Region: United States of America

Materials from United States of America

In The Small, Small Night

Kofi can’t sleep in his new home in the United States, so his older sister Abena soothes his fears about life in a different country by telling him two folktales from their native Ghana about the nature of wisdom and perseverance.

Other Descriptors: Early Years (ages 2-6), Ghana, Picture Book » Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Crossing

This young, lyrical picture book reveals the adventure and natural wonders that Lewis & Clark encountered on their Western expedition in the early 1800s. Told from the point of view of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the baby on Sacagawea’s back, this story offers a fresh perspective of a young country and gives voice to a character [...]

Other Descriptors: Americas, Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Beneath A Meth Moon

Laurel Daneau has moved on to a new life, in a new town, but inside she’s still reeling from the loss of her beloved mother and grandmother after Hurricane Katrina washed away their home. Laurel’s new life is going well, with a new best friend, a place on the cheerleading squad and T-Boom, co-captain of [...]

Other Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), Realistic Fiction, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Themes: , , , , » 2 Comments

Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match / Marisol McDreonald No Combina

Marisol McDonald, a biracial, nonconformist, soccer-playing pirate-princess with brown skin and red hair, celebrates her uniqueness.

Other Descriptors: Awards, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , » 2 Comments

Red Ridin’ In The Hood: And Other Cuentos

Eleven classic tales are retold with an injection of Latino culture, providing a twist on the traditional forms while sustaining a freshness all their own. The title story, “Red Ridin’ in the Hood,” moves the setting to the barrio, where Red decides to brave dangerous Forest Street in order to reach her abuelita and encounters [...]

Other Descriptors: Americas, Fantasy, Folklore, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment

Same, Same but Different

Pen pals Elliott and Kailash discover that even though they live in different countries–America and India–they both love to climb trees, own pets, and ride school buses.

Other Descriptors: India, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Themes: , , , » Leave a comment

A Summer’s Trade

Tony saves all his summer job money to buy the beautiful saddle at the trading post, but when his grandmother becomes ill after pawning her valuable bracelet to help Tony’s uncle, Tony is faced with a difficult decision.

Other Descriptors: Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Unbreakable Code

John’s mother is geting married and he has to leave the reservation. John’s grandfather tells him he has the special unbreakable code to take with him. This story portrays the quiet pride of a Navajo code talker as he explains to his grandson how the Navajo language, faith and ingenuity helped win World War II.

Other Descriptors: Historical Fiction, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero

This story reveals the life of a Native American boy named Wassaja, who was kidnapped from his tribe and sold as a slave. Adopted and renamed Carlos Montezuma, the young boy traveled throughout the Old West, bearing witness to the poor treatment of Native Americans. Carlos eventually became a doctor and leader for his people.

Other Descriptors: Biography, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book » Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

The Fire Stealers

Tells how several animals failed in their efforts to steal fire for the Hopis, but eventually Vulture succeeded.

Other Descriptors: Folklore, Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Themes: , , , , , » Leave a comment