School Days Around The World

“What is a school? Is it a building with classrooms? Or can it be any place where children learn?” The fascinating stories that follow will expand how young readers think of school, as they learn about the experiences of real children in thirteen different countries around the world.

The Name Jar

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from.

Join the discussion of The Name Jar as well as other books centered around relocation on our My Take/Your Take page.

This book has been included in WOW’s Language and Learning: Children’s and Young Adult Fiction Booklist. For our current list, visit our Booklist page under Resources in the green navigation bar.

Featured in Volume VII, Issue 4 of WOW Review.

Kusikiy: A Child from Taquile, Peru

KUSIKIY A CHILD FROM TAQUILE, PERU, by author and illustrator Mercedes Cecilia is a unique story that draws us into the kaleidoscopic and mysterious world of a Peruvian child. KUSIKIY lives in The Andes Mountains of Peru in a small island in Lake Titikaka.

City Kitty Cat

A witty, city kitty goes on a wild journey in this lively picture book illustrated with a retro vibe and discovers that there’s no place like home! City Kitty Cat loves driving his cab through the city, visiting museums and eating at fancy restaurants. But then he makes some new friends who convince him to join them in their wild home. Can a city kitty call the jungle home sweet home?

Drum Dream Girl

Follows a girl in the 1920s as she strives to become a drummer, despite being continually reminded that only boys play the drums, and that there has never been a female drummer in Cuba. Includes note about Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, who inspired the story, and Anacaona, the all-girl dance band she formed with her sisters.

The 14th Dalai Lama (Puffin Lives)

Portrait of a man who is a living embodiment of the ideals of peace, democracy and freedom perfect for young readers! The road to Lhasa was lined with people who had gathered to see the new reincarnation. Dressed in finery they thronged the streets waiting for a glimpse of their new ruler. Looking out of his carriage, the Dalai Lama saw people crying with joy. Their Kundun had returned. Born to a family of farmers in a remote corner of Tibet, Lhamo Dhondup, was recognized as the fourteenth reincarnation of the Dalai Lama at the age of two. He took charge of his country in 1950 when the Chinese invaded Tibet.

Pedro And George

Pedro and George are fed up with the children of the world getting them confused. Pedro is a crocodile, and George is an alligator. There’s a difference, you know. This determined pair decides to go on a mission to prove who’s who, once and for all.