Safiya and her mum rarely see eye to eye. They don’t seem to have anything in common. But when her mother falls into a coma, Safiya must come to terms with their complex relationship. As she waits by her mother’s bedside, Safiya finds herself in a confusing alternate world, where she meets a rebellious teenage girl who looks suspiciously familiar.
A 6-year old boy loves spending time with his immigrant grandfather, Luis, who teaches him many things as they spend time in his garden, a place of wonder and illumination. It is the place where the boy practices to read and write, as well as the place where he learns of his grandfather’s experiences. As a war refugee, Luis was unable to go to school and therefore never learned how to read and write. But he instills his wisdom of language to his grandson, as well as his experiences and talents as an artist, a cook and a gardener.
This book is part of the WOW Dozen: Difficult and Challenging Topics in Children’s Literature list.
This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.
Years after a major earthquake, which is said to have been caused by a rising and falling catfish under Japan, creates different zones in which time passes differently, Sora and her father secretly investigate the off-limit zones in order to find the answer behind the time anomalies and the disappearance of Sora’s mother. But one day her father begins to act strangely – his memory appears to be deteriorating. When he disappears, Sora has no choice but to venture down deep into the time zone to find her father and, perhaps, the catfish itself.
Featured in WOW Review Volume XVI, Issue 4.
A crow finds itself alone in an empty corner in this (almost wordless) picture book. With only thoughts for company, the crow begins to pass the time by filling the empty space with furnishings and hobbies. But even after all the decorating, which includes a growing plant and wall-to-ceiling art, there is still something missing. Finally, the crow adds a window and discovers the need to connect with the world outside. The need for friendship.
The story of a Palestinian family’s ties to the land, and how one young girl finds a way to care for her home, even as she says goodbye.
Featured in WOW Review Volume XVII, Issue 1.
After a knee injury sidelines her ballet dreams, Maisie struggles with her new reality as she is no longer able to maintain her ballet training and auditions. While her family is supportive, Maisie knows they do not understand the hopelessness that she feels. Her anxieties soon lead to dark moods that begin to hurt as much as the pain in her knee. She has no interest in the planned family road trip along the coast, near the Makah community where her mother grew up. How can she possibly keep pretending to be strong?
In this fresh, sensitive, diary style graphic novel, 12-year-old Tuva’s questions about becoming a teenager are confusing, so when her first crush turns out to be on another girl, it feels absolutely wonderful—so why does it become so complicated?
A beautifully illustrated collection of true stories that celebrates 50 notable American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian people. Learn about the lives and contributions of Indigenous artists, activists, scientists, athletes and other change makers.
Join Sameer and his family as they prepare to celebrate Holi and the beginning of spring! Platters are filled with scrumptious sweets and a rainbow of powdered colors are set out for the messy festivities that are about to commence. But after seeing his sisters throw colors and water balloons at each other, young Sameer begins to get nervous. His family notices this and come up with a fun solution for Sameer to overcome his fear so that he may enjoy celebrating in the bright and messy colors of spring. Complete with a glossary of Hindu words and recipes, It’s Holi! celebrates history, family, traditions, and all the excitement that comes with it.
This moving tale introduces the youngest picture book audience to a girl who misses her grandmother, whom she calls Tata or Tatita, as is traditional in many Spanish-speaking cultures and yearns to spend time with her. But Tatita is not here any more. The spare, striking illustrations make it ambiguous whether the girl misses her tata because she lives in a faraway place, is ill, or has passed on. Yet this gorgeous, deceptively simple book’s ending makes it clear that no matter what, your tatita lives in your heart, and you can always hold her in your memory.