There are so many outstanding books available for all ages to read and enjoy. Furthermore, we can also learn from these same books. This week I want to give you a list of cultural diversity for both picture books and books for older children. Every one of these books have a wonderful story line that will grab the reader and hold them to the end. And, each of these books will give the reader insight to people of a different location, belief or appearance. Here, then, are just a few of these types of books that are available for children of all ages. The picture books will be good for any child to read or be read to, and many of the fiction books would be good for those able to read at the level of about 9 or 10 and older. But many of these types of books also make great read-alouds for younger children. In alphabetical order:
An Australian Aborigine picture book: "Burnt Stick", by Anthony Hill, and illustrated by Mark Sofilas, is an incredible look into a time, based on fact, back in the early l900’s, when the Australian government took children of partial white blood away from their aboriginal mothers. This is a gripping story about a clever mother who tries to prevent this from happening. But, beware, you’ll find much to discuss after reading this heart wrenching story.
An African picture book: "Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions", by Margaret Musgrove, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon, is an ABC book showing many different kinds of culture throughout Africa. No wonder that this book, even though it was published over 20 years ago, is still useful today.
A Jewish and Arabian picture book: "Neve Shalom Wahat Al-salam: Oasis of Peace", by Laurie and Ben Dolphin. This is the ultimate book on co-operation and working together. It’s a non-fiction book about 2 boys of completely different cultures that want to live in harmony in their homeland. The photos, taken by Mr. Dophin, take you right to this unique school in Israel.
A Latin-American non-fiction book: "Arroz Con Leche: Popular Songs and Rhymes From Latin America", written and illustrated by Lulu Delacre, is full of music and poetry from south of the border. You’ll find yourself moving to the rhythm after reading just one page.
A Chinese autobiography: "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution", by Ji-Li Jiang, is an incredible account of the revolution lead by Chairman Mao during the late 1960’s. You’ll find yourself comparing this awe-inspiring young girl’s account to "The Diary of Anne Frank".
A non-fiction picture book from all over the world: "Talking Walls", by Margy Burns Knight, and illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien, is a look from the perspective of the great walls throughout the world. There is the Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall and the Vietnam Wall, and much, much more. This book demonstrates the many diverse cultures affected by these walls.
A picture book from India and Pakistan: "The Gifts of Wali Dad: A Tale of India and Pakistan", by Aaron Shepard and illustrated by Daniel San Souci, is a lively story about giving and receiving gifts. This magical tale draws the reader into the life of a man from India who finds he has more money than he needs.
A poetry collection about the Navajo: "Navajo: Visions and Voices Across the Mesa", written and illustrated by Shonto Begay, is a wonderful collection of poems and stories of the Navajo people throughout their history up to modern times. Mr. Begay is a very talented artist as well and shows off his beautiful paintings in this inspiring anthology.
An African American historical fiction: "The Glory Field", by Walter Dean Myers, is what I would call a "Roots" epic for kids. It’s a story that begins with the kidnapping of Muhammad Bilal from his African village to work on a plantation in South Carolina in the USA. This harrowing chronicle takes you through the troubling times of this family up to the present. The reader will become completely immersed in this family, while learning about the history of the African American people.
An Vietnamese picture book: "The Lotus Seed" by Sherry Garland, illustrated by Tatsuro Kiuchi, is about Grandmother Ba, who has traveled over the ocean to immigrate to America with only one particle of her homeland, a lotus seed. This rich story is full of the struggles of war and the hope for a bright future in America.
There are so many more books available. I will review more books from other cultures in the future. Monica Naylor, the Multi-Cultural Coordinator for Columbia Public Schools, has a vast amount of information on books and programs to help diversify our community. Her business phone number is: 214-3925. I know she would be happy to help anyone with questions or needing information on this subject.