Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Friday, October 28, 2011
Return to Sender
Mediopollito/Half-Chicken
Mediopollito/Half-Chicken. Alma Flor Ada. Illus. by Kim Howard. New York: Delacorte Press, 1995. 37 pages. $15.95 (Hardback). ISBN 0-385-32044-2. Grades K- 3. Bilingual.Do you know why there are roosters on weather vanes? You will after reading this traditional Mexican folktale retold by Alma Flor Ada. Mediopollito, or Half-Chicken, was born with only one leg, one wing, one eye, and half of the feathers as other chicks. Rather than shun this unique animal, everyone was in awe of him. Mediopollito liked this and went to show himself to the Mexican viceroy. On the way he helped water, fire, and wind; and these new friendships were responsible for saving his life and for the rooster on the weather vane. This traditional, yet silly tale is enriched by the bright, two-dimensional illustrations of Kim Howard. The pictures give the farm animals, town’s people, and elements new life and will draw readers in. This bilingual story also encourages the sharing of the tale in two languages, making it a great addition to a bilingual collection. Recommended.
Little Night
Little Night. Yuyi Morales. Illus. by Yuyi Morales. New Milford: Roaring Book Press, 2007. 30 pages. $16.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 1-59643-088-5. Grades Pre K-2. English. .
At the end of the day when most parents are getting their children ready for bed, Mother Sky is getting her daughter Little Night ready to rise and shine. Little Night is not ready to come out from her hiding places and fill the sky just yet, however. While Mother Sky fills a tub with falling stars, find a dress crocheted from clouds, and prepares a glass of the Milky Way’s creamiest stars Little Night hides in the blueberry fields and behind the hills. Pura Belpré Award winner Yuyi Morales introduces magical realism in this story full of celestial imagery, playtime, and mother-daughter bonding. The rich illustrations in pinks, purples, reds, and browns set a dreamy, sleepy scene. While Little Night is winding up, readers will surely find their eyes heavy with sleep. Little Night is a magical bedtime story to be enjoyed by children and parents alike. Recommended.
Rainbow Boys
Nelson Glassman is known for his dramatic hair styles, painted fingernails, body jewelry, and for being gay. Kyle Meeks is Nelson’s best friend, who is known for his black baseball cap and being a swimmer, but not his homosexuality. Jason Carrillo is a popular jock with a steady girlfriend, but a secret attraction to boys. One Saturday meeting of a Rainbow Youth club started the beginning of a long journey for these three boys. As all become friends, romantic feelings appear that threaten friendships and social norms. Together these boys encounter homophobia, violence, fear, and even HIV. Alex Sanchez addresses issues faced by teenagers coming out and living in a homophobic world. Tolerance and acceptance are found throughout this book, making it a must read for more than just GLBTQ teens. Additional resources are offered in the back relating to issues and topics in the text. Highly Recommended. Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book
Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. Yuyi Morales. Illus. by Yuyi Morales. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 2003. 32 pages. $15.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-8118-3758-0. Grades K-3. English with some Spanish.It’s time for Grandma Beetle’s birthday party, but an unexpected guest, Señor Calavera, arrives with different plans. This very skinny, though polite depiction of death insists Grandma Beetle go with him. Unfortunately for Señor Calavera, Grandma Beetle is very busy, but is willing to go in “just a minute.” Just a minute actually turns in to ten brightly illustrated tasks that depict the rich Latino culture of both award winning author illustrator Yuyi Morales and Grandma Beetle. Readers can practice counting from one to ten in English and Spanish as Grandma Beetle makes tortillas, stuffs piñatas, brews tea, and welcomes her grandchildren. Señor Calavera has such a blast he leaves looking forward to next year’s party. Both the text and detailed illustrations enrich reader’s minds, introducing culture, tradition, and numbers. This recipient of the Pura Belpré, Américas, and Tomás Rivera Book Awards is an excellent addition to any collection. Highly Recommended.
The House on Mango Street
“You just remember to keep writing, Esperanza. You must keep writing. It will keep you free.” Esperanza is only in seventh grade, but she is living a life beyond her years. In order to deal with her family’s new neighborhood and house on Mango Street, growing up, and the world around her Esperanza writes. Award winning poet Sandra Cisneros portrays the inner thoughts, observations and struggles of young Esperanza in a series of vignettes. Readers are privy to Esperanza’s internal struggles with friends, family, abuse, sex, and trying to free herself from the prison she knows as Mango Street. The flowing, poetic voices of the vignettes make the story easy to read and get absorbed in; while the complexity of Esperanza’s world will have readers examining every detail. The House on Mango Street is an excellent depiction of growing up, being different and coming in to one’s own. Highly Recommended.
The God Box
“Dear Lord, please take away these feelings, you know which ones.” From the outside ‘Paul’ is a typical high school senior in his conservative Texas town. He is active in his school’s Bible club, makes great grades, and has a serious girlfriend. On the inside, however, Pablo is not as well collected. He has been combating feelings of attraction for other boys since he hit puberty. Due to the conflict with his religion, Paul has continuously fought these feelings, prayed for their removal, and continued living his ‘normal’ life. When Manuel, an openly homosexual and Christian students transfers to Paul’s school red flags are raised. Manuel uses his faith, charisma, and bravery to change Paul and the town’s way of thinking. Alex Sanchez has produced a must read novel that celebrates being true to yourself. This book addresses common anti-gay attitudes and arguments in an engaging and effective way. Highly Recommended.
Frida: ¡Viva la vida!=Long Live Life!
Frida: ¡Viva la vida!=Long Live Life! Carmen T. Bernier-Grand. Paintings by Frida Kahlo. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2007. 64 pages. $18.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-7614-5336-9. Grades 9-12. English with some Spanish.
The art and life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo flows through the pages of Carmen T. Bernier-Grand’s Pura Belpré Honor Book Frida ¡Viva la vida! Long Live Life!. Twenty-six free-verse poems written from Frida’s point of view depict the pain, suffering, and joys of her tumultuous life. Her birth, bout with polio, horrible bus accident, marriage, miscarriages, and divorce are all included; with very few details left out. The lyrical poetry is perfectly matched with her self-portraits and other works to paint the story of her life. In addition the powerful poetry and artwork, Bernier-Grand offers a glossary of Spanish terms, an author’s note, chronology, and a list of additional resources. This artistic window in to Frida’s life is a resource worth adding to any young adult collection. Highly Recommended.
Esperanza Rising
Esperanza Rising. Pam Muñoz Ryan. New York: Scholastic Press, 2000. 262 pages. $16.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-439-12041-1. Grades 5-9. English with some Spanish.As Esperanza looked down at her scarred and swollen hands she knew they would never again “look like hands of a wealthy woman from El Rancho de las Rosas.” Less than a year before Esperanza’s life of wealth and prominence in Mexico came crashing down when her Papa was murdered. Forced to flee to the United States, Esperanza and her mom began life over as migrant workers. This new life introduced strikes, poverty, and sickness, but Esperanza learned that although life is hard there is always hope. Pura Belpré and Americás Award winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan masterfully weaves her grandmother’s childhood experiences of growing up in Mexico and United States in the 1930s in to a heartwarming story for all ages. Ryan eloquently confronts the challenges of starting over, poverty, immigration and migrant work life all while emphasizing the importance of culture and hope. Highly Recommended.
Dance of the Animals: A Puerto Rican Folk Tale
Size and strength do not equal brains. Señor Dog and Señor Goat prove this fact in the Puerto Rican folk tale Dance of the Animals by Pura Belpré. Times were tough for the animals in their jungle and everyone was hungry. Señor and Señora Lion felt entitled to meat since they were the biggest and strongest. In order to snag their favorite meat invited their animal neighbors to a dance; with a fire pit conveniently placed near the dance floor. They hoped that their goat would ‘accidentally’ dance their way in to it. Señors Dog and Goat get suspicious and smartly foil the plan. This fun story of underdogs and wit introduces Spanish language and the traditional folk tale form to its readers. The simple, sketched illustrations of Paul Galdone capture the action without taking away from the tale. Although the text is date, the story is timeless. Recommended.
Crossing the Wire
Crossing the Wire. Will Hobbs. Recorded Books, 2006. 5 discs/ 6 hours. $34.85 (Audiobook - CD). Grade 5-9. English with some Spanish.
When corn prices in Mexico plummet fifteen-year-old Victor Flores knows what he has to do. He must illegally enter the United States to find work and support his family. He leaves the small village of Los Arboles full of uncertainty and fear. As he makes his way to the border he encounters smugglers, and gangs; braves harsh weather, and gets caught by border patrol. Will he be able to beat the odds and cross the wire to save his family? He MUST. Narrator Ramón de Ocampo captivates audiences as he naturally portrays the emotion, fear, and uncertainty of the characters in Crossing the Wire. This gritty, suspenseful and realistic tale will have audiences on then edge of their seats. Award winning author Will Hobbs offers an engaging introduction to the struggles of immigration, the necessity of work, and the social climate in the United States and Mexico. Highly Recommended
Confetti Girl
Confetti Girl. Diana López. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2009. 198 pages. $15.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-316-02955-1. Grades 4-8. English with some Spanish.Middle school is rough; just ask sixth grader Apolonia “Lina” Flores. Lina’s life seems to be turned upside down. She lost her mom to a terrible infection, she’s lost her dad to his books, she’s lost her best friend to Carlos, and she has lost her spot on the soccer team because she’s failing English. As Lina struggles with these problems she focuses on her love of science, crazy socks, and her crush Luís. Although at first Lina feels alone, she finds a way to fill the voids in her life through her mom’s wisdom, open communication, friendship, and family. Diana Lopez’s Confetti Girl takes everyday problems and offers solutions in the form of dichos and therapy in the form of cascarones. This funny, culture rich story is relatable and will be immensely enjoyed. Highly Recommended.
Clatter Bash! A Day of the Dead Celebration
Clatter Bash! A Day of the Dead Celebration is a colorful introduction to the traditional Mexican holiday that celebrates death. Richard Keep’s cut paper illustrations tell the story, while the text shares the sound track to the pictures. Skeletons knock out of their coffins, creak open the lids and have a big fiesta. Happy, not scary, skeletons cover the pages and perform the traditional activities of the holiday, like telling stories, having dinner in the cemetery, and cleaning tombs. Audiences can spend time taking in all the details of the artwork down to the traditional dress and papel picados while coming up with their own stories. The last few pages of the book offer an overview of el Día de los Muertos in English with Spanish mixed in. Keep does a great job of describing the holiday in terms appropriate for younger readers, while still including relevant cultural details. Highly Recommended.
Chato's Kitchen
Chato’s Kitchen. Gary Soto. Illus by Susan Guevara. New York: The Putnam and Grosset Group, 1997. Unpaged. $6.99 (Paperback). Grades K-2. English with some SpanishChato’s Kitchen. Gary Soto. Weston Woods, 2002. 9 minutes 57 seconds. $18.95 (Book and Audio CD). Grades K-2. English with some Spanish
Chato is the coolest low-riding, food loving cat in his East Los Angeles barrio. He thinks he is in luck when he sees his next meal, a family of five mice, move in next door. After he initially frightens his new neighbors he cleverly invites them over for a dinner party. Chato realizes the joke is on him when the ratoncitos bring Chroizo, their own low-riding dog friend along. Chato’s Kitchen is a funny, detailed, and culturally rich story that portrays life in the barrio in a fun, yet realistic way. Cheech Marin does an excellent job narrating the text, giving each of Gary Soto’s award winning characters an authentic, colorful and attention-getting voice. Susan Guevara’s bright, intricate images give the flowing text even more life, and will have readers thoroughly engaged. This audio kit is a great addition to any collection. Highly Recommended
My Shapes/Mis Formas
My Shapes/Mis Formas, one title from Emberley’s Spanish-English board-book collection, efficiently introduces shapes to the youngest readers. The shape is first introduced to the reader with a brightly colored illustration and the English and Spanish terms directly beneath it. The following page offers an application of the shape in a recognizable object, like a house, accompanied with the correct bilingual vocabulary. The interpretation of the shape in a common object reinforces the reader’s comprehension of shapes as well as increases the scope of learning for this item. The bright colors and simplicity of the illustrations will capture the attention of young readers without distraction while enhancing understanding. This small, manageable book is an excellent supplement to bilingual board book collections. Highly recommended.
Yum! ¡MmMm! ¡Qué rico! Americas’ Sproutings
Yum! ¡MmMm! ¡Qué rico! Americas’ Sproutings. Pat Mora. Illus. by Rafael López. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc., 2007. 30 pages. $16.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-1-58430-271-1. Grades K-4. English with some Spanish.
Blueberries, chile, chocolate, and papaya are four of the fourteen delicious foods from the Americas that Pat Mora introduces to readers in the delectable Yum! ¡MmMm! ¡Qué rico! Americas’ Sproutings. Mora engages readers’ silly sides and curiosity with haikus for each food while feeding their intellect with background knowledge. She discusses word origin, cultural significance, and past present uses. The beautifully colored illustrations of Rafael López tell readers another story as children and adults from different cultures interact with the food in their own way. The illustrations also incorporate cultural images and fantastical ones to create a world that teaches readers and enriches their imagination. Eating is fun, and the innovative mixture of poetry, art and facts is too. Readers will find their mouths watering and hoping their peanut butter sandwich can play the trumpet too. Highly Recommended.
What Can You Do With a Rebozo?
What can you do with a rebozo? The young, female narrator of this story shares the culturally and personally significant activities in her life using her Mama’s rebozo, or large scarf. With this simple piece of cloth she finds strength, energy, superhero powers, comfort, warmth and love. Award Winning Mexican-American poet Carmen Tafolla draws readers in to this fun expression of Mexican culture using catchy rhymes and an upbeat childlike tone. The rich acrylics of seasoned illustrator Amy Córdova further engage the reader as they subtly incorporate Spanish language, traditional dress, style, and dance in a non-stereotypical way. While this simple story introduces a unique culture to readers, the everyday situations portrayed in the story can appeal to readers from all backgrounds and make them think of similar objects in their own lives. This is a great tool for story times and multicultural units. Highly Recommended.
Tomás and the Library Lady
Tomás and the Library Lady. Pat Mora. Illus. by Raul Colón. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 1997. 32 pages. $17.00 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-679-90401-8. Grades K-3. English with some Spanish. “En un tiempo pasado,” are words of magic that Tomás looks forward to hearing Papá Grande say to help pass the hot afternoons on the Iowa farm where his parents are field workers. When Tomás has learned all Papá’s stories his grandfather tells him of a special place where he can read and learn his own stories to share: the library. At the library Tomás meets a lady who introduces him to the fantastic worlds of dinosaurs, cowboys, and animals found in books. The Pura Belpré and Tomás Rivera Award winning Mora appeals to children's curiosity in order to incite a passion for the library and reading. The wonderfully unique illustrations of Raul Colón bring the stories Tomás reads to life and capture a child’s imagination. This story sheds light on the life of immigrant workers and encourages a lifelong love of reading. Recommended.
The Storyteller’s Candle: La velita de los cuentos
The Storyteller’s Candle: La velita de los cuentos. Lucía González. Illus. by Lulu Delacre. San Francisco: Children’s Book Press, 2008. 32 pages. $16.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-89239-222-3. Grades 3-5. Bilingual.Winter in Nueva York is very different than the warm, breezy ones that Hildamar and her family were used to in Puerto Rico. On an especially cold day before Christmas vacation began Hildamar’s family found a place to not only warm up, but a place to celebrate their favorite Puerto Rican holiday, El Día de los Reyes. This place was the public library where New York’s first Puerto Rican librarian, Pura Belpré, welcomed everyone and introduced Spanish speakers to the wealth of materials and services available to them. Pura Belpré Award Honorees Lucía González and Lulu Delacre team together to depict and relay the inspirational story of Pura Belpré and all the good she did for the community. This bilingual story teaches Spanish language and Puerto Rican culture and traditions to readers in a delightful way. Recommended.
Papá and Me
“It will be a great day for Papá and me!” declares the young male narrator in this story of paternal love and admiration. As the sun rises so does the narrator’s excitement for day of fun ahead; and Papá does not disappoint. After Papá makes a delicious breakfast they begin their day. The pair sings, visits the park, watches birds, and races down the street. Dorros masterfully turns a simple father son outing in to an adventure filled with excitement. He eloquently mixes Spanish and English to create the dialog between father and son in a way that non-native Spanish speakers will understand and native speakers will appreciate. The bright, mural like illustrations of Pura Belpré Honoree Rudy Gutierrez set the tone for the story by blending symbols and the folk style of Latino culture the emotion of the young boy to create an aura of fantasy and reality. Recommended.
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