In a world of latchkey kids, these books provide an extended family for readers. They provide participation in the community and traditions of some of the most revered and respected peoples in American history. Learn the importance of community and family, the incredible impact of elders as role models, and the value of keeping traditions alive in these magnificently photographed books.
Tradition
Racing the Sun
Being Navajo wasn’t something twelve-year-old Brandon Rogers liked to advertise. His father had left his Indian heritage behind when he went to college and Brandon had grown up in suburbia-just a regular kid. But then Brandon’s Navajo grandfather moved off the reservation and into the lower bunk in Brandon’s room! It wasn’t easy having a roommate who chanted himself to sleep and got you out of bed before sunrise to race the sun. But now Brandon’s learning lessons he’ll never forget. Like how to take on the old ways without giving up the new. And how to grow up proud and strong … with a heritage as real as an old man’s love.
Kibitzers and Fools
Thirteen brief, illustrated, traditional Jewish tales, each accompanied by an appropriate saying.
Naty’s Parade
Naty is excited to be dancing in the fiesta parade, until she gets lost in the city streets and cannot find the parade again.
The 12 Days of Christmas
This story sets the traditional Christmas carol in Africa, using a combination of text and rebuses. This book includes author’s note about some of the African traditions depicted.
Mecca (Holy Cities)
Charts the development of Mecca as the most holy city for the world’s community of Muslims, and explains clearly the history of Islam itself; shows how Mecca symbolizes the richness of Islam through its traditions, its religious festivals, and powerful art and architecture.
Magid Fasts for Ramadan
It is the first day of Ramadan, the month when Muslims don’t eat and drink anything all day from sunrise to sunset. Magid’s parents have told him that he is not old enough to fast during the Ramadan, but Magid does not want to wait. Set in present-day Cairo, Egypt.
Nights of the Pufflings
On a tiny island off the coast of Iceland, Halla and her friends wait with anticipation. Every spring, millions of puffins, the clowns of the sea, return to nest, lay eggs, and raise their chicks to pufflings. That means Halla and her friends will be busy in August when the pufflings venture out at night to take their first flight. Then, all of the children stay out all night, too. During the nights of the pufflings they rescue thousands of stranded young birds, and in the daytime set them safely free at the beach. In Nights of the Pufflings, Bruce McMillan captures the unique and endearing story of an island tradition.
The Ainu: A Story of Japan’s Original People
The Ainu examines the culture of the Ainu people of Hokkaido.
Maples In The Mist
A collection of short poems written over 1000 years ago by such poets of the Tang Dynasty as Li Po, Yin Luan, and Du Mu.