Ruby Bridges moved you New Orleans from Mississipi with her family.
It’s 1960 and a judge orders the Ruby to attend first grade at an all-white school.
The young girl is forced to face angry parents who refuse to send their children to school with her. Walking to school surrounded by marshals.
She began to learn how to read in an empty classroom. An empty building.
This book tells Ruby Bridges ‘ story beautifully and the watercolour pairings that illustrates the book captures all the emotions in a way that speaks as loud as the words.
A book that celebrates Ruby and her strength, faith and leadership from an young age.
A really great resource to discuss Civil Rights, equality and segregation (then and now).
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles & Illustrated by George Ford Published by Scholastic
Talking to children about certain delicate/hard issues can be challenging and make caregivers tense and not sure how to initiate the conversation and/or how to choose the words and approach.
Many times, books can help. They can make it a little lighter and create a special moment. The words that we need are often there.
It also beneficial for a child to relate. To understand others, go through the same things and he/she is not alone.
Losing someone you love is always hard. But the lost of a baby is one of the hardest things to explain to children. It’s almost impossible for grown ups. Life have barely started and suddenly ended. Many times without a clear cause.
There are some really good books about about grief and loss for children, but I was really happy to find one that tackles miscarriage/baby loss specifically.
“Patiently Waiting… for Hope” is based on Arnold Henry’s family personal experience and is a perfect tool as the story is told by a boy’s perspective.
When the boy was 4 years old, his family moves to a bigger house and his parents announced his dream came true: He was going the be a big brother!
The boy helps decorating the baby’s room and get everything ready.
Then when the family goes for an ultrasound check, they find out the baby’s heart is no longer beating.
For five years, as the boy keep waiting to become a big brother, his parents teach him about Patience, Hope, Faith and Prayer. All with a very positive message.
This book is beautifully written. Talks about how to deal with feelings, how to keep hopeful and it also shows children (and grown ups!) that having a baby might not always be easy.
Illustrations are brilliant and make the story alive. You can feel and understand the characters just by looking at them.
I highly recommend it. To all, but especially to families going through a baby loss and people that want to support them.
Please see below my interview with Arnold Henry:
BBC: When did you decide to write the book? And why did you decide to do it?
AH: In March of 2019, after publicly announcing our pregnancy with our rainbow baby, there were so many people who’d reached out to me, expressing their personal journeys with miscarriages and infertility. They had read our story of losing our identical twins and our struggles with infertility. We all walked different paths, but in the end, they all wanted to have a baby. It seemed like they were holding on to our success story because not only they related with our struggles, it also lifted their spirits in regards to someday, receiving their own happy ending. Being the author that I am, I was inspired to transform our experiences into a children’s book that would help bring comfort and hope into the homes of many families. I just felt I needed to find a way to bring light to such a taboo subject.
BBC: Was it hard to write it?
AH: Before putting my thoughts to paper, I did excessive research and reading of children’s books that discusses angel babies. Actually, there weren’t too many of them from what I’d gathered. I wanted to tell a true story that was different from the rest. So, I plotted around our first son who desperately wanted to become a big brother. He was one year and a half years old when Mommy and Daddy had promised him 2 babies. He never understood the reasoning for the babies never coming home. Little did he knew, we were trying to become pregnant every month over the 3 years. When I started writing, my plan was to summarize all the kid-friendly lessons that I was able to teach my son with patience, hope, faith and most importantly, prayers while incorporating real life scenarios. The most difficult process was finding the right words to articulate the emotions that a sibling would have after a baby was lost in their family.
BBC: What would you like parents and siblings who lost a baby to know?
AH: When we lost our identical twins, it was the most confusing and depressing episodes that I had ever experienced in my life. I felt lost in my thoughts and I couldn’t comprehend how this could ever happen to my family. Initially, I was so embarrassed to share our loss, but when I finally felt confident enough, I noticed that we were not alone. I learned that the majority of my friends had similar experiences with baby loss due to miscarriage. I would like parents and siblings to know that it is okay to feel sad and uneasy. We all grieve differently so it is important to find the support amongst friends and family, local community programs or online resources whenever the suffering becomes unbearable. There are online communities on social media that gives you a platform to openly express yourself. Do not bury the pain deep within, but rather create open family discussions so everyone involved is aware of each other’s feelings. You do not have to battle this on your own. All this can be done at your own pace.
BBC: In your opinion, how can family and friends help? Because many want to be there and support, but are afraid they will do/say the wrong thing?
AH: Family and friends should reach out to reassure emotional support for the grieving families. A text message or a voice note can simply say, “I’m so sorry for your loss. If you need anything, I’m here for you.” You have to mean it too. When you feel the time is right, offer to do some kind gestures such as cleaning their house, grocery shopping, cooking food, etc. Or, mail a postcard; send flowers or a gift to express your sympathy. Show your support when the opportunity for a conversation arises. Seek and share resources accessible at their convenience.
Patiently Waiting…for Hope By Arnold Henry & Illustrated by Valeria Leonova Published by Piton Book
A couple of days ago I got this book. One of the best additions to my library in2020. It’s just a perfect book for the current time and all discussions we are all having.
It tells the story of the political and environmental activist Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan woman born in 1940, that changed her country’s history and impacted the world.
She was the first African woman to receive a Nobel Prize, on October 8th 2004.
Very well written, this book presents all the fact in an easy, enjoyable way. Very easy for children to follow and discuss. Illustrations are art!
As I will go on more details bellow, this book is an amazing resource to be used to talk important themes (at home and/or in the classroom):
Colonialism and its consequences
Environment
Women Rights
Civil Rights
Finding Our Voice
Speaking up and Fighting for What is Right
African History and Culture
Wangari was the eldest of five siblings. For this reason, she was the “second lady of her house” and was not suppose to go to school. That was until her brother asks why and a little after that, she starts attending school.
She gets a high school diploma at a time when very few girls in Africa could even learn how to read.
Senator John F. Kennedy (that later would become USA’s President) invited a group of young Kenyans to The United States to pursuit their studies. Wangari was among them.
A new world presents to her, new scenarios, culture and people that looked nothing like her.
Despite all the freedom she found in US, she also discovers segregation. Schools, restaurants and even seats on buses just for white people.
The 1960 Civil Rights Movement. At the same time, Kenya finally becomes an independent country.
Wangari returns to a “free”, but devastated homeland. Lots of trees and forests were cut down to cultivate tea, coffee and tobacco – sought by rich countries.
So, in 1977 she creates the Green Belt Movement to start planting trees right away. Traveling from village to village talking and empowering people, especially women, she starts getting her voice heard.
Officials and business men try to stop her. She got imprisoned multiple times, got hurt and death treats. But she never gave up. She kept rallying her friends and working to get tribes together and to support her.
Even soldiers got convinced to help her to cultivate good relations among tribes and different parties.
In 2002 the country has a new constitution and Wangari is elected member of the Parliament. Then, the new president appoints her Assistant Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Wildlife.
She was a fighter and an advocate for good causes until she died in Nairobi on September 25th, 2011.
I highly recommend this book. Ages 7+.
The book comes with timetables, milestones, information about Kenya, quotes from Wangari and more.
Truly a valuable resource all around.
Wangari Waathai – The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees by Franck Prévot & Illustrated by Aurélia Fronty Published by Charlesbridge
COVID-19 brought numerous challenges to all, and unfortunately closed schools, libraries and slowed down projects that support children’s literacy and reading.
One of my favourite organisations though, managed to keep busy (may be even busier) and ensured children that can’t afford to buy books still received them.
The Children’s Book Bank, on Berkeley Street, distributed 135.000 books for free last year. Children can come to their beautiful store front, decorated like a magical bookstore and pick up the books they want for free.
There are also a number of programs to engage our young readers and their families.
When the pandemic hit, they had to close their doors and cancel their programs… But just until they found alternatives.
They manage 3 days of curb side pick up and distributed 10.000 books (that’s right, in only 3 days!!!).
The Summer Reading Program could not be hosted in person. Not a problem for them. An online program with a list of themes and activities that the children ages 3-12 can share online. My 3 years old and I are enjoying it beyond words!
Their team partner up with food banks and other institutions to ensure book distribution to those who need the most would’s stop. Over 15.000 books got to children’s hands this way!
Seriously, they are just AMAZING!
And now, The Children’s Book Bank have an ambitious goal: Hand out 25.000 by the end of the summer.
You can help them by donating gently used books, spreading the word (including on social media) or assisting with any amount of money you can.
Please check it out my interview with Loribeth Gregg – Manager of Programming and Volunteer Engagement to learn more about this amazing organisation, new initiatives and how to contribute.
I love this book. In a very delicate way, the author tells us the experience of being new to a culture, being different and want to belong.
It also shows how empathy and friendship can be powerful. And some times our support and care can make someone’ s struggle less heavy. It can help people find their own voices and feel comfortable being themselves.
This is the tale of a little Korean girl named Unhei and it starts when she is heading to her first day of school… in a new country, USA.
The other children on the bus make fun of her usual (to them!) name. So when she gets to her classroom and is asked about her name again she answers “Um, I haven’t pick one yet”.
The little girl get home and share with her mother she wants an American name. Because she doesn’t want to be so different.
When Unhei gets to school the next day, a jar full folded papers with names is on her desk. Her classmates were trying to help her pick a new name and she felt happy.
Later, one of the boys in her class, Joey, learns her name. And that in English it means Grace.
Right after that, the name jar disappears. All it’s on her desk is a piece of paper. Unhei slips into her pocket.
Finally, she is ready to introduce her name to the class. She writes her own name – Unhei – in both Korean and English. And say it slowly so all the kids can learn it.
And they loved it! They love that all Korean names have a meaning!
Joey is waiting for Unhei. He has the jar. Because he wanted her to keep her name. And, he got a Korean nickname: Chinku. Which means Friend.
The story is clever, sweet and candid. My son and my little book worms easily relate and by sharing this amazing book with them, I can initiate a discussion about how hard it is to be “different”, help them understand empathy, compassion and kindness.
I strongly recommend it. In addition to the beautiful words, the illustrations are pieces of art that enhance the book and help engaging the children.
Ages 5-9 years old. However, some younger children who are used to read aloud and longer books, this one works. With a little bit more explanation and pauses, my 3 year old was able to enjoy it and had wonderful comments to share.
“The Name Jar” by Yangsook Choi. Published by Dragonfly Books.
This book tells a beautiful and heartfelt story about immigration, separation and how a family manages to stay connected when apart.
It also shows us the power of telling our story and not to give up.
For me though, the most important thing about reading this book with our young reader is to speak with them about immigration and all the issues related to it, family, empathy and human rights.
Saya’s mom is sent away to a detention center, because she does not have “the right papers”. She came to USA from Haiti. She was arrested while working at a restaurant.
To cope with it, Saya finds comfort listening to her mom’s voice on their answering machine. Until one day, she erases it by mistake. And she feels really sad.
Her mother then starts to send her, every week, cassette tapes with bedtime stories, inspired by her on native culture.
The little girl’s dad works hard to bring her mom home. He writes letter to politicians and reporters.
Together, Saya and dad visit mom every week, but the good byes never get easier and the Saya is anxious to know when her mother will be able to come home. No clear answer to that.
Then one day, moved by her mother’s tales and all her father’s efforts to reunite their family, Saya decides to write a letter of her own, telling their story and how the situation is affecting her.
Her words get out there and reporters reply. And other people, moved by Saya’s family story start to pressure for a solution.
Finally, Saya’s mom can come back home!
As per my previous posts, immigration is a very serious issue and in numerous times, a matter of human rights and the need for a better and safer life for many.
It is really important to discuss this to our little ones, our future leaders. And I’ll be repetitive here: is about developing empathy. Understanding how people feel, what they go through… to be able to really relate.
I highly recommend this book for caregivers to add to their private libraries if they can (or borrow from the library). For teachers is even more essential. It’s a really good material for read aloud and discussion.
Ages 5 to 9 years old – however, you can work with older children
“Mama’s Nightingale – A Story of Immigration and Separation” by Edwidge Danticat & illustrated by Leslie Staub Published by Dial Books for Young Readers (a division of Penguin Young Readers Group)
“There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.”
With this powerful and sensible opening line, the book “The Day You Begin” takes the young reader (and all of us really!) on a journey about one of the most human’s fears: not belonging. Not being a part of a group/community because of what makes us different.
It could be the place we came from, our skin colour, the experiences we don’t share with our peers. Parts of who we are that might make us insecure. That might make not be welcome right away.
Or even worse, parts of ourselves and our lives that might cause us fear to use our voices. To share with the world all we are and we have to add and contribute.
That’s the case for Angelina, one of the amazing characters. She feels like that until the day she begins… She begins to tell her stories. About who she is and her particularities.
By doing that, she starts a conversation with all the other children in her classroom. And most of them were feeling the same way.
And then, the same room where no one else was quite like Angelina, becomes wider to make space for her. For everyone.
What this amazing and heartfelt story shows is that, every new person we encounter has something a little like us.
Many things make us different. And that’s a great thing. The elements that make us unique are wonderful and allow us to add beauty and joy to this world.
But a lot make us very alike. Our feelings, the desire to belong, our fears. LOVE.
We are all connected and embracing our uniqueness is key to build a better society. And a happier one.
I strongly recommend adding this to your children library. And, if you are a teacher, to read this aloud with your students. Great for ages 4 to 8 years old. Mature 3 years old will enjoy too (my son loves it!).
“The Day You Begin” by Jacqueline Woodson. Illustrated by Rafael López. Published by Nancy Paulsen Books (an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group)
Today was a very special reading day for me and Dante (as many of you already now, my 3 years old).
I decided to read with him a couple of book about the same theme, one that is very close to my heart: Immigration and the feeling of Belonging.
I enjoy exploring this subject with little ones for many reasons.
Mostly because if we want to create inclusive and anti-racist children, we must help them develop empathy. Empathy is the key to a better world and a better global society. Along with love.
In order to be REALLY empathetic, we must place ourselves in someone’s place. Try to see the other person/people perspective. See the situation/scenario through their eyes.
And for the above to happen we need to understand (or try our best to) those different than us. Their experiences, culture, struggles, beliefs. Only by knowing and learning the different we are able to connect and relate.
FROM “MAMA’S NIGHTINGALE
Not to mention that learning new things, points of view and ways to see the world is always a rewarding experience.
As an immigrant myself and raising a little Brazilian in Canada I find very important to discuss the weight of the question “Where are you from” and the connotations it might have. It could be a great invitation to talk about my background, culture and native land. Or it can be a gateway to judgement and pre concepts.
The question can be a welcoming. Or can be a little judgmental and make you feel out of place.
People leave their country for many reasons: war, searching for a better life, connection with another country’s culture/way of life, for a job, for love… But we all want the same thing: to belong. To be part of a community. To add value and experience.
FROM “THE NAME JAR”
Adapting to a new culture, speaking another language, sometimes leaving family and loved ones behind is not easy. It’s a challenge at any age.
Children seems to be more adaptable, but they can also suffer from bulling or silly jokes. Specially if they look physically different than most of their friends/peers.
And that’s why I believe is so important to show (because we need to show and not just tell) our children how to embrace diversity. How essential it is to be inclusive. To welcome the differences.
That way we will raise better humans. Better than us. Individuals that will think about the collective. That will build a better society with less division, injustice and pre concepts. Open to the beautiful diversity. Aware that we are all connected. That we are all from LOVE.
So here is a list of wonderful books about this theme. On June 24th, I posted a review for the amazing “Where Are You From”, by Yamile Saied Méndez and illustrated by Jaime Kim. During the next days I will post reviews on all the other ones in the list.
RESOURCES:
“Where Are You From” – by Yamile Saied Méndez and illustrated by Jaime Kim. Published by Harper. I recommend to 3-8 years old
“The Name Jar”-by Yangsook Choi. Published by Dragonfly Books. I recommend to 5-9 years old.
“Mama’s Nightngale” – by Edwige Danticat and illustrated by Leslie Staub. Published by Penguin Group. I recommend to 6-9 years old
“The Day You Begin”- by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López. Published by Nancy Paulsen Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House). I recommend to 3 (mature)-8 years old)
This is the Earth” by Deedee Cummings is a gentle and elegant poem in a picture book format, that encourages young readers to be kind and empathetic.
The author beautifully presents the concept of having our individuality while learning from all around us and respecting our neighbors.
With melodic rhyming phrases that keeps the readers connected to the book (specially during aloud reading with the little ones), Deedee sensitively shares the ideas and the values of compassion, perspective, love and peace in an effective and yet ludic/playful way.
Illustrations by Charlene Mosley brings all to life with magic.
This book is a must for children ages 2 to 6, but actually a great tool and resource for all ages when discussing core values, how we can be better and make this Earth a better place.
And in addition, is fun. Really fun.
*Includes resources for activities and discussions (quotes from famous figures on the topics mentioned, questions among others)
I’m always looking for new books for my children’s library (not only my son’s, but also for my students and young bookworms read aloud).
In particular, I’m interested in ensuring diversity and books that allow me to start important conversations. Dialogues that lead to concepts as empathy, compassion, resilience, using their voices and respecting all people, cultures and beliefs.
I strongly believe that raising readers is raising leaders. And I want provide them the tools to understand others and the worlds, at the same time that they learn more about themselves, their potential and power.
On my “hunt” for new additions, I found this amazing book: “Where Are You From?” by Yamile Saied Méndez and Jaime Kim.
A little girl is asked where she’s from. Where she’s REALLY from. She is no longer as sure as she was. The feeling of not belonging. A feeling very familiar to immigrants and their descendants.
The girl turns to her dear Abuelo (Grandfather) for help, but his answer is not what she expected. It is empowering though.
After describing many wonderful things about where she is from (the Pampas, the mountains, the ocean, hurricanes, storms, the people), the girl still wants a direct response. A place where she came from.
And, instead of pointing to a map, Abuelo points at his heart and answers: “from my love and the love of all those before us”. “You are from all of us”.
The beautiful words and strong message is enhanced by stunning illustrations that make you feel a deep connection with the characters.
This book is a great tool to discuss how we see and treat immigrants, the feeling of belonging and what makes us who we are.
As an immigrant myself, and a believer that the world is one and that we are all one nation and all connected, I was really touched by this book and can’t wait to read with my students and bookworms. Dante (my 3 years old) loved it!
EXTRA:
The author, Yamile Saied Méndez, was born in Argentina (clearly for the reader where the little girl’s family is from) and lives in the United States.
BOOK BUG CA 