Papa and Me: Multicultural Literature

Papa and Me, written by Arthur Dorros and illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
Publisher: Rayo: An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Pages: 26

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Multicultural Literature

Rating: Thumbs Up!!

As we go through this story, we share a glimps in the day of an English and Spanish speaking father and son. They wake up, eat, sing, walk and play, and finally ride the bus to see family. All of the activities listed are given in English and some Spanish.

I really liked the artistry of the illustrator, as the colorful pictures seemed to dance off the page. The father and son we almost appearing to fly through their day together and the color choice was happy/cheerful. I also appreciated the way both English and Spanish were combined in the text, to share with any reader. This book received a "Thumbs Up!!"

Planting the Trees of Kenya, the Story of Wangari Maathai: Multicultural Literature

Planting the Trees of Kenya, the Story of Wangari Maathai, written and illustrated by Claire A. Nivola

Publisher: Frances Foster Books

Pages: 30

Genre: Multicultural Literature, Biography, Non-Fiction

Rating: Thumbs Up!!

This is the true story of Wangari Maathai and her contributions to her native homeland of Kenya. We first learn of her early thoughts on the greenness and life of the landscape of Kenya. She talks of her favorite things to play with in nature and the respect given to the fig trees.

When Wangari is of age, she goes to America and studies Biology at college. She is away for 5 years and then return to Kenya. She is very disturbed by the changes that have occured in her homeland and the failing health of her people. Through this book we discover how the efforts of Ms. Maathai, the planting of trees, and the hard work of many women in her village has changed the future of Kenya.

I liked the aspect that it is not only a true, but also inspirational story. One person can make a difference. The colorfully drawn illustrations showed the greenness and then the devestation of Kenya, seen by Wangari. At the end of the book, there are also additional related facts. For all of these reasons, it was given a "Thumbs Up!!"

Listen to the Wind, The Story of Dr. Greg & Three Cups of Tea: Multicultural Literature

Listen to the Wind, The Story of Dr. Greg & Three cups of Tea, written by Greg Mortenson & Susan L. Roth and illustrated by (collages by) Susan L. Roth
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers

Pages: 32

Genre: Bibliography, Multicultural Literature, Non-Fiction

Rating: Thumbs Up!!

This is the story of Dr. Greg Mortensons and his first travels to Pakistan through the eyes of the children he meets in the village of Korphe. The children in the text describe their life, what school was like, and the impact of the hiking visitor that stumbled into their town, Dr. Greg.

After falling in love with the people of Korphe, Dr. Greg promises the children to return with materials to build and create a school for them. He follows through with his promise and the people are forever greatful.

I loved this book! The collages were captivating and the story was excellent -- and true! I rated it a "Thumbs Up!!" and will probably use this in the classroom when appropriate. I also enjoyed the fun facts Korphe scrapbook details given at the end of the book and on-line resources.