PNLA Quarterly, Vol. 63 No.1 Fall 1998

Books That Bring People Together

As our world becomes increasingly interdependent, the use of multicultural literature as a tool to help children understand each other is more important now than ever before. Promoting the concept of a global village is vital to our understanding and tolerance of all peoples. Considering this notion, we began to look at the choices of literature available to our students. We found most multicultural books promoted one particular ethnic group, but did not necessarily reflect a global view. While we recognize books of this nature are important to our understanding of people, they do not necessarily have an underlying theme of bringing ethnic groups together. We decided to look for books which portrayed people of various ethnic backgrounds interacting in positive ways or promoted the concept of a global village through universal similarities.

In support of our criteria for promoting an interdependent global village, books such as Smokey Night by Eve Bunting and Who Belongs Here by Margy Burns-Knight start with an underlying theme of violence or hate but end with the implications for a non-violent resolution resultant of people working together. We also found Jamaica's Blue Marker by Juanita Havill, Mending Peter's Heart by Maureen Wittbold and Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco gave realistic examples of people from differing backgrounds coming together, initially under conflict, and later reaching a positive resolution and/or developing a friendship.

Other books selected, such as Welcoming Babies by Margy Burns-Knight, Shoes, Shoes, Shoes by Ann Morris and This is the Way We Eat Our Lunch by Edith Baer provided a view of universal similarities. We felt these books promote a concept of a global village because readers see that people can have individual differences, but also have much in common. As our world becomes more interdependent it seems imperative to provide children with books reflecting role models of interconnectedness in ways they can relate to.

PEOPLE COMING TOGETHER

Bunting, Eve. Smokey Night. Illus. by David Diaz. 1994. 32p. Harcourt Brace, $15.00 (0-15-269954-6). A crisis forces people from the same neighborhood but differing ethnic backgrounds to seek shelter. The rescue of two cats, once rivals, becomes a catalyst for friendship between neighbors.

Cowen-Fletcher, Jane. It Takes a Village. 1994. 30p. Scholastic, $14.95 (0-590-46573-2); paper, $4.95 (0-590-46598-8). The African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child, is exemplified in this book. For market day Yemi is given the responsibility of watching her younger brother Kokou, but he slips from her sight and she learns that in her culture everyone helps raise the children.

DiSalvo-Ryan, DyAnne. City Green. 1994. 32p. Morrow, $15.00 (0-688-12787-8). This book shows what a neighborhood, regardless of differences, can do when they work together toward a common cause. Included is an address and tips for starting your community garden.

Dooley, Norah. Everybody Cooks Rice. Illus. by Peter J. Thornton. 1991. 32p. Carolrhoda, $18.95 (0-87614-412-1); paper, $6.95 (0-87614-591-8). We all eat and rice is a staple for many cultures. Young Carrie searches her multi-ethnic neighborhood for her brother and learns everyone is having rice for dinner with their own unique flavors.

Dooley, Norah. Everybody Bakes Bread. Illus. by Peter J. Thornton. 1996. 40p. Carolrhoda, $18.95 (0-87614-864-X). Carrie and her brother Anthony are back in this delightful story about breads across cultures and three-handled rolling pins. Carries mother sent her to the neighbors to borrow a three-handled rolling pin. If you are wondering what a three-handled rolling pin looks like, so was Carrie, until Mrs. DeLoach offered to let Carrie's mother use her three-legged ladle if she ever needed one.

Friedman, Ina R. How My Parents Learned to Eat. Illus. by Allen Say. 1984. 32p. Houghton Mifflin, $14.95 (0-395-35379-3); paper, $4.95 (0-395-44325-4). When two people from different cultures come together they must take it upon themselves to learn about each other's customs. This heartwarming story shares an interracial courtship as told by their daughter.

Havill, Juanita. Jamaica's Blue Marker. Illus. by Anne Sibley O'Brien. 1995. 32p. Houghton Mifflin, $13.95 (0-395-72036-2). Jamaica becomes a problem solver. Russel scribbles on Jamaica's art picture and her anger is turned into understanding when she realizes the reason for his actions. Russel's frustration over a family move is acknowledged by Jamaica when she states she will miss him and gives him a special going away gift. Look for other stories about Jamaica that show her resolving realistic conflicts (i.e Jamaica's Find; Jamaica Tag-Along; Jamaica and Brianna).

Hoffman, Mary. Amazing Grace. Illus. by Caroline Binch. 1991. 26p. Dial, $14.99 (0-8037-1040-2). This wonderfully illustrated and thoughtful story finds Grace's self-esteem is at stake because she is told girls can't be Peter Pan nor can someone who is Black. In the end, the students learn a lesson about picking the best person for the lead role regardless of gender or skin color. Look for the sequel, Boundless Grace, to enrich your students further.

Knight, Margy Burns. Who Belongs Here? An American Story. Illus. by Anne Sibley O'Brien. 1993. 40p. Tilbury House, $16.95 (0-88448-110-7). This is a poignant and realistic view of a young immigrant coming to the United States. As his classmates begin to contrast their past and present heritage they realize an important lesson about the origin of all Americans.

Moore, Inga. Six Dinner Sid. 1991. 32p. Simon & Schuster, $15.00 (0-671-73199-8); paper, $5.95 (0-671-79613-5). This heartwarming story about a clever cat named Sid will bring a smile to audiences as they watch him outsmart his former owners. The absence of communication in his first neighborhood contrasts with the community spirit between his new owners.

Mochizuki, Ken. Heroes. Illus. by Dom Lee. 1995. 32p. Lee & Low, $14.95 (1-880000-16-4). Donnie is constantly bullied because of his perceived heritage until his United States war veteran father and uncle come to school one day dressed in uniform. They engage all the boys in a friendly game of football that results in a new understanding of Donnie's family.

Pfeffer, Wendy. Marta's Magnets. Illus. by Gail Piazza. 1995. 32p. Silver Press, $13.95 (0-382-24931-3); paper, $5.95 (0-382-24932-1). Marta, a new girl in the neighborhood is challenged with making new friends. She discovers her fascination for collecting magnets becomes the attraction for establishing friends. This book is a natural for blending literature and scientific understanding.

Polacco, Patricia. Mrs. Katz and Tush. 1992. 32p. Bantam, $15.00 (0-553-08122-5); paper, 4.99 (0-440-40936-5). In a neighborhood that reflects diversity on several levels, Larnel believes he has the perfect cure for his lonely neighbor, Mrs. Katz. As a result of his thoughtful and caring act a bright friendship begins between young and old generations.

Polacco, Patricia. Chicken Sunday. 1992. 32p. Philomel, $14.95 (0-399-22133-6). Mrs. Eula May Walker helps the neighborhood children see the good in people through her own actions. In this touching story, friends and family find something special to do for her and create memories of friendship in the process.

Polacco, Patricia. Pink and Say. 1994. 48p. Philomel, $15.95 (0-399-22671-0). In this Polacco family story set in the Civil War, two young boys from different worlds create a powerful tale of friendship. This book is ideal for reading aloud in a social studies class.

Raschka, Chris. Yo! Yes? 1993. 32p. Orchard, $14.95 (0-531-05469-1). This book contains a simple text and a positive image about cross-cultural friendship. Raschka's expressive illustrations could stand alone, but the combination of words makes the book even more powerful.

Rattigan, Jama Kim. Dumpling Soup. Illus. by Lillian Hsu-Flanders. 1993. 32p. Little, $15.95 (0-316-73445-4). Every New Year's Eve Marisa's family gathers at her grandmother's home to make the traditional dumpling soup. Cooking, playing games, watching fireworks and laughing together make this a special time for a family her grandmother calls "chop suey" because they are from Korean, Chinese, Hawaiian, and "haole" (Hawaiian for Anglos) descent.

Reiser, Lynn. Margaret and Margarita/Margarita y Margaret. 1993. 32p. Greenwillow, $14.00 (0-688-12239-6). Two girls from two cultures, come to the same park to play and become friends despite their language barrier. Their attempts to communicate becomes a catalyst for a friendship between their mothers.

Shelby, Anne. Potluck. Illus. by Irene Trivas. 1991. 32p. Orchard, $14.95 (0-531-08519-8); paper, $5.95 (0-531-07045-X). Eating and preparing ethnic foods has become the most natural means of acculturation between people, but there is no meal quite like this potluck where everyone brings a special food item to share.

Shelf-Madearis, Angela. The Adventures of Sugar and Junior. Illus. by Nancy Poydar. 1995. 32p. Holiday House, $15.95 (0-8234-1182-6). Sugar, a girl "near" Junior's age, moves in next door. They play together, bake together, go to scary movies and share ice-cream cones within a friendship that will have readers smiling.

Vigna, Judith. Black Like Kyra, White Like Me. 1992. 32p. Albert Whitman, $13.95 (0-8075-0778-4). Christy and Kyra are friends at the youth center, but when Kyra's family moves into her neighborhood their friendship is challenged. Christy's family helps her understand racism and sets an example of acceptance for all people.

Williams, Karen. When Africa Was Home. 1991. 32p. Orchard. Peter is influenced by his African nanny as much as his mother. When he thinks of home he is torn between Africa and America.

Wittbold, Maureen. Mending Peter's Heart. Illus. by Larry Salk. 1995. 32p. Portunus, $13.95 (0-9641330-4-0); paper, $8.95 (0-9641330-2-4). Young Peter has lost his beloved dog and old Mr. MacIntyre knows through experience what it feels like to lose a loved one. The need for someone to feel and understand their hurt evolves into a friendship across cultures and age.

Stanley F. Steiner, Books that Bring People Together© BSU 208-385-3962

POETRY

Hamanaka, Sheila. All the Colors of the Earth. 1994. 32p. Morrow, $15.00 (0-688-11131-9). Illustrated in warm tones interwoven with poetic form, Hamanaka enlightens readers about all the colors on this earth reflected through her children.

Maguire, Arlene. We're All Special. Illus. by Sheila Lucas. 1995. 32p. Portunus, $12.00 (0-9641330-3-2). A poetic description of how each of us are unique yet have universal qualities. The warm illustrations depict diversity in a broad sense.

Nikola-Lisa, W. Bein' With You This Way. Illus. by Michael Bryant. 1994. 32p. Lee & Low Books, $14.95, paper $5.95 (1-880000-26-1). This book is written in a poetic street rhyme chant to reflect the physical characteristics that make us who we are. It is a very upbeat book full of many happy children.

Nye, Naomi Shihab. This Same Sky: A Collection of Poems From Around the World. 1992. 224p. Four Winds Press, $15.95 (0-02-768440-7). This is a unique thematic collection of poetry from around the world. Topics such as families, losses, human mysteries, and places where we live are found in this eclectic compilation by universal poets.

Rosen, Michael J. The Greatest Table. Illus. by Sixteen Different Artists. 1994. 16p. Harcourt Brace, $18.95 (0-15-200028-3). This twelve-foot accordion book has a message about world hunger for all to hear. The illustrations around the theme of food are exceptional. Part of the proceeds go to support Share Our Strength's projects.

Ryder, Joanne. Earth Dance. Illus. by Norman Garbaty. 1996. 32p. Henry Holt, $16.95 (0-8050-2678-9). We all experience the beauty around us regardless of the regions across the land. No matter where and who we are, we all share the same precious Earth. The verse and illustrations dance across the pages in tribute to this planet.

Yolen, Jane. Street Rhymes Around the World. Illus. by 17 International Artists. 1992. 40p. Boyds Mills Press, $16.95 (1-878093-53-3). All children play and Yolen has edited a multicultural masterpiece with artists from around the world. Songs, rhymes and chants are featured in the native language and English. Look for this same format in her companion book, Sleep Rhymes Around the World.

Stanley F. Steiner, Books that Bring People Together© BSU 208-385-3962

UNIVERSAL SIMILARITIES

Baer, Edith. This is the Way We Eat Our Lunch. Illus. by Steve Björkman. 1995. 40p. Scholastic, $14.95 (0-590-46887-1). Everybody eats and Baer and Björkman provide us with a playful look at this universal act from children around the world. Look for their previous collaboration, This is the Way We Go to School, for another example of children's similarities from classrooms around the world.

Bernhard, Emery & Durga. A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying Around the World. 1996. 32p. Gulliver, $15.00 (0-15-200870-5). As the mothers do their daily chores and routines the infant snuggles while sleeping or observing his/her newfound world. The informative text and simple warm illustrations support the togetherness of mother and child.

Bernhard, Emery. Happy New Year. Illus, by Durga Bernard. 1996. 32p. Lodestar, $14.99 (0-525-67532-9). The mark of a new year in any culture does not go unnoticed. This book provides the origins and celebrations of the New Year from around the world. Readers may find some of their family and community traditions as they peruse the lively illustrations.

Copsey, Susan E. Children Just Like Me. 1995. 82p. Dorling Kindersley, $16.95 (0-7894-0201-7). Photos from around the world of children, their families, their home, interests, favorite foods and an informative text make this book a universal view of similarities. Included at the end of the book is information for making a cross-cultural friend by becoming a pen pal.

Feldman, Eve B. Birthdays! Celebrating Life Around the World. Illus. by Children From Around the World Through Paintbrush Diplomacy. 1996. 32p. Bridge Water Books, $14.95 (0-8167-3494-1). Twenty five countries celebrating birthdays in special ways. The similarities evolve around life, friends and family, foods, special dress and a joyous time for those in attendance. The children's illustrations reflect the gala celebration.

Frasier, Debra. On the Day You Were Born. 1991. 32p. Harcourt Brace, $13.95 (0-15-257995-8); paper, $6.95 (0-15-200234-0). Regardless of where you were born in this world we all have the same sun and moon and sky. And planet Earth is our common home.

Gray, Nigel. A Country Far Away. Illus. by Philippe Dupasquier. 1988. 32p. Orchard, $14.95 (0-531-05792-5); paper, $5.95 (0-531-07024-7). This book is a clever narrative coupled with playful illustrations of two young boys living a typical day in separate communities. Readers will experience the unique similarities found in North America and Africa.

Hoffman, Judith Corwin. Harvest Festivals Around the World. 1995. 48p. Silver Burdette, $14.95 (0-671-87239-7); paper, $7.95 (0-671-87240-0). Universally the season of reward, harvest, is celebrated by crop producing peoples. The cultural traditions of these celebrations make them unique, but for everyone everywhere the time is filled with joy. This book offers harvest descriptions, activities, recipes and possibilities for an international celebration.

Knight, Margy Burns. Welcoming Babies. Illus. by Anne Sibley O'Brien. 1994. 34p. Tilbury House, $14.95 (0-88448-123-9). Loving babies is universal. In this beautiful book we experience the celebration of birth in fourteen different cultures.

Lankford, Mary D. Jacks Around the World. Illus. by Karen Dugan. 1996. 40p. Morrow, $16.00 (0-688-13707-5). This book includes easy to follow instructions, rules and sketches of various versions of jacks from thirteen countries around the world. An excellent companion to this book is Hopscotch Around the World, also by these two artists.

Lewin, Ted. Market! 1996. 48p. Lothrop, $16.00 (0-688-12161-6). A wonderfully illustrated book which depicts the theme and essence of markets across the continents.

McDonald, Megan. My House Has Stars. Illus. by Peter Catalanotto. 1996. 32p. Orchard, $15.95 (0-531-09529-0). The stars in the sky are seen by children throughout the world. Catalanotto's luminous illustrations bring life to children as they describe their homes from eight geographic locations around the world. The earth becomes their common house with the sky for a roof and stars to light the night.

Morris, Ann. Shoes, Shoes, Shoes. 1995. 32p. Lothrop, $15.00 (0-688-13666-4). Ann Morris has created a wonderful series of books that recognize a variety of cultures through shared themes. In this book about shoes, readers will dance, play, work, and travel across the globe. Look for the other books in the series: Houses and Homes; Bread, Bread, Bread; Hats, Hats, Hats; Loving; On the Go, and; Tools (all Lothrop).

Morris, Ann. The Daddy Book. Photographs by Ken Heyman. 1996. 32p. Silver Press, $15.95 (0-382-24696-9). This is a heartwarming look at fathers and their special qualities from around the world. This is one of the books in The World's Family Series in which Morris and Heyman have combined their talents. Others in the series are, The Mommy Book and The Baby Book (both Silver Burdette).

Rotner, Shelley & Sheila M. Kelly. Lots of Moms. 1996. 24p. Dial, $13.00 (0-8037-1892-6). Everyone has a mother and they are found all over the world. The photographs throughout the book support many of the special things mothers do, from playing with us, to comforting us when we are hurt.

Siegen-Smith, Nikki. Songs for Survival: Songs and Chants from the Tribal Peoples Around the World. Illus. by Bernard Lodge. 1996. 80p. Dutton, $18.99 (0-525-45567-7). Issues important to tribal cultures in this compilation of songs and chants include genesis, animals, the elements, and survival. Also included is a brief summary of the indigenous peoples from six different regions across the globe.

Sierra, Judy. Nursery Tales Around the World. Illus. by Stefano Vitale. 1996. 114p. Clarion, $19.95 (0-395-67894-3). Sierra researched and collected these tales from around the world. Her retelling are arranged by themes such as: Runaway Cookies; Incredible Appetites; Victory of the Smallest; Chain Tales; Slowpokes and Speedsters; and, Fooling the Big Bad Wolf.

Steele, Philip. The World of Festivals. 1996. 46p. Rand McNally, $12.95 (0-528-83758-3). This book compares festivals throughout the year from a large number of nations. Some of the themes found in this book focus on religious celebrations, death, independence, seasons, family, and rites of passage.

UNICEF. A Children's Chorus. 11 International Artists. 1989. 26p. Dutton, $12.95 (0-525-44545-5). This book is a tribute to the rights of children throughout the world. Supported by illustrations from 11 international artists, 10 universal principles of children's rights are presented.

Wild, Margaret. Our Granny. Illus. by Julie Vivas. 1994. 32p. Ticknor & Fields, $13.95 (0-395-67023-3). Grannies become even more special after sharing this book. Julie Vivas' lively watercolors matched with vibrant text about grandmothers who do anything, but none as special as your own, does much to promote their universal image.

Stanley F. Steiner, Books that Bring People Together© BSU 208-385-3962

Sidebar: Teachers can demonstrate global interdependence in their classrooms. Have students check clothing and product labels in the classroom and graph the results. This activity could be extended to individual homes and collectively shared and graphed on a subsequent day at school.

Sidebar: Using the books listed under universal similarities, schools could have multicultural events throughout the year featuring international games, foods, stories, poetry, art, and cultural activities to promote cultural awareness.

Sidebar: Books like Potluck by Anne Shelby, Bread, Bread, Bread by Anne Morris, and Everybody Cooks Rice by Nora Dooley can be used to discuss and show the acculturation that has taken place in our world. The school or classroom might include such a food festival or potluck into their celebration of a global community.

For further information or inservice opportunities contact Stan at: Boise State University 208-385-3962 e-mail ssteiner@claven.idbsu.edu