My Very Own Room
Story by Amada Irma Perez
Illustration by Maya Christina Gonzalez
Children's Book Press 2000
From my new favorite book press, this is great book about a young girl who wants her own independence (by having her own room) and how her family of little means, helps her to get it. It is a great story about a girl's will and parents understanding of growing up and the need for independence. The story is bilingual and the illustrations are great. With Children's Book Press, the publisher also provides insight on the writers and illustrators in the back of the book so that you can see the connection from the creator to the book.
Bringing in the the New Year
By Grace Lin
Alfred Knopf 2008
Since the celebration has begun for the hare, I thought I would share this book. Also, I love Grace Lin and her books for being culturally accurate and also for early readers. There is very little text because her descriptions really say it all. I get asked often about books for toddlers that are culturally appropriate and this is one of her many to pick from.
Other Titles by Grace Lin: Dim Sum for Everyone, Kite Flying, Fortune Cookie Fortunes
Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah
Written by Sylvia A. Rouss
Illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn
Kar-Ben Copies 1993
Getting into the spirit of the holidays, I wanted to share this book about Hanukkah. Sammy the Spider learns about Hanukkah. He smells latkes, sees differently colored dreidels and warms his feet hanging above the shamash. I love that this book can be used with preschoolers and older kids and all learn a little about Hanukkah if you are not familiar with the holiday. This can be a jumping off for all Hanukkah activities.
Making Menorahs, making latkes and making and playing the dreidel game. The author has a website with activities.
Suki's Kimonoby Chieri UegakiIllustrated by Stephane JorischKids Can Press 2003This is the beautiful story of a little girl who did not listen to her sisters about looking "cool" on the first day of school and came away as a more confident and memorable. She also teaches us all a little about her culture and language throughout the book. I think this is great book because it embraces being proud without regard and in turn teaches a lesson.
Two Eyes, a Nose and a Mouthby Roberta Grobel IntraterCartwheel Books 1995This book about facial features brings to life a variety of faces with different shades and different ages. This simple book is a great conversation starter for preschoolers to start recognizing their own unique characteristics.
Meet Danitra Brown
Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Mulberry Books 1997
This poetic book about Danitra Brown is a lovely book that tells a story of friendship and city life. Each page has a small poem about the friends and what they do together and the life issues they face. Zuri gets some wise advice on teasing, single parent families and race from Danitra. The book is a wonderful story for any young girl to read and school age educators to have in their classroom.
Activities: Have students create their own Poetry. Start with Acrostic (a line per letter of their name) to allow all students to participate. Also, many topics can be discussed with this book if interested.
Hair-Pelitos
A Story from the House on Mango Street
by Sandra Cisneros
Dragonfly Books 1984/1994
This is pulled from the short story A House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros published in 1984 and illustrated in 1994. This books is bilingual and all about different hair styles in her own family. Since I love Sandra's poetry, so this is a natural progression to turn this into a children's book. I really like how she shows the differences within her own family and how each person's hair emotes a feeling. This provides a beginning to speak about differences within families without categorizing.
My Very Own Room
