Children’s Book News: August 2015

August is here and with it comes the beginning of a new school year. Fresh experiences and first-time discoveries lie ahead for children. Below are highlighted a few books from our collection which not only encompass school settings but extend far beyond, touching on relationships, self-discovery or just plain fun.

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Dancing Home by Alma Flor Ada
Suggested Ages: 8-12 years

What does it feel like to be a new immigrant from Mexico, trying to fit in with classmates? Lupe has come from across the border to live with her aunt, uncle and cousin. One of her wishes is to see her father who had illegally come to the U.S. to find work. Lupe struggles not only with learning a new language and becoming accustomed to an unfamiliar school but also with being accepted by her cousin, Margarita/Margie. Margie’s parents were born in Mexico, but Margie is American, born in Texas. She is determined that her classmates see her as pure American,  just as they are. In so doing, she rejects her parents’ native Spanish language, as well as many of their country’s customs. Lupe’s arrival complicates Margie’s wish when her parents begin using more Spanish and bringing back some of their native traditions in order to help Lupe feel more at home. As a result, Margie resents her cousin and at school is embarrassed by her struggles with English and her ignorance of American ways. In the end, the colorful Mexican dance, folklórico, provides a means for both girls to dance to their own inner tune. They each discover the richness in their individuality as they take pride in their own heritage. The book illustrates the significance of home and family while shedding light on the experience of being an immigrant.

 

Pete, the Cat, Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin, art by James Dean
Suggested ages: 4-8 years

Pete the CatPete the Cat has become a picture book favorite of young ones. Here he experiences school for the first time decked out in his bright red school shoes, singing a snappy, rocking song. What child does not feel more confident and gleeful in a new pair of school shoes! The reader accompanies Pete as he explores his school from the library to the playground and delights in school activities from painting to writing. The colorful and energetic artwork leaves no doubt that Pete the Cat finds school one groovy trip! The book includes a website where children can listen to Pete’s hip song and discover other Pete the Cat downloads.

 

My School in the Rainforest – How Children Attend School Around the World by Margriet Ruurs
Suggested ages: 7-10 years

61J+orbMDiL._AA160_Both parents and children will find this book fascinating. It is a photo essay depicting schools around the world as varied as a floating school in Cambodia where students paddle their boats to class to a school in the jungle of India where children sit on a dirt floor with no roof above them, surrounded by walls of tropical plants. Many of the schools have little in the way of supplies – books are treasured. In contrast, there is the International School in Malaysia and a boarding school in Scotland where attractive buildings and school supplies are plentiful. The common thread, which connects these students around the world, is their desire for an education. No matter in what setting, the children hope to learn, make friends and become part of a community. This book is a perfect vehicle to motivate family geography lessons. Being written in 2009, it also piqued my curiosity as to what I could find out about these schools on the internet six years later. Have fun exploring!

 

Danny’s Doodles, The Jelly Bean Experiment by David Adler
Suggested ages: 7-10 years

510DvnaQI5L._AA160_Danny’s first person narrative, in short, direct sentences, tells of his school days and his new friend, Calvin. His expressive doodles contribute to this being a perfect beginning chapter book. Danny declares that Calvin is “100% weird.” Nevertheless, he consents to being a part of Calvin’s jelly bean experiment. While Danny does what is expected of him in school, Calvin enjoys pushing the envelope when it comes to school rules. His talent lies in “reading people” which leads to Danny’s discovery that being different can sometimes lead to something most worthwhile! This is the first of a recently new series.

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