The Surrender Tree

The Surrender Tree (2008) by Margarita Engle. 166 pages.
ISBN-13: 978-0-8050-8674-4
2009 Pura Belpre Award and Newbery Honor Book

This historical fiction is told in verse; the story takes place between 1850 and 1899, across three of Cuba's bloody wars for independence from Spain. The story setting is framed at the beginning: in 1869, Cuban plantation owners freed their slaves and declared independence from Spain; in 1896 Cuban peasants were ordered to reach "reconcentration camps" within eight days. Nurses hid in the jungle, healing people with medicinal plants.

Each lyrical entry is told in first person by Rosa, Jose, Lieutenant Death and Silvia. Rosa, the main character, is a healer, hiding and healing in caves while moving secretly through the jungle with her husband, Jose. Lieutenant Death constantly searches for runaways and seeks to kill the witch, Rosa. Eleven-year-old Silvia is a peasant who's father is died and mother is dying. She spends her days farming and caring for her brothers; they've been ordered to a "reconcentration camp". Rosa and Jose work to help her and other refugees.

Following the story are an author's note, an historical note and chronology. Rosa and Jose are historical figures among the fictional characters in the book; their story has been imagined from accounts of survivors of Weyler's concentration camps.

The book's very serious, and sometimes gruesome, themes of the realities of war, refugees and survival should be discussed with a young reader. Well written entries provide a glimpse of the characters' responses and feelings through these difficult events. Verse is an interesting and manageable approach to presenting this story.

Interview with Margarita Engle, the first Latina to win the Newbery.

Curriculum Connection: History-Social Science
10.4 Students analyze patterns of global change in the era of New Imperialism
3. Explain imperialism from the perspective of the colonizers and the colonized and the varied immediate and long-term responses by the people under colonial rule.

Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960) by Scott O'Dell. 184 pages.
ISBN: 978-0-440-43988-2
1961 Newbery Honor

Narrated in the first person, young Karana describes living on one of the Channel Islands in the Pacific Ocean, possibly around the 1830s to the 1850s. The author's note book states that he was trying to re-create the story of this girl. Historical records indicate that the Indians of Ghalas-at were being carried from their Island on a schooner. A young girl jumped ship; eighteen years later she was discovered living on the island.

The story begins with a glimpse of the Ghalas-at Indians living on an island. Karana lives with her sister, brother and parents. Her father is the tribal leader. The Aleut Indians arrive a Russian leader and negotiate to hunt the otter for their skins. This deal does not bode well for the tribe in the end, culminating in a battle and lives lost. Over time, the remaining tribe members find life difficult. New visitors to the island give them an opportunity to leave and live in a more promising place. Realizing that her that her brother is still on the island, Karana jumps ship to get him. The ship leaves and they are left alone on the island. Shortly after, her brother Ramo is killed by wild dogs and Karana must survive on her own.

Living by her wits, Karana explains how she finds and stores food, makes tools and weapons, builds homes and canoes, and sews clothes. Her adventures show her superior skills with arrows and spears. Karana describes her relationships with the animals she befriends, becoming especially affectionate with one of the wild dogs. Cautious, Karana takes measures to stay hidden when the Aleuts return.

The reader will be captivated following Karana as she cleverly employs her intelligence and skills to stay alive and develop relationships with the animals. This is an appealing book for those interested in Native American histor and stories of survival. This classic book is a good read for 10 to 13 year olds.

About Scott O'Dell and more of his books.

Curriculum Connection: English-Language Arts Grades 6, 7, 8:
3.0 Literary Response and Analysis
Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science

Bhangra Babes

Bhangra Babes (2005) by Narinder Dhami. 185 pages.

ISBN: 0-385-90337-5

Ambajit (Amber) Dhillon, a young Indian-British girl, tells this story rich in dialogue. Amber and her sisters, Jazz and Geena, live with their father in England. Their aunt has moved in to take care of them since their mother died. The sisters are annoyed with their aunt's interference in their lives. Auntie has been dating one of their school teachers, Mr. Arora, and becomes engaged.

While leaving the house for the first day of school, a new newspaper carrier stuffs a newspaper down Amber's shirt and bad feelings ensue. At school, Amber and her sisters meet up with their good friend Kim. George, who has always had a torch for Amber, has improved looks and continues to get Amber's attention. While starting classes, Amber discovers that the newscarrier is a new student at the school and she's charged with assisting this brooding girl, Kirandeep (Kiran), in getting familiar with the school. Later they discover that Kiran has something in common with them. Already on unsteady ground, the relationship is tense. Another new student, Rocky, attracts Amber's attention. Her sisters also find him cute. Soon the three have a bet to see who Rocky likes best and viy for his attention. Amber with a penchant for "helping" people, which appears more like interfering.

As plans for Auntie's Indian wedding progress, Mr. Arora's Auntie-ji starts interfering and pushing her crazy wedding plans; causing much discontent for Auntie and the Dhillon sisters.

Contemporary tween and teen perspectives and activities take place in this fun, upbeat story with witty dialogue and banter. Readers will discover that people in another country also deal with similar teen issues. Enjoyable read for 10 to 12 year olds.

The author Narinder Dhami wrote the novelization of the movie Bend It Like Beckham .

The Mzungu Boy

The Mzungu Boy (2005) by Meja Mwangi. 150 pages.

ISBN: 0-88899-653-5

Kariuki lives the hard life of a village boy in Kenya. After attending school, where it's "one long battle" with a bullying headmaster. At home, his mom has a long list of chores for him. His father and older brother, Hari, hit him on the head when they were unhappy with him. The story takes place during the Mau Mau rebellion in the 1950's, when European settlers owned the best farms and the native Kenyans worked the land.

Kariuki lives on a farm ran by Bwana Ruin, a white farmer; his father cooks for Ruin. Ruin treats his Kenyan servants with a brutal hand.

On one of his trips in the forest, Kariuki meets Nigel, the mzungu boy, little white master. Nigel, Ruin's grandson, has just come from England. Bored with his grandparents, Nigel sought Kariuki's companionship. This posed a problem for Kariuki and his family. Blacks and whites didn't mix; this could get Kariuki's father fired. Regardless, the boys explored the forest, hunted, swam, fished and became close friends. On one of their forest trips, Nigel is abducted by the Mau Mau. Kariuki later finds him and is captured as well. Hari, involved with the Mau Mau seeks to release the boys.

The novel moves quickly with elements of suspense, fear and danger. Told from Kariuki's twelve old point-of-view, the story focuses on the boy's friendship, feelings of freedom as they explore the forest, and dismay at the adults. Interesting read for 10 to 12 year olds.

Official website of Meja Mwangi.

More on the Mau mau Uprising

The Demon in the Teahouse

The Demon in the Teahoouse (2001) by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler. 181 pages
ISBN: 0-399-23499-3

Formerly a merchant's son, and now adopted by Judge Ooka, fourteen year old Seiki is learning archery and training to be a samurai.

Fires are burning in 18th century Edo and Judge Ooka, assigned to preventing fires in the city, must find out who's starting them. He calls on Seiki and Bunzo, Seiki's teacher to assist him in his search. Arriving at Edo, Bunzo and Seiki push their way through crowds of people fleeing the city, and join an army of people dousing flames. Among the crowd, Seiki glimpses a suspicious face, one with triumph.

After some investigation, Judge Ooka decides they need to go to Yoshiwara to find out more. People usually go to this "the floating world" for entertainment and find relief from their lives; here is where geisha's entertained in teahouses. Discovering that a death of a young teahouse girl may be linked to who's setting the fires, the Judge decides that Seiki should work as a teahouse boy to try and uncover more information. Danger and suspense builds through the book; Seiki is wrongly accused, clues are revealed and Seiki finds himself captive in a burning house. Seiki reflects on his samurai training to help him through difficult situations.

Captivatating, page-turning mystery. The reader will not want to put it down. This book is a sequel to The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn, but it stands on its own. Very good read for 10 to 12 year olds.
The Samurai Mysteries









Curriculum Connection: History-Social Science. Grade 7
7.5 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the civilizations of Medieval Japan.

Information on Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler and more of their books.

For another mystery novel taking place in contemporary Japan, read Hannah's Winter (2009)by Kierin Meehan.

More information about Japan: Kids Web Japan

There's a Chef in my World!

Emeril's There's A Chef In My World! Recipes that take you places (2006) by Emeril Lagasse.

ISBN-13: 978-0-06073926-3

Food is a way to learn about cultures. This cookbook contains recipes so the reader can taste the world, literally. 75 recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, sides, salads and breads, and sweets. Each recipe has a brief introduction about the related country and graphics are a combination of cartoon-like drawings and photos. Ingredients and tools are clearly listed and directions are presented in numbered, easy-to-follow steps. Little cooking tips are included in pop-up type boxes.

Although aimed at tweens, the cookbook can be used by anyone.

A Million Shades of Gray

A Million Shades of Gray (2010) by Cynthia Kadohata.

ISBN: 978-1-4169-1883-7

Y'Tin's passion is elephants, prefering to be with his elephant than attend school, much to his mother's dismay. Y'Tin lives with his extended family in Montagnard, Vietnam .

Y'Tin's father, an expert tracker aids the American Special Forces in the Vietnam War. Along on a tracking trip, Y'Tin witnesses the death of his father's friend at the hands of the Viet Cong. When the war ends, the Americans promise to return; Y'Tin holding a fondness for the Americans and their colloquialisms, believes this promise.

In 1975, the threat of attacks from the Viet Cong still concerns the Dega people. Their fear is realized and the village comes under siege, buildings are burned, people are held prisoner and executed. Y'Tin and his friends escape and make their way through the jungle with their elephants. Adding to the challenge of hiding, Y'Tin experiences disagreements with his fellow travellers and makes some heart-wrenching decisions about Lady.

Reflections of Vietnamese religious beliefs and traditions occur in the story, providing a perspective on how the people interact with the world through these powerful influences. Although the story takes place during a time of lots of militant activity, which should provoke suspense, the detail in the telling slows the story. Y'Tin is frank in his views and learns how war has changed his life. The story provides a look at life immediately following the Vietnam War. Informative read for 11 to 13 year olds.

Author's website: Cynthia Kadohata: Kira-Kira

Learn more about the Vietnam War

More books for tweens related to the Vietnamese experience:
All the Broken Pieces by Ann Burg
The Buddha's Diamonds by Carolyn Marsden and Thay Phap Niem

Morning Girl

Morning Girl (1992)by Michael Dorris. 74 pages.
ISBN 1-56282-661-1

In alternating chapters, two young siblings tell their story from the first person point of view. Morning Girl and Star Boy live their parents, in a hut on an island. Each child provides their different perspectives of life. Morning Girl loves the morning and Star Boy prefers the night; "for him night is day, sleep is awake".

Quite lyrical in her descriptions, Morning Girl describes her relationship with her brother - "It's as though time is split between us, and we only pass by each other as the sun rises or sets". The siblings seem typical in their regard for each other and at times are surprised at their mutual affection.

Morning Girl reflects on peoples names, considering them to be "stange and special gifts", reflecting on their relevance. Each character has an interesting name: their mother, She Wins the Race; father, Speaks to Birds; uncle Sharp Tooth; and neighbor -I Swam Too Far. This could be a good lead in to a discussion about names.

The book provides glimpses of daily island life prior to the arrival of Columbus. Ending with Columbus's arrival on the shore being met by Morning Girl leaves the reader to ponder that time in life prior to the arrival of Europeans and the impending affects after. A sweet, simple story appropriate for 9 to 12 year olds.

Curriculum Connection: History-Social Science
Grade 5
5.1 Students describe the major pre-Columbian settlements, including the cliff dwellers and pueblo people of the desert Southwest, the American Indians of the Pacific Northwest, the nomadic nations of the Great Plains, and the woodland peoples east of the Mississippi River.
5.2 Students trace the routes of early explorers and describe the early explorations of the Americas.

Book Guide for Educators from the Maine Association of School Libraries

Michael Dorris Biography

Cool Salsa

Cool Salsa Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States (1994). Edited by Lori M. Carlson.
ISBN: 0-8050-3135-9

Compilation of poems written in Spanish and English by Latin American writers, including Sandra Cisneros, Gary Soto and Pat Mora. Various topics - school, homeland, hardtimes, parties, families and memories - are addressed. The poems are emotional and visual, rhythmic and lyrical; evoking an array of emotions. Many poems can be a good starting point to inspire tweens to write about their own experiences.

Behind the Mountains

Behind the Mountains (2002) by Edwidge Danticat. 160 pages.
ISBN: 0-439-37299-2

Thirteen year old Celiane Esperance received a notebook from her teacher, which she loves. Celiane lives with her mom and brother in the Haitian village Beau Jour. Her father moved to New York five years prior to earn money for the family.

Celiane's journal entries describe her life in the village with her family and friends at school. Her Manman sells dous in the market and her brother, Moy, loves to paint. Weekly, the family exchange audio-tapes between New York and Haiti, to maintain their connection, there are no phones in the village. Celiane, Manman and Moy have been waiting years for visas to join Papa in New York.

Traveling on a tap tap (bus) to visit Tante Rose in Port-au-Prince, Celiane notes the differences in the city - traffic, crowds, shops. After the visit, the tap tap Celiane and her mom are on gets bombed. Celiane is separated from her mom, both are injured and end up back in Port-au-Prince to heal. The elections are about to happen and there's political unrest. They want to return to their serene village and increase their resolve to join Papa. Arriving and living in Brooklyn, New York has its joy and difficulties.

With innocent clarity, Celiane describes life in her village, contrasts in city life, struggles with adjusting in a new country and friction within the family. The story provides a glimpse into political injustices and difficulties in migrating from a country of unrest. Good read for 10 to 13 year olds, also appropriate for high school students.

An interview with the author, Edwidge Danticat.

Educator's - Behind the Mountains Book Discussion Guide

Curriculum Connection: CA History-Social Science

Students describe consequences of conditions that gave rise to tyrannies during certain periods (e.g., Italy, Japan, Haiti, Nigeria, Cambodia).

The Boy Who Ate Stars

The Boy Who Ate Stars (2004) by Kochka and translated from French by Sarah Adams.

ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-0038-2

Lucy is curious about the boy who lives upstairs. She meets Matthew, who is autistic, and lives with his single mom, Marie and nanny, Maougo. Lucy wants to understand and communicate with Matthew.

Marie provides insight into Matthew's mannerisms and idiosynchracies without patronizing to Lucy. Maougo, who is silent because she doesn't speak French, shows her understanding of Matthew through her actions. Matthew has some verbal language, enjoys the weather channel and a compulsion toward peoples' hair.

Lucy lives in an apartment with her parents, in Paris, France. They are visited weekly by the Marottes, who have a pampered little dog, Francois. Lucy also wants to turn Francois into a real dog.

With a desire to communicate with Matthew and expose Francois to different places, Lucy sets out, with her friend Theo, to show them the neighborhood. The girls log their experiences in a common notebook, noting their observations. They note definitions of words, and include their own interpretations as well. Parallels exist in their desire to bring Matthew and Francois out of their sheltered worlds.

A charming, lyrical story that about an out-going girl who wants to help and connect with others. It presents autism in a respectful manner and tells of the complexities of this disability. Autism adds an intersting dimension to the story without overpowering it. Good read for 9 to 12 year olds.

Confetti Girl

Confetti Girl (2009) by Diana Lopez. 198 pages.

ISBN: 978-0-316-02955-1

Americas Award Commended Titles 2010

Lina Flores loves socks, her father and her best friend, Vanessa. Living in Corpus Christi, Texas, she attends sixth grade, plays volleyball and likes science and math. She's trying to make sense of her world since her mother's sudden death. This is made more difficult by her father's escape into his beloved books. Aided by a counselor who encourages her to write a story, Lina grows in her understanding of the world around her.

Lina's father "can't talk without quoting some book or saying some dicho". Dichos entitled each chapter, and more dichos are included, those Lina remembers her mother saying. They hold her mother dear, occasionally showing their grief in the story.

Lina has an sock collection and finds many uses for the single socks. She shares everything with Vanessa, who has issues of her own. Vanessa lives with her divorced mom, who spends her days making cascarones - eggs filled with confetti. Symbolically, the cascarones reflect celebration and fragility.

Both girls develop crushes on boys. Lina is dismayed by Vanessa's constant attention toward her new boyfriend, which at times affects their friendship. Lina sees her boyfriend as special, despite his stuttering and desire to sing in the choir.

This is a charming story filled with Mexican traditions, including Dia de los Muertos and a quincenera and authentically portrays its Latin American characters. Without condensation, the writer addresses serious matters of grief and happiness, struggles with friendships and first boyfriends. Good read, especially for girls, 10 to 12 years old.

Link to the author's website: Diana Lopez

Watch and listen Diana Lopez discuss her this book.

City Boy

City Boy (2009) by Jan Michael. 186 pages.
ISBN: 978-0-547223-10-0

After his mother is buried, Sam's relatives discuss where he should live. The 'Disease' has taken both his parents, leaving him an orphan. His aunt convinces everyone he should live with her in Mandingwe, Malawi. They leave the city and take a rickety bus to the bus.

Sam moves into a mud hut occupied by his two cousins, a family friend and his aunt. There's no electricity, no computer, no running water, no bed. He also has to share his stuff and sleep on a floor mat. His life has changed drastically and not all of the new relationships develop easily.

Dealing with his grief and wistful of his amai (mom), Sam clings to the blue shoes she gave him. He searches for ways to connect with his amai, finding help from others along the way.

Predictably, Sam adjusts to his life in the country and discovers what comprises a family. Contrasts between city and country life are evident in the story, with the city view of people in the bush being "ignorant", village children envious of Sam's shoes and the limited technology available in the country. This is a simple, straight forward story that deals with serious topics - the death of parents, being an orphan, the devastation of AIDS and the humanity of life. Mingled throughout the text are Chichewa words and phrases, such as Muli bwanje (Hello, how are you?), Ndili bwino, kaia inu (I'm well, if you are well.) Appropriate for 11 to 13 year olds.

The Breadwinner

The Breadwinner (2000) by Deborah Ellis. 170 pages.

ISBN: 0-88899-419-2

In Afghanistan, the Taliban ordered females to stay inside their homes. Women had to leave their jobs, girls couldn't go to school. Parvana had to leave sixth grade.

Parvana lived with her parents and three siblings in a single-room apartment. They were forced to move several times after their homes were bombed. Parvana helped her father walk to the market each day; he had lost part of his leg from a bomb. At the market, Father would read and write letters, as many Afghans were illiterate.

One evening, soldiers burst into their home and arrested Father, for being an academic. Running out of food, the family needs Parvana to disguise herself as a boy and work in the market. The family relies on her for survival.

Parvana meets another girl dressed as a boy who convinces her to dig up bones for more money. They witness horrible punishments imposed on theives. A friend comes to live with the family, secretely starting a magazine with Mother and a school. When her sister Nooria is sent to Mazar to be married, Mother goes with her. Parvana gets word that the Taliban is invading Mazar and is unsure if they are safe.

Throughout the story, we see how peoples' kindness, friendship, and the love of family provides sustenance and hope. Heroines prevail in this story addressing serious issues of oppression, female sexism, war and injustice. In interesting glimpse into Afghan life for 12 to 14 year olds.

Webquest activity for the book.

Glossary of Terms in The Breadwinner
Interview with Deborah Ellis, the author.

The Circuit

The Circuit -stories from the life of a migrant child by Francisco Jimenez. New Mexico: University of New Mexico Press. 134 pages.
ISBN-13: 978-0-8263-1797-1

Franciso's papa announces that the family is going to make a long trip across la frontera to California from their home in Mexico. California held the promise promise of a life away from poverty. Thus begins Francisco's autobiographical stories about migrating with his family between farms for to find the next harvesting job.

From a simple and authentic child's perspective, Franciso describes crossing the border, arriving at different farms to ask for work, living in tents and sheds, and packing and travelling to different farms. He explains the physical effects of the back-breaking and exhausting work.

Attending school for the first time in California, Franciso is not allowed to speak Spanish and doesn't understand any English. Although his efforts to listen and understand gave him headaches, he enjoyed learning. When his family would need to move during the year, he would be disappointed at missing school. Often, he wouldn't be able to begin school until November, when he was not needed in the fields.

The love among the Jimenez family is apparent throughout the stories, as is their never-ending religious faith. Love and faith seem to sustain the family through their many migrations, living conditions, poverty and difficult work.

The book is simple and authentic, written in vignettes that provide a view of the life of a migrant child and his family. It's a nice book for students 9 to 12 years old.

Read an interview with the author.
Click here for an educator's book guide.

Whale Rider

The Whale Rider (1987) by Witi Ihimaera. 150 pages
ISBN: 0-15-205016-7

Fiction, Fantasy, Folktale

Rawiri tells the story of his niece, Kahu,who was named in honor of Kahutia Te Rangi, mystical ancestor who founded the tribe in Whangara, New Zealand. Kahu’s grandfather and tribal leader, was unhappy that a girl was born. Tradition in Maori culture was that leadership was hereditary and was to go to the first born son of the eldest son.

Kahu held a special love and attention for her grandfather, Koro, although he continually dismisses her. A curious child, Kahu listens in on lessons for the boys and asks to go places with her uncle. Kahu’s special talents are overlooked. Rawiri would witness events that gave indication of these talents, silver shapes leaving Kahu as she walks from the shore, and vocalizations from Kahu that sound like the whales. Kahu’s significance in the tribe comes to a climax in an event that brings the village and the whales together.

As Rawiri narrates the story about Kahu from birth to eight years old, learn about him as well. He gives his impressions of life in Whangara and describes his experiences when he leaves for a few years as a young man.

Mingled in between chapters are scenes described in poetic imagery of the ancient whale and the fabled whale rider. Maori phrases are used for emphasis; "Haumi e, hui e, taiki e. Let it be done". This is a splendid and magical story that will appeal to those who like a touch of fantasy and folktale. Appropriate for ages 9 to13.


The Whale Rider was made into a movie in 2003

Kampung Boy

Kampung Boy (2006) written and illustrated by Lat. New York & London: First Second Books. 142 pages ISBN-13: 978-1-59643-121-8 Graphic Novel, Biography, Humor This book is immediately attractive with the hilarious and expressive artwork on every page. The story is told by Mat in first-person. He tells his story from birth to pre-teen. Mat is a Muslim growing up in a kampung, a small village, in Southeast Asia. A mischievous boy, Mat tells of his experiences with his family members, attending school, learning to swim and fish with his friends, and working on the plantation. He gets in trouble for dulang-washing at the back of a tin dredge. He also is part of couple of traditional ceremonies, a wedding and then his own circumcision at age 10. Mat learns that he must do well in school in order to inherit his father’s rubber tree plantation. Encroaching on the area where Mat lives are tin mines and factories, affecting the environment, agriculture and the peoples’ way of life. Mat comes to realize the potential of this impact as he leaves on the bus for boarding school, hoping his kampong will be there when he returns. This is a delightful glimpse into life in a Southeast Asian village and Asian culture. The cartooning is detailed, animated and engaging, showing characters with expressive faces. Appropriate for 10 – 13 year olds.

Information on Perak and Tin Mining:
The State of Perak, Malaysia
TED Case Studies Tin Mining in Malaysia

Sword

Sword, a novel by Da Chen (2008). New York: Laura Geringer Books. 232 pages
ISBN 078-0-06-144759-4
Fantasy, Adventure, Romance

MiuMiu is a girl living in Ancient China. She starts her 15th birthday as she does other days. Girls in the village would look forward to a visit from the matchmaker, but this was not to happen for her. Miu Miu’s mother tells her about her father’s dying wish, how she was pledged to the son of an apprentice and to swear to avenge her father’s death.” MiuMiu’s father was a revered sword-maker who was killed by the emperor. MiuMiu learns of TongTing, who she is to marry, and who is to kill the emperor for her. She convinces her mother that she must be the one to kill the emperor. Mother provides MiuMiu with a special sword, made by her father.

MiuMiu’s encounters obstacles as she travels to Chang’an, the emperor’s village, challenging her wits and kung fu abilities trained by her monk, Master Wan. In the village, a fateful incident brings together MiuMiu and her betrothed. They decide to kill the emperor together.

MiuMiu, a strong-willed girl who defies convention and embarks on a hero’s journey. The text is intermingled with Chinese words and reflections on Chinese ways, adding interest for the reader. The fighting scenes and magical swords provide a mystical appeal, almost like in wuxia pian, martial chivalry films, where women are warriors. Themes of family honor and love prevail. The story will appeal to those who like strong female characters, martial arts and fantastical tales. Appealing to 9 to 13 year olds.

Curriculum Connection: History-Social Science

Grade 6 - 6.6 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of China.

Grade 7 - 7.3 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the civilizations of China in the Middle Ages.

Home of the Brave

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate
(2007) New York: Feiwel and Friends, 249 pages
ISBN: 13 978-0-312-36765-7

Kek, a young refugee from Sudan, arrives alone in Minnesota during the winter, encountering snow, finding it unkind and giving him his first impression that “America is hard work”. Kek has come to live with his aunt and cousin; he has lost his father and brother and is not sure where his mother is. Through the story, Kek holds hope of finding his mother. From the first person point-of-view and in verse, Kek tells his story. Through impressions of Kek’s experiences, the reader learns about the contrasts between Kek’s life in Sudan and in America and his struggles to adapt.

Kek attends school as a sixth grader and is placed in a English as a Second Language class. At home and at school, he encounters challenges with understanding the English language and its meanings. Kek speaks of his new experiences with washing machines, clothing, the television and grocery stores. He gains a new friend and gets a job on farm. He struggles with mean-spirited kids and develops a relationship with his cousin.

This is a relevant story of an immigrant’s struggles in a new country. The story reads and flows simply and beautifully; the characters are poignant and the experiences are meaningful. It gives the reader a feel for the struggles that immigrants encounter as they adjust to being in a new place. This is an important topic for all of us who interact with immigrants from all over the world.

Discussion module for the book.
Educator's guide for the book.
Video book talk by the author.