https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem en-us 2023-09-05 13:37:27 UTC 2023-10-17 23:03:53 UTC hello@padlet.com shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2684928394 Gigi is excited for her grandfather to visit from Japan. She practices her Japanese and thinks of fun activities they can do together. When her grandfather arrives, however, there are moments of awkwardness and misunderstanding. Gigi soon finds out that even though they speak different languages and have different ideas, they share the same love for each other.

Gigi and Ojiji (her grandfather)'s initial misunderstanding involves different reactions toward an event. When Gigi meets Ojiji for the first time, she wonders why she does not get a hug. When Gigi gives Ojiji a gift, he puts it in his pocket instead of opening it. The author, Iwai, explores these cultural differences through Gigi's views and explains how these misunderstandings can be hurtful to Gigi. Gigi's mother clarifies at the end why Ojiji acts in different ways, and Gigi understands that even if Ojiji may not express his love like American people, he still loves her when she sees her gift hanging in Ojiji's room. The author shows that love is universal no matter what culture you come from, and that cultural differences do not have to be obstacles to understand each other.

Iwai, M. (2022). Gigi and Ojiji (M. Iwai Illus.). HarperCollins. ]]> 2023-09-05 13:43:06 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2684928394 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2692238297 1. How can different cultures be celebrated?
2. How can picture books represent cultural diversity correctly?
3. How in depth can children's books deal with cultural diversity?
4. How can universal themes in different cultures help children understand those cultures better?

]]> 2023-09-10 15:23:24 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2692238297 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2692241625 Lili lives in an apartment with lots of grandmothers from various cultures. Lili wants to make baos with her grandmother Nai Nai while she waits for her parents to come home. Lili, with her puppy Kiki, runs errands all over the building and helps out grandmothers (Abuela, Babcia, Nona, Teta...) cook the dumplings from their cultures (tamales, pierogi, ravioli, fatayer...). As Lili runs up and down the stairs grabbing missing ingredients, readers can learn about different kinds of dumplings that grandmothers cook. The grandmothers' kitchens are also illustrated in beautiful details that hint at the aesthetics of the diverse cultures.

 At the end of the book, Lili's parents come home with a new baby, and the whole building gathers to celebrate with the dumplings. Dumplings exist in many cultures' cooking, and the author reminds readers that, even if people all come from different backgrounds, they all share the common love for their neighbors and sharing food.   

Iwai, M. (2021). Dumplings for Lili (M. Iwai Illus.). Norton Young Readers.]]> 2023-09-10 15:27:40 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2692241625 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2692365967 Musa loves halal hot dogs in his neighborhood. He decides to get halal hot dogs for his family this Friday after Jummah Prayer at the masjid (mosque). Musa's shoelaces, however, constantly come undone, which might bring some troubles.

Musa's everyday life as a Muslim child is depicted in a familiar setting of a house decorated in beautiful patterns. His family's masjid, which may be not as familiar to some children, is illustrated with lots of colors and patterns as well, drawing readers' eyes. The possible unfamiliarity is also lightened when the author shows Musa being distracted because of his hunger through the entire prayer. When Musa goes to buy his halal hot dogs, his neighborhood, consisting of multicultural food vendors, is shown enjoying their treats from many different cultures. The line for halal hot dogs, moreover, is also filled with everyone from the neighborhood, indirectly conveying that anyone can enjoy them. The author shows that people can come together with food and introduces some Arabic words to familiarize young readers with Muslim culture.     

Aziz, S. (2021). Halal hot dogs (P. Singh Illus.). Little Bee Books.]]> 2023-09-10 18:43:27 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2692365967 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2696742284 The author conveys a simple message in a few words that "we" all belong here in our neighborhoods. There is no main character; we are going through the neighborhood, saying hello to everyone. The illustrations depict all kinds of people. Some are young. some are old. Some are in wheelchairs. some have two moms, and some do not want to eat broccolis. No matter who we are, however, we are all here together as a neighborhood.

The book tells readers that people may come from different cultures and backgrounds, but we are all parts of communities we live in. We help each other when needed; we take care of the community that we share. By repeating "we all are neighbors here" and rhyming words like along, strong, and belong throughout, the book almost sounds like a song. The message becomes powerful because of its simplicity and the beautiful illustrations showing everyone living in harmony.

Penfold, A. (2022). All are neighbors (S. Kaufman Illus.). Alfred A. Knopf. ]]> 2023-09-11 09:00:07 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2696742284 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2696775483 The book begins with focusing on skins and their functions. Skin covers us and protect us. Skin can come in all sorts of delicious colors, such as "cocoa brown, cinnamon, and honey gold (Manushkin, 2015)." Skin can have all kinds of marks, like freckles or birthmarks. The author emphasizes that, just like the skin we have, we are also unique, like flower "bouquets of people."

The author starts the book with a universal idea that people all have skin that can tan, itch, or even get scabs. At the end, the author gently reminds readers that this skin that all people share comes in many different shades and marks, and we are all unique at the same time. This difference is described as "bouquets of people," emphasizing the beauty of diversity.

Manushkin, F. (2015). Happy in our skin (L. Tobia Illus.). Candlewick Press.]]> 2023-09-11 09:28:19 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2696775483 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2708417099 The author and illustrator depict many children who come from different backgrounds. Some have been born in Australia from parents who were also born in Australia. Some have come from indigenous people. Some have had to flee from their countries because of difficult situations. Some would like to come to Australia but cannot yet. However, the common factor everyone shares is that they all love Australia.

The book begins with a world map where everyone comes from and ends with a map of Australia marked with the places mentioned in the book. These maps reaffirm that people may have come from different countries, but now they all share and love Australia as one, living in peace.

Fox, M. (2017). I'm an immigrant too! (R. Ghosh Illus.). Beach Lane Books.]]> 2023-09-18 08:39:32 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2708417099 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2708442395 The book compares and contrasts how people eat all over the world. People may have different eating utensils, different ingredients, or different ways of cooking. However, we all need food to be healthy and strong. The author keeps reminding readers that the food we eat may look or taste different, but we all share the joy and love when we eat. The book ends with a song composed by Mark Oblinger that readers can access using a QR code. The addition of a song reinforces the message in a simple, enjoyable way.

The author emphasizes that the food people eat may be different, but all people "sit down and share meals, laughter, talk and love (Berne, 2019)," reiterating the universality all people share: Food and eating.

Berne, E. C. (2019). My food, your food, our food (S. Sordo Illus.; M. Oblinger Music). Cantata Learning.]]> 2023-09-18 08:58:09 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2708442395 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2712827458 All Are Welcome (Penfold, 2018) begins with a classroom scene where diverse characters are shown mingling happily. The rest of the book follows a typical school day comprised of different activities. The children are depicted enjoying their art, science, recess, and other activities together. At the end the whole community, not just children, is illustrated sharing food and having fun together as neighbors.

The author emphasizes that everyone is safe and welcome, no matter where they come from or how they start and end their days. The author reminds readers that diversity makes us stronger to protect ourselves from adversities. 

Penfold, A. (2018). All are welcome (S. Kaufman Illus.). Alfred A. Knopf. ]]> 2023-09-20 13:36:19 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2712827458 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2713317366 In the beginning of the book, the narrator has a hard time getting accustomed to her new school. People can't pronounce her name correctly; her outfits, home decorations, and even her lunch do not look like they belong. The narrator wishes her name was easy to say like other girls' name, like "Olivia, Sophie, or Chloe." However, the narrator makes a new friend and shares her name's origin, her favorite color, and her lunch - a whole tomato.

Tomatoes in My Lunchbox is a story of how first days at a new school can be challenging, a universal experience anyone who has moved can understand. This becomes more difficult when one comes from a different culture. The author shows that when you can share "a whole world" in your name, it is not as heavy as the narrator feels in the book. When you share your story, it becomes a part of rich diversity that we can celebrate.

Manoli, C. (2022). Tomatoes in my lunchbox (M. Mora Illus.). Roaring Brook Press.]]> 2023-09-20 18:25:15 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2713317366 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2713586226 Ibtihaj Muhammad, an Olympic fencer for the United States, writes about her personal experience of wearing hijab to school through two sisters, Faizah and Asiya. When Faizah hears bullies saying hurtful words to Asiya because of her hijab, Faizah is confused. Hijab is beautiful, the color of "the ocean waving to the sky." Faizah remembers her mother telling them to ignore those who say hurtful words, because "if you understand who you are, one day they will too."

The author celebrates the first day of wearing hijab to school , just as how the first day of school is important to children everywhere. The illustrator depicts diverse children at school, and Asiya has friends who support her through mean words. The story is a great introduction to those who are not familiar with Muslim culture and hijabs, and it conveys that hijab is something deeply appreciated and celebrated.

Muhammad, I., & Ali, S. K. (2019). The proudest blue (H. Aly Illus.). Little, Brown and Company.]]> 2023-09-20 23:42:12 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2713586226 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2720813082 Craft's graphic novel details the first year of middle school for Jordan, a Black child. His new school mainly consists of white children, and Jordan does not feel he is fitting in. As he finds friendship with other children, regardless of their skin color, Jordan finds that it is possible to merge both worlds - Black or white - when they can find something they enjoy in common.

Craft weaves both authentic experiences as a Black person, such as Kwanzaa, and the universal experiences found in any new child in a new school to create a story where Jordan grows as a person. When Jordan struggles to figure out how to have his friends all mingle, Jordan tackles a problem that may apply to other children who have friends from different cultural backgrounds, helping them see that there are solutions.

Craft, J. (2019). New kid (J. Craft Illus.). Quill Tree Books.]]> 2023-09-26 08:46:07 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2720813082 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2720835220 Ji-Young wants to perform a song for Neighbor Day celebration, but her guitar breaks. On her way home to fix it, Ji-Young hears hurtful words from a child, telling her to "go back home." When the children are upset, Louie, Elmo's father, calms them down and tells them that they should all be proud of "who they are and where they're from." They have a tour around Sesame Street and meet people from different cultures. Ji-Young shares some Korean food with her friends, learns what to do when someone says mean things, and performs the song her halmoni (grandmother) has taught her.

The book introduces readers the ways they can celebrate diverse cultures. It reminds children that being different is alright and should be celebrated. Ji-Young's Korean background is incorporated well, where she teaches some easy words and shares her favorite food.
   
Hara, L. (2022). We all belong: A story about Neighbor Day (S. Lew Illus.). Random House. ]]> 2023-09-26 09:02:49 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2720835220 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2722760573 Missy loves spending time with her father on "Daddy day," and she plans to use her own saved money to pay for lunch and more today. At Pizza Corner, Missy meets Jane, who buys her and her father's pizza with special sticky notes in the pizza parlor. Missy decides to spend the rest of her money to buy more sticky notes so that people who can't afford to enjoy pizza can use the sticky notes to get some delicious pizza. Her father tells her that this is her "mitzvah," a good deed in Hebrew.

This is based on a true story of a pizza parlor in Philadelphia. The author seamlessly combines some components of Jewish culture as well as the idea of charity, along with opportunities to think about people who may not be able to afford to buy food with money. Missy and Jane become good friends at the end, shown enjoying Missy's birthday party together with pizza slices. The author conveys that, no matter your financial backgrounds, it is easy to become friends when you love something in common.
 
Scheerger, S. L. (2019). Mitzvah pizza (D. Melmon Illus.). Kar-Ben Publishing. ]]> 2023-09-27 09:05:04 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2722760573 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2723152476 The book features multiple characters from different cultural backgrounds. No names are specified except Rigoberto, a boy from Venezuela who is sad because his name does not sound right in his new school, and Angelina, the girl on the cover. Each character has their worries, such as their appearance being different from others, their not as exciting vacations compared to the other kids, their lunches that may not look similar to others', or intense shyness.  These problems are mitigated when "the world opens itself up a little wider to make some space." The characters find commonalities within each other, and new friendship blossoms.

Woodson utilizes each child's experience to discuss the idea of being not only the new one at school, but also a different one. She conveys that it is okay to be unique, and the uniqueness should be cherished. Woodson also reminds readers that there are something they can find in the others, the universal experiences everyone shares like "your laughter and your lunches, your books, your travel and your stories." 

Woodson, J. (2018). The day you begin (R. López Illus.). Nancy Paulsen Books.]]> 2023-09-27 13:52:15 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2723152476 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2723207070 The book consists of autobiographical poetry from four authors. Each author shares their stories and history from their countries where they come from. The book shows that each person has a story they can celebrate even if the story may not be a happy one to tell. The struggles they or their ancestors went through are still something that should be shared for the current generation to learn from. The history of the authors' ancestors also highlight their unique achievements, such as their migration for better future or historically significant metal type.

By celebrating diverse backgrounds of each author who grew up in various parts of the US, the book reminds readers that it is important to represent and learn about different cultures making up the country we live in.

Wilson, D., Shin, S. Y., Gibney, S., & Coy, J. (2022). Where we come from (D. MBD Illus.). Carolrhoda Books.]]> 2023-09-27 14:21:06 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2723207070 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2725786706 Mina, the main character, starts her kindergarten in a foreign country where she does not understand what anyone says other than her name. As she learns more English (in the translated edition) and becomes more familiar with her class, she feels that she belongs here in this classroom with everyone.

Mina's unfamiliarity with her new surroundings is expressed in gray colors; in the beginning, other than herself, Mina thinks of everything in the classroom gray. As she gets used to the children and the teacher, illustrations become more and more colorful. The author shows that language barriers do not hinder new friendships; Mina may have some issues in the beginning communicating her needs (e.g., she wants more pasta but cannot convey it to her teacher), but the teacher's effort to help her by using picture cards or playing songs in Mina's language facilitates Mina's transition into the new classroom. By celebrating Mina's culture as well as her inner thoughts as she adapts to her new environment, the author indicates that everyone can feel they belong with appropriate help.
 
Niebuhr-Siebert, S. (2022). Mina belongs here (L. Baus Illus.; P. Lawson Trans.). Floris Books. (Original work published in 2020)]]> 2023-09-29 09:09:34 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2725786706 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2732875806 Wesley Wilder is a seventh grader who has various interests: Gaming, writing, playing her viola, and possibly becoming a mathlete. The book goes through Wesley's day with frequent flashbacks to build up her background story. Wesley's heritage comes from Upper Skagit, but she does not qualify as a tribe member because of blood quantum laws. There are diverse characters represented in the book; Wesley's uncle comes from Japanese culture. Wesley's best friend's family is from Syria.

The story weaves some universal concerns that middle school students may share, such as friendship, dating, school life, and so on, as well as Wesley's cultural heritage as a descendant of Upper Skagit tribe. There are some concepts introduced in the book that may be unfamiliar to children who do not come from Indigenous backgrounds, such as blood quantum laws or powwows. The author shows Wesley's pride as an Indigenous person and her love for her family and friends to depict what it is like to be a contemporary preteen who is proud of her heritage.

Day, C. (2023). We still belong. Heartdrum.]]> 2023-10-04 23:42:53 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2732875806 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2734659755 The main character, whose name is never revealed, leads readers through the book explaining how to become purple people. Anyone can be a purple person as long as they ask lots of questions, laugh a lot, and use their voice to speak up. They also need to be hard workers and be true to themselves.

The illustration features diversity by showing characters in different skin colors or outfits. The authors emphasize that the importance is that you are true to yourself, not what you look like outside. While there are no particular cultures named explicitly, some characters are shown in wheelchairs or hijabs, hinting at the diversity of people.

Bell, K., & Hart, B. (2020). The world needs more purple people (D. Wiseman Illus.). Random House.]]> 2023-10-05 23:28:36 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2734659755 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2744960524 Lamothe interviewed seven families from India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Peru, Russia, and Uganda. He followed each of the children's typical day and replicated them in beautiful illustrations. The book starts with the children's breakfast and end with their bedtime. 

Each country's child shows that life around the world is essentially a universal experience even though the appearance or environment may be different. Daphine, a girl in Uganda, may walk to school through banana trees whereas Romeo rides a school bus looking at vineyards and olive trees. However, they both go to school and learn from their teachers. By highlighting the universal experience while illustrating beautiful details of each child's life, Lamothe celebrates the similarities and differences everyone shares around the world. In his author's notes, he states that, "I believe the more you learn about different people, the more you see yourself in them, and the more accepting you become (Lamothe, 2017)," capturing the essential message of his book.

Lamothe, M. (2017). This is how we do it. Chronicle Books.]]> 2023-10-13 09:19:19 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2744960524 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746392042 Since a lot of books featuring diverse cultures utilize food to emphasize the universality among people, students can think about what food their families enjoy. It could be something traditional from their cultures, or it can simply be any food they enjoy. Students can research the origin of the food and share their results with others. This could be done on a map to visually reflect where the food comes from, facilitating further discussions on diversity in the classroom or library. The map above features an interactive map from Taste Atlas (AtlasMedia, 2023) that can start the brainstorming if needed.

AtlasMedia. (2023). World Food Atlas: Discover 16923 local dishes and ingredients. https://www.tasteatlas.com/search]]> 2023-10-14 22:40:31 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746392042 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746398349 Denise and Escobar present the life of Pura Teresa Belpré in this biography written in verses. Belpré, an immigrant from Puerto Rico, becomes a librarian in a public library in Harlem and decides to spread her "story seeds" in New York City. Her story seeds blossom into a book that she writes and puppet shows that she performs in many libraries, classrooms, community centers, and more. Her stories she learned from her grandmother under tamarind trees have become a part of New York and Latinex culture.

The story of Belpré reminds readers that stories are an important component in understanding and recognizing other cultures. When stories are shared, readers can learn about different cultures and find similarities and differences. Denise and Escobar convey that stories are universal and can bring people together.

Denise, A. A. (2019). Planting stories: The life of librarian and storyteller Pura Belpré (P. Escobar Illus.). Harper. ]]> 2023-10-14 23:06:39 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746398349 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746405293 Thương, a Vietnamese American girl, has something very special and wants to know where to keep it. She asks her friends at school where they keep their love for their parents. They have all sorts of different answers; Lily keeps it in her voice, and Carlos keeps it in his tummy. Thương finds out where her family keeps their love for her and happily lets her parents know that her love for them from "the top of my head all the way down to the tips of my toes."

Buu conveys that every culture has a similar and different way of expressing love. Every time someone shares how they keep their love, Thương replies, "Me too!" Eventually, Thương also finds where she keeps her love. Diverse portrayals of children also add to the theme, emphasizing that love is universal across all cultures.

Buu, T. (2021). Where Thương keeps love (B. Luu Illus.). West Margin Press. ]]> 2023-10-14 23:39:08 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746405293 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746422467 Yo-Yo Ma plays on the bank of Rio Grande, his "feet planted on the soil of one nation, eyes gazing at the shores of another (Ho, 2021)." His beautiful music unites everyone listening - people in Laredo, TX and people in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Yo-Yo, a prodigy with many accolades, has always found it his life's mission to find ways to "weave worlds together" with his music. His cello is also made from parts that come from all over the world, a symbol for unity and cohabitating.

The book is based on Yo-Yo Ma's performance in 2019 at the border between the United States and Mexico. Ma performed in Laredo, TX, looking over Rio Grande at Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. The author focuses on Ma's strength in bringing everyone together with his music across genres and media. His cello's history also adds to this idea, emphasizing different parts of the world where the cello's parts came from. Ma's idea of building a bridge, instead of a wall, points out that people can coexist in peace, not divided in hate.

Ho, J. (2021). Playing at the border: A story of Yo-Yo Ma (T. Martinez Illus.). Harper.]]> 2023-10-15 01:01:43 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746422467 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746637441 As Lamothe (2017) claimed in his interview, learning about other cultures can lead to a better understanding and acceptance for them. Students can be assigned or pick a culture. They do research on the culture. For younger children, this could be basic, involving food and clothing; for older children, the research can be in depth with brief history or the culture's presence in the United States if applicable. Students then can do a presentation on their result, and their research could be bound into a booklet that showcases diverse cultures. This could also be a year-long project where different topics can be researched each month, such as music, art, folktales, holidays, and so on. 

Lamothe, M. (2017). This is how we do it. Chronicle Books.]]> 2023-10-15 10:13:44 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746637441 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746649876 The narrator, a young girl, recounts her life in her homeland (not specified in the book). When her peaceful life ends because of people who say her family does not belong there, her family moves to a new place where "one hundred balloons fill the sky (Marwan, 2022)" instead of one hundred butterflies back at home. She finds acceptance and a new home in the new land.

The book is based on Marwan's experience as a stateless person in Kuwait. Marwan tells her story of why her family fled to the United States (New Mexico) with a brief historical background. It would be helpful for parents/teachers/guardians to read this section first before reading the book to a child, so that they have a better understanding of the book's setting. Marwan's story illustrates a family's love and finding a new home while still maintaining a strong bond with the old home. Children will be able to learn why some people have to choose immigration and why it is important to be accepting with an open mind.

Marwan, Z. (2022). Where butterflies fill the sky: A story of immigration, family, and finding home (Z. Marwan Illus.). Bloomsbury Children's Books.]]> 2023-10-15 10:39:17 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746649876 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746908445 Omu, which means "queen" in Igbo language, cooks a lot of delicious red stew. When passersby smell her stew, each person knocks on Omu's door to have a bowl of stew. When it is dinnertime, Omu realizes that she has given out all the stew, and there is nothing for dinner. When Omu is sad looking at her empty pot, there are more knocks on the door. Everyone who has eaten Omu's stew is there with their own offering of food for Omu.

Mora highlights the importance of sharing and giving back in this book. Omu does not realize that she has shared all of her stew. When she hears more knocking, all she worries about is how she does not have anything else to share. Everyone has something to share with Omu, which makes her heart "full of happiness and love (Mora, 2018)." Mora features a diverse group of people who drop by to ask for a bowl of soup, showing the whole community coming together with the universal experience of eating together.

Mora, O. (2018). Thank you, Omu! (O. Mora Illus.). Little, Brown and Company.]]> 2023-10-15 17:01:08 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746908445 shanlittlejohn https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746923363 The unspecified narrator defines what fry bread is in each double-spread. Fry bread is shape, sound, color, and many more things. It is a symbol for Native Americans that signify their families, identities, and history. Children and adults are shown enjoying their fry bread together throughout the book.

At the end of the book, Maillard discusses each of fry bread's definition in depth by explaining why he chose the terms and the history behind them. For example, he states that not all Native Americans have "brown skin and black hair; there is an enormous range of hair textures and skin colors (Maillard, 2019)." Fry bread, just like people, come in many shades; it can be "golden brown, tan, or yellow" or "deep like coffee" or "light like snow and cream (Maillard, 2019)." Maillard aims to bring all Native Americans together with fry bread, which is shared by a big part of Native American communities. Young readers can get a glimpse of Native American culture with this book. Older readers can read the author's notes and discuss the significance of fry bread in Native American culture and history.

Maillard, K. N. (2019). Fry bread: A Native American family story (J. Martinez-Neal Illus.). Roaring Book Press.]]> 2023-10-15 17:20:12 UTC https://padlet.com/shanlittlejohn/l5uvedcjnch0pvem/wish/2746923363