A young person’s wartime account in the tradition of The Diary of Anne Frank follows the experiences of thirteen-year-old Russian Tatjana, who is taken to Germany as a captive laborer after Nazi Germany declares war on her country.”
Tradition
Celebrate! Connections among Cultures
Every culture has its own special traditions and reasons for celebrating. At first glance these practices seem quite different from one another, but they are actually much more alike than you may realize.
New Clothes for New Year’s Day
The New Year is the start of everything new. A young Korean girl prepares for celebrating the Lunar New Year’s Day, and the book shows a step-by-step description of her dressing in her outfit.
Featured in WOW Review Volume XI, Issue 3
People and Cities (China: Land, Life, And Culture)
Learn about the people and cities that have emerged over thousands of years in China’s ancient and complex society.
Arts and Culture (China: Land, Life, And Culture)
This book is a captivating insight into art and culture in China. It is part of a series that explores the daily life, traditions and beliefs of the Chinese people. Through the first-hand personal accounts the reader will learn about China’s history and its ancient cultures. They can examine the varied landscapes, the native plants and animals, and the diverse peoples of one of the largest countries on Earth.
Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World
This lively compilation of wishing traditions from around the world is sure to educate and inspire young readers. Each charming tradition provides insight into the cultures of lands far and near while reminding us of the similarities we all share. Includes Japan, China, Thailand, Russia, Iran, Israel, India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and the USA!
I Lost My Tooth in Africa
More than anything, Amina wants to lose her loose tooth while visiting her family in Mali, West Africa. Only then can she put it under a gourd for the African tooth fairy, who will exchange it for two chickens! Happily this happens, and even better, the chickens lay eggs. But will the eggs hatch before it’s time to return home to America? In this fresh, spontaneous story that is infused with close family warmth, Penda June Diakité joins forces with her award-winning author/artist father to give a charming peek at everyday life in Mali.
Featured in Volume 1, Issue 3 of WOW Review.
When My Name Was Keoko
Sun-hee and her older brother Tae-yul are proud of their Korean heritage. Yet they live their lives under Japanese occupation. All students must read and write in Japanese and no one can fly the Korean flag. Hardest of all is when the Japanese Emperor forces all Koreans to take Japanese names. Sun-hee and Tae-yul become Keoko and Nobuo. Korea is torn apart by their Japanese invaders during World War II. Everyone must help with war preparations, but it doesn’t mean they are willing to defend Japan. Tae-yul is about to risk his life to help his family, while Sun-hee stays home guarding life-and-death secrets.
Jane Addams Honor Book
Featured in Volume I, Issue 1 of WOW Review.
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.
Saying Good-bye: A Special Farewell to Mama Nkwelle
This deeply personal story looks at the stately Nigerian funeral for the author’s grandmother, said to be “the greatest traditional dancer of her generation,” as told by Onyefulu’s young son. “When Mama Nkwelle died, everyone came to say good-bye. Uncle Asika said it was a special good-bye. It took more days than I can count on my fingers.
Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet
Jeetas family is caught up in the whirlwind of arranging marriages for her two older sisters, but the drama and excitement leave Jeeta cold. She knows that tradition demands the parade of suitors, the marriage negotiations, the elaborate displays, the expensive wedding parties but where is the love and romance that the movies promise? She dreads her turn on the matrimonial circuit, especially since Mummy is always complaining about how difficult it will be to find Jeeta a good husband, with her dark skin and sharp tongue.As Jeeta spends more time with her new friend from school, Sarina, and Sarina’s educated, liberal parents, she begins to question her tradition-bound parents’ expectations. And when she falls in love with Sarina’s cousin, Neel, Jeeta realizes that she must strike a balance between independence and duty and follow her own path.