Category: Own Voices - READING STYLE GUIDE

Show of Hands

1/11/2019

Hands Up! by Breanna J. McDaniel ill Shane W. Evans

Breanna J. McDaniel takes an expression laden with negative connotations and turns it inside out and right-side up. Each page is filled with positive, self-affirming actions with Hands Up!

Meet a little charmer as she lifts her tiny hands to the sun, plays peek-a-boo, and helps get ready for the day. Time passes. Now school age, she reaches up for a book high on the shelf, jumps to grab the basketball, and raises her arms in worshipful praise. There are moments when hands are extended to help her when she falls. The book concludes with a tribute to the power of raising consciousness through hands holding signs of peaceful protest.

We begin small, but we grow big.
Together we are mighty.
High fives all around, hands up!

Shane W, Evans' illustrations burst with vitality. The cheerful pastel color palette features sunshiny yellow, often as a diagonal ray. There are clever touches: her cat lapping up the spilled juice, the cat and its shadow leap together. When extra effort is expended: reaching for an object on the table or attempting to shoot the basketball, a tiny pink tongue peeks out between lips. Often the characters' eyes are closed. Emphasis is on the mouth. Evans lets expressive lips tell the story.

Words and images combine to acknowledge the power of uplifted hands to aspire, rejoice, and help. An optimistic interpretation of the phrase Hands Up!

Dynamic Duo

Together Diggs and Evans have created picture books joyfully celebrating children of color.

Raise Your Hands. Raise Your Voice.

There is something soul-satisfying about raising hands and voices with a positive message. Energize your day with music.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: January 22, 2019 Publisher: Dial Books ISBN: 978-0525552314

Picture This: Three Cultural Snapshots

1/1/2019

"one of the reasons I pick up the camera - to find understanding"
Isabel Quintero

Meet three women: one an important modern artist and two fictional characters. They share a passion for photography. Each uses a camera to tell stories and explore "the many angles to truth" Quintero. Each uses the lens of her unique cultural heritage to bring relevance and importance to her work.

From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon

Twinkle feels that she is a "nobody." Ignored by her parents, she longs to be noticed at school. An opportunity to shine comes when Twinkle is asked to direct a movie for the local arts festival.
Film geek Sahil has offered to help produce her filmmaking debut. They brainstorm an imaginative story concept, turning the classic Dracula into a gender-reversal version. But Sahil clearly wants more than just a business relationship.
Twinkle has an ongoing crush on Sahil's athletic superstar twin brother Neil. When she begins receiving anonymous emails from a secret admirer, Twinkle assumes (hopes) that the sender is Neil.
Menon uses a series of imaginary emails that Twinkle sends to famous women of filmdom in this story of finding where one's heart lies.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: May 22, 2018 Publisher: Simon Pulse ISBN: 978-1481495400

Rain is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Rain Berghoff, still mourning the death of her best friend, agrees to photograph the local newspaper's story of this summer's Indian Camp, organized by her Aunt Georgia. Prominent members of this mostly white Kansas community protest the use of public funds for Indian Camp.
Rain's heritage includes Muscogee Creek-Cherokee, Scots-Irish and Irish-German-Ojibway. Her mother refers to the loving, close-knit family as her "patchwork tribe."
After introductory pages detailing her friend's tragic death, readers follow Rain's chronological description of nine days: June 26 to July 4. Smith begins each chapter with a journal excerpt which gives the narrative intimacy and poignancy.
Rain uses her camera to help her face the world after her heartbreaking loss, acknowledge her heritage, and bring closure and peace to her heart.

Book accessed from public library

Pub date: June 19, 2001 Publisher: HarperCollins ISBN: 978-0688173975

Photographic: The Life of Graciela Iturbide
by Isabel Quintero ill Zeke Peña

Quintero and Peña employ a mixed media approach to this biographical graphic novel illuminating the life and work of Graciela Iturbide. The pastiche of eloquent text, artfully arranged sequential panels, and photographs blend together seamlessly.

Quintero's glorious text is rich with layers of meaning. Peña's realistic line drawings combined with black and white photographs and artful panel and page design provide a stellar reading experience. This biography is much more than a chronology. It is a celebration of art, creation, and culture.

"I photograph and exist in the in-between: those spaces where unknown worlds, real and imagined intersect."

Published copy

Pub date: March 6, 2018 Publisher: Harry N. Abrams ISBN: 978-1947440005

Life: Past Present Future

12/14/2018

Inventing Victoria by Tonya Bolden

I'll teach them that it makes no never mind how a body starts out in life.
It matters that you reach for something, elevate, exalt yourself.

Essie, daughter of a Savannah prostitute, spent her childhood nights sequestered in an attic above her mother' bedroom. At the age of fourteen Essie found work as a domestic, taught herself to read, and escaped a life of despair.

Dorcas Vashon, a frequent guest in Savannah, notices this servant and offers her the opportunity to move to Baltimore and start a new life. Essie changes her name to Victoria and commences a rigorous regime of training in the art of becoming a lady of refinement. It is difficult, but she is inspired by the writings of Frederick Douglass.

If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

Our young heroine successfully blends into the Black aristocracy in Washington D. C. However, she is haunted by her past and fears that her former identity may compromise her social standing. Then she falls in love and must make a difficult choice.

Bolden's homage to literary themes adds richness and depth to the narrative. "Patience" and "Fortitude" are Victoria's mantras during her endless training sessions. A phoenix rising from the ashes is painted on the fine porcelain and symbolizes metamorphosis. George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, and the Broadway musical My Fair Lady recount the story of an uneducated girl who is strictly tutored in the art of becoming a lady and succeeds in gaining acceptance into society.

While there is a fairytale-like quality to Victoria’s transformation from impoverished domestic to woman of high society, Tonya Bolden doesn’t shy away from addressing the issues of poverty, inequality, and racism. Victoria's early years of want and misery form the foundation for her resolve to succeed. One the most poignant scenes is adult Victoria's realization that she probably misjudged her mother.

Looking for a Cinderella story with complex characters and an introduction to important social issues? Inventing Victoria is historical fiction that is equal parts enchanting, inspiring, and eye-opening

Bringing History to Life

This meticulously researched novel of Black aristocracy is a portrait of genteel life, refined manners, glittering receptions and, sumptuous meals. While some individuals fill their days with idle pursuits, others study and advance to positions of importance and influence. Victoria determines that she will devote herself to helping others.

I must contribute! I must say thank you for this blessing of a wider world!

Bolden introduces some of the influential people living and working in our nation's capital in the 1880's. Readers will want to learn more about these remarkable individuals.

Electronic copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: January 8, 2019 Publisher: Bloomsbury YA ISBN: 978-1681198071

Lunar New Year

11/29/2018

D is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine ill YongSheng Xuan

Originally published in 2006, Compestine’s celebration of Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a vibrant compendium of Chinese culture. Presented in an alphabetical format, readers observe youngsters as they prepare for and participate in this annual fifteen-day traditional festival.

Children anticipate New Year by crafting messages on red paper and getting haircuts. Enjoy mouth-watering traditional foods: noodles, oranges, roast duck, and dumplings. Join in the celebrating with kites, lanterns, incense, and firecrackers.

Xuan’s illustrations are replete with gorgeous jewel colors. Soft yellow backgrounds play up the vibrant reds.

He seamlessly blends images across the gutter, skillfully joining two distinct concepts into one image. Objects such as the imposing dragon figure span an entire two-page spread. This creature is magnificent!

The artist includes an interesting note describing the four different calligraphic styles used to denote a dragon. Characters from the Song Dynasty, the Wei dynasty, the Grass style, and the Han dynasty appear in the background. Close study of the illustrations is needed to discover each of the four unique dragon representations.

This updated edition is bilingual. Text accompanying each illustration is presented three ways: English, Mandarin Chinese written using the Latin alphabet, and ideographically with Chinese characters. Trim size has been expanded to a generous 8.5 x 11 inches. This neatly accommodates the expanded dual language format. Readers not familiar with Chinese calligraphy may notice some of the repetitive characters and language patterns visible throughout the text.

This update significantly enhances the original version. In the spirit of the new year, libraries will want to start the New Lunar Year by replacing the well-used and beloved older edition of D is for Dragon Dance with this sparkling masterpiece.

Background

The Chinese New Year 2019 or Lunar New Year will begin on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. This is the Year of the Pig, an animal that represents diligence, kindness, and generosity.
The holiday is observed in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Mauritius, and in countries with a large Chinese community.
A Chinese calendar is not like the Gregorian calendar. It is based on the phases of the moon. The first day of Chinese New Year starts with the new moon. The last day, known as Lantern Festival is celebrated with night lantern displays.

Celebrate the New Year

Additional resources to enrich your Chinese New Year celebration.

Newbery Award-winning author illustrator Grace Lin celebrates the New Year.

Learn to read and write basic Chinese characters with Chineasy created by ShaoLan.

Make delicious dumplings with author and cook Ying Chang Compestine.

Liu Na's graphic novel of her childhood in China.

Copy provided by publisher

Pub date: October 23, 2018 Publisher: Holiday House ISBN: 978-0823440290

On the Border

11/13/2018

“Poetry is the clearest lens for viewing the world.”

They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid's Poems by David Bowles

This slim poetry collection becomes more relevant with each passing day. They Call Me Güero chronicles the life of twelve-year-old Güero, a Mexican American boy living on the swath of land near the Rio Grande. Although he lives on the American side of the river, his heritage and identity are deeply rooted in Mexico.

He frequently traverses the bridge connecting the two countries. In Mexico he and his father eat breakfast and purchase fresh groceries. Güero's imagination inhabits his grandmother's world filled with chilling tales of mythical monsters.

He possesses distinctive physical characteristics which distinguish him from other members in his community: a light complexion with freckles and a head of bright red hair.

He's a 7th grade student who enjoys sharing books, comics, movies, and gaming with his nerdy friends. He fluidly moves between two countries, navigating crowded middle school hallways and the bustling pulga. He is equally comfortable communicating in Spanish, English, Spanglish, and colloquial Texan. English teacher Mrs. Wong expands his multicultural view of the world, incorporating Aztec, Mayan, Chinese and Korean mythology into the curriculum.

This first person memoir takes shape through multiple poetic forms such as haiku, rhyming couplets, and free verse. "Mis Otros Abuelos" is a concrete poem which narrows as the family crosses the bridge connecting the two countries and expands as the family travels further into the interior of each country.

Bowles handles sensitive topics with a light touch. Racism, stereotypes, immigration are part of Güero's life and are subtly revealed throughout the narrative. This is a boy discovering a world closely connected to his heritage, family, and friends.

Spanish is clearly an important feature in the text. Bowles liberally peppers these verses with Spanish phrases and references to Mexican and Mexican-American culture. A glossary for most of the phrases with pronunciation and the English equivalent enriches the reading experience. This is especially helpful when reading aloud.

The poems can be read as a collective narrative. They also work well as standalone vignettes. Read. Enjoy. Discuss. Share. Repeat.

¡Gracias!

THE REFUGE
ON THE RANCH
It's quiet here except for the hushed flow of the river
and the hum of the bugs answered by the sharp trill of birds
Somewhere, an ocelot growls.

"I know poetry when I hear it.”

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: September 4, 2018 Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press ISBN: 978-1947627062

Ebony and Ivory

10/30/2018

Blended by Sharon M. Draper

Is normal never being sure of what normal really is?

Eleven-year=old Isabella feels that she is constantly being pulled in different directions. Her life ping-pongs back and forth, as her parents share custody. She lives part-time with her black father, his girlfriend and her son. Alternate weeks are at the home of her white mother and future stepfather. Two different homes. Two different families. Every. Other. Week.
At dad's house, she is Isabella and practices her music on a grand piano. To mom she is Izzy and prepares for her upcoming recital on an electronic keyboard.
Then there are the Exchange Days, the dreaded moments when her two sets of parents meet at the mall and Izzy/Isabella must switch backpacks, lifestyles, and identities.
It's confusing.

Draper has fashioned a compelling portrait of a biracial girl living with conflict. In addition to the tension between her parents, Isabella faces racial hostilities: her best friend Imani discovers a noose in her locker. Who would do something like that? And why? On a shopping trip Imani and Izzy discover an exclusive dress shop. They are tailed by security and eventually asked to leave the store. Is it because of the color of their skins? Their young age? When her soon-to-be brother is accused of theft, things take a frightening turn. These encounters leave her shaken.

Blended combines questions of identity, racism, friendship, and family. Like a Sonatina and an old-time swing tune, Draper's novel for young readers hits all the right notes. Melody and harmony blend in one dazzling performance.

Listen Up

Izzy/Isabella prepares for the Pianopalooza by learning music composed in the eighteenth century. She also discovers a treasure trove of old boogie-woogie and blues numbers. Want to hear these two very different musical numbers?

Bumble Boogie, a 1946 version by Jack Fina of Flight of the Bumble Bee

Sonatina in C Major by Muzio Clementi 1752-1832

Additional Sharon M. Draper Books

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher

Pub date: October 30, 2018 Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books ISBN: 978-1442495005

Darius The Great

10/23/2018

Darius the Great is Not Okay
by Adib Khorram read by Michael Levi Harris

We have a saying in Farsi. It translates ‘your place was empty.’ We say it when we miss somebody.

Meet Darius Kellner, "Fractional Persian," slightly overweight sophomore, and tea aficionado. His commentary is liberally sprinkled with references to Star Trek and Lord of the Rings. He adores his Persian mother, dotes on his younger sister Laleh, and navigates a complicated father/son relationship. He's nerdy and possess a biting wit referring to classmates as the "Soulless Minions of Orthodoxy," and frequently doubts himself "That's normal. Right?"
He is also a young man suffering with clinical depression.

Life takes an unexpected turn when the family travels to Iran to visit his Zoroastrian grandfather who is diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Darius confronts the reality of his identity as a young man of Persian heritage who has been raised in a decidedly western culture. Is he American or Iranian? Is it possible to be a part of each? He discovers that he has a talent for playing soccer/non-American football, a love for his maternal family, and the ability to forgive and be forgiven by a friend.

Darius returns to America with increased acceptance of himself, greater appreciation for his family, and a clearer understanding his depression.

Michael Levi Harris' delivers a nuanced performance. He expertly moves the narrative through the voice of vulnerable young Darius with palpable anxiety and fragility. Supporting characters receive stellar treatment with unique character accents in English, broken English, and Farsi. Harris nails the personality of each: Laleh's exhausted whining, Trent Bolger's taunts, and grandfather Babou's proud yet often blustering confusion. However, it's the emotional interactions of Darius between friend Sohrab, grandmother Mamou, and father Stephen Kellner that bring the story into sharp focus.
Harris' narration invites listeners into the world of Darius the Great is Not Okay. It's an experience as rich and satisfying as an elaborate Persian meal. The memories will linger long after the final literary morsel is consumed.

Bonus: Listen up

I experienced both the print and audio versions of Darius the Great is Not Okay. I enjoyed each for different reasons. Reading names of Iranian attractions is helpful in locating and picturing specific places: Dowlatabad, Atashkadeh, Jameh Mosque. (They are stunning sites. Take a look.) Thanks Dial Books and Adib Khorram for an outstanding young adult novel! Hearing Farsi phrases is a bonus. I appreciate the decision to have all Persian-speaking characters place a vowel sound between initial consonants. Thanks Michael and Listening Library!

Random Musings

How many times has Khorram watched Star Trek? Does he keep some kind of record of his favorite episodes?
Precisely how particular is Khorramabout about his tea?
Where did he come up with all of the detailed descriptions of the food? Did he grow up with Persian food? How much eating was involved in the development of the book?
Is the version of Rook that I learned to play as a child similar to the game played in Iran?

Release date: August 28, 2018, 2018 Publisher: Listening Library

Audiobook accessed via Overdrive

In Our Hands

10/8/2018

We’ve Got the Whole world in Our Hands by Rafael López

It begins with a multi-hued ball of string.
How far can it travel?

Follow this string as it sails across seas and continents, through day and night, meets creatures large and small, and into the hands of children throughout the world.

Rafael López interprets this traditional song with his distinctive artistic flair. Using a mixed media approach that incorporates a collage of found objects and cut paper with traditional watercolor and ink techniques as well as digital skills, he creates vibrant illustrations that capture the heart and soul of a world worth singing about.

The spherical motif echoes throughout the pages: sun, moon, snail shell, ball of string, hot air balloon, and ultimately, the planet earth. A celebration of the connections that we all share.
Glorious!

We've Got the Whole World in Our Hands features stunning art on every page.

String Along

What can you do with a ball of string? Try your hand at replicating the string game pictured in the book. These instructional videos can help you. Create a Cat’s Cradle with a friend. Jacob’s Ladder requires only one set of hands. However, it’s great fun to gather a couple of friends and create these fascinating string patterns.

Sing Along

López includes a printed copy of the lyrics and music for this well-known spiritual. View these children singing their interpretations of the classic song. Then expand the experience by helping youngsters create their own unique verses and movements. This activity can be adapted for children everywhere.

Bonus

A bilingual English/Spanish edition is also available.

I've got a signed copy in my hands. Gracias Rafael López

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: October 9, 2018 Publisher: Scholastic Press ISBN: 978-1338177367

Low and Slow

10/2/2018

Lowriders Blast from the Past
by Cathy Camper ill Raúl the Third

One look at the Lowriders Blast from the Past cover and it is evident that readers of this series are in for a totally different experience.

The first two covers feature dark backgrounds synonymous with outer space and inner earth. Lupe's sweet ride, the modified Chevy Impala, cruises proudly across the cover.

This third book cover features a warm light tone. The signature lowrider automobile has been replaced. This ride is pedal-powered. Equally striking is Lupe Impala. Her distinctive facial feature, her nose, is much smaller and her hair is a mass of short curls.

With this episode Cathy Camper and Raúl the Third take us the back in time. We meet young Lupe, traveling on a bike, similar to her transportation at the beginning of Lowriders in Space.

Initial pages introduce the backstories of the threesome.

Young mechanic Lupe Impala, her Mamá Impala owns of a junk store and Mamá Gazelle creates tissue paper decorations.
Elirio Mararia mosquito, an artist whose father helps him collect words.
El Chavo Flapjack octopus, cleaning expert whose family are talented performers.

The trio encounter Los Matamoscas (The Flyswatters), who destroy Flappy’s bike and deface Elirio’s outdoor murals. The new friends team up repair the damage and then prepare Lupe’s moms’ car for a Lowriders competition. Los Matamoscas impose a series of bizarre rules that will disqualify Impala and Gazelle. The youngsters jump into the fray and triumphantly meet each obstacle. Their car enters and wins the competition. Even better, they enlist the help of their former tormentors and together create a stunning mural.

Clever wordplay sparkles throughout. Flapjack the octopus is taunted by the bullies: "Get a backbone, invertebrate!" Illustrations are replete with Spanish/English humor. Road sign messages read "Neighborhood Watchalo" and "Cash for Kahlo 07-06-1907."

The comic is chock full of Spanish words, phrases, and slang. It is expertly woven into the text, enriching the reader's exposure to Latino culture. Spanish words are noted with an English translation footnote at the bottom of each page. Camper enriches the narrative with the use of indigenous words. Back matter provides details on Indigenous American languages and a glossary of Spanish words and phrases, along with English translations.

Raul the Third is at the top of his game. The art is stunning and includes homages to Mexican American artists Gamboa, Bronk, Herrón, and Valdez. Panels brim with lively personality and intense action. A bonus selection of sketches can be found in the back matter.

This is one time when low and slow is not the way to go. Immediately get your hands on a copy of Lowriders Blast from the Past. It is magnífico!

Riding with Lupe, Elirio, and Flappy

Cruise on down to your local bookstore or library for the first two volumes in the series.

Bonus Discussion: Code Switching

In recent years, however, scholars have found there is sophisticated brain work behind code-switching, or CS, the linguistic term for switching between two languages in one conversation.

A hallmark of this series is the blending of two languages within the text. Spanish idioms and slang add significant value to the story as they authentically and accurately convey ideas and emotions. Historically, there has been some controversy over the use of this form of combining two languages, often referred to as Spanglish. NBC recently published an interesting piece on code switching, Read more here.

Copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: October 2, 2018 Publisher: Chronicle Books ISBN: 978-1452163154

At the Movies

9/17/2018

It all begins with a great book.

Current box office receipts prove that there is significant interest in romantic comedies featuring an all Asian cast. Crazy Rich Asians has been drawing record-breaking crowds. Interestingly, the movie is based on Kevin Kwan's book with the same title. Jenny Han's YA classic To All the Boys I've Loved Before has been adapted for the screen and is available on Netflix.

But let's not stop with these fantastic films developed from contemporary fiction. There could be more. Look at these three romantic YA novels written by Asian American authors. Each, in my humble opinion, would translate well to the screen. Can you picture some of your favorite actors assuming roles in these stories? I can. If I were a movie producer looking for a follow-up hit movie, I would consider these 2018 YA books.

The Way You Make Me Feel by Maurene Goo

Clara is the class clown, the prankster. When she takes it too far, she and her arch-nemesis Rose get into a knockdown brawl. As punishment Clara and Rose must work together at KoBra, her father’s Korean-Brazilian fusion food truck. Complications arise when Hamlet from the coffee kiosk begins to pay Clara an inordinate amount of attention. After one date, he decides that she is his girlfriend. Whoa! This is more than Clara's typical superficial relationship.

Our girl has some serious growing up to do. Can she sustain a friendship with a former enemy? Can she commit to one guy? Can she work through her complicated relationship with her mother? Can she repair the damage that her impulsive actions have caused? That’s a lot to ask of one sixteen-year-old.

Maurene Goo’s romantic comedy is more than a smart, slick portrait of love and friendship. It’s also a tantalizing send-up to food trucks. Impossible to read this without having some serious cravings for walk-away eats.

Review based on uncorrected text.

Pub date: May 8 2018 Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux ISBN: 978-0374304089

From Twinkle, With Love by Sandhya Menon

Twinkle feels that she is a "nobody." Ignored by her parents, she longs to be noticed at school. The opportunity comes when Twinkle is asked to direct a movie for the local arts festival. Here is her chance to show the Colorado Springs community that she has talent.

Film geek Sahil has offered to help her produce her filmmaking debut. They brainstorm an imaginative story concept, turning the classic Dracula into a gender-reversal version. But Sahil clearly wants more than just a business relationship.

There is a slight problem. Twinkle has an ongoing crush on Sahil's athletic superstar twin brother Neil. When she begins receiving anonymous emails from a secret admirer, Twinkle assumes (hopes) that the sender is Neil.

Sandhya Menon uses a series of imaginary emails that Twinkle sends to famous women of filmdom in this story of finding where her heart lies.

Review based on uncorrected text.

Pub date: May 22, 2018 Publisher: Simon Pulse ISBN: 978-1481495400

American Panda by Gloria Chao

Mei Lu's parents have her life arranged. At the age of seventeen, she has followed the life plan that they set for her and is about to enter MIT, studying to become a doctor. Her mother, who gives new meaning to the term helicopter parent, has obtained a copy of her class schedule and relentlessly voicemails Mei, wanting to know where she is and what she is doing every moment of the day. She has even selected a suitable husband for her daughter. Mei, a germaphobe, constantly worries about contracting a disease from normal human contact and struggles to stay alert in biology class. She loves dance and is attracted to a young man who is definitely not Taiwanese.
Gloria Chao's heartwarming tale of the girl struggling to be true to herself, while honoring and respecting her family and culture is served with a generous quantity of humor. Love her. Laugh with her. Agonize with her. Mei’s story is the quintessential romantic comedy.

Review based on uncorrected text.

Pub date: February 6 2018 Publisher: Simon Pulse ISBN: 978-1481499101

Bonus: Love currently available on a screen near you.

Romantic comedy films featuring Asian Americans are winners at the box office and in the hearts of viewers.