Theme: overcoming

Wishes and Worries

By Book Importer | Published: September 26, 2011

Children of parents who drink too much alcohol are affected in many ways. They may experience anger, fear, confusion, and guilt. This reassuring book, written by professionals, offers information in the form of a story about one family’s struggle. When Dad’s drinking ruins a birthday party, everyone wishes that he would just stop. If only [...]

Descriptors: Americas, Canada, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book, Realistic Fiction » Other Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment

Sundiata: Lion King of Mali

By Book Importer | Published: August 15, 2011

The story of Sundiata, who overcame physical handicaps, social disgrace, and strong opposition to rule Mali in the thirteenth century.

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

The Bearskinner: A Tale of the Brothers Grimm

By Book Importer | Published: February 22, 2010

A dejected soldier makes a pact with the devil in this haunting, ultimately hopeful fairy tale. When a person gives up hope, is he still human? Such is the story of a soldier who has lost everything to war: his childhood home, his family and friends, his youth, and his innocence. Enter that sly opportunist, [...]

Descriptors: Europe, Folklore, Germany, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Picture Book, Primary (ages 6-9) » Other Themes: , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

First Come the Zebra

By Book Importer | Published: January 11, 2010

When two young Kenyan boys, one Maasai and one Kikuyu, first meet, they are hostile toward each other based on traditional rivalries, but after they suddenly have to work together to save a baby in danger, the boys begin to discover what they have in common. See the review at WOW Review, Volume 3, Issue [...]

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

Seven Daughters and Seven Sons

By Book Importer | Published: October 1, 2009

In an ancient Arab nation, one woman dares to be different. Buran cannot — Buran will not-sit quietly at home and wait to be married to the man her father chooses. Determined to use her skills and earn a fortune, she instead disguises herself as a boy and travels by camel caravan to a distant [...]

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

The Island on Bird Street

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

During World War II a Jewish boy is left on his own for months in a ruined house in the Warsaw Ghetto, where he must learn all the tricks of survival under constantly life-threatening conditions.

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

The Scarlet Stockings

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

As an infant, Daphne was abandoned on the doorstep of an all-girls school. Now, at thirteen, she longs to discover the truth about her past and to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a prima ballerina. When a book containing a tantalizing riddle and a magical pair of stockings arrive, her dreams of glory and [...]

Descriptors: England (UK), Fantasy, France, Intermediate (ages 9-14) » Other Themes: , , , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

The Story of the Seagull and the Cat who Taught Her to Fly

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

It’s migration time and as a mother gull dives into the water to catch a herring she’s caught in an oil slick! Thinking of the egg she is about to lay she manages to extract herself and fly to the nearest port. Exhausted, she lands on a balcony where Zorba the cat is sunning himself. [...]

Descriptors: Fantasy, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Spain » Other Themes: , , , , , , » Leave a comment

River Song

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

Jessye has each foot in two very different worlds: her grandmothers Nana’s rural village, rooted in Maori tradition, and her irresponsible mom’s city existence. Although she loves Nana fiercely, Jessye misses her flighty mom and decides to give living with her one more chance.

Descriptors: Intermediate (ages 9-14), New Zealand, Realistic Fiction » Other Themes: , , , , , , , , » Leave a comment

Po’s Story

By Yoo Kyung Sung | Published: December 1, 2008

As a member of the Kin, a band of people living in prehistoric times, young Po wants to prove his bravery but finds that doing so requires overcoming great obstacles.

Descriptors: England (UK), Fantasy, Intermediate (ages 9-14), Young Adult (ages 14-18) » Other Themes: , , , , » Leave a comment