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Poems to Dream Together: Poemas para soñar juntos
by Francisco X. AlarcónA bilingual collection of poetry by acclaimed Chicano poet Francisco X. Alarcón celebrating family, community, nature, and the positive power of dreams to shape our future.A young boy dreams that "all humans / and all living / beings / come together / as one big family / of the Earth." So begins this delightful bilingual collection of poems by Francisco X. Alarcón. As we travel through the boy's colorful universe, we learn about his family and community working together and caring for each other and the world in which they live. Neighbors help repair adobe homes. The boy and his family share old photographs, tend their garden, and pamper Mamá who "works day and night." Tribute is paid to those who toil in the fields, and to César Chávez. Most of all, we see how dreams can take many forms, from the fantastic imaginary ones that occur while we sleep to the realistic ones that guide our lives and give us inspiration for the endless possibilities of the future. Partly based on Alarcón's own dreams and family memories of growing up in Mexico and California, and vibrantly illustrated by Paula Barragán, these joyous, universal poems will inspire all readers to dream their own dreams for a better, compassionate, and loving world. "Close your eyes / and now get ready / to hop on a dream."
Vanishing Cultures: Down Under (Vanishing Cultures)
by Jan ReynoldsIn this series of seven books, photojournalist Jan Reynolds documents the distinctive cultures and climates of indigenous peoples.Amprenula, a young Tiwi girl from an island off the Australian coast, gathers food with her mother. Amprenula lives closely with the land, just as her people have done for thousands of years, taking only what they need from the forest and the ocean around them. For the Tiwi and other Aborigines, the land is sacred. It connects them with their ancestors and the beginning of creation. As Amprenula combs through the forests and mangrove swamps, she is proud to travel along the same paths, sharing the same land, as her ancestors from centuries ago.
The Monster in the Mudball
by S.P. GatesIn this lower middle-grade mystery, Jin must hunt down the monster he accidentally freed, before it eats his baby brother.A MONSTER IS LOOSE IN ENGLAND! And it's kind of Jin's fault that Zilombo got loose. Jin tracks the monster, but he can't figure out how to get her back into the artifact from which she hatched. Then Jin meets Chief Inspector of Ancient Artifacts A. J. Zauyamakanda-Mizz Z, for short-who has arrived to inspect the artifact. She and Jin team up to find Zilombo. Joining them is Frankie, Jin's older sister, who has lost their baby brother-and Zilombo is the most likely culprit for his disappearance. Zilombo gains new, frightening powers every time she hatches. Now the monster is cleverer than ever before ... and she likes to eat babies! Will Jin's baby brother be next on Zilombo's menu? As the monster's powers continue to grow, Jin, Frankie, and Mizz Z must find a way to outsmart Zilombo!
Tiny Stitches: The Life Of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas
by Colin Bootman Gwendolyn HooksThe Life of Medical Pioneer Vivien Thomas is a biography of an African-American man who pioneered open-heart surgery for infants, but had to wait years to receive recognition. It explains the heart condition "tetralogy of Fallot" and the medical procedure Thomas developed to address it. It describes the disturbing instances of racial prejudice faced by him in the first half of the 20th century.
Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures: Connections Among Cultures
by Jan ReynoldsA photographic exploration comparing celebrations in seven indigenous world cultures and the United States, highlighting common rituals such as body decoration, music, and dance.Every culture has its own special traditions and reasons for celebrating. People in the Australian Outback walk on a dream journey, connecting with their past. In Bali, dancers perform a graceful Legong dance, telling an ancient story. And in the United States we watch fireworks, marking the birth of our country. At first glance these practices seem quite different from each other, but they are actually much more alike than most people may realize. In Celebrate! readers travel to communities near and far, and explore the essence of celebrations the world over. With striking photographs and engaging text, photojournalist Jan Reynolds presents a refreshing look at the similarities among cultural traditions around the world. Readers will be captivated as they discover the universal connections people share when they celebrate.
Vanishing Cultures: Mongolia (Vanishing Cultures)
by Jan ReynoldsThis photo essay explores the life of Dawa and Olana, two young cousins who come from a family of nomads on the grassy plains of Mongolia.It is a special day for cousins Dawa and Olana. Dawa's father is going to find them two small horses in the family's herd. Like other young Mongolian boys, Dawa and Olana are learning to be skilled horsemen. Living as nomads on the grassy plains, Mongolians rely on horses to support their traditional way of life. Horses help with the daily work of rounding up the goats and cows that provide meat and milk for food, as well as skins for clothing and shelter. Dawa and Olana hope that with their new horses, they will learn to be great horsemen.
Parrots Over Puerto Rico
by Susan L. Roth Cindy TrumboreRobert F. Sibert Informational Book Award - American Library Association (ALA)A nonfiction picture book about the history of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican parrot, which was brought back from the brink of extinction. Also available in Spanish.Above the treetops of Puerto Rico flies a flock of parrots as green as their island home... These are Puerto Rican parrots. They lived on this island for millions of years, and then they nearly vanished from the earth forever.Puerto Rican parrots, once abundant, came perilously close to extinction in the 1960s due to centuries of foreign exploration and occupation, development, and habitat destruction. In this compelling book, Roth and Trumbore recount the efforts of the scientists of the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program to save the parrots and ensure their future. Woven into the parrots' story is a brief history of Puerto Rico itself, from before the first human settlers to the present day.With striking collage illustrations, a unique format, and engaging storytelling, Parrots Over Puerto Rico invites readers to witness the amazing recovery efforts that have enabled Puerto Rican parrots to fly over their island once again.
King for a Day
by Rukhsana KhanMalik, a Pakistani boy who uses a wheelchair, is excited to compete in the annual kite-flying festival of Basant. Can his kite defeat the bully's and make him "King" of the festival?Basant is here, with feasts and parties to celebrate the arrival of spring. But what Malik is looking forward to most is doing battle from his rooftop with Falcon, the special kite he has built for speed. Today is Malik's chance to be the best kite fighter, the king of Basant. In two fierce battles, Malik takes down the kites flown by the bully next door. Then Malik moves on, guiding Falcon into leaps, swirls, and dives, slashing strings and plucking kites from the sky. By the end of the day, Malik has a big pile of captured kites. He is the king! But then the bully reappears, trying to take a kite from a girl in the alley below. With a sudden act of kingly generosity, Malik finds the perfect way to help the girl. This lively, contemporary story introduces readers to a centuries-old festival and the traditional sport of kite fighting, and to a spirited, determined young boy who masters the sport while finding his own way to face and overcome life's challenges.
Only One Year
by James ChengThree Chinese American children learn to trust and love one another again after the youngest child returns from a year living in China with extended family.Sharon can hardly believe the news. Di Di, her two-year-old brother, is being taken to China to spend a year with their grandparents. Why can't he go to day care or be watched by a babysitter when Mama goes back to work? Sharon wonders. But her parents say it is better for relatives to take care of little children. After Di Di first leaves, Sharon and her younger sister, Mary, pore over the photographs their grandma sends, trying to keep their little brother fresh in their minds. As the year passes, the girls become involved with school, friends, and hobbies. They think of Di Di less often. Then one day he is home again, and it feels as if a stranger has entered their lives. The children struggle to sort out their mixed emotions but soon discover that the bonds among siblings hold strong. This reassuring story is a gentle tribute to the enduring love of family, even when it is tested by a difficult choice.
A Morning With Gong Gong
by Christina Forshay Sylvia Liu<P>Mei Mei's grandpa is practicing tai chi in the garden, and Mei Mei is eager to join in. As Gong Gong tries to teach her the slow, graceful movements, Mei Mei enthusiastically does them with her own flair. Then Mei Mei takes a turn, trying to teach Gong Gong the yoga she learned in school. Will Gong Gong be able to master the stretchy, bendy poses? <P>Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices Award, A Morning with Grandpa celebrates, with lively spirit and humor, the special bond between grandparent and grandchild and the joy of learning new things together. Readers of all ages will want to try out some tai chi and yoga too!
The Hula-Hoopin' Queen
by Thelma Lynne GodinA spunky African American girl has a hula-hooping competition with her friends in Harlem, and soon everyone in the neighborhood--young and old alike--joins in on the fun.Kameeka is confident that today she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin' Queen of 139th Street. But then Mama reminds her that today is their neighbor Miz Adeline's birthday, and Kameeka has a ton of chores to do to get ready for the party they are hosting. Kameeka's disappointed to be stuck at home and can only think about the hoopin' competition. Distracted, Kameeka accidentally ruins Miz Adeline's birthday cake, and has to confess to her that there won't be a cake for her special day. But then Miz Adeline's confesses something too: she's also got the itch-the hula-hoopin' itch! Her fingers start snappin'. Her hips start swingin'. Soon everyone's hips are swinging as the party spills out onto the street. The whole neighborhood's got the itch-the hula-hoopin' itch! A spunky African American girl has a hula-hooping competition with her friends in Harlem, and soon everyone in the neighborhood-young and old alike-joins in on the fun. With vibrant illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, The Hula-Hoopin' Queen is a charming celebration of family and community ties. Set in Harlem, this intergenerational story shows the importance of staying young at heart.
Gorilla Walk (Adventures Around the World)
by Ted Lewin Betsy LewinIn this delightful nonfiction travelogue, the Lewins trek through southern Uganda to visit mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.The Lewins trek through the heat, humidity, mud, and dense vegetation of the Impenetrable Forest of southern Uganda to visit mountain gorilla families and observe the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Juna's Jar
by Jane ParkAsian/Pacific American Award for Literature - Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)After Juna's best friend moves away, Juna, an imaginative Korean American girl, goes on magical adventures by way of her special kimchi jar.Juna and her best friend, Hector, have many adventures together, and they love to collect things in empty kimchi jars. Then one day, Hector moves away without having a chance to say good-bye. Juna is heartbroken and left to wonder who will on go on adventures with her. Determined to find Hector, Juna turns to her special kimchi jar for help each night. She plunges into the depths of the ocean, swings on vines through the jungle, and flies through the night sky in search of her friend. What Juna learns is that adventure -- and new friends -- can be found in the most unexpected places. Coupled with dreamy watercolor illustrations by Felicia Hoshino, Juna's Jar is a heart-warming and whimsical tale about the power of the imagination.
Twenty-two Cents: Muhammad Yunus and the Village Bank
by Paula YooA biography of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who revolutionized global antipoverty efforts by developing the innovative economic concept of micro-lending.Growing up in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus witnessed extreme poverty all around and was determined to eradicate it. In 1976, as an Economics professor, Muhammad met a young craftswoman in the village of Jobra who needed to borrow five taka (twenty-two cents) to buy materials. No bank would lend such a small amount to an uneducated woman, so she was forced to borrow from corrupt lenders who charged an unfair interest rate, and left her without enough profit to buy food. Muhammad realized that what stood in the way of her financial security was just a few cents. Inspired, Muhammad founded Grameen Bank where people could borrow small amounts of money to start a job, and then pay back the bank without exorbitant interest charges. Over the next few years, Muhammad's compassion and determination changed the lives of millions of people by loaning the equivalent of more than ten billion US dollars in micro-credit. This has also served to advocate and empower the poor, especially women, who often have limited options. Twenty-two Cents is an inspiring story of economic innovation and a celebration of how one person-like one small loan-can make a positive difference in the lives of many.
Lend a Hand: Poems About Giving
by John FrankA collection of original poems centered on giving and spontaneous acts of kindness, which also incorporate larger themes of community, intergenerational relationships, young mentors, and care for the environment."The spread of warmthshould have no bounds." Making a difference in the world can be as simple as planting a tree, giving up your seat on a bus to a disabled person, or training a puppy to become a guide dog. These are just a few of the simple acts of kindness featured in this collection of fourteen original poems. Each poem emphasizes the compassion and the joy of giving. Representing diverse voices-different ages and backgrounds-the collection shows the bridging of boundaries between people who are often perceived as being different from one another. The first step in bridging those boundaries is to extend a hand. John Frank is an accomplished poet and the author of several children's books, including three highly-praised poetry collections. Coupled with London Ladd's emotive illustrations, Lend a Hand demonstrates that empathy and social awareness can start at an early age.
Ira's Shakespeare Dream
by Glenda ArmandThe inspiring biography of Ira Aldridge, a Black actor who overcame racism to become one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of the nineteenth century.Ira Aldridge dreamed of being on stage one day and performing the great works of William Shakespeare. He spent every chance he had at the local theaters, memorizing each actor's lines. He knew he could be a great Shakespearean actor if only given the chance. But in the early 1800s, only white actors were allowed to perform Shakespeare. Ira's only option was to perform musical numbers at the all-black theater in New York city. Despite being discouraged by his teacher and father, Ira determinedly pursued his dream and set off to England, the land of Shakespeare. There, Ira honed his acting skills and eventually performed at the acclaimed Theatre Royal Haymarket. Through perseverance and determination, Ira became one of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors throughout Europe. Illustrated by award-winning artist Floyd Cooper, Ira's Shakespeare Dream is a captivating tribute to the inspiring life of Ira Aldridge, and to the renowned works of William Shakespeare.
Poems in the Attic
by Nikki GrimesAward-winning poet Nikki Grimes presents a tender poetry collection where a young girl learns about her mother, the child of an Air Force serviceman.During a visit to her grandma's house, a young girl discovers a box of poems in the attic, poems written by her mother when she was growing up. Her mother's family often moved around the United States and the world because her mother's father was in the Air Force. Over the years, her mother used poetry to record everything she saw and did in the many places their family lived. Reading the poems and sharing those experiences through her mother's eyes, the young girl feels closer to her mother than ever before. To let her mother know this, she creates a gift: a book with her own poems and copies of her mother's. And when she returns her mother's poems to the box in the attic, she leaves her own poems too, for someone else to find, someday. Using free verse for the young girl's poems and tanka for her mother's, master poet Nikki Grimes creates a tender intergenerational story that speaks to every child's need to hold onto special memories of home, no matter where that place might be.
Dive Into Reading! Lily's New Home (Confetti Kids Ser.)
by Paula Yoo<p>Choices, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)</p><p>In this early chapter book, part of the Confetti Kids series, Lily and her parents move from their suburban neighborhood to New York City and Lily must adapt to her new life.</p><p>Lily and her parents move from their suburban neighborhood to New York City. Lily is used to living in a house on a quiet street. When they arrive at their new apartment, Lily notices the amount of activity all around. Kids play jump rope on one corner. Buses and taxis zoom by. Lily feels like a small ant on such a busy block and worries that she'll never feel at home. As she and her parents explore their new, multicultural neighborhood, Lily discovers that sometimes change can be a good thing.</p>
Aani and the Tree Huggers
by Jeannine AtkinsA village girl in India inspires the women around her to save their beloved forest.One day Aani is resting against her favorite tree when she hears the unfamiliar roar of trucks. She alerts the village women, the eldest of whom says the sounds are made by men from the city who have come to cut down the trees. The women explain to the cutters that their trees provide the villagers with food and fuel; are home to animals; and prevent erosion. But the men are heedless. As the cutters move closer, Aani acts with quiet, instinctive heroism to save not only her special tree, but also the village's beloved forest. Based on a true event in northern India, Aani and the Tree Huggers presents an enduring message of environmental action. In their picture book debuts, author Jeannine Atkins and artist Venantius J. Pinto introduce a memorable heroine whose love of the earth is sure to be an inspiration to children everywhere.
Prairie Dog Song: The Key to Saving North America's Grasslands
by Susan L. Roth Cindy TrumboreFocusing on the role of prairie dogs as a keystone species, this book tells the connected histories of the North American grassland prairies and current efforts to preserve and recover the Janos grasslands in northern Mexico.For thousands of years, green and gold grasses covered North America from Canada to Mexico. The prairie and desert grasslands were home to a variety of animals, from small prairie dogs to huge bison. But in the nineteenth century, ranching and farming took hold in the grasslands, and over time many of the animals and plants vanished. Then, in the late 1980s, scientists discovered a region in Mexico where green and gold grasses still waved and prairie dogs still barked. The scientists understood the importance of this grassland ecosystem and the prairie dogs' key role in it. Could they now preserve the area and bring back its lost animals and plants? This moving nonfiction tale of environmental recovery builds on the success of the acclaimed Parrots Over Puerto Rico and The Mangrove Tree. Cumulative song text plus prose passages combine to celebrate North America's grasslands, their iconic prairie dogs, and the dedicated scientists who work to make the grasslands healthy again.
A Morning with Grandpa
by Sylvia LiuIn this sweet, slice-of-life story, a curious and active Asian American girl spends the day learning tai chi from her grandfather, and in turn tries to teach him how to do yoga.Mei Mei's grandpa is practicing tai chi in the garden, and Mei Mei is eager to join in. As Gong Gong tries to teach her the slow, graceful movements, Mei Mei enthusiastically does them with her own flair. Then Mei Mei takes a turn, trying to teach Gong Gong the yoga positions she learned in school. Will Gong Gong be able to master the stretchy, bendy poses? Winner of Lee & Low's New Voices Award, A Morning with Grandpa celebrates, with lively spirit and humor, the special bond between grandparent and grandchild and the joy of learning new things together. Readers of all ages will want to try some tai chi and yoga too!
Benji the Bad Day and Me
by Sally J. PlaNothing seems to be going right for Sammy today. At school, he got in trouble for kicking a fence, then the cafeteria ran out of pizza for lunch. After he walks home in the pouring rain, he finds his autistic little brother Benji is having a bad day too. On days like this, Benji has a special play-box where he goes to feel cozy and safe. Sammy doesn't have a special place, and he's convinced no one cares how he feels or even notices him. But somebody is noticing, and may just have an idea on how to help Sammy feel better.
Ghosts for Breakfast
by Stanley Todd Terasaki Zetta Elliott Shelly ShinjoPON! PON! PON! PON!The pounding on the door brings three unexpected guests to our young narrator's home -- Mr. Omi, Mr. Omaye, and Mr. Ono. The Troublesome Triplets, as they are called because they always seem to have some sort of complaint, have just seen ghosts -- dozens of them -- in Farmer Tanaka's field! The ghosts were long and thin and white, very white, and they were dancing in the moonlight.Papa thinks the situation is great fun, but his son isn't so sure. After all, there are ghosts out there. So Papa decides to get to the bottom of the Triplets' story. He sets off to hunt the ghosts, and he takes his son with him. <P><P> Set in California in the 1920s, this delightful father-son story speaks to all young children who yearn to overcome their fears. Readers also come to realize the hazards of jumping to conclusions, for things aren't always what they seem. In 2000, Lee & Low established its annual New Voices Award to encourage writers of color to enter the field of children's literature. Ghosts for Breakfast was one of the honorees that year.
Hot Hot Roti for Dada-Ji
by F. ZiaAneel and his grandfather, Dada-ji, tell stories, use their imaginations, and make delicious roti, a traditional Indian flatbread.
Growing Peace: A Story of Farming, Music, and Religious Harmony
by Richard SobolThis stunning photo-essay for children is a story of coexistence, focusing on Jewish, Muslim, and Christian families in a Ugandan village who created a Fair Trade Coffee Cooperative and learned to live and work together peacefully.On the morning of September 11, 2001, J. J. Keki, a Ugandan musician and coffee farmer, was in New York, about to visit the World Trade Center. Instead, J.J. witnessed the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers. He came away from this event with strong emotions about religious conflict. Why should people be enemies because of their religions? Back home in his village, J.J. was determined to find a way for people who held different religious beliefs to work together. He saw that the neighborhood children, from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian families, played with one another without a care about religion. Why not enlist their parents, all coffee farmers like himself, in a cooperative venture around a shared goal? Together they would grow, harvest, and sell their coffee. At the same time, they would bridge religious differences to work and live together peacefully. Here is a rare and timely story of hope, economic cooperation, and religious harmony from an often struggling part of the world. From J.J.'s vision, his community has achieved what many people strive for: a growing peace.