Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Diversity in Children's Picture Books (HOLIDAY GUIDE)

If you follow me on Twitter, you already know that I have six godchildren. Three of them are under the age of 5 and every year, I struggle to find picture books that depict them (as Native children) or even promote diversity. The holidays are always an incredible busy time and I know a lot of people don't have the time or energy to invest in searching for these books... so I figured I'd do that for you! I hope you find something you like!





WHEN TURTLE GREW FEATHERS by Tim Tingle


Summary:In this Choctaw variant of Aesop's fable "The Tortoise and the Hare," master storyteller Tim Tingle reveals some unexpected twists and expands the cast to include a wild turkey, a colony of ants, and a cheering squad of Little Bitty Turtles as well. When Rabbit boastfully challenges Turtle to a race, he gets his comeuppance and Turtle gets a little assist from his winged friend, Turkey. In the process, we learn why Turtle's shell is cracked and why you never see Rabbit racing Turtle today. The bold and vibrant illustrations capture not only the grasslands of the High Plains but also the demeanor of its animal inhabitants and the humor of the tale. 


BUY HERE: AMAZON  THRIFTBOOKS  BOOK DEPOSITORY








LITTLE YOU by Richard Van Camp


Summary: Richard Van Camp, internationally renowned storyteller and bestselling author of the hugely successful Welcome Song for Baby: A Lullaby for Newborns, has partnered with talented illustrator Julie Flett to create a tender board book for babies and toddlers that honors the child in everyone. With its delightful contemporary illustrations, Little You is perfect to be shared, read or sung to all the little people in your life—and the new little ones on the way! 


BUY HERE: AMAZON  THRIFTBOOKS  BOOK DEPOSITORY






DESMOND AND THE VERY MEAN WORD by Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams


Summary: When Desmond takes his new bicycle out for a ride through his neighborhood, his pride and joy turn to hurt and anger when a group of boys shout a very mean word at him. He first responds by shouting an insult, but soon discovers that fighting back with mean words doesn’t make him feel any better. With the help of kindly Father Trevor, Desmond comes to understand his conflicted feelings and see that all people deserve compassion, whether or not they say they are sorry. Brought to vivid life in A. G. Ford’s energetic illustrations, this heartfelt, relatable story conveys timeless wisdom about how to handle bullying and angry feelings, while seeing the good in everyone.


BUY HERE: AMAZON  THRIFTBOOKS  BOOK DEPOSITORY






SEPERATE IS NEVER EQUAL by Duncan Tonatiuh

Summary: Almost 10 years before Brown vs. Board of Education, Sylvia Mendez and her parents helped end school segregation in California. An American citizen of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage who spoke and wrote perfect English, Mendez was denied enrollment to a “Whites only” school. Her parents took action by organizing the Hispanic community and filing a lawsuit in federal district court. Their success eventually brought an end to the era of segregated education in California.

BUY HERE: AMAZON  BOOK DEPOSITORY



JUNA'S JAR by Jane Bahk


Summary: Sometimes a simple, everyday object can take you away on great adventures. Juna and her best friend, Hector, have many adventures together, and they love to collect things in empty kimchi jars. Then one day, Hector unexpectedly 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 finds 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.


BUY HERE: AMAZON  THRIFTBOOKS  BOOK DEPOSITORY






KOHALA KUAMO'O: NAE'OLE'S RACE TO SAVE A KING by Kekauleleana'ole Kawai'ae'a


Summary: When a prophecy proclaims that the inborn Kamehameha would grow to overshadow the ruling chiefs, his life from birth is in danger. Naeole races with the helpless infant across the Kohala district of Hawaii Island to bring Kamehameha to safety.


BUY HERE: AMAZON  BOOK DEPOSITORY 






A COYOTE SOLSTICE TALE by Thomas King


Summary: Trickster Coyote is having his friends over for a festive solstice get-together in the woods when a little girl comes by unexpectedly. She leads the party-goers through the snowy woods to a shopping mall -- a place they have never seen before. Coyote gleefully shops with abandon, only to discover that fi lling your shopping cart with goodies is not quite the same thing as actually paying for them. The trickster is tricked and goes back to his cabin in the woods -- somewhat subdued -- though nothing can keep Coyote down for long.


BUY HERE: AMAZON  BOOK DEPOSITORY






DANCING IN THE WINGS by Debbie Allen


Summary: Sassy is a long-legged girl who always has something to say. She wants to be a ballerina more than anything, but she worries that her too-large feet, too-long legs, and even her big mouth will keep her from her dream. When a famous director comes to visit her class, Sassy does her best to get his attention with her high jumps and bright leotard. Her first attempts are definitely not appreciated, but with Sassy's persistence, she just might be able to win him over. Dancing in the Wings is loosely based on actress/choreographer Debbie Allen's own experiences as a young dancer.


BUY HERE: AMAZON  THRIFTBOOKS  BOOK DEPOSITORY






RED KITE, BLUE KITE by Ji-Li Jiang


Summary: When Tai Shan and his father, Baba, fly kites from their roof and look down at the crowded city streets below, they feel free, like the kites. Baba loves telling Tai Shan stories while the kites--one red, and one blue--rise, dip, and soar together. Then, a bad time comes. People wearing red armbands shut down the schools, smash store signs, and search houses. Baba is sent away, and Tai Shan goes to live with Granny Wang. Though father and son are far apart, they have a secret way of staying close. Every day they greet each other by flying their kites-one red, and one blue-until Baba can be free again, like the kites.


BUY HERE: AMAZON  BOOK DEPOSITORY 






THE FAROLITOS OF CHRISTMAS by Rudolfo Anaya


Summary: It's Christmas in San Juan, New Mexico, and young Luz worries that with her grandfather sick and her father in the hospital, wounded from the war, their usual Christmas celebration will not be. Then Luz decides to make her own little lanterns or farolitos to light the path for the oncoming celebration, and for her father, who returns home in time for the holiday.


BUY HERE: AMAZON  THRIFTBOOKS  BOOK DEPOSITORY






I hope you find something in here that will interest both you and your children. It's never too early to start teaching kids about diversity and how important it is for them to understand, care for, and fight for people who live outside of their own experiences.







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