Young Shu Lok didn’t know there was a war until it appeared on his doorstep. Overnight, everything changes. His parents send him away, tucking him into a basket alongside his cousins to be carried to safety. They travel in search of a place the war does not reach, over cloud wreathed clifftops, and through cold, hungry nights where a rocky bed and cold bean curd cake are all that await him. But Shu Lok comes to find that war does not define him. He remembers his parents’ words: be powerful like a dragon. Even if food and comfort are scarce, strength, resilience, and kindness can always be found. Even in the harshest times, dragons can learn to fly.
Biography – Autobiography- Memoir
Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life In The Mountains
The grit of How to Solve a Problem meets the lyricism of Drum Dream Girl in Anita Yasuda’s evocative picture book biography about Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Everest.
Daughter Of the Light-Footed People: The Story Of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez
From the copper canyons of Mexico her swift footsteps echo. Clip clap, clip clap. Experience a 60-mile run with Indigenous athlete Lorena Ramirez, who captured the world’s attention when she won an ultramarathon in Mexico wearing a skirt and rubber sandals — the traditional clothes of the Rarámuri, the light-footed people.
This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.
Featured in WOW Review Volume XVIII, Issue 1.
As The Seas Rise: Nicole Hernández Hammer And The Fight For Climate Justice
A picturebook biography of environmental scientist and activist Nicole Hernandez Hammer, who was recognized by former First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2015 State of the Union address for her efforts to educate people about climate change and its disproportionate impact on communities of color.
This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.
Just A Girl: A True Story Of World War Ii
In this award-winning memoir translated from Italian to English, a Jewish girl grows up during a difficult time of racial discrimination and war, and discovers light in unexpected places. This classic, powerful story from Lia Levi is adapted for young readers, with beautiful black-and-white illustrations, a family photo album, and a powerful author’s note to readers. 1938, Italy. Six-year-old Lia loves to build sandcastles at the beach and her biggest problem is her shyness and quiet, birdlike voice–until prime minister Mussolini joins forces with Hitler in World War II, and everything changes. Now there are laws saying Jewish children can’t go to school, Jews can’t work, or go on vacation. It’s difficult for Lia to understand why this is happening to her family. When her father loses his job, they must give up their home and move from city to city.As war comes closer, it becomes too dangerous to stay together, and Lia and her sisters are sent to hide at a convent. Will she ever be “just a girl” again? The memoir is full of poignant moments of friendship and loss, dreaded tests at school, told in Lia’s captivating voice, as she grows into a young teen.
Mariano’s First Glove/ El Primer Guante De Mariano (English And Spanish Edition)
“This bilingual picture book for kids recalls Major League Baseball pitcher Mariano Rivera’s childhood in Panama, his fascination with playing ball-even if he had to make his glove out of cardboard-and his eventual signing with the New York Yankees, where he helped win five World Series”–
Planting Hope: A Portrait Of Photographer Sebastião Salgado
As a young boy, Sebastiao Salgado loved exploring his parents’ farm in the forests of Brazil, always dreaming of what might lie beyond his view. When he went away to school, he met Lelia, who showed him how to use a camera. As he looked through the lens, Sebastiao realized he could use photography to capture how the world fits together.
Sebastiao used his pictures to tell the stories of people who might not otherwise be seen. But after witnessing too much destruction, he put away his camera and returned to his childhood home. The land was in ruins.
So Sebastiao and Lelia decided to rebuild the rainforest and photograph the beauty of the world to save it. Through art and activism, they would show that everyone was responsible for caring for the planet and that hope endures if we take action.
This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.
Areli Is A Dreamer: A True Story By Areli Morales, A Daca Recipient
“In the first picture book written by a DACA dreamer Areli Morales tells her own powerful and vibrant immigration story of moving from a quiet town in Mexico to the bustling and noisy metropolis of New York City”–
Pedro And The Monster Eater / Pedro Y Los Devoradores De Monstruos
Pedro is a young boy from a family of talented artists specializing in papier-mâché sculptures. Growing up surrounded by creativity, Pedro learns the art of crafting piñatas, masks, and mojigangas—giant puppets used in Mexico’s vibrant parades and festivals. As Pedro grows older, he becomes increasingly involved in the family business, honing his skills in papier-mâché sculpture. However, tragedy strikes when Pedro falls ill, plagued by terrifying nightmares of the mojigangas coming to life and chasing him. In his dreams, he is saved by fierce creatures called alebrijes, who devour the monsters. Inspired by his dreams, Pedro begins to recreate the alebrijes using paper and glue, infusing them with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Soon, his creations attract attention from far and wide, and people flock to buy Pedro’s monster eaters.
Based on the life of artist Pedro Linares, this bilingual picture book weaves together the fascinating origin story of Mexico’s beloved folk art with striking illustrations of the magical creatures Pedro creates. It serves as a captivating introduction to the world of art for young readers and a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of imagination. Perfect for parents and teachers seeking to inspire children’s interest in art and cultural traditions.
Homeland: My Father Dreams Of Palestine
In this autobiographical picture book, three young girls eagerly await for their father to tell them stories about his homeland of Palestine. It is through his memories of the Old City of Jerusalem that brings the city to life for the sisters, instilling love for a place they have never been and likely will never visit. But through their father’s memories, they will always return.