Darius The Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

Khorram, Adib. DARIUS THE GREAT IS NOT OKAY. New York: Dial Books, 2018. ISBN: 978-0-5255-5296-3

Teenage Darius is Iranian-American living in Portland, Oregon.  He was named for a great Persian king, but he certainly does not feel worthy of such a grand title. He is overweight, geeky, and struggles to fit into his high school. He works at a tea shop at the mall, and takes medication to treat his clinical depression. He doesn't really feel entitled to be depressed; after all, nothing bad has happened to him. When his family takes a trip to Iran to see his maternal grandparents, Darius worries about not being Persian enough. While there, he makes his first friend, plays soccer, participates in Muslim and Zoroastrian rituals, and searches for belonging and acceptance, just as he is.

The characters and settings of this book are so richly represented, and they do a phenomenal job of representing the story of Darius, who straddles two cultures and two countries. At home, Darius does not feel completely at ease, and feels like his younger sister is the favorite child of the family, and the one who inherited and learned much more of the Persian culture. Cultural details, like the description of brewing tea at the mall versus the authentic Persian way, highlight traits that Darius strives to emulate. When Darius is in Iran, the setting is thoroughly detailed, including rich descriptions of delicious meals and treats. The historical sites visited by Darius and his family represent the embracing of the past and the deep roots that the title character seeks.

Adib Khorram is an authentic and qualified writer of this topic, as he based many of Darius's experiences upon his own. He is Iranian American and grew up in Kansas City. He dealt with backlash following the September 11 attacks, in which he and others of Middle Eastern descent faced discrimination.

The themes of Darius the Great is Not Okay are self-discovery and the accepting of one's identity. Many teenagers like Darius are struggling to fit in and figure out who they are. This book deals with Darius's identity as a Middle Eastern-American, as well as his struggles with mental health. Adib Khorram addresses the negative perceptions of mental illness and depression, as well as those of Middle Eastern people in the media. While Darius experiences bullying and is often hard on himself, the theme is that we should accept ourselves for who we are and seek out those who appreciate us for our whole beings, including our "flaws" and quirks. It is okay to not have everything figured out. These themes are universal and will certainly resonate with high school students of all backgrounds. This interview with the author discusses some of the inspiration behind Darius the Great is Not Okay and Khorram's own background that inspired the book.

Darius the Great is Not Okay is an amazing book that won the William C. Morris Debut YA Award. It is heartfelt and hilarious. It made me laugh and cry. The way in which Darius talked about his father, to whom he referred exclusively using his full name, Stephen Kellner, was so real and powerful. Their relationship, with Darius believing he was failing to meet his father's expectations, their bonding time watching Star Trek, and their little-discussed common trait of depression, was treated with such care by Khorram. The highs and lows of the characters are specific and detailed enough to allow the reader to see Darius and Stephen Kellner as authentic people. At the same time, they are also relatable and will resonate with teenagers struggling to find their identity and navigate familial relationships.  According to a starred Kirkus review,  "Khorram’s debut novel is filled with insight into the lives of teens, weaving together the reality of living with mental illness while also dealing with identity and immigration politics."

Darius the Great is Not Okay lends itself to many classroom possibilities. As demonstrated in this reading guide, there are many questions that could prompt a deep and meaningful discussion, including some dealing with cultural identity and sexuality, along with issues like chauvinism and the stigma of mental illness. In addition to the discussion questions, the guide also includes a glossary of Farsi terms, as well as a reference page for Star Trek information to understand the many references in the book. While reading the book, students in an English class could represent different Farsi terms with a definition, picture, and reference from the book. After reading, the class could engage in a discussion using some of the questions provided, and make personal connections between Darius's experiences and their own.

A Different Pond by Bao Phi

Phi, Bao and Thi Bui, illustrator. A DIFFERENT POND. North Mankato, Minnesota: Capstone Young Readers, 2017. ISBN: 978-1623-708-030.

Family, tradition, and hope. These are the pillars of A Different Pond, in which a boy and his father rise hours before dawn to go fishing. This isn't just a nice father-son bonding experience, but a necessary excursion to put food on the table. In fact, the boy and his siblings take responsibility for attending school and completing chores while both parents work hard to support the family. The parents, refugees from Vietnam, demonstrate sacrifice and self-reliance to support the family.

The characters and setting of A Different Pond support its multicultural value as a diverse book. The story is told in first-person, and so it is empowering to the central character, the boy. His parents are hard-working and loving figures, and the children seem to take nothing for granted. They recognize the sacrifices made by their parents, and see the beauty around them. For instance, the boy says that a kid at school makes fun of his dad's accent, but that he thinks it "sounds like gentle rain." The kindness and empathy shown within the family highlights the importance of their relationships.

The setting could be any American city, but Bao Phi shows the family's culture through details like their food: fish sauce, rice, and red pepper flakes, for instance. The inclusion of minor characters, like the Hmong man and the black man fishing, show an extra effort to include diversity in a natural, unforced manner. The language in A Different Pond is natural in its dialogue and contains beautiful imagery and poetic devices. The present and future tense alludes to the family's hope for the future.

This book trailer offers a peak at this beautiful, powerful picture book. The illustrations by Thi Bui are bold colored drawings, reaching to the edges of the pages. The scenes are enclosed in panels similar to those in a comic strip. This allows a frame-by-frame retelling, almost like a storyboard for a movie. In one page, an inset box shows the boy sitting in the car, while the rest of the page shows the scene of the town, with buildings, streetlights, and the car driving down the road en route to the bait shop. Bui adeptly captures the facial expressions of her characters, the ripples on the pond's surface, and the haze around a streetlamp. The illustrations are so powerful and convey the family in the story in a deep and respectful way.

The stories shared between father and son touch upon loss, war, and nostalgia. These serious topics are explored in a delicate way to make them accessible to a young audience. This powerful tale of a refugee family centers on the themes of embracing tradition and adapting to a new place. In the face of struggles, the family never loses hope for a better tomorrow.

A Different Pond is authentic and respectful to its Asian immigrant characters. Both the author and illustrator were born in Vietnam and moved to the United States as refugees fleeing the carnage of the Vietnam War. Consequently, they are both qualified to tackle the topic of a Vietnamese refugee family, and they do so with great care. The two creators provide notes explaining their personal experiences as refugees and immigrants. According to Bao Phi, his family faced discrimination from people who either did not understand why they were in Minneapolis or blamed them for the Vietnam War. The book is based on his own experiences as a child, and he honors his parents and their efforts to overcome the challenges they faced. He strives to acknowledge the traumatic stories to help his own children and others to better understand. Illustrator Thi Bui shares details common among Vietnamese American immigrant homes that she symbolize her own experiences. She used inspiration from Bao Phi's childhood photographs in creating her illustrations.

A Different Pond is a 2018 Caldecott Honor Book, a winner of the Asian/Pacific Award for Literature, and it earned the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor. The book also earned spots on various lists for the best books of 2017. Independent of its characteristics as a multicultural book, A Different Pond is an excellent book for all children and adults alike.

As part of a lesson for this story, the teacher and librarian could do a read-aloud. This book, although a picture book, could be used in a middle or high school classroom in a powerful way. Students could learn about modern examples of issues that are causing people to flee their homelands, including violence in Syria and the Northern Triangle of Central America. Reactions to some of these refugees in the United States could be discussed. The importance of empathy and kindness would be emphasized. Students could finish by writing about their own experiences of feeling like outsiders, and the ways refugees should be treated.

Drawn Together by Minh Le

Le, Minh, and Dan Santat, illustrator. DRAWN TOGETHER. New York: Disney-Hyperion, 2018. ISBN: 978-1-4847-6760-3.

Drawn Together is an understated and beautiful picture book centered on the concept of immigration and identity. The main character is a young boy who is visiting his grandfather. The two have little in common and can't really communicate due to a language barrier. The two begin to bond when they start drawing pictures, each in his own style. The boy illustrates bright, colorful superhero scenes, while the grandfather's pictures are black ink representing traditional warrior figures. These two styles mingle and then merge into a new, unique backdrop where they can coexist and work together. Then, they can appreciate one another and see past their differences. Drawing helps the boy and his grandfather find a common ground and connect with one another when words are not possible.

Part graphic novel, with sparse text and gorgeous, dynamic illustrations, the theme of Drawn Together is overcoming gaps due to language, age, and culture. The characters are individuals, without extra commentary, and so no stereotypes are present. At first, they may seem like two closed-off characters, unable or unwilling to cross the divide between them, but by the end, their bond is clear. The setting, which is the grandfather's house, represents his experience as an immigrant, straddling his traditional values in his new homeland. This moving and powerful book is restrained and not preachy.

Minh Le, the author is a first-generation Vietnamese American, who writes from experience related to family, identity, immigration, and attempts to fit into a new environment. Illustrator Dan Santat is extremely talented and is a Caldecott Medalist. He demonstrates a variety of styles in this book, all of which are meaningful and eye-catching. In this video, Santat describes his techniques and the illustrating process. He draws inspiration from traditional symbols from Asian culture, including dragons and samurai. For the grandfather's drawings, the black ink pictures contain so much detail and intricacy. For the boy's drawings, he ties in bright colors and other symbols of more modern culture, including wizards and superheroes. On the pages where the two styles overlap and integrate, something truly amazing is created. The power of Santat's illustrations exceeds words, and doesn't just supplement Le's story, but truly brings it to life and adds greater value and depth to the story.

The feeling of alienation and the unknown of the immigrant experience is one that is widespread. Many students could relate to both the grandfather, grasping for his traditional culture and hoping to keep it alive, as well as the young boy, who does not understand the old patriarch at first. Without giving him a chance, and keeping up a wall between them, they could have missed out on a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange and familial kinship, which is so important to many cultural groups.

Drawn Together earned starred reviews from School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Publishers Weekly. Beyond its value as a multicultural and diverse book for children, Drawn Together is strikingly beautiful and it conveys a message that many children and adults alike could benefit from.

Alongside the reading of Drawn Together, an elementary class could study cultural symbols and icons from history representing their own family's background. Using this information, students could then draw their own self-portraits. Finally, the students could pair up with a classmate to compare and contrast their unique styles.

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

Saeed, Aisha. AMAL UNBOUND. New York: Penguin, 2018. ISBN: 978-0-3995-4469-9

Amal is curious and ambitious. She is a role model to her younger sister, and she dreams of becoming a teacher. After her mother gives birth to another girl, Amal is expected to take a break from school. One day, a wealthy stranger hits her with a car, and she speaks her mind to him. At the time, she doesn't realize that the man she has offended is the town's landlord, to whom everyone is in debt. In order to redeem her family, Amal is forced to go live at the estate and work as a servant until her parents can repay their debt. Amal wonders if she will ever get to return home, see her friends and family, and continue her education.

Amal is a dynamic and empowered young woman. Her character is strong, which is valuable in challenging stereotypes of Muslim women being subservient and oppressed. In Amal's own family, she witnesses the preference for bearing sons, and the disappointment as yet another daughter is born. The setting of Pakistan is not often represented in novels and would be unique for most middle grade students. The estate, which begins as a type of prison and becomes more like a home, is contrasted with Amal's tight-knit village. The sense of honor and celebrations of the family, like the wedding scene, represent aspects of the Middle Eastern culture.

Amal Unbound explores the themes of challenging the status quo and building up the courage to fight against injustices. In the natural world, stronger animals are at the top of the food chain, and in society, the weak villagers do in fact have the capability of overthrowing the powerful by working together.

Saeed takes care to represent the story of Amal in a respectful way. The characters do have flaws and could be one-dimensional, like the fear of Amal's mother, who felt depressed to have yet another daughter, and the heroic teacher who embraces Amal's curiosity and stands up for her when the corruption scandal breaks.

An author's note is included at the end of the book. In it, Aisha Saeed discusses the book's inspiration from the shooting of Malala Yousafzai, a young girl in Pakistan who was shot by Taliban forces for attempting to attend school and for speaking up about girls' rights. This, along with the reality of indentured servitude that still exists around the world led to Saeed's decision to write Amal Unbound. The novel sheds light on these real issues that many face.

Saeed is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books, and explains that she never saw herself represented in books she read as a child. She has been a teacher and a lawyer, and speaks three languages. Her diverse talents and experiences certainly helped her in writing Amal Unbound. Saeed successfully explains cultural terms and words in a natural way that flows from her characters and their interactions. Minor characters are described in detail, and are able to overcome challenges and change, particularly in the case of Amal's fellow house servants, with whom she works at the estate. The one villain of the book, the corrupt landlord, does not redeem himself, but his power is challenged by the commoners.

Amal Unbound won several accolades, as listed here. It is well-written, riveting, and mixes serious issues with relatable struggles of a pre-teen girl. This novel could easily be incorporated to a social studies lesson. For example, a middle school world geography teacher could begin with a mini-lesson on geography, for students to see maps and images representing Pakistan. Students could read and discuss the issues of the book, and then research the experiences of Malala Yousafzai. To make an additional connection, students could read Malala's Magic Pencil and draw their own conclusions and advice for those perceived as weak to fight stronger, more powerful forces. This could be a great lesson in civic engagement, and students could even research issues that concern them and try to solve these problems.

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Polonsky, Ami. GRACEFULLY GRAYSON. New York: Hyperion, 2014. ISBN: 978-1-4847-2365-4

Grayson's aunt and uncle took him in after a tragic car accident claimed the lives of his parents when he was only four years old. Now in middle school, Grayson hides who "he" is from the world around him. He draws pictures of castles, hiding beautiful princesses in the corners. He ties his jacket around his waist, imagining that it is a flowy skirt. He goes through his day in camouflage, concealing his inner self and isolating himself from his peers. When his new friendship with Amelia starts to slip away, and his Grandma Alice passes away, Grayson fears becoming invisible and disappearing completely. Intrigued by a flyer in the library, Grayson auditions for the lead in the school's production of the play The Myth of Persephone. This will be Grayson's time to shine and feel truly seen as the beautiful, graceful girl that she is meant to be.

Grayson is a character facing a lot of misunderstanding. Most of the book refers to him as "he" and as a boy. The only time "she" is used is while Grayson is on stage, acting as Persephone and touching the pink cast on her arm. I think the author could have taken a stronger position, and allowed the dialogue to shift more toward inclusive pronouns, rather than misgendering Grayson. However, this may have been intentional, to avoid labeling Grayson as trans. The book ends with the new beginning for Grayson, finally being truly seen and accepted.

The other characters in Gracefully Grayson seem a bit flat to me. Each character's reaction to Grayson fits a certain stereotypical angle, without much development. Finn is the noble teacher who sacrifices his career for the good of his students. Uncle Evan is the supportive, open-minded parent, while Aunt Sally is the stubborn, unwavering one. Amelia is the fickle friend, only looking to improve her social standing, while Paige is not afraid to stand out in a crowd. Ryan and Sebastian are the bullies.

The book is set primarily at school, in Finn's class and at rehearsal. Most of the middle schoolers are kind and understanding, but some do challenge Grayson's decision to try out for Persephone. The parents, especially Aunt Sally, seem less open-minded, which is not surprising. In my experience as a teacher, I have found the young, school-age generation to be more accepting when it comes to gender identity. There are also scenes at a local thrift store, where Grayson can experiment with fashion and try on skirts and blouses.

A major theme of Gracefully Grayson is bravery, and of choosing to do the right thing despite fear of backlash. As the students in Finn's class read To Kill a Mockingbird, they discuss this idea, which is reflected in Grayson's story. Grayson demonstrates great courage in being herself, particularly in the final chapters, as she chooses a pink cast for her wrist and wears a sparkly shirt in front of classmates. In addition, the overarching theme is to acceptance. Just as Grayson's parents knew when he was a small child, it is important to support one another and accept others to foster their inner selves.

The issue at the center of Gracefully Grayson is an authentic issue facing children and adults alike. In the past decade, the issue has gained more attention, and people on both sides have become more vocal. From the North Carolina laws about restrooms, to the coming out of celebrities like Caitlyn Jenner, to the rise to fame of Laverne Cox, trans rights are extremely important. It is good to have books like Gracefully Grayson for young trans people to see themselves reflected in the pages they read.

The author, Ami Polonsky, was a teacher for several years. In an interview included with this excellent reading guide with discussion questions, she mentions that she witnessed issues like those in the book at the middle school level.

This is an important book for young trans people, who don't often get an opportunity to see themselves reflected in book characters. In addition, Gracefully Grayson offers a lesson to the peers of trans children, because they will benefit from putting themselves in Grayson's shoes. The theme of self-love and acceptance is critical for everyone. These themes are especially poignant for middle schoolers, who are coming of age and sorting out personal identity and social acceptance. Bullying and self-esteem issues are particularly common during the middle school years.

Gracefully Grayson was selected as a Book of the Month by the Anti-Defamation League and included on the Rainbow Project Book List of 2016, recognized for being a top LGBTQ children's/YA book.

For middle schoolers reading this book, frequent and meaningful discussion of the topics is critical. This topic may be considered controversial by some teachers and parents, and so a delicate approach may need to be taken by the librarian. However, the difficulty of the topic shows how necessary it is to confront. The discussion questions from the publisher, linked above, could be incorporated to a book club meeting. In addition, students could research issues of trans rights and engage in a discussion of civil rights movements throughout history, from women's rights to African American/Latinx rights, to LGBTQ rights movements.

Words on Bathroom Walls by Julia Walton

Walton, Julia. WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS. New York: Penguin Random House, 2017.
ISBN: 978-0399-550-911

Adam has recently started attending a private Catholic high school after an episode of self-harm related to his struggles with schizophrenia. He navigates academics, extracurricular activities, friendships, and relationships, just like any teenager. However, on top of those daily issues, he also rides the ups and downs of his medication and deals with delusions of a cast of characters only he can see and hear. Framed as a series of letters to his psychiatrist, Words on Bathroom Walls is a powerful novel that takes a refreshingly real and frank look at mental illness.

The wonderful thing about Words on Bathroom Walls is the respect with which Walton treats her characters, particularly Adam. While his hallucinations symptoms of his mental illness are major issues in the book, the character is dynamic and full-bodied. He is not reduced to his condition. Instead, he is sweet, thoughtful, an accomplished chef, and has a gift for memorizing. He is thoroughly authentic, honest, and believable.

The setting of Words on Bathroom Walls is Adam's conservative Catholic high school, which prompts expectations of fitting in and the image of preppy students who participate in rumors and cliques. These factors highlight Adam's challenges with his schizophrenia. In addition, Adam attends regular sessions with his psychiatrist, but he refuses to speak. During those sessions, Adam may seem stubborn and rude, but his musings on paper reveal a tenderness and vulnerability that wins over the reader.

The theme of this young adult novel is tolerance and understanding. The title relates to two messages in graffiti that Adam finds on a stall door: "Jesus loves you." "Don't be a homo." Adam observes the contradictory nature of these phrases, and he sees a connection to his life. For instance, people may grieve the loss of life to gun violence, and then immediately wish for the death of someone with mental illness.

The chapter about Sandy Hook nearly made me cry. Adam finds himself in the difficult territory of feeling some semblance of sympathy for the killer. He understands the feeling of losing control of one's own mind and hearing voices that aren't really there. This chapter was truly heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. It made me think about how society and the media discuss perpetrators of mass shootings and the connections to mental instability.

Adam also confronts the misunderstanding of mental illness, as compared with physical conditions and diseases. We sympathize with and want to help people with cancer, because "cancer is sexy," in Adam's words. While we may sympathize with those dealing with mental illness, and we may feel sorry for them, these good intentions are tempered by a fear of those same people. In turn, many decide to just keep their distance, rather than try to help.

While the content of Words on Bathroom Walls is heavy and serious, Walton masterfully integrates humor, love, and realism. She provides insight into the heart and mind of someone struggling with mental illness, challenging the related stigmas. The tone of the book is touching without being cheesy.

Julia Walton may have some familial connection to someone with mental illness. It seems that she treats her characters, and particularly Adam, with great care and respect. For further reading, see An Interview with Julia Walton. Her book seems to be well-researched and thoughtful. It could likely comfort someone who has been through similar experiences and encourage them to talk to a doctor or therapist.

An ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Book and a recipient of a starred review from Publishers Weekly, Words on Bathroom Walls is an accessible and important portrayal of mental illness from the perspective of a relateable teen.

As a connection, students could read Flowers for Algernon and engage in a discussion about the parallels with Words on Bathroom Walls. The format of statistics and lab documentation, the questions of ethics and morality, the use of experimental medications, and the treatment of people with mental illness are present in both texts and could spawn a fascinating conversation. High school students could read both texts and write a blog post or create a book talk video with connections between the books.

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

Love, Jessica. JULIAN IS A MERMAID. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press, 2018. ISBN: 978-0763690458

Julián and his grandmother are riding home on the bus, when the little boy spots three beautiful mermaids. He imagines himself transforming into a long-haired mermaid himself, diving and turning in the water, surrounded by colorful fish. As his grandmother leads him home, Julián is still floating. Then, he gets an idea: using a houseplant, some flowers, make-up, and curtains, he creates his own mermaid costume. For a moment, he wonders how his grandmother wiill react. She lovingly offers a necklace to finish the look, and then she leads Julián the mermaid down to the ocean, where they join a parade of other mermaids and sea creatures. The beautiful, vibrant group is comprised of all shapes, colors, and sizes.

The characters and setting are depicted broadly, without clearly representing a specific group or place. They are portrayed in general terms to be open to the reader's interpretation. Julián is a young boy, perhaps about seven years old, who challenges gender stereotypes. Refreshingly, his grandmother does not hesitate to embrace Julián the mermaid. Rather than this be a tale of overcoming discrimination or hate, Jessica Love has created a celebratory story of acceptance. Julián and his grandmother appear to be black or Latinx, and the setting seems to be near the ocean, but could really be anywhere.

After reading this book, I was looking at reviews and awards it has garnered. I saw mention of the Spanish words used. In my copy, Julián speaks to his "Nana" and she, in turn, calls him "honey." However, I kept seeing allusions to the Hispanic/Latinx characters and the use of "abuela" and "mijo" respectively. I found this discrepancy really intriguing and it made me curious as to the author's decisions regarding word choice. Which text reflected the original version? Did she change her mind on the diction, or were multiple versions created? Upon a closer look, I realized that my copy was the British version, published in London. The differences in linguistic choices reflect the countries of publication. Especially in the United States version, the characters appear to be Latinx, due to their names for one another. Perhaps in England, this wording would not have been as familiar or had as great a resonance to the audience. No matter their ethnicity, Julián and his grandmother deliver a message of love and acceptance.

Jessica Love's illustrations are tropical and vibrant, with an ephemeral vibe. Some pages are muted and pastel in color, while others are deep and bright in their tone. So much of the story is told though these gorgeous images, because the text is spare. The characters' facial expressions and body language are palpable. The reader can feel Julián's nerves as he deliberates his choices, doubts himself, and awaits abuela's judgment. The love they share is clear in their eyes and faces. The pictures take up the whole page, and bring the reader right into the scenes. Love used gouache, a more opaque type of watercolor, to achieve this lovely effect. In this interview with Kirkus, Love describes her choice to paint on brown paper, to better complement the skin tones of her characters, rather than have a stark contrast with the negative space on white pages. Also in that interview, she explains that the story of Julián originally came to her in fully formed images, without any text. This explains why the illustrations are such an integral part of the book.

The theme of Julián Is A Mermaid is to practice acceptance and not to be afraid to be oneself. Self-love is celebrated, and the title character and his grandmother joyfully join in the parade of gorgeous mermaids, demonstrating that we can defy gender norms and embrace our true selves.

This picture book does not really include stereotypes. Social norms will often dictate that a young boy should not imagine himself as a mermaid, but the nice thing about Jessica Love's work here is that the grandmother does not question Julián, and he does not face backlash or negativity. If kindness and love become the norm, perhaps young readers will not have to worry about overcoming bullying or discrimination so much. Instead, more people can practice acceptance.

Julián Is A Mermaid seems authentic and genuine, without being preachy or didactic. It does not provide much in terms of cultural setting or facts, and so notes are not necessary. The story is simple, yet powerful, touching, and joyful.

Earning starred reviews from Horn Book, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus, Julián Is A Mermaid is an acclaimed and important book for any library. It received a Stonewall Book Award for its exceptional merit related to LGBTQ experiences.

As a lesson to coordinate with this book, students should be encouraged to discuss the concept of identity and to practice empathy. Students will use an artistic medium, like collage, painting, or drawing to represent aspects of their own identity in an "identity self-portrait." They will then hang them up as a gallery walk, or can share with a partner the important aspects of their own identity. The message from the book should be discussed and reiterated: our differences make us unique and should be celebrated. We support one another! This lesson from Teaching Tolerance provides more instruction, guiding questions, and a rubric for the identity self-portraits.

Code Talker: A Novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two by Joseph Bruchac

Bruchac, Joseph. CODE TALKER:  A NOVEL ABOUT THE NAVAJO MARINES OF WORLD WAR TWO. New York: Speak, 2005. ISBN: 0-8037-2921-9

Kii Yazhi was only six years old when he was sent away to a government-run boarding school, where he and his fellow Navajo classmates were given Anglicized names and only allowed to speak English. Kii Yazhi became Ned Begay, a conscientious student with an interest in geography, who never let go of his Navajo language and culture, despite the efforts of his teachers to "kill the Indian, and save the man." However, once World War II escalated, the U.S. government enlisted the help of young men like Ned, who was fluent in both Navajo and English, to join the Marines. Ned enthusiastically enlisted and served as a code talker, sending and receiving confidential and extremely important information as part of a program that remained secret and classified until 1968. Code Talker is a novel based on the rich history of the Navajo Code Talkers who were so essential to the U.S. military, and who were overlooked and the victims of discrimination for decades.

The characters of Ned Begay, Smitty, and Georgia Boy are fictional, and the others are real people. The events experienced by all characters were thoroughly researched. Bruchac clearly did his homework and ensured his careful handling of such a heavy topic. He is of Native American descent himself, and obviously has great reverence for the culture.

The settings are based on places of historical significance for these Navajo characters. Bruchac describes in great detail life at the boarding school. He then depicts Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and other locations, making the reader feel the hunger, the heat, the rain, the stench, and the mosquito bites. Including the interactions between white Marines and Navajos, along with a lot of historical information, the setting is rich and dynamic.

The theme of Code Talker, according to Bruchac's own words in the author's note, is the importance of understanding and respect of other cultures and languages. The U.S. government's complete shift from attempting to eliminate the Navajo culture to benefitting from it so dearly should cause the reader to turn a critical eye to history and to confront examples of racism and discrimination. The injustice for those Navajo Code Talkers who were unable to discuss their pivotal role in the war, and could not benefit from sharing their skills and experiences after leaving the service, is a travesty. The history of these brave Navajo Code Talkers must be studied and appreciated.

There are a few allusions to stereotypes and how the character of Ned Begay dealt with discrimination. For instance, he comments that most Navajos in the Marines were nicknamed "Chief." Ned replies to a white friend by calling him "President" to make a point. The character laughs off the nickname, emphasizing the deep friendships he formed during the war years. After the war, however, back in civilian society, he explains the challenges he and others faced, not being able to take advantage of the G.I. Bill perks that white men could, and being kicked out of a bar, even while wearing his military uniform. Throughout the book, Bruchac includes references to Native American spirituality, ceremonies for luck, a mention of rain dancing, and the belief of the worth of all beings. Because of Bruchac's own Native American background and the respect with which he discusses these topics, it allows the reader to feel a connection to a little-known culture. I don't believe any of these details in the book would be considered as stereotyping or offensive to a Native American person, and Bruchac's treatment of the topic seemed to be well done.

The author's note, bibliography, selected reading, and acknowledgements demonstrate Bruchac's great care. He has written a number of books about Native American subjects, including A Boy Called Slow, which I also reviewed.

The Navajo language was employed throughout the text in italics. In addition to having a hard copy of the book, I also listened to an audio version, and really enjoyed hearing the language spoken by the narrator. The words sounded so rich, and the difficulty for a non-Navajo to learn the language explains why it was so valuable in creating the code. Listening to the prayers and code words in the Navajo language added an extra level of depth to my experience with the text. The inclusion of Navajo words and their English meanings was seamlessly explained. The book is narrated from the perspective of an elderly Ned, who is retelling his life story to his grandchildren upon their discovery of a medal he had earned. The oral tradition is so essential to Native American culture that this format for the relaying of the story is especially meaningful.

Code Talker was named one of the Best Books of 2006 by ALA and earned a starred review from Kirkus. The book is interesting and an engaging read, with relateable characters and exciting tales from the war. The history included in the book is well-researched and informative. Because the topic of Navajo Code Talkers is often overlooked, this book is particularly important in its highlighting of an exceptional story of the contributions of these Navajo Marines.

As a lesson to accompany the reading of Code Talker, children should research the history behind the book. Each student could focus on a particular battle or site, like Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, Hiroshima, or Nagasaki. Upon gathering information regarding the dates, events, and significance of these places, the students could present on their findings. As an extension, students could attempt to create their own code to send a message, or could be provided a coded message that they would have to try to break.

A Boy Called Slow: The True Story of Sitting Bull by Joseph Bruchac

Bruchac, Joseph, and Rocco Baviera, illustrator. A BOY CALLED SLOW: THE TRUE STORY OF SITTING BULL. New York: Putnam & Grosset, 1994.

ISBN: 978-0-698-116-160

As children, members of the Lakota Sioux community are named according to their childhood traits. In this picture book, the title character is named "Slow" because he does everything slowly. As he grows, his slow-moving natures leads others to see him as a strong and determined boy. Still, he longs for the day he will earn a new name. He must wait until he has a vision or performs an act of courage. Only then will he be given a new adult name. One day, he accompanies his father and the other men of the tribe on a raid of the Crows. "Slow" charges ahead of the other men, protects them from injury, and leads the raid, gaining horses, food, and supplies to bring back to his people. This act earns him the name "Sitting Bull," and he will go on to become a legendary figure of Native American history.

Because this is an example of historical fiction based on a famous Native American hero, the description of the young Sitting Bull is powerful. The revelation of his adult name at the book's conclusion is a surprise, and places this book in the 1830s and 1840s. Readers will likely be caught off guard that such a noted figure was given such an ordinary, unexpected name as a child. The way in which Bruchac waited to reveal Sitting Bull's identity makes this story unique and not immediately pegged as a historical text. This can allow the reader to relate to the character, without knowing at first that the young boy is such a legendary figure.

Due to its historical nature, A Boy Called Slow does not attempt to represent modern Native Americans or a modern setting. The setting of the book does support and embrace diversity by portraying the familial traditions of an indigenous culture that may be unfamiliar to the audience. The tradition of giving a "child" name, and later replacing it with an adult name will be intriguing and different to many readers. By explaining this tradition in such a beautiful and straightforward text, Bruchac honors and shares a rich heritage on a wider scale.

The illustrations, paintings by Rocco Baviera, are deep and full of energy. They are culturally sensitive and beautiful representations of the Native American heritage. On one page, the illustrations resemble a cave painting, highlighting the ancient roots of the culture. The book's images are realistic and a perfect accompaniment to Joseph Bruchac's story.

The theme of A Boy Called Slow is identity and coming of age. As many children can understand, Slow is eager to grow up and prove himself, shedding his childhood nickname and feeling like a contributing, full member of the tribe. Until he proves himself with a grand action of bravery or an enlightening vision, Slow anxiously awaits his transition from childhood to maturity. This is a theme that transcends time, place, and culture, and will resonate with children and adults alike.

According to the publisher's information on the book jacket, "Bruchac is one of the foremost Native American storytellers in the United States" and has Abenaki heritage. His family background and his clear admiration for Native American history and culture demonstrate that he is a qualified person to write books about this cultural group. He has written many picture books and novels on the topic, including Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War II, which I will also be reviewing.

Publishers Weekly says A Boy Called Slow is "Satisfying for its attention to historical and multicultural issues; stirring in its consummate storytelling." This book is an important read for children of all backgrounds. For those of Native American descent, it portrays a strong figure to honor their heritage; for others, it serves as a valuable text to recognize an often-overlooked group.

As a lesson to relate after reading A Boy Called Slow, children could research Sitting Bull and compose an "I Am" poem from his point of view. This way, they would place themselves in his shoes and take on his perspective to consider aspects of identity and coming of age that serve as the book's central themes.

In The Footsteps of Crazy Horse by Joseph Marshall

Marshall III, Joseph. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF CRAZY HORSE. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 2015.
ISBN: 978-1419707858

Jimmy McLean has light hair, blue eyes, and an Anglo name. He is three-quarters Lakota, and despite the fact that he speaks Lakota, he is often teased. Jimmy feels "not Lakota enough," and struggles with his inner identity not matching people's perceptions of him based on his appearance. Therefore, Jimmy's grandfather, Nyles High Eagle, brings him on an adventure tracing the life of Crazy Horse, a Lakota hero who, like Jimmy, had light colored hair. The two men travel to different landmarks throughout the American west. Along the way, Jimmy's grandfather shares stories of courage and bravery of one of the most famous Lakota warriors.

The scenes switch back and forth between Jimmy's road trip in the present day and "the way it was" in the times of Crazy Horse and his contemporaries. Sitting Bull, another famed Lakota, also appears in the stories, as Nyles High Eagle recounts the tale of their resistance to the U.S. government's acts of aggression and oppression. Because of the rich history and geographical descriptions, it seems that the depth of the historical characters is more noteworthy than that of Jimmy. It is valuable to see a modern-day Lakota represented, but the historical sections of the book are much more compelling to read, with more care and detail. Supported by research, these chapters highlight the importance of the Lakota history and culture, and depict a realistic and honorable portrait of the culture. Grandpa Nyles does not shy away from telling of the gritty reality of subjugation and violence by parties on all sides. This is important, so as to provide a realistic and honest history, while still leaving dignity in tact.

The way in which Grandpa Nyles retells these stories to Jimmy mimics the traditional art of oral history. This is a perfect way for Marshall to honor the heritage of his characters and of himself. The story-telling serves to bring the figures to life, and put the reader in the midst of these historical events.

The theme of In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse is identity. The physical, geographic journey of Jimmy mirror his internal journey of understanding the many ways in which someone can belong. Actions, like those demonstrating bravery and courage of Crazy Horse, are more important than physical appearance. After his transformative road trip with his grandfather, Jimmy feels empowered to deal with his bullies and to proudly claim his place in the community.

Joseph Marshall III includes a glossary of terms, a bibliography, an author's note, and a map. These features demonstrate the author's depth of research and passion for the topic. In addition, these supports are useful for the reader to better understand the history and significance of the places and events traced in the book.

As part of the author's note, Marshall reveals that he is of Lakota Sioux heritage, and that Crazy Horse is his hero. Marshall's upbringing on the Rosebud Sioux reservation and current membership in the tribe make him a qualified source to write this book. He is clearly a devoted and reliable source to write about characters and historical figures of Lakota background. It is valuable to have someone of Native American descent who can serve as one voice for a rich group of diverse cultures.

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse earned a starred review from Kirkus, was named one of the best books of 2015, and was recommended by Social Justice Books and American Indians in Children's Literature.

For a lesson related to this book, a teacher-librarian could incorporate resources from Zinn Education Project. At this site, links to further reading and profiles about Native American activism throughout history are provided. After reading In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse, students could be tasked with researching and presenting on a certain individual and his or her contributions, or a major event in Native American history. Historical information, visuals, and an analysis would be included in the creation of a slideshow, poster, or other format.

Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Ryan, Pam Muñoz. ESPERANZA RISING. New York: Scholastic Press, 2000. ISBN: 978-0-4391-2-0425

In the year 1930, Esperanza was turning fourteen. She had grown up in a privileged family at Rancho de Las Rosas in Aguascalientes, Mexico. One tragic day, her father is killed by bandits and then her family's beautiful house is set on fire by her evil uncles. In the cover of night, Esperanza and her mother flee to the United States with their servants, Hortencia, Alfonso, and Miguel. Esperanza must learn how to adjust to life as a peasant, as she cares for babies, cleans, and lives in small, crowded quarters with other farm workers. The effects of the Great Depression lead to desperation for many, and poor working conditions spark workers' strikes.

I will admit, I had some trouble connecting with Esperanza through much of the book. Understandably, she is shaken by her family's fall from grace, and resentful of her newfound poverty. This transformation is repeatedly presented in her rude reactions to almost every other character. Esperanza acts snobby and condescending to her childhood friend, Miguel, a young girl on the train, a woman selling eggs, and her new companion Isabel. While I wanted to sympathize with Esperanza, her incessant complaining and disbelief of the lifestyles of those struggling around her illustrated her as very out of touch.

The settings in Esperanza Rising are conducive to a study of culture, because Ryan is able to contrast the Mexican ranch with the California fields. These provide different viewpoints on Mexican families, showing the wide range between the rich and poor. As this is historical fiction, the time period is also significant, as Ryan addresses the effects of the Mexican Revolution and the Great Depression. The foods and clothing described highlight the "before and after" of Anza's life. The papayas that were a favorite treat for the young "reina" in Mexico would have been a dream for the impoverished farm workers in California. Mamá's fancy hair updo is replaced by a more practical long braid, signaling the family's new status.

A major theme of Esperanza Rising is overcoming obstacles. Esperanza's beloved Abuelita reminds her that every rose has thorns, and so the beautiful parts of life will always be accompanied by hardships. Immigrants in 1930 and today often migrate due to major political upheaval, economic instability, and other difficulties, and demonstrate courage in starting a new life in an unknown land. Just as in the historical era of Esperanza's migration, this is a timeless theme of perseverance.

As opposed to the stereotypical "American dream" story, this book offers an alternate scenario, in which those with education and skills in Mexico may be overlooked in America. For example, Miguel is passed over to be a railroad mechanic because of his ethnicity, and instead would only be hired to lay track or dig ditches.

Pam Muñoz Ryan includes an author's note and an "about the author" section at the conclusion of Esperanza Rising. Both of these portions highlight the research and understanding of the topics of the book. Ryan was born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley of California, Esperanza's destination. Ryan based Esperanza's story on that of her grandmother, who went through similar experiences. Therefore, Ryan was able to incorporate authentic stories and documents in her researching to write Esperanza Rising. She addresses issues like Mexican Repatriation, the Japanese internment camps, the labor strikes of Mexican and Filipino farm workers, and the Dust Bowl. As a U.S. history teacher, I found Ryan's attention to the history valuable. She is able to share these complicated, fraught events to a young audience in a skillful and accurate way.

The minority characters are portrayed in a respectful and equal way, with some differences in the socioeconomic classes highlighting tensions between them. The intermittent use of words in Spanish is thoughtful and the meanings are made clear to the reader.

Earning a starred review from Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal, Esperanza Rising was also awarded the Pura Belpré Award. This book is a valuable addition to any library.

An excellent idea for a lesson can be found through the Scholastic site. Students will be guided to analyze the quote by Abuelita: "There is no rose without thorns" (p. 14). A discussion will be conducted in which students use textual evidence to represent the "thorns" or challenges that Esperanza faces. Students will create red construction paper roses, on which they will identify their findings, and then they will write about the changes that Esperanza's character goes through to overcome those challenges and grow as a character. A connection could be made to the obstacles and hardships of immigrants in the modern-day. Students could also do something similar in reflecting on their own personal "thorns."

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh

Tonatiuh, Duncan. FUNNY BONES: POSADA AND HIS DAY OF THE DEAD CALAVERAS. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015. ISBN: 978-1-4197-1647-8

This non-fiction elementary book explores the life of José Guadalupe "Lupe" Posada, who lived in Mexico in the late 1800s and early 1900s, working as a printer and illustrator. Some of Don Lupe's etchings, lithographs, and engravings became iconic, especially those he created representing calaveras, or skulls, that are popular around El Día de Muertos.  In Funny Bones, Tonatiuh describes and interprets some of the calavera images, reminding people that no matter what we wear, we are all the same underneath, and that we should not trample each other to reach the "finish line" in life. Funny Bones offers young readers a beautiful and historical look at the biography of Posada and the calavera images that he created.

Tonatiuh is a qualified voice to portray the story of Posada and his calaveras. The author and illustrator was born in Mexico City, and spent his childhood in Mexico. Surely, he has experienced many Día de Muertos celebrations and understands the deep symbolism and cultural weight of this topic. He has studied art, and his fascination with Posada's illustrations is clear.

The most noteworthy portions of Funny Bones can be found in Tonatiuh's illustrations. He uses a very specific and unique style, channeling traditional folk style art, with his figures appearing flat and steeped in earth tones. His artwork is easily recognizable, and since I had previously read his book Separate is Never Equal, I immediately connected with his illustrations in Funny Bones. I love Tonatiuh's commitment to and love for Mexican culture. These images hearken back to the traditional, pre-Columbian Americas, embracing the culture and rooting the book. The story of Posada is factual and specific, but the drawings allow the story to be more universal and familiar to the culture of Mexico.

The theme of Funny Bones is equality and acceptance. Just as in the case of the dancing, bike-riding calaveras in Posada's images, we shouldn't take ourselves too seriously or be too competitive. Rather, the calaveras, as well as Tonatiuh's book, can serve to remind us that we are all calaveras, and that eventually, we will all end up the same. Therefore, the struggles of our day-to-day lives may be meaningless or unnecessary. When Día de Muertos rolls around each November, we can take the time to slow down and remember our loved ones in a celebratory manner.

Because Funny Bones is a biographical book, it is focused on an individual artist, with brief appearances by famous Mexican leaders. Therefore, Tonatiuh's research yields a reliable representation, free of stereotyping or oversimplification. The author's note in the back of the book is a more detailed account of El Día de Muertos, with special attention paid to the artwork of the holy day. The glossary in the back is a useful item to include for readers unfamiliar with some of the terms in the text, including Spanish words and art-related words.

Funny Bones was awarded the Robert E. Sibert Medal for informational books and is a Pura Belpré Honor Book. It is highly recommended for elementary and public libraries, and would be excellent to include as part of a culturally-relevant lesson about Día de Muertos.

As a lesson related to Funny Bones, children could read this book around El Día de Muertos, and draw their own versions of calaveras. The students could then write captions about what the calaveras are doing, and share with peers. This way, as a class, the students could generate a set of observations about life through the lens of their calaveras.

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya

Cartaya, Pablo. THE EPIC FAIL OF ARTURO ZAMORA. New York: Puffin Books, 2017. ISBN: 978-1-1-0199-7253

Thirteen-year-old Arturo Zamora lives in Miami with his large, boisterous extended family. Life revolves around the family's restaurant, La Cocina de la Isla, which has been a local institution for nearly twenty years. This summer, though, an outsider has arrived, and is making plans to gentrify the area with a gigantic complex with apartments, a gym, and a movie theater. This developer even wants to take over the land on which La Cocina stands. Meanwhile, Arturo is trying to figure out his crush on Carmen, a girl who is not-really-a-cousin-but-almost. Can Arturo save the restaurant, make his ailing abuela proud, and win over Carmen, all before starting eighth grade?

Arturo, his friends, and his family are unique and dynamic characters. Cartaya describes the characters in detail, with Arturo's strong mother and warm grandmother serving as the pillars of the family. By incorporating some history, including the poetry of Cuban poet Jose Marti, Cartaya is able to give an in-depth look at Arturo's grandparents' relationship.

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora is a delightful and fun book exploring the themes of family and faith, the two things abuela consistently reminds Arturo are the most important in life. These themes are particularly prominent in Hispanic/Latinx culture, in which large extended families are the norm, as is the focus on food. The central setting of the story is in Miami, at the family restaurant. The vibrant restaurant scenes make us feel as if we can almost taste the meals. In fact, at the end of the story, Cartaya includes recipes with his own commentary.

Cartaya does an excellent job of integrating Spanish words into his text. The character Arturo often clarifies the meaning for readers who don't read Spanish, and he does so in a way that does not become repetitive. Rather than just give a straight translation or rely on notes, the dialogue carries on, elaborating and clarifying.

I listened to the audio version, and Cartaya read the book himself. This truly added to the experience for me. The author used different voices for his characters, and his voice had so much expression. Cartaya is Cuban American and is from Miami, which is clear in the deep way he addressed the culture in the book. He is definitely a qualified voice to amplify the stories of young Latinx people in his middle grades literature. He will be appearing at the South Texas Book Festival in November, and I look forward to meeting him and getting him to sign a copy of his book for me!

A Pura Belpre Author Honor Book, The Epic Fail earned starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, and Publishers Weekly. The writing was refreshing and flowed nicely. The book was an easy read, with some chapters written in creative styles, like the dialogue between Arturo and his friends, and the text messages employed to show authenticity for the age of the characters.

A social studies class could read this book and then extend the historical research by learning about Jose Marti, a Cuban poet and activist who is discussed at length in the book. Students could research Marti and create a presentation of his poems and brief biography.

Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

Garcia McCall, Guadalupe. UNDER THE MESQUITE. New York: Lee & Low, 2011.

ISBN: 978-1-6-0060-4294

"My pencil whispered the letters onto the paper like magic." Like the protagonist of Under the Mesquite, Guadalupe Garcia McCall certainly has a way with words. Throughout this novel in verse, Garcia McCall employs her beautiful, lyrical story-telling to capture the emotions and experiences of Lupita, the eldest of eight children, who is entering high school. Lupita navigates high school, friendships, and extracurricular activities. Then, her mother's cancer diagnosis devastates the family. With her parents frequently at the hospital or out-of-town getting treatments, Lupita must care for her siblings, juggle life on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, and focus on her future goals. Lupita is forced to grow up too fast and confront the gritty realities of life that many immigrant families must face.

Lupita is a dynamic character; she was born in Mexico, has spent most of her life in the United States, and she struggles to be seen as "Mexican enough" by her friends and "American enough" by her teachers and acting coaches. This is a realistic dilemma in which many children of immigrants find themselves. Living and teaching in a South Texas border town, I have encountered students who have shared similar feelings of frustration at living in between two cultures. The setting of Eagle Pass, positioned right on the border, symbolizes Lupita's struggle. In particular, Lupita's mother's garden and the mesquite tree in the backyard and central symbols in the novel's setting. The mesquite tree is hardy, at first seen as a pest, but then recognized for its "survivor" quality. Throughout the story, cultural elements like food (elote, nopales) and music (Las Mañanitas, Selena) make the readers feel like they are there along the border with Lupita.

The theme of Under the Mesquite is one of survival. Just like the mesquite tree, Lupita overcomes challenges and continues growing up strong. This theme can apply to so many immigrant families who have to overcome loss, alienation, racism, and injustices, all while trying to maintain their pride and dignity. In this way, Under the Mesquite strikes me as a tribute to the strength of immigrants.

Garcia McCall does not stereotype with her characters. Lupita, her friends, and her family members are dynamic. When Lupita changes her accent for her acting, her friends make fun of her for trying to "sound white." This highlights a real issue faced by many people who are immigrants or of a multicultural background. The behaviors and speech of the characters are not flat and stereotyped, but authentic.

The setting of Eagle Pass, as well as the village in Mexico where Lupita's relatives live are also authentic and real. Because Garcia McCall lived in these places herself, she is able to include depth and vivid descriptions to bring them to life for the reader.

At the end of the text, Garcia McCall includes a reference section with names, Spanish words, and cultural references to aid the reader. The author's notes in this glossary allow for a seamless reading during the book, while also providing helpful tools for readers who may not be familiar with some of the terms. Garcia McCall was born in Mexico and grew up in Eagle Pass, a small South Texas town that serves as the setting for Under The Mesquite. She is clearly a qualified and authentic narrator, as it seems that the novel in verse traces her own life experiences rather closely. As the child of an immigrant family, she understood and was able to successfully convey the experiences of Lupita to her readers.

Garcia McCall includes some words in Spanish throughout the book. She successfully integrates them, without defining them right there in the sentence, which could have been clunky and disrupted the flow of her beautiful words. Instead, the use of a glossary in the back of the book allows the reader to find definitions and also the cultural explanations of proper nouns, certain foods, and music, for instance.

Under the Mesquite is an excellent book, which earned a starred Kirkus review and the Pura Belpre Award. It was a pleasure to read, and offered a window into the story of an immigrant family overcoming everyday struggles and coming to terms with life's changes.

In a secondary English Language Arts classroom, a teacher or librarian could guide students in close reading using Under the Mesquite. As students read the text multiple times, they will look for certain information, getting deeper and using critical thinking more with each level. This lesson provides questions for the close reading lesson: Close Reading of Under the Mesquite.

Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Cline-Ransome, Lesa, and James E. Ransome, illustrator. BEFORE SHE WAS HARRIET. New York: Holiday House, 2017.
ISBN: 978-0-8-2342-0476

In Before She Was Harriet, Lesa Cline-Ransome employs a simple but powerful poem to trace backwards the incredible life of the woman who freed the slaves. At the story's beginning, she is an old woman, then a suffragist, a Union spy, a nurse, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, and finally, a young girl with a dream of freedom.

The character of Harriet Tubman is already a household name, and Cline-Ransome does not stereotype here. In Before She Was Harriet, we are not reading about black characters in general, but about one particular influential woman. By outlining the various roles Harriet Tubman played throughout her life, the author is bringing her to life in a new way. The lyrical poem flows naturally and solemnly with the reverance needed for the topic. Readers will likely finish this book with new knowledge beyond what they learned about her in their elementary social studies classes.

The theme of Before She Was Harriet centers on the dream of freedom and the obstacles that must be overcome. Human dignity and perseverance are essential, and Harriet Tubman serves as a positive role model to readers who may aim to improve society of tackle difficult issues. These themes are universal, and especially relevant to people of color, who have faced racism throughout history. The way Harriet Tubman is portrayed in this excellent picture book recognizes the challenges she faced, but focuses on her strength in rising above them. This is essential in writing about people of diverse backgrounds.

James E. Ransome's gorgeous watercolor paintings are rich and full of vibrant colors that show Harriet Tubman as a three-dimensional figure, beyond the typical "sidebar" treatment she is subjected to in history textbooks.

Before She Was Harriet is a book of extremely high quality; The book won the Coretta Scott King Award, earned a spot on Booklist Top 10 Diverse Picture Books 2018, as well as a spot on the Best Books of 2017 lists for Chicago Public Library and School Library Journal. 

An appropriate lesson based on Before She Was Harriet could extend to students researching other famous historical figures about whom not much is widely known. The students could find out more about their backgrounds and the roles that each person held before their major achievements. A discussion could ensue regarding the need to dig deeper and go beyond superficial knowledge to truly understand someone.

Trombone Shorty by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews

Andrews, Troy, and Bryan Collier., illustrator. TROMBONE SHORTY. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015.
ISBN: 978-1-419-7-1465-8

Trombone Shorty is an autobiographical picture book written by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and beautifully illustrated by Bryan Collier. The story follows the life of the title character, who earned his nickname from his brother because of his small frame hoisting an old trombone. As a child, he learns how to play trombone, gets noticed by the great Bo Diddley, and overcomes poverty in New Orleans to become a renowned musician. Now as an adult, Trombone Shorty supports children of New Orleans as they practice music, in order to "pay it forward."

Trombone Shorty is an authentic character, and because the book is autobiographical, the author can definitely be considered a reliable source on the subject matter. He represents his beloved city of New Orleans, including the slang "Where y'at?", the symbolism of a mixed-up pot of gumbo, and the celebratory nature of this port city. Troy does not try to represent all people of color, all people living in poverty, or all young black men. Instead, he shares his personal story of his childhood, his city, and his music.

The theme of Trombone Shorty is the human ability to overcome obstacles and follow one's passions. In telling this story in such a masterful way, Trombone Shorty inspires people who share his background, but also those who are a different race, ethnicity, social class, or region. His story transcends race and social class.

The illustrations in Trombone Shorty are evocative of the music and vibrancy of the city of New Orleans. Collier utilizes bold colors, sharp lines, and some mixed media collage elements to mimic the sounds of a brass band marching down the streets of New Orleans. The images spread across the pages, filling up every inch of space with color and dynamism. The faces of the characters are especially realistic and impressively illustrated. The richness of the illustrations reflects the richness of the cultural history represented by the text. The words are also rhythmic and punctuated by the use of different fonts and colors to emphasize certain phrases and sentences.

Trombone Shorty includes an author's note at the end, with photographs of Troy as a young boy, playing his trombone while marching in a parade, and while on stage with Bo Diddley. Two pages of images and text outline the details of Troy's rise to fame and the development of the Trombone Shorty Foundation. This provides an outlet for those touched by the story to contribute to the charity.

A Coretta Scott King Award Winner and Caldecott Honor Book, Trombone Shorty would make a valuable addition to any elementary or public library. This book will make the reader want to parade down the street to the sound of a brass band! The inspirational message is important, not only for people of color, but for anyone who has faced a challenge and wants to persevere to follow a dream.

As a lesson activity for elementary grades, a teacher or librarian could play samples of different instruments. Then, the students would pick their favorite musical instrument and create their own illustrations in which they capture its sound and feeling. These images could be compiled into a class book or put on display in the library.

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Craft, Jerry. NEW KID. New York: Harper, 2019.
ISBN: 978-0-0626-9119-4

New Kid is a middle-grade level graphic novel that follows Jordan Banks as he navigates seventh grade at a preppy private school as one of the few students of color. Jordan loves to draw comics depicting his own experiences, and he dreams of being Batman, with the ability to fit in as easily to a board meeting as to one of the "dangerous" parts of town. Jordan's classmates and teachers bombard him and the other characters of color with examples of microaggressions and everyday racism. For instance, the students of color are called by one another's names, told they will really like a certain (black) teacher, and offered books about children from broken homes. Over time, Jordan develops good friendships and finds his place at Riverdale Academy Day School.

The characters of New Kid are well-developed and complex characters. They represent diversity without generating stereotypes. Jordan's parents, for instance, present different perspectives on Jordan's future; Jordan's mom wants her son to seek out opportunities to climb the ladder of success as a person of color in a predominately white executive world. His dad, who left the business world, has been jaded by racism and does not want Jordan to have to change himself or fit into the white world. Other characters are similarly dynamic, without being completely divided by lines of race; Liam, who is white, is one of Jordan's best friends. Jordan is slightly disappointed to find that he and Maury, another black student, don't have much in common.

The setting of Riverdale Academy Day School (RAD) is conducive to an exploration of race. Because the novel takes place in a mostly white and privileged space, Craft is able to construct a variety of situations to highlight the daily realities that people of color often face. From the "salmon" pink shirts to the squash team, RAD is a world away from Jordan's neighborhood. The comic-style illustrations are detailed and fun, flowing naturally and bringing the story to life in each panel. Some pages feature bright colors, while others are done in black ink with a white background. The shape and number of panels varies, which keeps the book visually appealing. The book is divided, with clever pop culture references beginning each new chapter.

New Kid is moving and insightful. The graphic novel explores biases and concepts of identity. Jordan is exploring his own identity and confronting his personal truths. The well-meaning, but racist white characters that Jordan encounters will hopefully open readers' eyes to the inappropriateness of some comments that people of color undoubtedly encounter on a daily basis. Some people unknowingly make comments that are offensive or tone-deaf, without understanding the implications of their words and actions.

In addition to being moving and sincere, the book is hilariously funny. In one scene, we are led to believe that Jordan is communicating with the spirit of his grandfather, but we quickly realize that gran'pa has simply moved out of the city; Jerry Craft's illustrations and dialogue here caused me to laugh out loud.

New Kid is an authentic look at modern-day racism. Jerry Craft, a black man himself, is a qualified speaker on this subject. Craft states that he had children read and provide feedback at each stage of writing, and it shows. At the same time, adult readers will appreciate the sincere message as well as the humor. New Kid has earned itself a Harvey Award nomination, a place on the Kids Indie Next List, and starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publisher's Weekly. This fantastic novel is a treat for children and adults alike!

For a connection and extension activity, students who have read New Kid can be posed the following prompt: The novel ends with Jordan's last day of seventh grade. Imagine what the first day of eight grade at Riverdale Academy Day School will be like. Draw your own comic strip showing what Jordan and his friends will experience when they reunite after summer break!

Publisher's Teaching Guide

The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

Yoon, Nicola. THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR. New York: Delacorte Press, 2016. ISBN: 978-0-5534-9668-0


The Sun is Also a Star is the captivating and innovative story of Natasha and Daniel, teenagers who spend a transformative day together in New York City. Natasha, a Jamaican-born undocumented immigrant on the verge of deportation, is fascinated by science, and she relies on evidence to draw her conclusions about the world around her. On one fateful day (if fate does exist...), Natasha crosses paths with Daniel, a Korean American poet on his way to an interview for Yale, the "second-best school," according to his mother. Daniel's cruel older brother has recently been kicked out of Harvard ("best school"), and Daniel is struggling to live up to the expectations of his immigrant parents, who expect him to become a doctor and marry a nice Korean girl someday. These two teenagers, despite their differences, have an undeniable connection, and spend one day living a love story worthy of a lifetime.

Yoon masterfully alternates perspective each chapter, with the events of the day being filtered through Daniel's rose-colored glasses, and then the scientific-minded, realistic Natasha providing her side of the story. The characters are so well-developed, they seem palpable. Their authenticity comes from their uniqueness. Daniel's parents may at first remind the reader of stereotypical, driven Asian parents (in line with the "tiger mom" concept) in their desire for their sons to attend Ivy League universities and study medicine. However, the characters are more complex. Daniel's mother is an artist, for instance, and Daniel acknowledges that their expectations represent their great love for their sons.

Natasha loves nineties grunge music and pondering life's big questions. These are not the interests in some stereotypical stories of the sassy black female who listens to rap music, for instance. Natasha and Daniel transcend any stereotypes because they are so delightfully unique and dynamic. They are definitely not token characters or superficial stereotypes.

The characters are authentic, and this is something to which Yoon paid close attention. She herself was born in Jamaica, and her husband is Korean, and so in writing the novel, she researched a great deal and had many people to solicit for their feedback regarding the portrayal of people of color. She discusses her background in this interview: HuffPost: Interview with Nicola Yoon. Because of her own background and her multicultural family, Yoon writes from experience and can be trusted as a voice for the characters she has created. The dialogue and accents of Daniel's mom and Natasha's dad are discussed and explained in a way that is respectful and seems natural. Yoon does not attempt to generalize all immigrants, all Koreans, or all Jamaicans, but she can be considered a qualified source to write this material.

The setting of New York City lends itself to diversity and authenticity. In particular, Daniel and Natasha share a meal of seafood soup at a Korean restaurant, followed by Korean karaoke. During these scenes, Daniel remarks at the way Natasha doesn't hesitate or make any jokes or comments about what she is eating, but that she relishes it along with him. In addition, the setting of the black hair care store that Daniel's family owns is central to the plot. Yoon even delves into explaining the history behind Korean families dominating this business.

The major theme of The Sun is Also a Star centers on the existence of fate and destiny. Natasha and Daniel love engaging in philosophical conversations about whether things are truly meant to be, whether love exists, and the pull between science and art. Interspersed are creative chapters delving into minor characters, like the sullen, lonely security officer at the immigration office and the paralegal at Attorney Fitzgerald's office. At certain moments, the actions of these minor characters influence and change the trajectory of the novel, or hint at possible alternate universes in which various story lines could be occurring. These universal concepts definitely support authenticity and diversity, because anyone can engage in these debates and discussions. Rather than focus only on individual struggles, obstacles to overcome, or problems facing people of color, the big questions of the universe can be explored by characters and readers of all backgrounds, and makes us confront powerful emotions and forces of the universe.

Yoon clearly strove to write an authentic, multicultural young adult novel. She seamlessly includes and refers to cultural markers in a way that feels natural. For instance, a chapter describing the etymology of the Jamaican slang "irie" fits into the narrative, helps the reader understand Natasha and her family's background, and educates well-meaning but misinformed white people who may not be aware of their biases or misconceptions. This example demonstrates the novel's authenticity and genuine interest in representing diverse backgrounds.

Earning starred reviews from Booklist, Kirkus, The Horn Book, and Publisher's Weekly, The Sun is Also a Star is an outstanding book that will stay with the reader. The book was selected as a Michael L. Printz Honor Book and earned Nicola Yoon the Coretta Scott King New Talent Award.

The Sun is Also a Star is an excellent selection for high school students. To incorporate this book into a social studies or civics lesson, the teacher could instruct students to select different articles related to immigration in current events. Students could engage in a discussion regarding immigration issues, including push and pull factors, struggles immigrants endure, and the reaction of people to immigrants from different locations. The teacher could guide the discussion to reflect on current events, immigration through history, and the immigrant stories of the families of both Natasha and Daniel.