Immigrants sailed from faraway lands to come to America for opportunity. This book includes their experiences at Ellis Island, the struggles of finding employment, and learning a new language in a strange new world.
Miss Ett does the laundry on wash day while Grandpa tells stories. As he plays his trumpet, the children march around and sing to the music. This is a touching story about friendship and overcoming the barriers of age and race.
Ninny Nanny and Gram decide to catch a leprechaun and use his pot of gold to solve their problems. But finding the fortune is a lot of work! Told in a sweet lilting Irish brogue.
Cyril is shunned by other animals in the zoo because he looks so different from them. However, when winter comes Cyril's colors and stories remind them of the beauty of the natural world and that spring will soon return.
A fanciful adaptation of a Turkish folktale that tells the story of a poor villager, a donkey, and a wise man whose clever plan outwits a tyrannical Mongol ruler.
After wondering about the new girl's hijab, the class learns just how much they all have in common.
At least one sibling in each family shown in this book has a disability. And like all siblings they play, squablle, and work together to solve their differences.
When it's dinnertime at home, Zachary wishes he didn't have to help. When he visits his multi-ethnic friends, he is not asked to help, but discovers the many foods and traditions of their culture. He returns home eager to share his traditions with them, and to help with the chores!
Often mistaken for a rat . . . or, worse yet, a meal, Valentino is a guinea pig trying to find a home where he can live happily ever after. He runs away from his native home in Bolivia as a stowaway and he has many adventures until good fortune lands him in a pet shop. Soon after, he finally meets Maddie--a little girl with a lot of love to share who is hoping for the perfect pet. Who says dreams never do come true or there's no such thing as a happy ending? Just ask Valentino and Maddie!
Anna is never on any team at school. But she is determined to be part of the annual wreath-laying team at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington. Not until the end of the story do readers discover that Anna is blind.
A bilingual celebration with a delicious ending. This is the story of how the farm maiden and all the farm animals worked together to make the rice pudding that they serve at the fiesta. With the familiarity of "The House That Jack Built," this story bubbles and builds just like the ingredients of the arroz con leche that everyone enjoys. Cleverly incorporating Spanish words, adding a new one in place of the English word from the previous page, this book makes learning the language easy and fun. Rafael López covers each page with vibrant, exuberant color, celebrating tradition and community. Back matter includes a glossary of Spanish words and a recipe for arroz con leche, perfect for everyone to make together and enjoy at story time.
Down, down, down. Step down below to see the world. A fantastical journey introduces young readers to subway travel. Five children pay the fare, pass through the gates, and zip through the tunnels of subway stations in ten cities around the globe. The trip around the world underscores how travel and cultural connections create community. Back matter includes information about the ten stations mentioned: Atlanta, Cairo, Chicago, London, Mexico City, Moscow, New York City, Stockholm, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. This book is good for your brain because: Early childhood literacy, Multiculturalism, Transportation
The kids at school want to know why Becca is wearing glasses and a patch. Instead of telling them she has amblyopia, Becca leads her friends imaginative adventures to explain her new fashion accessory. Mitch Vane's illustrations capture the spunky exuberance of this resourceful heroine.
Amiqqaq is excited when his family catches a bowhead whale. As his family prepares to celebrate the traditional Iñupiaq whaling feast, Amiqqaq learns about the spirit-of-the-whale.
Priscilla is only four years old when her mother is sold to another master. All Priscilla has to remember her mother by are the hollyhocks she planted by the cow pond. At age ten, Priscilla is sold to a Cherokee famiily and continues her life as a slave. She keeps hope for a better life alive by planting hollyhocks wherever she goes. At last, her forced march along the Trail of Tears brings a chance encounter that leads to her freedom. Includes an author's note with more details about this fascinating true story as well as instructions for making hollyhock dolls.
Will she be an artist? A cook? A writer? Sara Mee is turning one, and her family and friends gather for her tol, or first-birthday celebration. Food and presents abound, but most exciting of all is the traditional Korean prophecy game, called the toljabee, which predicts what Sara Mee will be when she grows up. A book for all cultures, What Will You Be, Sara Mee? celebrates siblings, community, and the blending of traditions. This book is good for your brain because: Multicultural, World History, Korean Traditions & Customs
5,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia during a terrible drought, Jomar and Zefa's father must send his children away to the city of Ur because he can no longer feed them. At fourteen, Jomar is old enough to apprentice with Sidah, a master goldsmith for the temple of the moongod, but there is no place for Zefa in Sidah's household. Zefa, a talented but untrained musician, is forced to play her music and sing for alms on the streets of Ur.
Located in Scandinavia in Northern Europe, Sweden experiences some very cold weather. Many polar bears call Sweden home! In addition to the wildlife of Sweden, this title introduces readers to the physical geography of Sweden, its traditions and customs, and how Swedes live from day to day. Blastoff! Series
A country of open fields, Ireland is known for its agriculture. It is also known for its unique step dancing and St. Patrick's Day celebrations. This book teaches children about life in a country of lush, green land and lively, laid-back people. Blastoff! Series
Israel is a country with deep religious roots. It is considered the homeland of the Jewish people. In this book, young readers will be introduced to Israel's devout people, historic landmarks, and foods that create an interesting and unique cultural heritage. Blastoff! Series
Boasting some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, Thailand is located in Southeast Asia. It has many beaches that attract tourists from all parts of the globe. Kids will learn about the cultural traditions of Thailand, what everyday life is like for Thais, and much more in this informative book. Blastoff! Series
Brazil is the largest country in South America and the fifth largest and most populated country in the world. The Amazon Rainforest in Brazil has the greatest biological diversity of any ecosystem on the planet. Students will learn all about Brazilian culture and get a glimpse into what kids do for fun in Brazil, especially discovering the country's love for soccer. Blastoff! Series
America's northern neighbor, Canada, is similar to the United States in many ways but also very different. Kids will learn about Canada's diverse wildlife as well as some of its biggest cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. They will read about what school is like for kids in Canada, how people often speak both English and French, and how Canadians enjoy playing hockey. Blastoff! Series
Cuba is a group of several islands. Long ago, one of the islands was called Treasure Island because it was a home base for many Caribbean pirates. Young readers will learn about life in modern Cuba - the school system, the delicious food, and the vibrancy of Cuban culture. Blastoff! Series
The Queen is England’s most recognizable symbol. Her Royal Guards stand at attention to protect London’s famous Buckingham Palace. In this book, young readers will discover the landmarks, traditions, and food of a country known for sophistication and afternoon tea.
