfolds in Isaac's conversational voice; readers "hear" his story with comforting clarity and are plunged into the Choctaw belief system, so they can begin to understand it from the inside out. The beginning of a trilogy, this tale is valuable for both its recounting of a historical tragedy and its immersive Choctaw perspective. (Historical fiction. 8-12)”

 

School Library Journal (November 1, 2013) “Gr 7 Up-The ghost is Isaac, a Choctaw boy who dies on the Trail of Tears, yet continues to interact with Joseph, another Choctaw boy who is a shape-shifter. Tingle's historical novel normalizes Choctaw spirituality, presenting it as part of the fabric of life of those who lived, died, and were killed on the Trail of Tears of the 1830s.” 

Connections 

The series continues! If you enjoyed reading How I Became a Ghost part 2 of the series can be found below. In addition you can find other great reads with a focus on historical fiction.

 

Tingle, Tim. When a ghost talks, listen : a Choctaw Trail of Tears story. ISBN 9781937054519

Tingle, Tim. Crossing Bok Chitto.ISBN 9781933693200

Tingle.Tim. Stone River Crossing. ISBN 9781620148235

Bibliography

Gansworth, E. L. (2015). If I ever get out of here. [ebook] New York, NY: Scholastic. 

ISBN 9780553395471

Summary

If I Ever Get Out of Here is about a 7th grade student named Lewis Blake who is part of the Tuscarora Reservation. This story follows the trials and tribulations of living on the Res and dealing with others while attending school off the reservation. Lewis, makes a new friend, deals with the unfairness of poverty, and a bully in school. 

Critical Analysis 

Lewis Blake, the main character of the story, is American Indian, which is a change of pace for the main characters in the story. He goes through similar experiences like any other jr.high/high school student may go through while attending school for example, being bullied, not able to make friends, and figuring out his true identity. Lewis is an intelligent individual and is in the top program in school, which goes against the misconception of American Indians not being smart. The fact that Lewis is able to make a new friend who does not see race or color, but loyalty is what helps Lewis come to an understanding that we are all different and that is okay. 

References to Davi Bowie, attending concerts of the Beatles, wacky packy, the Smurfs, helps create an accurate setting of the story. 

 

Many references of living in poverty on the Res are made throughout the story for example, how Lewis is embarrassed having his new friend George over because his house is falling apart (“crumbling house”), not having enough money at the end of the month, using a “welfare Indian” card to receive free lunch, and having to work to help pay for things at home. Living in poverty on the Res, being American Indian, wondering what it would be like to white, not able to make friends is what Lewis struggles with throughout the story. 

 

Lewis and George go through many ups and downs in the story. Lewis can’t believe someone is being nice to him and wants to be his friend. Certain customs are learned by Lewis and vice versa; for example, it is not customary for Lewis to take leftovers home, sleep in pajamas, and owe someone something. 

 

Events in the story give readers insight of traditions on a reservation such as how they celebrate the new year by having the younger people go door to door and let the elders know the new year is upon them, in return they receive cookies. In addition, life on the reservation is a bit different than living on the outside for instance, when Lewis’s friend steals the car and goes out for a joy ride. The fact that Lewis is able to make a new friend who does not see race or color, is what helps Lewis come to an understanding that we are all different and that is okay. 

 

Review Excerpts  

 

School Library Journal (November 1, 2013) “Gr 6-9-Through an exquisite use of Beatles music, Gansworth connects with readers on multiple levels in this story of Lewis, an Onondaga teen, as he develops a friendship with George, a white teen from a nearby Air Force base. The family and community of both characters figure prominently throughout.”

 

Kirkus Reviews (June 15, 2013) “It's 1975. Lewis lives in abject poverty on the reservation. His favorite band, the Beatles, has broken up. He's the only Indian in the class for smart kids. And he's in middle school. Times are tough. When George, a military kid, arrives, the two bond over their mutual appreciation of music. Lewis shares select pieces of his life with George. However, he struggles to avoid revealing the true nature of his life on the rez. Things deteriorate for Lewis when he catches the attention of a school bully who makes his life miserable. Forces of nature eventually compel Lewis to face everything: the bully, what he is hiding and his own shame. Lewis' desire to move between cultures, and his difficulty doing so, will resonate with readers of many backgrounds. The action in this book builds slowly, providing readers with the context to understand the distrust that makes Lewis reluctant to fully commit to a friendship with George. Some readers may not be enthralled by the extensive exposition and sometimes-stilted dialogue, but those who stay with the story to the end will find their hearts touched by Lewis, George and their families. Gansworth's debut for young people is a worthy exploration of identity and friendship between middle school boys who live in different worlds. (discography)(Historical fiction. 11-14)”

Connections

Other great reads with a focus on American Indians are as follows: 

Gansworth, Eric. Give Me Some Truth. ISBN 9781338143546

Gansworth, Eric.  Apple, Skin to the Core. ISBN 9781662039706

Gansworth, Eric. Extra Indians. ISBN 9781571310798

Gansworth, Eric. Give Me Some Truth. ISBN 9781338582161  

Bibliography

Bruchac, J. (1999). The Trail of Tears. Ill. Diane Magnuson. [ebook] New York, NY: Random 

House. ISBN 9780385374736

 

 Summary

Trail of Tears is the story of what the Cherokee Nation endured within their 1,200 mile journey in hopes of finding new land to call home. Promises were broken, mistreatment of the Native Americans was taking place, dealing with injustice, and being pushed out of their homes were just some of the unfortunate repercussions they dealt with as the American settlers took over the Cherokee Nation’s land. 

Critical Analysis 

Trails of Tears is full of facts that showcases what the Cherokee Nation went through during that time period. Author Bruchac does a great job by providing the facts without watering down the events in history. Showcasing how at the beginning The Cherokees were civil with the “white settlers” and got along with them for about 100 years or so. He writes about the American Revolution and its effects on the Cherokee Nation and their land.

As hard as it is to imagine presidents and the government going against their word this too was happening at the time for example, Treaty of New Echota, the Indian Removal policy, and being held captive. 

 

Cherokee’s were inventors and successful just like others, unfortunately because of this they were forced out of their land. These facts help readers with misconceptions that the Native Americans were not successful.  They invented their own alphabet, which is how they were able to write down the Cherokee language, created their own newspaper, created a new government for themselves, and eventually they were able to build stores, hotels, and a Supreme Court  building among many other establishments. 

 

Culture symbols and beliefs  are referred to throughout the book such as the “Cherokee Phoenix, the mythical bird that rises from its own ashes”, and  black skies representing an omen of bad luck. Perseverance and determination are themes in the story, where there is a will, there is a way. 

 

The illustrations help readers bring the words to life. The illustrations are vibrant and depict a very hard time in history for the Cherokee Nation. The drawing of the traditional clothing that was worn by the Cherokee people brings cultural authenticity to the story. The illustrations depict the setting with accurate buildings, houses, clothing, and transportation. I appreciate how the illustrator shows how the Cherokee Nation has become modernized within time and can be seen in their style of clothing as well as the buildings. Readers may think Native Americans dress in traditional clothing at all times. 

Review Excerpts 

Booklist (Vol. 96, No. 7 (December 1, 1999))- “Gr. 2-4. Part of the Step into Reading series, this is a history of how the Cherokees were robbed of their homes and removed from their land to make room for white settlers. Bruchac focuses on the Trail of Tears, the bitter 1,200-mile forced journey from Georgia to Oklahoma in 1838-39 during which thousands died. He sets that march within a wider, quite detailed narrative of the Cherokee nation's struggle and resistance. Magnuson's colorful pictures, packed with people and action, are a little bright for the subject, but strong new readers will find that nonfiction can tell a powerful story.”

Connections

The following are books with a learning focus on text structure (sequence) with the classification on Trail of Tears. 

Bealer, Alex W. Only the Names Remain. ISBN 9780316085199

Byers, Ann. Life as a Native American on the Trail of Tears. ISBN  9781502617835

Caswell, Max. My Life on the Trail of Tears. ISBN 9781538203118

Vander Hook, Sue. Trail of Tears. ISBN 9781604539462

 

Bibliography 

Sneve, V. D. (2011). The Christmas coat: Memories of my Sioux childhood. Ill. Ellen Beier

New York, NY: Holiday House. ISBN 9780823421343

Summary

The Christmas Coat is about a young girl who wishes for nothing more than a coat that will fit her for the cold winter season. Every year the school where she attends anticipates the Theast boxes full of donated used clothing. She spots a coat she wants, but has been taught other people need it more than she does. Her unselfishness goes unnoticed as she is gifted a brand new red coat for Christmas. 

Critical Analysis 

The Christmas Coat offers readers a great window that focuses on empathy. The story follows a young girl who wants nothing more than a “new” used coat that will keep her warm. When the donation box arrives she notices a coat she wants, but with her morals intact, she gives it to another girl on two occasions. A theme of the story could be, good things come to those who wait. In addition, readers gain the opportunity to read about the Sioux congregation and some of the traditions which are a part of  their culture for example, how they celebrate Christmas like others do, put on plays, and eat traditional meals such as corn soup, fry bread, wojape (chokecherry) pudding, and attend Christmas Eve church services. 

One of the illustrations towards the end of the book shows readers three Native American children dressed in headdresses, but the text does explain “only the wise leaders and elders of the tribe could wear”. Other illustrations throughout the story shows the attire of the characters which is nontraditional Native American clothing. This helps the readers see that traditional Native American clothing is sacred for some individuals and used only at particular times. As a reader, I can almost feel what the characters are experiencing with how clear the facial expressions are. 

Review Excerpts 

Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2012) - “It's a harsh winter in Virginia's Sioux village. When donated clothing arrives, Virginia (the Episcopal priest's daughter) gets last pick, and a flashy coat she covets goes to another girl. With its authentic portrait of a Sioux childhood and Christmas traditions (captured in watercolor and gouache illustrations) and its eventual happy ending, this is a quiet but affecting picture book.”

Horn Book Magazine (November/December, 2011) - “It's a harsh winter in young Virginia's Sioux village on the South Dakota prairie. Virginia longs for a new coat but knows she'll have to make do with her too-short, too-thin one, at least until the boxes full of donated used clothing arrive from "Theast"; i.e., New Enland. As the Episcopal priest's daughter, Virginia always gets last pick, and she can't help feeling a pang when a flashy fur coat she covets goes to another girl. With its authentic portrait of a Sioux childhood and Christmas traditions (captured in watercolor and gouache illustrations) and its eventual happy ending (a final box arrives containing the beautiful red coat Virginia had dreamed of, a reward for her unselfishness), this is a quiet but affecting picture book. martha v. parravano”

Kirkus Reviews starred (September 1, 2011) - “This straightforward, heartfelt reminiscence recalls a Christmas season from the author's childhood on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, a time when she needed a new winter coat and her younger brother needed snow boots. When boxes of donated clothing arrive before Christmas, Virginia and her brother are the last to receive anything. Because their father is the Episcopal priest at the reservation, the children are trained to let others take precedence. A snotty rival of Virginia's selects a fur coat that Virginia covets, and when that doesn't suit, she later takes the plain cloth coat set aside for Virginia as well. But on Christmas Eve, two special boxes sent just for the priest's children are set out for Virginia and her brother, containing a soft red coat and sturdy cowboy boots. The story unfolds in a linear, matter-of-fact way reminiscent of the writing of Laura Ingalls Wilder, with school and family scenes and a strong sense of the main character's emotions and family ties. Realistic illustrations in watercolor and gouache capture the snowy, flat landscape, the simple schoolroom and the crowd of children each experiencing something different at the holiday events. Virginia's personality shines through in this poignant story that entertains and informs without recourse to stereotypes. (Picture book. 5-9)”

Connections 

Other great reads by Virginia Sneve are as follows: 

Sneve, V.D. When Thunder Spoke. ISBN 9780803292208

Sneve, V.D. Standing bear of the ponca. ISBN 9780803228269

Sneve, V.D. Lana’s Lakota Moons. ISBN 9780803260283

Culture 4 - Asian American Literature

 

Wong, J. S. (2006). Apple pie 4th of july. Ill. Margaret Chodos-Irvine. New York, NY: Harcourt. ISBN 978015205708

Plot Summary

Apple Pie 4^th of July is about a Chinese American girl whose parents own a market and sell Chinese food. On the day of 4^th of July she is afraid no one will come and buy their Chinese food. To her surprise, in a turn of events, people line up to purchase Chinese takeout.

Critical Analysis

The setting of the story takes place at a young Chinese American girl’s parent’s market, which is opened year round, even on the 4^th of July! Most stores will observe the national holiday as it marks the independence of the United States. The main character, the young Chinese American girls tries hard to understand why her parents would make Chinese food, when people usually eat apple pie on the Fourth of the July. The United States has become a nation of many cultures, which is proven as customer’s line up to buy Chinese food.

Events in the story such as the traditional eating of apple pie, parade, and the fireworks displays help portray the American culture, on the other hand the opening of the store year round, making Chinese food on the Fourth of July, and her parents not understanding, showcases she struggles with both her Chinese and American cultures.

The illustrations help blend the two cultures together. The illustrations of the Chinese food, the wok, chopsticks, fireworks, and characters gives the readers an authentic visual representation of the Chinese culture.

Review Excerpts

Horn Book Guide (fall, 2002) - "No one wants Chinese food on the Fourth of July," a girl tells her Chinese-American parents, who cook chow mein to sell in their market. As the day wears on with few customers, the girl is disappointed--until a crush of hungry people in the evening proves that chow mein is as American as apple pie. The immigrant experience is handled with good humor; the cheerful mixed-media art portrays cultural details in a matter-of-fact way.

School Library Journal (May 1, 2002) – “K-Gr 2-This simply told story explores a child's fears about cultural differences and fitting in with understanding and affection. A Chinese-American girl helps her parents open their small neighborhood grocery store every day of the year. However, today is the Fourth of July and her parents just don't understand that customers won't be ordering chow mein and sweet-and-sour pork on this very American holiday. As she spends the day working in the store and watching the local parade, she can't shake her anxiety about her parents' naïveté. When evening arrives along with hungry customers looking "for some Chinese food to go," she is surprised but obviously proud that her parents were right after all: Americans do eat Chinese food on the Fourth of July. Nighttime finds the family atop their roof enjoying fireworks and sharing a neighbor's apple pie. Done in a "variety of printmaking techniques," Chodos-Irvine's illustrations are cheerfully bright and crisp, capturing the spirit of the day as well as the changing emotions of the main character.”

Connections

Literature including other cultures holidays and traditions:

Lin, Grace. Bringing in the New Year. ISBN 9780375837456

Manushkin, Fran. Reb, White, and Blue, and Katie Woo!.ISBN9781404859852

Chen, Shan-Shan. Mei-Mei’s lucky birthday noodles. ISBN 9780804849784

Say, A. (2011). Drawing from memory. Ill. Allen Say. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545176866

Plot Summary

Through Allen Say’s memories is how he tells his story of how he became an artist. Growing up in Japan during World War II and the unforgettable opportunity working under Noro Shinpei, readers get a insight of how he became the award winning artist he is today. 

Critical Analysis

Allen Say went through many experiences as he finally reached his dream of becoming an artist. In the end he decides to leave for the America for better opportunities and to not continue to be a “burden” on his mother. It is through his memories he recalls his own story of how he became the artist he is today. Readers experience the many events Say went through, but through perseverance he obtained his goal.

Events such as World War II and demonstrations for a better government in Japan help account for authentic timeline of the story. Such events and impacted Say’s life as his life was broken apart as his house was destroyed causing his father to find work else where. His parents go through divorce, an occurrence many children can relate to. Even though this individual is from Japan many readers get the chance to see what life was like for one individual in the 1930s/1940s.

School is extremely competitive in Japan, even at the middle school and high school level. Entrance exams are required in order to gain entrance for particular schools. This event can be seen at the beginning of the story as Say is trying to gain admittance to one of the most prestigious schools so he can move out on his own.

Say’s decision to use a combination of real photos and illustrations captures the Japanese culture, providing authentic representation for readers. For example, the furniture in his grandmother’s living room, grandmother’s traditional clothing (kimono), other drawings showcase non traditional Japanese clothing as well (some individuals are more traditional than others), the structures of the buildings (“long house”) downtown Tokyo, newspapers (written in Japanese), original comic strips of “Demokurashee-chan”.

Review Experts

Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2012) – “This rendering of Say's adolescence--a coming-of-age story within the context of a long life and vocation--takes the form of an album, with text, photographs, drawings, and paintings. At the center of the book is Say's relationship with Noro Shinpei, a popular cartoonist who took Say on as an apprentice at thirteen. Throughout the volume, content is reinforced through canny artistic choices and harmonious design.”

School Library Journal (October 1, 2013) – “Gr 4-7-This "journey through memories" uses a scrapbook format featuring the author's photographs, sketches, drawings, and comic-style panels. Say shares his love of comics and the important influence they have in his art. The book is a poignant tribute to his mentor, Japanese cartoonist Noro Shinpei.”

Booklist starred (August 2011 (Vol. 107, No. 22)) – “Grades 4-7. Say, a Caldecott Medal–winning picture-book creator, returns to his most fertile ground—true life—to tell the story of how he became an artist. He began living alone when he was 12, paying a little attention to schoolwork and a lot of attention to drawing, a pursuit that flourished under the mentorship of his favorite cartoonist, Noro Shinpei. His narrative is fascinating, winding through formative early-teen experiences in Japan as he honed his skills and opened his eyes to the greater world around him. This heavily illustrated autobiography features Say’s characteristically strong artwork. The visually stunning sequences include a standout scene in which the young artist and a friend stumble upon a massive demonstration, which is depicted as a huge crowd of people that snakes down one page and is stopped short by a brick wall of police on the next. The scrapbook format features photographs, many of them dim with age; sketchbook drawings; and unordered, comic-book-style panels that float around wide swathes of text and unboxed captions, and the overall effect is sometimes disjointed. Still, as a portrait of a young artist, this is a powerful title that is both culturally and personally resonant.”

Connections

Interested in reading other selection on with a focus from multiculture artists biography/ memoir check out the following list.

Krull, Kathleen. Lives of the Artists. ISBN 9780544252233

Say, Allen. The Inker’s Shadow. ISBN 9780545437769

Young, Ed. The House Baba Built: An Artist’s Childhood in China. ISBN 9780316076289

Kadohata, C. (2013). The thing about luck. Ill. Julia Kuo. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781416918820

Plot Summary

The Thing About Luck follows a young girl named Summer and events of “bad luck” that happen to her and her family. Her parents have left to Japan to tend to an emergency just as the family was preparing to harvest season. Harvest season is a must and Summer and her little brother must go with her grandparents. Summer’s grandparents Obaachan and Jiichan are traditional, elderly, and demanding. Through an unfortunate event, Summer seems to have made Obaachan upset, and must make a tough decision in order to save her family’s job, even though she may go against her grandparents.

 

Critical Analysis

The setting of the story takes place in Texas where seasons of harvesting of wheat occur annually. This year due to unforeseen circumstances, Summer and Jaz must accompany their grandparents. Children from different cultures can relate to these characters partake as migrant workers in the story.

The description of the characters for example, the grandparents are more traditional where respect from their grandchildren is demanded. The grandparents names Toshiro and Yukiko (Obaachan/Jiichan),  are also traditional. In turn the grandchildren understand manners and respect go hand in hand, especially toward their grandparents. The description of Summer’s hair, “I had the bad luck of being in that small minority of Asian people with frizzy hair.” gives authenticity to the characters and take away the misleading conceptions that all Asians have straight black hair.

Even though Summer is only 12 years old, the demand of migrant work is present as she assists her grandmother with her job cooking meals for the workers and owners. Summer even takes the responsibility for looking our for her younger brother who may be diagnosed with ADHAD/ OCD. Changing her luck around, Summer finds the courage to do what it takes to save their family’s jobs.

Review Experts

School Library Journal (June 1, 2013) - Gr 5-8-Fans of Kadohata's Kira-Kira (S & S, 2004) will welcome this similarly gentle, character-driven exploration of familial bonds, this time set in the contemporary Midwest. With their parents called away to care for relatives in Japan, 12-year-old Summer and her younger brother, Jaz, accompany their grandparents, performing the grueling work that comes with the harvest season. In her likable voice, Summer observes the varying excitement, tedium, and challenges of harvesting wheat, sprinkling her narration with casual turns of phrase such as "OMG" and "epic fail" that will endear her to readers. Strong family ties suffuse this novel with a tremendous amount of heart. Though Summer's brother has been diagnosed with a number of disorders, she prefers to think of him as simply "intense," and, like most siblings, is alternately protective of and annoyed by his idiosyncrasies. Her grandparents, comically strict Obaachan and kindly Jiichan, bring warmth and humor with their cultural and generational differences. Kadohata expertly captures the uncertainties of the tween years as Summer navigates the balance of childlike concerns with the onset of increasingly grown-up responsibilities. She ponders the fragility of life after a brush with death from malaria, experiences newfound yearnings upon becoming preoccupied with a boy, and bravely steps up to save the day when her grandfather falls ill. The book's leisurely pace and extensive information about grain harvesting require some amount of patience from readers, but their investment will be rewarded by Summer's satisfying journey to self-actualization.

Booklist starred (April 1, 2013 (Vol. 109, No. 15)) - Grades 4-8. It seems that if Summer’s Japanese American family didn’t have bad luck, they’d have no luck at all. Certainly good luck (kouun) is elusive. Consider that Summer has had malaria; her little brother, Jaz, is friendless; her parents have to fly to Japan to take care of elderly relatives; and her grandmother (Obaa-chan) and grandfather (Jii-chan) must pay the mortgage by coming out of retirement to work for a custom harvesting company. When the siblings accompany their grandparents on the harvest, Summer helps her grandmother, a cook, while Jaz is Jaz: intense, focused, and bad-tempered. At first, things go reasonably well, but then Jii-chan becomes sick, and it appears that it might be up to Summer to save the day. Will she succeed? Kadohata has written a gentle family story that is unusual in its focus on the mechanics of wheat harvesting. Readers may skim the more arcane aspects of the labor-intensive work, focusing instead on the emotionally rich and often humorous dynamics of Summer’s relationship with her old-fashioned but endearing grandparents and her troubled younger brother. Another engaging novel from the Newbery Medal–winning Kadohata. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: With the blogosphere already starting to buzz, and author appearances and web promotions planned, Kadohata’s already sizable audience will likely increase with this title.

Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2013) - In this funny, poignant novel, twelve-year-old Summer's parents can't go "on harvest" this year, so Summers grandfather, Jiichan, comes out of retirement to drive a combine, while her grandmother, Obaachan, cooks for the work crew (with Summer as her assistant). When a crisis hits, Summer gathers her courage and saves the situation; her exultance makes for an uplifting conclusion.

Connections

If you enjoyed The Thing About Luck by Cynthia Kadohata you may also like the following titles by Kadohata.

Kadohata, Cynthia. Checked. ISBN 9781481446617

Kadohata, Cynthia. Half a World Away. ISBN 9781442412750

Kadohata, Cynthia. Kira-Kira. ISBN 9780689856396

 

Lin, G. (2007). The year of the dog a novel. Ill. Grace Lin New York, NY: Little, Brown. ISBN 9780316060028

Plot Summary

The Year of the Dog follows a young Taiwanese American named Pacy. As Pacy and her family celebrate the Chinese New Year, her mother mentions it is The Year of the Dog, which marks the year to be filled with good luck and friendships. Pacy anticipates a year full of luck and new friends, but this year has other plans in store for her.

Critical Analysis

Readers are quickly met with cultural markers from the start of the story as Chinese (“Gong xi-gong xi! Xinanian kuai le!”)is spoken during a conversation between the father and relatives from Taiwan. Although the characters of the story are Taiwanese/Chinese American, they are celebrating the Chinese New Year with authentic dishes (shrimp, pork, vegetables) and other traditions of celebrating the Chinese New Year with the New Year tray filled with special Chinese New Year candy. Hong Bao (special red envelopes containing money) are given to the children as part of tradition for the Chinese New Year. Other Chinese dishes, wonton soup, white rice, and stick re-brown spareribs. This helps provide cultural authenticity to the story.

The uncertainty about being Chinese and American is present through the story. For example, when Pacy and her sister are preparing the New Year tray they have ran out of the Chinese candy and contemplate whether adding American candy to the tray as her father says, “This way is good , he said. “We should have both Chinese and American candy for the new year. It’s just like s- Chinese-Americans.

The illustrations are simple, but still provide great visuals of the text for readers. They help the reader get a better insight how the main character visualizes the characters or events throughout the story.

Many themes were present in this story such as friendships and finding ones self. The year of the dog promised a year full of luck and friendship which Pacy became friends with Melody and won a prestigious story award, be apart of her school play with an important role, which Pacy did not think it was important at the time. Even though things may not go exactly as we expect it, there is always a reason for it. We must be patient and take advantage of every opportunity given as we are never sure if this is our time or calling.

Review Experts

School Library Journal (March 1, 2006) – “Gr 3-5-A lighthearted coming-of-age novel with a cultural twist. Readers follow Grace, an American girl of Taiwanese heritage, through the course of one year-The Year of the Dog-as she struggles to integrate her two cultures. Throughout the story, her parents share their own experiences that parallel events in her life. These stories serve a dual purpose; they draw attention to Grace's cultural background and allow her to make informed decisions. She and her two sisters are the only Taiwanese-American children at school until Melody arrives. The girls become friends and their common backgrounds illuminate further differences between the American and Taiwanese cultures. At the end of the year, the protagonist has grown substantially. Small, captioned, childlike black-and-white drawings are dotted throughout. This is an enjoyable chapter book with easily identifiable characters.-Diane Eddington, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.”

Booklist starred (January 1, 2006 (Vol. 102, No. 9)) – “Gr. 3-5. When Lin was a girl, she loved the Betsy books by Carolyn Hayward, a series about a quintessentially American girl whose days centered around friends and school. But Lin, a child of Taiwanese immigrants, didn't see herself in the pages. Now she has written the book she wished she had as a child. Told in a simple, direct voice, her story follows young Grace through the Year of the Dog, one that Grace hopes will prove lucky for her. And what a year it is! Grace meets a new friend, another Asian girl, and together they enter a science fair, share a crush on the same boy, and enjoy special aspects of their heritage (food!). Grace even wins fourth place in a national book-writing contest and finds her true purpose in life. Lin, who is known for her picture books, dots the text with charming ink drawings, some priceless, such as one picturing Grace dressed as a munchkin. Most of the chapters are bolstered by anecdotes from Grace's parents, which connect Grace (and the reader) to her Taiwanese heritage. Lin does a remarkable job capturing the soul and the 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.”

Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2006) - “For Taiwanese-American Pacy, sorting out her ethnic identity is important, and she wonders what she should be when she grows up. Writing and illustrating a book for a national contest makes her think that perhaps she can become an author of a "real Chinese person book." Lin offers both authentic Taiwanese-American and universal childhood experiences, told from a genuine child perspective.”

Connections

If you enjoyed this title, you may also enjoy the following:

Chen, Pauline. Peiling and the Chicken-Fried Christmas. ISBN 9781599901220

Lin, Grace. The Year of the Rat. ISBN 9781725414051

Lin, Grace. Dumplings Days. ISBN 9780316531337