Refugees & Immigrants: NCSS Notable Books in the Elementary … · 2020. 1. 31. · Simon &...

Refugees & Immigrants:

NCSS Notable Books in the Elementary Classroom

Annual Conference of the National Council for the Social Studies Austin, TX

November 2019

Kurt Johnson Brigham Young University–Hawaii

[email protected]

http://bit.ly/NCSS2019_334pres http://bit.ly/NCSS2019_334bib

mailto:[email protected]

Annotated Bibliography

Causes The Dam . David Almond. Illustrated by Levi Pinfold. Candlewick Press. 32pp. Trade ISBN 9780763695972, $17.99. (P, I) A father and daughter visit a scenic valley one last time before it is intentionally flooded by a dam. Based on actual events, this wistful picture book pays homage to “loss, hope and the power of folk music to transcend time.” Includes Author’s Note. (2019)

Flowers for Sarajevo . John McCutcheon. Illustrated by Kristy Caldwell. Peachtree Publishers. 32pp. Trade ISBN 9781561459438, $19.95. (P) A young boy is selling flowers when a Sarajevo square is bombed. The next day, and for 22 consecutive days, cellist Vedran Smailovic plays music in the square to honor the 22 victims. Based on a true story of a 1992 bombing and the effects of Smailovic’s music on the people who gathered to listen. Includes Historical Note, Further Reading, Author’s Note, CD with extras, Music Sheet by Smailovic and McCutcheon. (2018)

Lost Boys . Darcey Rosenblatt. Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / Henry Holt and Company BYR. 288pp. Trade ISBN 9781627797580, $16.99. (M,H) Riza is a 12-year-old held in Iraq as a prisoner of war during the Iran-Iraq conflict of 1982. A well researched historical novel showing the differing attitudes towards the conflict on both sides. Includes Author’s Note. (2018)

Refugees & Immigrants: NCSS Notable Books in the Elementary Classroom

Annual Conference of the National Council for the Social Studies, Austin, TX, November 2019 Kurt Johnson * Brigham Young University–Hawaii * [email protected]

Journeys The Bone Sparrow . Zana Fraillon. Disney-Hyperion. 240pp. Trade ISBN 9781484781517, $16.99. (M) This fictional account of life in an Australian permanent detention center explores the issues facing refugees in a powerful but accessible fashion. This is the kind of book that spurs people to fight for change. Includes Foreword, Afterword. (2018)

Escape from Aleppo . N. H. Senzai. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Paula Wiseman Books. 336pp. Trade ISBN 9781481472173, $16.99. (M) Fourteen-year-old Nadia is forced to flee war-torn Aleppo and is separated from her family. This novel personalizes the current international refugee crisis and illuminates the culture and history of a country in conflict. Includes Author’s Note. (2019)

Illegal . Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin. Illustrated by Giovanni Rigano. Sourcebooks / Jabberwocky. 144pp. Trade ISBN 9781492665832, $19.99. (M) Poignant graphic novel that traces 12-year-old Ebo’s journey from Ghana to Europe in a struggle to join his sister in safety. The authors have worked hard to ensure the accuracy of this work of fiction. Includes Map of Ebo’s Journey, Creator’s Note, Helen’s Journey, Sketchbook. (2019)



Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush’s Incredible Journey . Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes. Illustrated by Sue Cornelison. Random House Children’s Books / Crown BFYR. 48pp. Trade ISBN 9781524715472, $17.99. (P) An Iraqi family is forced to flee their homeland but cannot leave behind their beloved cat, Kunkush, who then gets lost after a treacherous journey over land and sea. This book provides a unique perspective on the contemporary refugee crisis with a true story of hope, perseverance, and luck. Includes Author’s Note, Map, Photos. (2018)

Marwan’s Journey . Patricia de Arias. Illustrated by Laura Borràs. Minedition. 36pp. Trade ISBN 9789888341559, $17.99. (P, I) Marwan, a young boy, flees war and hunger in his home country. With thousands of others, he crosses the desert looking for a peaceful future. This story helps put a human face on the refugee crisis. (2019)

The Night Diary . Veera Hiranandani. Penguin Young Readers / Kokila Books. 272pp. Trade ISBN 9780735228511, $16.99. (I, M) Nisha’s family is forced to flee their 1947 Indian homeland. Of Hindu and Muslim parents, Nisha writes to her deceased mother contemplating arbitrary rules of hate while finding moments of peace, and ultimately her own voice. Includes Author’s Note, Glossary. (2019)

The Only Road . Alexandra Diaz. Simon & Schuster / Paula Wiseman Books. 320pp. Trade ISBN 9781481457507, $16.99. (I, M, H) Inspired by true events, this riveting story follows two young boys fleeing the violence of Guatemala. In search of refuge in the United States, they endure a treacherous journey and encounter many obstacles. Glossary. Further Reading. (2017)



Refugee . Alan Gratz. Scholastic Press. 352pp. Trade ISBN 9780545880831, $16.99. (M, H) Three young people become refugees during three different crises: World War II, the Cuban Revolution, and the Syrian conflict. Each child goes on a harrowing journey, with connections that tie their stories together in the end. Includes Maps, Author’s Note, About the Author. (2018)

A Story Like the Wind . Gill Lewis. Illustrated by Jo Weaver. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. 80pp. Trade ISBN 9780802855145. $16.00 (I, M) While a group of refugees are adrift in the Mediterranean, one boy with a violin weaves a tale with music about a horse whose freedom cannot be taken from him. A story of hope, faith, and the search for freedom. (2019)

Traveling the Blue Road: Poems of the Sea . Collected by Lee Bennett Hopkins. Illustrated by Bob Hansman and Jovan Hansman. Quarto Group / Seagrass Press. 32pp. Trade ISBN 9781633222762, $17.95. (I, M) A vividly illustrated collection of poems about pilgrims coming to the New World; a slave ship; the voyage of the St. Louis; Vietnamese boat people; the Mariel boatlift; and the current migration situation in the Mediterranean. Includes Notes, About the Poets, About this Book. (2018)



Adjustments Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card . Sara Saedi. Random House Children’s Books / Alfred A. Knopf BYR. 288pp. Trade ISBN 9781524717797, $17.99. (H) This memoir sheds light on the relationship between politics and immigration policy, while weaving in current immigration issues, information about immigration status, and resources. Includes Your Undocumented Immigrant Refresher Course! (2019)

Amina’s Voice . Hena Khan. Simon & Schuster BYR / Salaam Reads. 208pp. Trade ISBN 9781481492065, $16.99. (I, M) This book illustrates the struggle many American-born children of immigrant parents have as they try to understand who they are and where they belong. Amina was born in the United States to Pakistani/Muslim parents. (2018)

Carmela Full of Wishes . Matt de la Peña. Illustrated by Christian Robinson. Penguin Young Readers Group/G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers. 40pp. Trade ISBN 9780399549045, $17.99. (P, M) Carmela and her brother visit several community businesses and neighborhood staples. Then, Carmela finds a dandelion and searches the neighborhood for the perfect birthday wish. The creators capture the essence of her community. (2019)



Cloud and Wallfish . Anne Nesbet. Candlewick Press. 400pp. Trade ISBN 9780763688035, $16.99. (M, H) This engaging novel, set right before the fall of the Berlin Wall, tells the story of a young American boy whose parents abruptly decide to move the family to East Germany in 1989. Noah joins forces with his new neighbor Cloud-Claudia in this story of walls and intrigue. (2017)

The Crossroads . Alexandra Diaz. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing / Paula Wiseman Books. 336pp. Trade ISBN 9781534414556, $17.99. (I, M) Jaime fled Guatemala to begin sixth grade in New Mexico. Contemporary issues of immigration and deportation emerge, as Jaime’s only friend is detained. Art becomes an outlet for coping, as Jaime contemplates what it means to be undocumented. Includes Author’s Note, References, Glossary. (2019)

A Different Pond . Bao Phi. Illustrated by Thi Bui. Capstone Young Readers / Picture Window Books. 32pp. Trade ISBN 9781623708030, $23.32. (P) A son accompanies his father on an early morning fishing trip to catch the family’s dinner. Originating from the childhood memories of both author and illustrator, this evocative picture book provides a powerful glimpse into the value of relationship, tradition, and hope in one Vietnamese American immigrant family. Includes Author’s Note, Illustrator’s Note. (2018)

Dreamers / Soñadores . Yuyi Morales. Holiday House / Neal Porter Books. 40pp. English Trade ISBN 9780823440559, Spanish Trade ISBN 9780823442584, $18.99. (P) This beautifully illustrated book describes an immigrant’s experience learning to navigate a new country and discovering the public library. Includes My Story, Books That Inspired Me, How I Made this Book.



Front Desk . Kelly Yang. Scholastic / Arthur A. Levine Books. 304pp. Trade ISBN 9781338157796, $16.99. (I, M) The irrepressible Mia Tang and her family, Chinese immigrants, struggle to build a new life in 1990s Southern California. The author draws from her own childhood to create this authentic and inspiring story. Includes Author’s Note. (2019)

I’m New Here . Anne Sibley O’Brien. Charlesbridge.32pp. Trade ISBN 978-1-58089- 612-2 $16.95. (I) Maria, Jin, and Fatimah are new to the U.S. and to their schools. They make new friends while navigating a new culture and language. Author’s Note. (2016)

It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel . Firoozeh Duma. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers. 384pp. Trade ISBN 9780544612310, $16.99. (M, H) Zomorod Yousefzadeh, otherwise known as “Cindy,” has moved for the fourth time. This time to Newport Beach, California. Cindy’s family is Iranian. Her father is an engineer hired by the United States, and her mother, who does not speak English, stays at home. Unfortunately, Iran’s government is in turmoil and tensions escalate with the United States. When American hostages are taken, the Yousefzadeh family is confronted with harassment and racism. This book seamlessly interweaves important history with contemporary issues of stereotypes and xenophobia. (2017)

Lucky Broken Girl . Ruth Behar. Penguin Young Readers / Nancy Paulsen Books. 256pp. Trade ISBN 9780399546440, $16.99. (I, M, H) Told through the voice of 10-year-old Ruthie, whose family members are refugees from Cuba in the 1960s, Behar explores issues of immigration, racism, art, and politics. Includes Author’s Note, About the Author. (2018)



The Map of Good Memories / El Mapa de los Buenos Mo- mentos . Fran Nuño. Illustrated by Zuzanna Celej. Cuento de Luz. 24pp. English Trade ISBN 9788416147823 / Spanish Trade ISBN 9788416147786, $16.95. (I) A young girl is forced to flee her war-torn city; but before she goes, she draws a map of the city, marks her favorite places, and reminisces about the happy memories at each location. Available in Spanish and English. Includes Author’s Note. (2018)

One Good Thing about America . Ruth Freeman. Holiday House. 160pp. Trade ISBN 9780823436958, $16.95. (M) Told from the perspective of a middle school refugee, this novel allows readers to see the challenges immigrants face as well as accentuating the similarities and differences between cultures. Includes For More Information, Author’s Note, English Words Anaïs is Learning. (2018)

A Piece of Home . Jeri Watts. Illustrated by Hyewon Yum. Candlewick Press. 32pp. Trade ISBN 9780763669713, $16.99. (P) Heejun has recently moved from Korea and is struggling to adjust to his new life in the United States. A child-friendly story about the difficulties faced by immigrants.

Saffron Ice Cream . Written and illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh. Scholastic / Arthur A. Levine Books. 40pp. Trade ISBN 9781338150520, $17.99. (P, I) An Iranian girl is excited and nervous for her first beach trip in her new home. Based on the author’s childhood, this colorful picture book shows that fun and friendship can be found anywhere. (2019)



Someone New . Written and illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien. Charlesbridge. 32pp. Trade ISBN 9781580898317, $16.99. (P, I) Three students try to understand three immigrant students: Maria from Guatemala, Jin from South Korea, and Fatimah from Somalia. The book presents perspectives on immigrant experiences and offers early readers an opportunity to learn about diversity, inclusion, and developing friendships. Includes Author’s Note. (2019)

Undocumented: A Worker’s Fight . Written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh. ABRAMS / Abrams ComicArts. 26pp. Trade ISBN 9781419728549, $19.99. (H) This unique graphic novel is told in ancient Mixtec codex, accordion fold style. Juan arrives in the United States as an undocumented worker and goes on to lead the fight for equal rights for all his fellow restaurant workers. Includes Author’s Note, Bibliography. (2019)

Us, in Progress: Short Stories About Young Latinos . Lulu Delacre. HarperCollins. 256pp. Trade ISBN 9780062392145, $16.99. (M) This collection of stories about life in the United States for young Latinos covers a wide range of cultural backgrounds and experiences. Stories include references to policies and laws affect- ing students’ lives. Includes Translations, Notes on the Stories. (2018)



Catch-All First Generation: 36 Trailblazing Immigrants and Refugees Who Make America Great . Sandra Neil Wallace and Rich Wallace. Illustrated by Agata Nowicka. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. 96pp. Trade ISBN 9780316515245, $18.99. (I, M) This biography highlights the lives and contributions of 36 immigrants and refugees who have shaped the United States in meaningful and impactful ways. Includes Illustrator’s Note, Ways to Be a Trailblazer, Resource List, Bibliography. (2019)

My Family Divided: One Girl’s Journey of Home, Loss, and Hope. Diane Guerrero with Erica Moroz . Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / Henry Holt and Co. (BYR). 256pp. Trade ISBN 9781250134868, $18.99. (M) Television actress Diane Guerrero was born in New Jersey to undocumented immigrant parents. This YA memoir highlights the challenges faced within a complex immigration system and the devastating effect of her parents’ deportation. Includes Resource List. (2019)

Their Great Gift: Courage, Sacrifice, and Hope in a New Land . John Coy. Photographs by Wing Young Huie. Lerner Publishing Group / Carolrhoda Books. 32pp. Trade ISBN 9781467780544, $19.99. (P, I) This beautiful book of photographs and lyrical text focuses on the lives of families coming to the United States in the twenty-first century and celebrates their experiences, diversity, and vision of hope for the future. Author and illustrator arrival stories included. (2017)

This Land Is Our Land: A History of American Immigration . Linda Barrett Osborne. ABRAMS. 128pp. Trade ISBN 9781419716607, $24.95. (I, M) Explore the history of American immigration from the early colonists to the modern-day with an emphasis on how different immigrant groups have faced discrimination and obstacles in their search for freedom. Author’s Note. Bibliography. Index.



We Came to America . Faith Ringgold. Random House Children’s Books / Knopf Books for Young Readers. 32pp. Trade ISBN 9780517709474, $17.99. (P, I) A timely picture book embracing America’s people of every race, religion, and background. (2017)



Compelling Questions

Causes

❏ Why do people choose to stay or leave their homes during times of war? ❏ How can people come together during times of crisis? ❏ How does war affect those who stay? Those who flee?

Journeys

❏ How much are refugees able to control during their travels? ❏ How do other people help or hinder refugees? ❏ How does a refugee decide what to take and what to leave behind?

Adjustments

❏ How do immigrants adapt to their new environment? ❏ How do traditions change when immigrants move to a new country? ❏ How do cultural differences bring people together?



Teaching Resources

The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): Teaching about refugees. Ages 6-18 http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/teaching-about-refugees.html Amnesty International: 8 educational resources to better understand the refugee crisis. All ages https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/education/2015/10/8-educational-resources-to-better-underst and-the-refugee-crisis/ Human Rights Education. All ages https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/education/ National Education Association (NEA): War and Migration. All ages. http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/63678.htm UNICEF UK: In Search of Safety: Teaching about Europe’s refugee crisis. Ages 7-18. https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/resources/teaching-resources/refugee-crisis -europe/ Annenberg Learner: Curriculum Resources for Teaching About Refugees. All ages. https://www.learner.org/resources/refugees/



http://www.unhcr.org/en-us/teaching-about-refugees.html

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/education/2015/10/8-educational-resources-to-better-understand-the-refugee-crisis/

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/education/2015/10/8-educational-resources-to-better-understand-the-refugee-crisis/

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/education/

http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/63678.htm

https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/resources/teaching-resources/refugee-crisis-europe/

https://www.unicef.org.uk/rights-respecting-schools/resources/teaching-resources/refugee-crisis-europe/

https://www.learner.org/resources/refugees/

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