MULTICULTURAL LITERARY PORTFOLIO CAROLINE STEELE

EDUC 522

A fish only discovers its

need for water when it is no longer in

it. Our own culture is like water for the

fish. It sustains us. We live and

breathe through it.”

by Stephanie Quappe and

Giovanna Cantatore

THE LITTLE OLD LADY WHO WAS NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHINGAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K – 1

The fearless little old lady decided to take a walk in the night. She discovered that she was being followed by a big pair of shoes, pants, shirt, hat and gloves. When that was not strange enough, a jack-o'-lantern followed her home. When the little old lady woke up the next morning she found a pleasant surprise, a scare crow in her garden.

This delightful book illustrates that older people can be adventurous, have a full life and have a sense of humor.  

Reference:

Williams, L. 1988). The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything. New York: HarperCollins

THE OLD WOMAN WHO LOVED TO READAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K – 2

An older woman who lives alone moves from the city to the country in Australia in hopes of a quiet and peaceful life and time to read. She soon realizes that she has a lot of work to do on the farm including gardening, harvesting, canning and caring for animals. The only time she has to read is during the winter months. It is a bit odd that the wild animals hang around inside her house.

This story is a happy tale of a busy older woman leading a full life. It portrays a self-sustaining older woman in an upbeat manner.

Reference: Winch, J. (1998). The Old Woman Who Loved to Read. New York: Holiday House

“LET’S TALK ABOUT” WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE OLD

APPROPRIATE FOR GRADES 3 - 5

Let’s Talk About What It’s Like to be Old describes old age being relevant to every individual. Some people may view 44 years old as “old” but 44 years old could be considered young to some. Also, the book discusses retirement, the wisdom of older people may have and the fact that they may need help with personal needs such as shopping as they age. This book is a nice introduction to what it's like to be old; both physically and mentally and describes the joys and challenges of old age. Also, it provides a glossary of ageism, adult residence, arthritis and a senior citizen. Reference: Sanders, P. (1991). “Let’s Talk About” What it’s Like to be Old. New York: Gloucester Press.

SPOKEN MEMORIES/PAINTED WORDSAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K - 3

These two stories, combined into one book, show the difficulties a child faces when coming to a new land and the unique heritage each one of us has. In Painted Words, Mari begins school not knowing anyone and is unable to speak or understand the language. She expresses herself and her feelings through her art. She shares her experiences and new knowledge with her mother, who provides the girl with warm reassurance. Finally the day comes when Mari is able to stand before the class with her paintings and tells her story with her new language.

Flip the book over for Spoken Memories. It is Mari's turn to tell her class what her life was like in her native land. The setting is a small, poor village, probably in Greece, but it could be anywhere. In simple, understated language, this book captures the emotions and experiences of children. Reference:

Brandenburg, A. (1998). Spoken Memories, Painted Words. New York: Greenwillow Books.

MY FIRST BOOK OF GERMAN WORDS

APPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K - 1

My First Book of German Words is an introduction to basic words in German. How do you say “Mother” and “Father”? It not only provides the correct German spelling but it also gives the phonetically correct pronunciation and pictures.   The book provides a foundation for building language fluency, an understanding of other languages and cultural awareness.

Reference:

Kudela, K.R. (2010). My First Book of German Words. Mankato, Minnesota: Capstone Press. 

RWANDAAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES 4 - 7

Rwanda is best known for one of the world's worst ethnic-based conflicts. Roughly 1 million people were killed in 100 days in 1994 and millions more left the country while the world watched the daily bloodshed of human massacre. Rwanda is a small and beautiful country about the size of Maryland; however, it has many names. Because of its mountainous landscape, it has been called the "Land of a Thousand Hills." Early European travelers admiring Rwanda's natural beauty called the country the "Pearl of Africa." Residents of Rwanda have an even deeper name "Rwanda Nziza," meaning "beautiful Rwanda."  These many names capture the natural beauty of Rwanda. Rwanda explores the history, culture, geography, economy, and government of this African nation. Reference:

Oppong, J. R. (2008). Rwanda. New York: Chelsea House.

RAIN SCHOOL APPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K – 2

In Chad, Africa, it was the first day of school and the children were excited to learn and have a notebook and a pencil to write with. When the children arrived at the school yard, the school was nowhere to be seen. The teacher approached the students and said that “we will build our school,” then follows that with “This is the first lesson”. (Rumford, page 8) The students learned how the build mud bricks, mud walls and mud desks. They gathered grass to place on the roof. The instructor teaches the students how to read and write during school hours. During the summer, strong winds and rain tear the school down. The following year, the students have the knowledge of how to build a school.  This experience happened to a Peace Corps volunteer who taught the students to build a structure from mud. This book will provide a moment of appreciation for the school that is down the street and to the men and woman who make education so easily available in our country.

Reference:

Rumford, J. (2010). Rain School. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books For Children

PRINCESS ACADEMY APPROPRIATE FOR GRADES 3-6

Miri, a mountain girl named after a mountain flower aspires to earn a paltry living by working in the quarry like her older sister and father. Although she thinks she too small to perform the laborious work involved she is able to contribute to the family. The king’s priests decided that the next princess will be from Mount Eskel. All young women in the village are ordered to attend the Princess Academy to be groomed for lowlander life. During school, Miri realizes there is harsh competition with the other girls and her own conflicted wishes to be the princess. When danger comes to the academy, it is Miri who must find a way to save her classmates to secure her own fate at becoming the next princess. Miri discovers that she is has a hidden talent called quarry speak, which is a silent way to communicate. She uses this ability in many ways, most importantly to save herself and the other girls from harm.

Because the girls have never been officially schooled most of them cannot read or write. However, as the story progresses, Miri and her class mates begin to recognize that there are many different levels of intelligence, including social emotional intelligence. Social emotional intelligence is how individuals relate to one another.  Reference:

Hale, S. (2005). Princess Academy. New York: Bloomsbury Publishing.

SCHOOL DAYS AROUND THE CULTURE WORLDAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K - 6

Start the adventure of meeting the students around the world! Solomon in Australia, Riku in Japan, Rupa in India, Aseye in Ghana, Francis in England, Frida in Peru and lastly Samantha in the United States. Each student walks through their typical day of school including what time school begins, reviewing classroom lessons, recess and after school activities. Riku in Japan explains that when he enters the classroom, it is customary for all the students to take their shoes off and place them in their cubby. Also the students learn how to wipe down the gym floor after gym class.

In addition to students learning Math, English, Arts and Science students learn about the environment and having an exposure to how others live and the different studies in schools around the world. It is a look at an average school day in the lives of children from seven countries around the world, showing how they are all different and yet all the same.

Reference:Chambers, C (2007). School Days Around the Culture World. New York: DK Publishing

UNCLE JED’S BARBARA SHOPAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES: K- 4

Sarah Jean became very sick and her family needed money for her surgery. Unfortunately her family did not have the money. Her uncle Jed was the only black barber in the county. He would travel all over to cut hair. Because he was African American residing in the south in the 1920’s, earning a living was much more difficult because of racism. Uncle Jed loaned Sarah Jean’s father the money to pay for her surgery. This delayed his dream of opening his Barber Shop. Despite a few setbacks, Uncle Jed still pursued his dream even if it did take him longer than expected.   Uncle Jed’s Barbershop talks about segregation and poverty. This book can be used on various units on The Great Depression and on racism and segregation. Segregation began to be eliminated in the United States in the 1950s. Reference:King-Mitchell, M. (1993) Uncle Jed’s Barbershop. Yew YorK: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

PINK AND SAYAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K – 4

Two fifteen-year-old Union soldiers form a bond of friendship on the battlefield. Sheldon Curtis, a white soldier also known as Say, lies badly wounded when Pinkus, an African American soldier also known as Pink, rescues him. Pink carries Say to his home where Say is cared for by Pink's mother, Moe Moe Bay. While Say is recovering, Pink reads aloud to him and Moe Moe Bay from the Bible. Say confesses that he can't read but he is proud that he once touched the hand of Abraham Lincoln. In a very sad section of the book, marauders kill Moe Moe Bay and Pink and Say return to their units. Shortly after, the Confederate Army captures them and they hang Pink. Before he is hung, Pink request to touch the hand that touched Mr. Lincoln. Touching the hand of Lincoln is representative for hope for a better future and a country without slavery.

Pink and Say addresses racism and even classism to an extent. Classism is also mentioned because Pink is a slave and his wealthy owner educated him and provided him with some opportunities that Say, a white boy, had never received. Reference: Polacco, P. (1994). Pink and Say. New York: Philomel Books

LET’S TALK ABOUT RACEAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K - 4

Let’s Talk About Race introduces race as just one of many chapters in a person's story. Beginning with the line, "I am a story," Lester tells his own story with details that young readers will benefit from. Then he writes, "Oh. There's something else that is part of my story…I'm black." Throughout the storyline, he asks questions that young readers can answer. Also, he prompts young readers to talk about who they are and encourages them to tell their own stories.

Lester discusses "stories" that are not always true, pointing out that we form discrimination by perceiving ourselves as better than other people. Remove our skin and we would all look the same. Lester's charming and warm nature is just right and his words are effective while maintaining the readers' interest by discussing race awareness, tolerance and racism.

 Reference:

Lester, J. (2005). Let’s Talk About Race. China. HarperCollins Publishers

BUDDHA IN THE GARDEN

APPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K -2

An infant was left at the Buddhist temple and was adopted by the Buddha’s. He tended their garden which is considered sacred to the Buddhist. While the monks travel the world seeking clarification, the young boy takes care of the temple garden. He befriends a blind monk who sits by the garden gate, too old to travel. One day the old monk tells the boy, "Buddha is in the garden!" and the boy, captivated with hope, walks in the garden hoping to find Buddha. Buddha, however, is nowhere to be seen; instead, the boy finds an injured bird. This happens three times, and each time the boy finds a different creature to care for. In the moving conclusion, the boy discovers the true nature of enlightenment, to the surprise of the monks returning from abroad.

The book is an introduction to the Buddhist culture and religion as well as to such concepts as enlightenment and reincarnation.

Reference:

Bouchard, D., (2001). Buddha in the Garden. Vancouver: Raincoast Books.

RAMADANAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K-3

Hakeem exclaims, “Assalamu Alikiem!” meaning, “May peace be with you”!  Hakeem is Muslim and his religion is Islam.  On the ninth month of the Muslim lunar year he and his family go to the highest mountain to look for the thin crescent of a new moon.  If they cannot find it, they will return the next night.  Once they finally see the crescent they say, “Ramadan Mubarch everyone”!  This interprets to “have a blessed and happy Ramadan”.  This is how the Muslims bless and congratulate each other on the eve of the most special month of the calendar year. 

Hakeem and his family have a big feast during the evening and will fast until the sun is fully set.   Hakeem explains that Ramadan is the most difficult time for Muslims because of the fasting, he also illustrates that it is also the best time for Muslims because they spend a lot of time praying and celebrating with his family and friends.

Reference:Ghazi, S.H. (1996). Ramadan. New York:  Holiday House

THE STORY OF RELIGION

APPROPRIATE FOR GRADES 3 TO 5

The Story of Religion is an introduction to world religions. After introducing each of the more popular religions, there is additional information about other religions that are not as popular. There is information about atheism, diversity, and the "Golden Rule". The very last pages of the book contain a glossary which includes information about religions that weren't included in the book.

This book has the viewpoint that all religions are equally legitimate, and tries to show thoughts and traditions that are found in most faiths, thus providing children with a diversity of beliefs in the world and encouraging acceptance. Reference

Maestro, B, Maestro, G. (1996). The Story of Religion. New York: Clarion Books

AND TANGO MAKES THREE

APPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K - 2

  In the New York City Zoo there were two male penguins that bonded with each other. This is a bit out of the ordinary for penguins because they usually bond with the female penguins. Roy and Silo were a little bit different. They did everything together. While the other mates were nesting, Roy and Silo began to build a nest of their own. Roy found a rock similar to the shape of an egg and Silo and Roy took turns sitting on the rock but the rock did not hatch. The zoo keeper had an idea, he found an egg that needed to be cared for and he brought it to Roy and Silo’s nest. After much care, out came Tango!

Tango makes three is appropriate teaching resource to help promote equality for same sex couples and teaching tolerance. ReferenceRichardson, J. Parnell, P. (2005). And Tango Makes Three. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

MINTY – A STORY OF YOUNG HARRIET

TUBMANAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K - 2

A fictionalized story mixed with facts about the young Harriet Tubman. As a young slave nicknamed "Minty," Harriet was a feisty and stubborn girl with a dream to escape. Her mother tried to teach her to be more disciplined and listen to her master. She disobeys the overseer by freeing some muskrats from their traps and is whipped for her stubbornness. After this event, Minty's father takes her dreams of escape seriously and educates her to survive in the wild. Minty vows that someday she will run away. The book chronicles her life from the Maryland plantation from which she escaped, and provides details of what life was like as a slave on a plantation. Harriet Tubman was a hero of her time and this book does an excellent job of telling her story. Schroeder's mixture of fact and fiction make this book a joy to read.

Harriet Tubman introduces the injustice of slavery to young audiences. An author's note tells of the realization of her dream and her work with the Underground Railroad. This book is a nice illustration to remind children that it's important to dream, hope, and have faith. Reference:Schroeder, A. Pinkney, J. (1996). Minty – A Story of Young Harriet Tubman. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.

MARIE CURIE, SCIENTIST WHO MADE GLOWING DISCOVERIES

APPROPRIATE FOR GRADES 2 - 5

Marie Curie was born in Poland in 1867 and as a little girl she dreamed of being a scientist. Her husband was also a scientist. She was the first scientist to discover two new elements. She named one polonium and the other radium. Marie and her husband Pierre, uncovered the reason why X-rays worked as well as the secrets of the atom. Even as a child Marie was clearly the brightest child in the family, unfortunately in Poland at that time women could not attend any university. Her only hope was to go to Paris, but money was an issue. Marie and her sister Bronya worked out an arrangement to help each other. Marie would work to help her sister go to medical school and then Bronya would work to help Marie achieve her dream of obtaining a college degree. She became the first woman to obtain a physics degree at the Sorbonne and she was first in her class.

Marie had to overcome barriers that were placed in her way because she was a woman. Unfortunately women did not have the same rights as men during the 1800’s. Initially women of that era were not allowed to attend college. She secretly attended college for women until she moved to Paris, France. Reference:

Venizia, M. (2009) Marie Curie, Scientist Who Made Glowing Discoveries. China: Scholastic, Children’s Press

FOUR FEET, TWO SANDALSAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES K - 1

Four Feet, Two Sandals is based on co-author Khadra Mohammed's experiences with refugees in Peshawar, a city on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. It is about ten-year-old Lina and her young friend who each discover one of a wonderful pair of sandals. Together they must solve the problem of how to share one pair of sandals between four feet! As they wait and hope for their names to appear on a list for a new home, the sandals become a symbol of their fast friendship; a bond that will endure even when one of them finally has the opportunity to escape the poor conditions and move to America. “As-salaam alaykum.” Lina said to her friend. “Peace be with you.”

This book portrays the harsh and barren world of the refugees, where positive human relationships are a treasure in the midst of the daily difficult world of survival. Also, it introduces readers to the realities ofchildren growing up in refugee camps.

Reference:Williams, K.L., Mohammad, K. (2007) Four Feet, Two Sandals. Grand Rapids MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

LORDS, LADIES, PEASANTS, AND KNIGHTS: CLASS IN THE MIDDLE

AGESAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES 4 - 7

Lords, Ladies, Peasants, and Knights review the social hierarchy that represented the European medieval world. At the uppermost, kings and popes battled it out for top position. At the bottom, serfs toiled hopelessly, and no women had rights. They were to be seen and not heard. Knights and the clergy made up much of the rest of society. In the last chapter there is a section of Leonardo Da Vinci’s resume to the king applying for a job making weapons! Clerical divisions are fully clarified here. As explained, at the end of the Middle Ages, merchants and scholars began to rise in importance.

In studying the great historical eras, students will develop a better understanding of our own times. They also learn about people from many years ago reading records, such as diaries left behind. In medieval times, only the wealthiest people such as the lords, knights, and ladies were able to read and write.

Reference:Nardo, D. (2007). Lords, Ladies, Peasants, and Knights: Class in the Middle Ages. Farmington Hills, MI: Lucent Books.

OLD YELLERAPPROPRIATE FOR GRADES 3 – 5

Old Yeller is a story of a family who finds a stray dog. The dog is not welcomed by all in the home. While the father is away on a cattle drive, the eldest son, Travis does not want the dog but his younger brother and mother win. Eventually Travis begins to see the benefits of Old Yeller and begins to love him.

This book depicts the time period of Texas in the late 1800's and the challenges of daily life including the mix of chores, adventures and the need for farming. Reference:Gipson, F., (1974 R). Old Yeller. Santa Ana, CA: Harper & Row Publishers, Inc.