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jecoats's reviews
54 reviews
Binti: The Complete Trilogy by Nnedi Okorafor
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah
4.0
Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime is an autobiography of his life in South Africa, told as a series of vignettes. He begins with a harrowing tale of an attempted kidnapping/robbery which culminates with his mother throwing him out of a moving minibus. Other stories detail the people in his life, such as his father, a Swiss expat that Noah did not know very well due to the fact that it was a crime for whites and blacks to have children under Apartheid. Some stories are quite funny (and tragic), such as chapter 6, where we learn of the chaos Noah seems to sew as a young boy. Other tales are quite heartwarming. Noah goes right for the heartstrings in chapter 7, revealing the love he had for his puppy, Fufi. Ultimately, this is a story about how a young man, the child of a black mother and white father, navigated the world of Apartheid (and post-Apartheid), unaware at times that his existence was, under that horrifying form of government, a crime. His story is, in a way, one of self-discovery. He is seen as black, colored, and even white at times, and Noah has to grapple with and reconcile these ideas to understand who he is, and to understand why the world around him seems both undeniably strange and silly, while simultaneously attempting to contain and control him.
This is a very interesting, thought provoking, and insightful book that at times reads more like a narrative (I’m thinking something akin to The House on Mango Street) than an autobiography. Noah knows not only how to weave a tale, but he also knows how to keep it interesting. The people he discusses in the book all feel well rounded. There aren’t “bad” or “good” people (although there are characters that I think the reader will root for, while hoping that others get their “comeuppance”), just people who have been molded by Apartheid, or by their cultural upbringing, or by other outside forces. For instance, Noah’s stepfather, Abel, is not a character we are really meant to sympathize with, nor are we meant to simply demonize him. We know he is a kind of misogynistic patriarch who has a bad temper and is an alcoholic. But we also know that his view on patriarchy is due to his Tsonga culture and ideas that “women must bow when they greet a man” (p. 243). His alcoholism may be due to the fact that his livelihood was destroyed twice: once by Noah himself (that wonderfully dark story of burning down the white family’s home in chapter 6) and later because of the crushing debt Mighty Mechanics was under. This is all to say that the strongest part of Noah’s book is how he creates a full account of who the people in his story were. He doesn’t simply cherry pick the best or the worst aspects of someone to present us a biased account of that person. He instead gives us layers of information to consider, which allows the reader to make up their own minds about the many people in his story.
Besides character building, Noah uses other more traditional narrative features, such as foreshadowing and repetition, to create an autobiography that unfolds like a piece of fiction. For instance, Noah mentions at the end of chapter 9 that “Abel didn’t have a gun yet” (p. 128, my emphasis added), which plants the seed for the climatic events of chapter 17. Then there is the orange Volkswagen, which appears in several chapters, and acts as a catalyst for some major events in the book. These narrative features help keep the reader engaged. We turn the page wondering how these story elements connect. Why does Noah talk about his love of fire? Oh, because he burns down a house later in the book. Why does he repeatedly bring up his inclination for trouble? Oh, because it all culminates in his arrest and stint in jail. Everything Noah mentions in his book has a purpose, and this keeps us turning the page to see where each narrative thread or idea will end up.
I think this book would be very useful in the classroom, both for what it can teach students about the world and how it can be used for inclusion and diversity purposes. One overall theme I can identify in the book is perseverance in the face of adversity. No matter how hard it was for Noah and his family, he and his mother pressed forward. They didn’t let things like a broken-down car or a week in jail prevent them from engaging the world and going after the things they wanted or needed. Somehow, they found a way to make their lives work despite the adversity they faced. Another thing this book does so well is it gives the reader a window into a world that might be quite unfamiliar to us. This is an effective tool to help our students learn about other people, time periods, cultures, and systems of government and oppression. Ultimately, this can help our students build empathy for others as they become more and more familiar with the plight and circumstances of those that do not share their cultural or ethnic heritage. Similarly, I think this book could also be used as a mirror to create a sense of inclusion in the classroom. Students who have grown up poor (regardless of race), who have faced discrimination, or who are African immigrants might see themselves reflected in these pages. This would not only help them feel more included in the classroom but would also help them engage more thoroughly with the text (and in turn, might drive these students to seek out similar stories). Creating a classroom built on empathy and inclusion is a major goal for any teacher, and this book would be an excellent way to foster that environment.
This is a very interesting, thought provoking, and insightful book that at times reads more like a narrative (I’m thinking something akin to The House on Mango Street) than an autobiography. Noah knows not only how to weave a tale, but he also knows how to keep it interesting. The people he discusses in the book all feel well rounded. There aren’t “bad” or “good” people (although there are characters that I think the reader will root for, while hoping that others get their “comeuppance”), just people who have been molded by Apartheid, or by their cultural upbringing, or by other outside forces. For instance, Noah’s stepfather, Abel, is not a character we are really meant to sympathize with, nor are we meant to simply demonize him. We know he is a kind of misogynistic patriarch who has a bad temper and is an alcoholic. But we also know that his view on patriarchy is due to his Tsonga culture and ideas that “women must bow when they greet a man” (p. 243). His alcoholism may be due to the fact that his livelihood was destroyed twice: once by Noah himself (that wonderfully dark story of burning down the white family’s home in chapter 6) and later because of the crushing debt Mighty Mechanics was under. This is all to say that the strongest part of Noah’s book is how he creates a full account of who the people in his story were. He doesn’t simply cherry pick the best or the worst aspects of someone to present us a biased account of that person. He instead gives us layers of information to consider, which allows the reader to make up their own minds about the many people in his story.
Besides character building, Noah uses other more traditional narrative features, such as foreshadowing and repetition, to create an autobiography that unfolds like a piece of fiction. For instance, Noah mentions at the end of chapter 9 that “Abel didn’t have a gun yet” (p. 128, my emphasis added), which plants the seed for the climatic events of chapter 17. Then there is the orange Volkswagen, which appears in several chapters, and acts as a catalyst for some major events in the book. These narrative features help keep the reader engaged. We turn the page wondering how these story elements connect. Why does Noah talk about his love of fire? Oh, because he burns down a house later in the book. Why does he repeatedly bring up his inclination for trouble? Oh, because it all culminates in his arrest and stint in jail. Everything Noah mentions in his book has a purpose, and this keeps us turning the page to see where each narrative thread or idea will end up.
I think this book would be very useful in the classroom, both for what it can teach students about the world and how it can be used for inclusion and diversity purposes. One overall theme I can identify in the book is perseverance in the face of adversity. No matter how hard it was for Noah and his family, he and his mother pressed forward. They didn’t let things like a broken-down car or a week in jail prevent them from engaging the world and going after the things they wanted or needed. Somehow, they found a way to make their lives work despite the adversity they faced. Another thing this book does so well is it gives the reader a window into a world that might be quite unfamiliar to us. This is an effective tool to help our students learn about other people, time periods, cultures, and systems of government and oppression. Ultimately, this can help our students build empathy for others as they become more and more familiar with the plight and circumstances of those that do not share their cultural or ethnic heritage. Similarly, I think this book could also be used as a mirror to create a sense of inclusion in the classroom. Students who have grown up poor (regardless of race), who have faced discrimination, or who are African immigrants might see themselves reflected in these pages. This would not only help them feel more included in the classroom but would also help them engage more thoroughly with the text (and in turn, might drive these students to seek out similar stories). Creating a classroom built on empathy and inclusion is a major goal for any teacher, and this book would be an excellent way to foster that environment.
Malala: Activist for Girls' Education by Raphaële Frier
5.0
I found Malala: Activist for Girls' Education while looking at Dora Guzman’s international bookshelf on Good Reads (Dora is another instructor at NLU who also teaches a section of RLR-520). Although it has not won any awards, it was nominated for the Mildred L. Batchelder Award in 2018.
The story begins with Malala’s birth in 1997. We get to know a bit about her father, specifically that he founded the Khushal school - a detail that will be important to the story later. The book then depicts Malala’s early life as a child, contrasting her world, which is filled with a sense of freedom, with the reality of life in Pakistan, in which women and girls are treated as second class citizens. We then learn of Malala’s struggles, from being an activist for female education in Pakistan to her attempted assassination carried out by the Taliban. The book also depicts her accomplishments, most notably that she is the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. The final line of the book ends on the message that access to a quality education is something that all children across the globe should be freely granted.
This is not only a great picturebook, but a wonderful way to introduce young readers to an important political figure like Malala Yousafzai. The story is simple and straightforward, only highlighting a handful of momentous events in Malala’s life. There is a lot of text on each page, but the short sentences help make the text comprehensible for younger readers. The images are bold and colorful, and they have a childlike quality about them that I think would help draw in readers of any age. I also think the whimsical art style is at its best when it is placed in contrast with some of the more harrowing moments of the book, such as Malala’s village being burned down and the attempt on her life. I think using such brightly colored images helps demonstrate the importance of a figure like Malala, but also highlights the theme of hope that is found throughout the narrative. I think it also helps make these moments seem a little less frightening overall, which might be beneficial for younger readers.
Malala: Activist for Girls' Education would be a useful picturebook to use in almost any grade level. As mentioned above, it would be a great way to introduce students of any age to Malala Yousafzai, the concept of what it means to be an activist, and ideas about gender and equality. This picturebook might also serve as a great way to introduce biographies (and autobiographies) to younger readers. I think this book would appeal to our female students as it depicts the life of a strong, contemporary female activist, something that could be very empowering for girls. Malala: Activist for Girls' Education can also serve as a window into certain aspects of Pakistani culture by “[opening] the eyes of readers in the United States to circumstances in countries about which they have very limited knowledge” (Children’s Books in Children’s Hands, p. 120) and revealing the misogyny and fundamentalist terrorism of a group like the Taliban. This is all to say that Malala: Activist for Girls' Education could be used in the classroom for a variety of educational reasons, and would also be a useful tool creating an inclusive and social justice oriented classroom.
The story begins with Malala’s birth in 1997. We get to know a bit about her father, specifically that he founded the Khushal school - a detail that will be important to the story later. The book then depicts Malala’s early life as a child, contrasting her world, which is filled with a sense of freedom, with the reality of life in Pakistan, in which women and girls are treated as second class citizens. We then learn of Malala’s struggles, from being an activist for female education in Pakistan to her attempted assassination carried out by the Taliban. The book also depicts her accomplishments, most notably that she is the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. The final line of the book ends on the message that access to a quality education is something that all children across the globe should be freely granted.
This is not only a great picturebook, but a wonderful way to introduce young readers to an important political figure like Malala Yousafzai. The story is simple and straightforward, only highlighting a handful of momentous events in Malala’s life. There is a lot of text on each page, but the short sentences help make the text comprehensible for younger readers. The images are bold and colorful, and they have a childlike quality about them that I think would help draw in readers of any age. I also think the whimsical art style is at its best when it is placed in contrast with some of the more harrowing moments of the book, such as Malala’s village being burned down and the attempt on her life. I think using such brightly colored images helps demonstrate the importance of a figure like Malala, but also highlights the theme of hope that is found throughout the narrative. I think it also helps make these moments seem a little less frightening overall, which might be beneficial for younger readers.
Malala: Activist for Girls' Education would be a useful picturebook to use in almost any grade level. As mentioned above, it would be a great way to introduce students of any age to Malala Yousafzai, the concept of what it means to be an activist, and ideas about gender and equality. This picturebook might also serve as a great way to introduce biographies (and autobiographies) to younger readers. I think this book would appeal to our female students as it depicts the life of a strong, contemporary female activist, something that could be very empowering for girls. Malala: Activist for Girls' Education can also serve as a window into certain aspects of Pakistani culture by “[opening] the eyes of readers in the United States to circumstances in countries about which they have very limited knowledge” (Children’s Books in Children’s Hands, p. 120) and revealing the misogyny and fundamentalist terrorism of a group like the Taliban. This is all to say that Malala: Activist for Girls' Education could be used in the classroom for a variety of educational reasons, and would also be a useful tool creating an inclusive and social justice oriented classroom.
The Blue Sky by Andrea Petrlik Huseinović
5.0
The Blue Sky is a Croatian picture book from 2001, written and illustrated by Andrea Petrlik Huseinović. I actually discovered this title while watching Dr. Quiroa’s video on the International Digital Children’s Library. Dr. Quiroa seemed enthusiastic as she previewed the title, so I thought I’d give it a read. The Blue Sky is also the winner of the Grigor Vitez Award, a Croatian award given to children’s books with outstanding literary text and illustrations.
Although The Blue Sky is a short tale, it is a powerful story about a young orphan girl attempting to find her mother “among the clouds” (p. 6). As the nameless girl waits alone in her tower, she begins to feel less lonely as she befriends the birds that soar among the clouds. Soon, she encounters other animals, such as a snail, a mouse, and an elephant; each one reminding her of her mother. Some of the animals even talk to the girl, telling her stories of how her mother had once offered them aid of some sort. Eventually she meets one final bird that offers her the opportunity to be reunited with her mother.
As I mentioned above, this is a powerful short story about loss, memory, longing, and ultimately hope. The text may be simple and concise, but it’s also lovely and poetic. One can tell that Huseinović took time to craft a story that would appeal to both younger children (short, simple sentences) and older children (prose that tackles complex themes and emotions). The images in the book are gorgeous, using a mostly blue/grey/white motif. I thought I would grow tired of the color scheme, but I found myself mesmerized by every beautiful image. Many of the pictures span two pages, which I think helps Huseinović depict how vast and infinite the sky is as well as portray the nameless girl’s loneliness. The images also have a painted, brush stroke look to them (I’m not sure if the images were actually painted or just drawn to look that way), which underscores the fantastical, fairy-tale like nature of the narrative. The abundant use of blue is also a brilliant touch as it visually communicates the nameless girl’s sadness to the reader.
As a high school teacher, I think this book could be used in a unit on creative writing as it is a great example of how to craft a simple but emotionally satisfying work of fiction. This could also be used in an art class as a model for creating beautiful images using a simplified, minimal color pallet. For younger readers (and even older readers), I think this title would be a great bridge to having discussions about emotions or dealing with loss. And for middle school readers, this text could serve as an exemplar on how to create short narratives using simplified storytelling techniques.
Children’s Books in Children’s Hands discusses various criteria for evaluating international children’s literature, such as readers of a “new” audience being able to identify with the text’s themes or characters, as well as a new audience comprehending the intended meaning of an international book’s illustrations (pp. 124 - 125). However, I would argue that this is not a concern here as the themes of this book are universal and the images, specifically the use of the color blue, would be understood by English speaking audiences outside of Croatia.
One aspect about The Blue Sky that may be missing is a connection to inclusion or social justice themes. However, I think because The Blue Sky could be used as a means to have a larger discussion about sadness, loss, and even depression, the book could be a way to help normalize or destigmatize openly expressing emotions, especially for middle and high school students. Seen in this way, the book could be used to create a more inclusive and welcoming space for students to freely share their stories and their feelings without the worry of being mocked by their peers.
Although The Blue Sky is a short tale, it is a powerful story about a young orphan girl attempting to find her mother “among the clouds” (p. 6). As the nameless girl waits alone in her tower, she begins to feel less lonely as she befriends the birds that soar among the clouds. Soon, she encounters other animals, such as a snail, a mouse, and an elephant; each one reminding her of her mother. Some of the animals even talk to the girl, telling her stories of how her mother had once offered them aid of some sort. Eventually she meets one final bird that offers her the opportunity to be reunited with her mother.
As I mentioned above, this is a powerful short story about loss, memory, longing, and ultimately hope. The text may be simple and concise, but it’s also lovely and poetic. One can tell that Huseinović took time to craft a story that would appeal to both younger children (short, simple sentences) and older children (prose that tackles complex themes and emotions). The images in the book are gorgeous, using a mostly blue/grey/white motif. I thought I would grow tired of the color scheme, but I found myself mesmerized by every beautiful image. Many of the pictures span two pages, which I think helps Huseinović depict how vast and infinite the sky is as well as portray the nameless girl’s loneliness. The images also have a painted, brush stroke look to them (I’m not sure if the images were actually painted or just drawn to look that way), which underscores the fantastical, fairy-tale like nature of the narrative. The abundant use of blue is also a brilliant touch as it visually communicates the nameless girl’s sadness to the reader.
As a high school teacher, I think this book could be used in a unit on creative writing as it is a great example of how to craft a simple but emotionally satisfying work of fiction. This could also be used in an art class as a model for creating beautiful images using a simplified, minimal color pallet. For younger readers (and even older readers), I think this title would be a great bridge to having discussions about emotions or dealing with loss. And for middle school readers, this text could serve as an exemplar on how to create short narratives using simplified storytelling techniques.
Children’s Books in Children’s Hands discusses various criteria for evaluating international children’s literature, such as readers of a “new” audience being able to identify with the text’s themes or characters, as well as a new audience comprehending the intended meaning of an international book’s illustrations (pp. 124 - 125). However, I would argue that this is not a concern here as the themes of this book are universal and the images, specifically the use of the color blue, would be understood by English speaking audiences outside of Croatia.
One aspect about The Blue Sky that may be missing is a connection to inclusion or social justice themes. However, I think because The Blue Sky could be used as a means to have a larger discussion about sadness, loss, and even depression, the book could be a way to help normalize or destigmatize openly expressing emotions, especially for middle and high school students. Seen in this way, the book could be used to create a more inclusive and welcoming space for students to freely share their stories and their feelings without the worry of being mocked by their peers.
Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba
5.0
I discovered this wonderful title while searching the ala.org website for books that have won the Mildred L. Batchelder Award (which is awarded to “the most outstanding of those books originating in a country other than the United States and in a language other than English and subsequently translated into English for publication in the United States”). I checked out a hardcover copy from my local branch of the Chicago Public Library.
The story begins when our protagonist, Kazu, witnesses the “ghost” of a young girl emerge from his house one rainy night. After overcoming his own fear of the supernatural (he is a self-described “scaredy cat”) and anxiety (he fears he may be losing his mind), Kazu learns that his house - and the street he lives on - may have once been known as Kimyō Temple Alley. And the word Kimyō just so happens to mean “return-to-life”. Although unsure if he even believes the legends surrounding Kimyō Temple Alley, Kazu dedicates himself to helping out the ghost, Akari, in any way he can. Unfortunately, that’s about the synopsis I can offer as there is a bit of mystery and intrigue in the book as well. Is Akari really a ghost? Why are elders from Kazu’s village suddenly interested in speaking to the young boy? And what’s the deal with the black cat that follows Kazu everywhere he goes? All these questions and more await discovery in this delightfully entertaining tale.
If it isn’t clear from my summary, I absolutely loved this book. It’s a quirky supernatural tale about friendship that also touches on topics like religion, superstition, and belonging. While the characters are not as round and fleshed out as I would have liked, they are by no means flat or static. However, the changes they go through seem a bit rushed and even feel forced at times. However, author Sachiko Kashiwaba’s storytelling and world building more than make up for that minor gripe. Kashiwaba has developed a world that feels real to the reader, and the lore surrounding Kimyō Temple Alley helps draw the reader into the lives of the characters. Brilliantly included in the story of Kazu and Akari is another tale that runs parallel theirs in several ways. It’s certainly unlike anything I have ever read as the story within a story takes up about a third of the book and is spaced out over two distinct sections. But the secondary story, which is a fairytale-like narrative, is wonderfully constructed. In fact, I enjoyed the story within a story a bit more than the main story line!
One of the strongest aspects of Temple Alley Summer is how Kashiwaba explains various cultural elements to the reader so it might be more comprehensible for young American readers. For instance, on page 72, Kazu’s mother briefly explains to him that a ceremony called Oban is “the celebration of the ancestors.” This line is clearly meant for an audience born outside of Japan as Oban has been part of Japanese Buddhist culture for over 500 years. However, the simplicity of the line helps American readers understand what the characters are discussing while not interrupting the narrative flow. As chapter 5 in Children's Books in Children’s Hands states, “...[references] to [things] unknown to young children…may feel like too much new information at one time, but the introduction to new concepts through a quality picturebook can be a welcome introduction to things newly encountered” (p. 124). By including lines like the one about Oban, young readers will not feel overwhelmed by new information they read in international literature and will instead be able to comprehend new ideas or concepts.
This book would be an excellent exemplar text for teaching the traditional plot structure (Children’s Books in Children’s Hands, p. 34). Temple Alley Summer contains not one, but two distinct story lines, and each one follows the plot structure very well. One could even just focus on the shorter fairytale within the text to demonstrate to students how a plot unfolds in a narrative. As stated above, Kashiwaba’s narrative style is a wonder to read, and I think this is due to the fact his parallel narratives so closely adhere to the rules and structure of the traditional plot.
Although Temple Alley Summer does not tackle issues of social justice and inclusion, I think using the story in the classroom would help communicate to students the importance and value of other cultures. The book can act as a kind of “window” into religious and cultural practices that are unfamiliar to most American students. Temple Alley Summer even helps normalize spiritual practices and what might be judged as superstition by presenting these elements as perfectly normal and accepted by the characters. Said another way, the book may help destigmatize the non-Western religious and spiritual beliefs it depicts. Similarly, the book could act as a “mirror” of sorts for students that are Japanese, and even for students that practice Buddhism or celebrate Oban. While this story might not capture their culture or beliefs perfectly, it does offer those students a chance to connect with a book that features characters that have a similar heritage to their own.
The story begins when our protagonist, Kazu, witnesses the “ghost” of a young girl emerge from his house one rainy night. After overcoming his own fear of the supernatural (he is a self-described “scaredy cat”) and anxiety (he fears he may be losing his mind), Kazu learns that his house - and the street he lives on - may have once been known as Kimyō Temple Alley. And the word Kimyō just so happens to mean “return-to-life”. Although unsure if he even believes the legends surrounding Kimyō Temple Alley, Kazu dedicates himself to helping out the ghost, Akari, in any way he can. Unfortunately, that’s about the synopsis I can offer as there is a bit of mystery and intrigue in the book as well. Is Akari really a ghost? Why are elders from Kazu’s village suddenly interested in speaking to the young boy? And what’s the deal with the black cat that follows Kazu everywhere he goes? All these questions and more await discovery in this delightfully entertaining tale.
If it isn’t clear from my summary, I absolutely loved this book. It’s a quirky supernatural tale about friendship that also touches on topics like religion, superstition, and belonging. While the characters are not as round and fleshed out as I would have liked, they are by no means flat or static. However, the changes they go through seem a bit rushed and even feel forced at times. However, author Sachiko Kashiwaba’s storytelling and world building more than make up for that minor gripe. Kashiwaba has developed a world that feels real to the reader, and the lore surrounding Kimyō Temple Alley helps draw the reader into the lives of the characters. Brilliantly included in the story of Kazu and Akari is another tale that runs parallel theirs in several ways. It’s certainly unlike anything I have ever read as the story within a story takes up about a third of the book and is spaced out over two distinct sections. But the secondary story, which is a fairytale-like narrative, is wonderfully constructed. In fact, I enjoyed the story within a story a bit more than the main story line!
One of the strongest aspects of Temple Alley Summer is how Kashiwaba explains various cultural elements to the reader so it might be more comprehensible for young American readers. For instance, on page 72, Kazu’s mother briefly explains to him that a ceremony called Oban is “the celebration of the ancestors.” This line is clearly meant for an audience born outside of Japan as Oban has been part of Japanese Buddhist culture for over 500 years. However, the simplicity of the line helps American readers understand what the characters are discussing while not interrupting the narrative flow. As chapter 5 in Children's Books in Children’s Hands states, “...[references] to [things] unknown to young children…may feel like too much new information at one time, but the introduction to new concepts through a quality picturebook can be a welcome introduction to things newly encountered” (p. 124). By including lines like the one about Oban, young readers will not feel overwhelmed by new information they read in international literature and will instead be able to comprehend new ideas or concepts.
This book would be an excellent exemplar text for teaching the traditional plot structure (Children’s Books in Children’s Hands, p. 34). Temple Alley Summer contains not one, but two distinct story lines, and each one follows the plot structure very well. One could even just focus on the shorter fairytale within the text to demonstrate to students how a plot unfolds in a narrative. As stated above, Kashiwaba’s narrative style is a wonder to read, and I think this is due to the fact his parallel narratives so closely adhere to the rules and structure of the traditional plot.
Although Temple Alley Summer does not tackle issues of social justice and inclusion, I think using the story in the classroom would help communicate to students the importance and value of other cultures. The book can act as a kind of “window” into religious and cultural practices that are unfamiliar to most American students. Temple Alley Summer even helps normalize spiritual practices and what might be judged as superstition by presenting these elements as perfectly normal and accepted by the characters. Said another way, the book may help destigmatize the non-Western religious and spiritual beliefs it depicts. Similarly, the book could act as a “mirror” of sorts for students that are Japanese, and even for students that practice Buddhism or celebrate Oban. While this story might not capture their culture or beliefs perfectly, it does offer those students a chance to connect with a book that features characters that have a similar heritage to their own.
Efrén Divided by Ernesto Cisneros
4.0
While searching Goodreads for winners of the Pura Belpré Award - which is presented to a Latinx writer whose work best celebrates the authentic Latinx cultural experience - I found Efrén Divided, which won the award in 2021. I checked out a hardcover copy from my local branch of the Chicago Public Library.
The narrative follows the story of middle school student Efrén Nava and his family - his parents, whom Efrén affectionately calls Amá and Apá, and his younger twin siblings, Max and Mía. Efrén comes across as a lighthearted and carefree young man, even though it is clear early on that his Amá and Apá are just scraping by to provide for their children. He seems more concerned with helping his best friend, David, run for school president. But as we learn more about Efrén and his family, we discover that his parents are undocumented immigrants, and that the fear of ICE constantly weighs on Efrén’s mind. His fears become reality when one day his Amá fails to return home and ends up being deported. Efrén then has to take on the responsibilities of raising his siblings while his father does everything he can to secure Amá’s return. Efrén's journey is one of heartache and loss, but it is also one of growth and learning as he discovers the value of family and friendship. He also learns a bit about himself, developing a desire to help those that cannot easily help themselves and spread awareness about the plight many immigrants face.
This book would be perfect for both middle school students and high school students. The language used is not so simple as to bore high school readers, but not so difficult as to be too cognitively challenging for middle school readers. The book also acts as a great mirror for Latinx students as the culture is reflected in a way that felt genuine and authentic to me. And while I will admit that not all of our Latinx students will have experience or firsthand knowledge of immigration, I think the book’s other themes, such as loss and the importance of family, will help them - and non-Latinx readers - connect to the events and characters within. The book might also act as a sliding door as many readers will be absorbed by the narrative and the characters, feeling like they have gotten to know a bit more about immigrants and the threat they face from paramilitary entities like ICE.
This book also contains many round characters. Even characters we think are static at first become much more dynamic as the book moves along. Author Ernesto Cisneros does an excellent job of giving each character - even the twins, who are in kindergarten - a lot more depth than one might expect. To be sure, this is Efrén’s story, and he certainly grows the most throughout the novel. But Cisneros allows other characters to transform on the page, which helps increase the emotional impact of the overall narrative.
The aspect I enjoyed most about this title was that Cisneros has his characters use Spanish quite often, but he does not have a character translate the words or phrases back to the reader. As Dr. Quiroa pointed out in her videos for Module 3, this repetition is unnatural as it would mean a Spanish speaking person would literally be saying the same phrase twice (Dr. Quiora’s example of “hello papi, hola” comes to mind). Cisneros’s use of Spanish in the book is done in such a way as to enable non-Spanish speakers to infer what is being said. He also includes an index at the end of the book that has translations of all the Spanish used in the story.
The only qualm I have with the book is that occasionally the dialogue shared between Efrén and his friends doesn’t seem as genuine to me as the dialogue Efrén has with other characters. When Efrén and David talk, they often come across as wise beyond their years. However, when Efrén speaks to his parents or interacts with his siblings, he sounds much more like an adolescent boy. This could be a stylistic choice to show the reader that Efrén is still a child and should not be shouldering the responsibilities of an adult, but the inconsistency of the dialogue took me out of the story at times. However, this is a minor complaint in an otherwise excellent book.
The narrative follows the story of middle school student Efrén Nava and his family - his parents, whom Efrén affectionately calls Amá and Apá, and his younger twin siblings, Max and Mía. Efrén comes across as a lighthearted and carefree young man, even though it is clear early on that his Amá and Apá are just scraping by to provide for their children. He seems more concerned with helping his best friend, David, run for school president. But as we learn more about Efrén and his family, we discover that his parents are undocumented immigrants, and that the fear of ICE constantly weighs on Efrén’s mind. His fears become reality when one day his Amá fails to return home and ends up being deported. Efrén then has to take on the responsibilities of raising his siblings while his father does everything he can to secure Amá’s return. Efrén's journey is one of heartache and loss, but it is also one of growth and learning as he discovers the value of family and friendship. He also learns a bit about himself, developing a desire to help those that cannot easily help themselves and spread awareness about the plight many immigrants face.
This book would be perfect for both middle school students and high school students. The language used is not so simple as to bore high school readers, but not so difficult as to be too cognitively challenging for middle school readers. The book also acts as a great mirror for Latinx students as the culture is reflected in a way that felt genuine and authentic to me. And while I will admit that not all of our Latinx students will have experience or firsthand knowledge of immigration, I think the book’s other themes, such as loss and the importance of family, will help them - and non-Latinx readers - connect to the events and characters within. The book might also act as a sliding door as many readers will be absorbed by the narrative and the characters, feeling like they have gotten to know a bit more about immigrants and the threat they face from paramilitary entities like ICE.
This book also contains many round characters. Even characters we think are static at first become much more dynamic as the book moves along. Author Ernesto Cisneros does an excellent job of giving each character - even the twins, who are in kindergarten - a lot more depth than one might expect. To be sure, this is Efrén’s story, and he certainly grows the most throughout the novel. But Cisneros allows other characters to transform on the page, which helps increase the emotional impact of the overall narrative.
The aspect I enjoyed most about this title was that Cisneros has his characters use Spanish quite often, but he does not have a character translate the words or phrases back to the reader. As Dr. Quiroa pointed out in her videos for Module 3, this repetition is unnatural as it would mean a Spanish speaking person would literally be saying the same phrase twice (Dr. Quiora’s example of “hello papi, hola” comes to mind). Cisneros’s use of Spanish in the book is done in such a way as to enable non-Spanish speakers to infer what is being said. He also includes an index at the end of the book that has translations of all the Spanish used in the story.
The only qualm I have with the book is that occasionally the dialogue shared between Efrén and his friends doesn’t seem as genuine to me as the dialogue Efrén has with other characters. When Efrén and David talk, they often come across as wise beyond their years. However, when Efrén speaks to his parents or interacts with his siblings, he sounds much more like an adolescent boy. This could be a stylistic choice to show the reader that Efrén is still a child and should not be shouldering the responsibilities of an adult, but the inconsistency of the dialogue took me out of the story at times. However, this is a minor complaint in an otherwise excellent book.
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
5.0
I discovered this picturebook while searching for winners of the Caldecott Medal (which this book was awarded in 2020) on Goodreads. I checked out a physical copy from my local library.
The Undefeated is a beautiful picturebook that truly is, as the description in the sleeve states, “a love letter to…Black America.” Using very few words on each page, author Kwame Alexander captures the joy, majesty, grace, ingenuity, perseverance, sorrow, and limitlessness of the Black American experience. Almost every page feels like a celebration of what has made Black Americans great. However, there are several pages that also mourn the loss of Black life, and unflinchingly depict the unspeakable horrors of both slavery and the murders of so many innocent Black men and women. Despite these depictions, the book does ultimately offer a more hopeful and uplifting portrayal of the Black experience.
The Undefeated is also a wonderful, stunning piece of artwork. Kadir Nelson’s illustrations amplify the book's many messages, and provide brilliant, realistic depictions of the many Black Americans the book celebrates. Each page perfectly balances the illustrations and the text, creating a picturebook that feels incredibly succinct and unified. There is a lot of negative space on the page, which I think not only helps the illustrations really jump off the page, but also helps create some very jarring and thought provoking images. For instance, early in the book there is a completely blank page, which helps to underscore the idea that there are many Black Americans who did not survive “America.” The use of color is something to behold as Nelson makes use of light, texture, and shadow, as well as a wide spectrum of skin tones, to make these images feel lifelike. I think if the text were removed, this would still be an incredibly powerful picturebook.
This is an absolute mirror of a book. It's not only a love letter to Black America, but to the beauty of Black Americans themselves. The illustrations show such an appreciation - an undiluted love - for Black people and each page is a celebration of being Black. I cannot stress the beauty of the artwork enough - each page is a legitimate masterpiece. And while I do think this book could also be used as a window, even if only to showcase the beauty of being a Black American, I think it a mirror first and foremost.
I would recommend this book for all grade levels. I think every student, regardless of age or reading level, can find something in The Undefeated to inspire them. This picturebook could spark so many wonderful conversations about the Black experience and what it means to be Black in America today. It could be used as a way to introduce units on Civil Rights, the Civil War, Black Lives Matter, or to introduce students to any of the famous Black Americans depicted within. This is a glorious title that I highly recommend.
The Undefeated is a beautiful picturebook that truly is, as the description in the sleeve states, “a love letter to…Black America.” Using very few words on each page, author Kwame Alexander captures the joy, majesty, grace, ingenuity, perseverance, sorrow, and limitlessness of the Black American experience. Almost every page feels like a celebration of what has made Black Americans great. However, there are several pages that also mourn the loss of Black life, and unflinchingly depict the unspeakable horrors of both slavery and the murders of so many innocent Black men and women. Despite these depictions, the book does ultimately offer a more hopeful and uplifting portrayal of the Black experience.
The Undefeated is also a wonderful, stunning piece of artwork. Kadir Nelson’s illustrations amplify the book's many messages, and provide brilliant, realistic depictions of the many Black Americans the book celebrates. Each page perfectly balances the illustrations and the text, creating a picturebook that feels incredibly succinct and unified. There is a lot of negative space on the page, which I think not only helps the illustrations really jump off the page, but also helps create some very jarring and thought provoking images. For instance, early in the book there is a completely blank page, which helps to underscore the idea that there are many Black Americans who did not survive “America.” The use of color is something to behold as Nelson makes use of light, texture, and shadow, as well as a wide spectrum of skin tones, to make these images feel lifelike. I think if the text were removed, this would still be an incredibly powerful picturebook.
This is an absolute mirror of a book. It's not only a love letter to Black America, but to the beauty of Black Americans themselves. The illustrations show such an appreciation - an undiluted love - for Black people and each page is a celebration of being Black. I cannot stress the beauty of the artwork enough - each page is a legitimate masterpiece. And while I do think this book could also be used as a window, even if only to showcase the beauty of being a Black American, I think it a mirror first and foremost.
I would recommend this book for all grade levels. I think every student, regardless of age or reading level, can find something in The Undefeated to inspire them. This picturebook could spark so many wonderful conversations about the Black experience and what it means to be Black in America today. It could be used as a way to introduce units on Civil Rights, the Civil War, Black Lives Matter, or to introduce students to any of the famous Black Americans depicted within. This is a glorious title that I highly recommend.
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
5.0
I discovered this picturebook while searching for winners of the Caldecott Medal (which this book was awarded in 2018) on Goodreads. I checked out a physical copy from my local library.
Matthew Cordell’s Wolf in the Snow is a very simple, straightforward tale about a young girl who becomes lost in a snowstorm on her way home from school. As she makes her way through the snowy cold, she encounters a wolf pup who is also lost. Together, the unlikely duo must survive the harsh environment together as they wait to be rescued.
I quite enjoyed this picturebook, specifically because it has almost no text. With the exception of the lost girl’s “huff huff” sounds, and the howls and whines of a few animals, there are no words to guide the reader through the story. But Cordell allows his artwork to carry the story, giving both the lost girl and the creatures she meets expressions that convey a lot of meaning and emotion. For instance, there is a moment in the story where the girl and the wolf pup enter the woods and hear the spooky screech of an owl. Based on Cordell’s illustrations, it is clear to the reader that both the girl and the wolf are terrified.
Cordell’s artwork is very unique, and appears to be a combination of watercolor and pen/ink drawing. Cordell also makes good use of light and shadow, making it apparent to the reader that night is slowly falling, creating a sense of tension throughout the narrative. In a way, this makes the setting feel like a character in the story as well - a looming, ominous threat to the safety of the girl and the wolf. It is also worth noting that the little girl is dressed in red, which makes her contrast with the stark white and greys of the snowy landscape. I think this is a great choice as the reader’s eyes are always drawn to the main character of the story.
I think this book could be used as a mentor text for older students as it is a great example of how much storytelling expressive illustrations can do, as well as exemplar on how color and light can be utilized to tell a story. I think younger readers will enjoy this heartwarming, yet harrowing, tale of friendship and survival. I also think younger readers will enjoy the lovely, almost cartoon-like, illustrations. This is a lovely picturebook, and I'd recommend anyone give this title a read.
Matthew Cordell’s Wolf in the Snow is a very simple, straightforward tale about a young girl who becomes lost in a snowstorm on her way home from school. As she makes her way through the snowy cold, she encounters a wolf pup who is also lost. Together, the unlikely duo must survive the harsh environment together as they wait to be rescued.
I quite enjoyed this picturebook, specifically because it has almost no text. With the exception of the lost girl’s “huff huff” sounds, and the howls and whines of a few animals, there are no words to guide the reader through the story. But Cordell allows his artwork to carry the story, giving both the lost girl and the creatures she meets expressions that convey a lot of meaning and emotion. For instance, there is a moment in the story where the girl and the wolf pup enter the woods and hear the spooky screech of an owl. Based on Cordell’s illustrations, it is clear to the reader that both the girl and the wolf are terrified.
Cordell’s artwork is very unique, and appears to be a combination of watercolor and pen/ink drawing. Cordell also makes good use of light and shadow, making it apparent to the reader that night is slowly falling, creating a sense of tension throughout the narrative. In a way, this makes the setting feel like a character in the story as well - a looming, ominous threat to the safety of the girl and the wolf. It is also worth noting that the little girl is dressed in red, which makes her contrast with the stark white and greys of the snowy landscape. I think this is a great choice as the reader’s eyes are always drawn to the main character of the story.
I think this book could be used as a mentor text for older students as it is a great example of how much storytelling expressive illustrations can do, as well as exemplar on how color and light can be utilized to tell a story. I think younger readers will enjoy this heartwarming, yet harrowing, tale of friendship and survival. I also think younger readers will enjoy the lovely, almost cartoon-like, illustrations. This is a lovely picturebook, and I'd recommend anyone give this title a read.
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
4.0
I discovered this picturebook while searching for winners of the Caldecott Medal (which this book was awarded in 2021) on Goodreads. I checked out a physical copy from my local library.
This is a tale about the importance of water, and how it is necessary that all of us help protect this sacred resource. Set against the backdrop of indigenous views about nature and the interconnectedness of all living things, We Are Water Protectors is a story of protecting Mother Earth and turning humanity away from the forces that threaten all life on the planet.
While this may at first seem like a didactic text, I have grown to appreciate Carole Lindstrom’s direct and unapologetic take on water pollution and environmentalism. Although much of the language of the book uses indigenous lore to tell the story, Lindstrom is not mincing her words. Her stance is that oil pollution is extremely harmful and we must fight for the survival of the planet.
Michaela Goade’s artwork in We Are The Water Protectors is absolutely gorgeous. She uses bold lines to give every object shape and weight on the page. The saturated colors make every image vibrant and eye-catching. There is also a superb level of detail in each illustration, from the tiny floral print on a character's dress to the feathers of a hummingbird, that captures the wonder and beauty of the natural world.
While there are certainly some aspects of We Are Water Protectors that can act as both a mirror and a window, such as the indigenous beliefs depicted in the narrative, this aspect is not as pronounced as it has been in other picture books I have read. However, I feel that this is still an important title in that regard because the book seems to lovingly and accurately portray various aspects of indigenous beliefs. Since books written by and about indigenous people compose such a small percentage of children's books, titles such as this can really help our indigenous students feel seen and welcomed in our classrooms.
This is a tale about the importance of water, and how it is necessary that all of us help protect this sacred resource. Set against the backdrop of indigenous views about nature and the interconnectedness of all living things, We Are Water Protectors is a story of protecting Mother Earth and turning humanity away from the forces that threaten all life on the planet.
While this may at first seem like a didactic text, I have grown to appreciate Carole Lindstrom’s direct and unapologetic take on water pollution and environmentalism. Although much of the language of the book uses indigenous lore to tell the story, Lindstrom is not mincing her words. Her stance is that oil pollution is extremely harmful and we must fight for the survival of the planet.
Michaela Goade’s artwork in We Are The Water Protectors is absolutely gorgeous. She uses bold lines to give every object shape and weight on the page. The saturated colors make every image vibrant and eye-catching. There is also a superb level of detail in each illustration, from the tiny floral print on a character's dress to the feathers of a hummingbird, that captures the wonder and beauty of the natural world.
While there are certainly some aspects of We Are Water Protectors that can act as both a mirror and a window, such as the indigenous beliefs depicted in the narrative, this aspect is not as pronounced as it has been in other picture books I have read. However, I feel that this is still an important title in that regard because the book seems to lovingly and accurately portray various aspects of indigenous beliefs. Since books written by and about indigenous people compose such a small percentage of children's books, titles such as this can really help our indigenous students feel seen and welcomed in our classrooms.