Theme: Childhood

When I Was Puerto Rican

By Book Importer | Published: September 7, 2011

Esmeralda Santiago’s story begins in rural Puerto Rico, where her childhood was full of both tenderness and domestic strife, tropical sounds and sights as well as poverty. Growing up, she learned the proper way to eat a guava, the sound of tree frogs in the mango groves at night, the taste of the delectable sausage [...]

Descriptors: Americas, Biography, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Puerto Rico, Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Other Themes: , , , , » 1 Comment

Cleopatra Confesses

By Book Importer | Published: September 7, 2011

The last of the pharaohs before the beginning of the Common Era, Cleopatra ascended the throne at age eighteen following the death of her father. Charming as well as smart and ambitious, she made two Roman leaders fall madly in love with her. Her greatest challenge was not her kingdom but her own sisters, blinded [...]

Descriptors: Africa, Egypt, Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

My First Garden

By Book Importer | Published: June 27, 2011

Inspired by hearing that a garden used to grow in the yard in front of his house, a boy recreates it with loving care.

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

Once

By Book Importer | Published: January 20, 2011

Once I escaped from an orphanage to find my Mum and Dad. Once I saved a girl called Zelda from a burning house. Once I made a Nazi with toothache laugh. My name is Felix. This is my story.

Descriptors: Awards, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Poland » Other Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

A Movie in My Pillow/Una Pelicula en mi almohada: Poems/Poemas

By Book Importer | Published: May 3, 2010

A young boy with two homelands and a delightful sense of wonder comes to life in Jorge Argueta’s first collection of poems for children. Young Jorgito lives in San Francisco’s Mission District, but he hasn’t forgotten his native El Salvador. He recalls the volcanoes, the tasty cornmeal pupusas, and his grandmother’s stories. As he changes [...]

Descriptors: Poetry, Primary (ages 6-9), United States of America » Other Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

When I Wore My Sailor Suit

By Book Importer | Published: January 11, 2010

When he puts on his sailor suit, sailor hat, and sailor whistle, the boy in this book is ready for a journey. He imagines himself on a ship, sailing across the sea, in search of treasure. A sailor’s life is dangerous. But a sailor must be brave no matter what happens. In this story about [...]

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

Mama & Papa Have a Store

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

A young girl tells about a day in her family’s store and home in Guatemala City. Every day customers of many heritages—speaking Spanish, Chinese, and Mayan—come to buy cloth, buttons, and thread in colors like parrot green and mango yellow, and dozens of other items. While the girl’s parents and their friends talk about their [...]

Descriptors: China, Guatemala, Primary (ages 6-9), Realistic Fiction » Other Themes: , » 2 Comments

The Good Liar

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

The year is 1940 and France has fallen to the German army. In the village of Mont-Saint-Martin, brothers Pierre, René, and Fat Marcel enjoy an idyllic childhood-stealing berry tarts, playing soldiers, and holding contests to determine who of the three is the biggest and best liar. As the small community, especially its Jewish members, begins [...]

Descriptors: France, Germany, Historical Fiction, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Counting Stars

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

This collection of children’s stories was inspired by the author’s childhood and his large Catholic family. He has combined his memories with his dreams to reflect the hopes and fears and the happiness and sorrows of his youth and find meaning for today.

Descriptors: England (UK), Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Other Themes: , » Leave a comment

Bee-Bim Bop!

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

Bee-bim bop is a traditional Korean dish of rice mixed with meat and vegetables. In bouncy rhyming text, a hungry child tells about helping her mother make bee-bim bop: shopping, preparing ingredients, setting the table, and finally sitting down with her family to enjoy a favorite meal. The energy and enthusiasm of the young narrator are [...]

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