Ages 5-11
Blog Post
My Name is Bilal by Asma Mobin-Uddin
by Tahira
On his first day at a new school Bilal sees a bully pull the scarf on his sister's head. He does nothing. In class he tells the teacher his name is Bill not Bilal. His teacher gives him the biography of Bilal ibn Rabah, one of the companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He reads about the strength and courage of Bilal Ibn Rabah when he faced religious persecution by the Meccan's. Bilal learns through this book that it takes courage and strength to be who you are. This is one of the first books written about the struggles of an American Muslim child.
Blog Post
FolkTale Bits - Arab
by ryanikoglu
Arab children's literature continues to emerge. Notable titles to look for are The Three Princes and Goha The Wise Fool, a collection of fourteen tales about the folk hero Nasreddin Hoca, also known as Goha. Goha is a man with a reputation for being able to answer difficult questions in a clever way ... a middle east trickster.
For further links try BookLinks, click on "Web Connections" down the left-side menu, then choose "January 2006" issue. Scroll down to "Arab Children's Literature".
Blog Post
History Bits - 19th Century Libya
by ryanikoglu
At the end of the nineteenth century in Libya, eleven-year-old Malika simultaneously enjoys and feels constricted by the narrow world of women. This slim piece of historical fiction draws a picture of Malika's daily Muslim life, which includes generous and understanding parents, well-drawn family and cultural roles, and a compelling story to keep the pages turning. Shadows Of Ghadames is a timeless glimpse into a traditional Muslim village.
Blog Post
An American Story
by sstonez
National Public Radio's Story Corps seeks oral histories from ordinary folks "as a record of the way we live today--and how we got here." In the case of Blanca Alvarez this is very literally a story of how she got here. In the Story Corps interview with her daughter, Connie, Alvarez describes crossing the border from Mexico to the United States over thirty years ago and the jobs she held to support her family in those difficult early years. Connie goes on to talk about how her mother's example inspired her to achieve her dream of graduating from college. The pictures and stories of both famous and ordinary Mexican-Americans in the Mexican Family Album illuminate the histories and culture around the Alvarez family. Theirs is just one family story, but as in the Mexican Family Album, it is a story that speaks to the experiences of millions. In addition, their stories might spark conversations about your own family--how do you live now? And how did you get here?
Blog Post
My Nana and Me by Irene Smalls
by Tahira
My Nana and Me is a warm celebration of the grandmother and grandchild relationship. Irene Smalls captures the little moments that are shared between a little girl and her grandmother in this touching picture book.
Blog Post
Liza at the Plaza
by StoryLaura
On a recent edition of Inside the Actor’s Studio it was revealed that the antics of Eloise, the free-spirited 6-year-old living in New York’s Plaza Hotel, were based on the adventures of Liza Minnelli as a child. Author Kay Thompson was Liza’s godmother and she witnessed the red-ribboned imp whirling around in designer shoes and calling room service for a meal. Julie Andrews plays the “rawther” fabulous and loving Nanny in the film.
Blog Post
History Bits - Willow Run
by ryanikoglu
Learning History through fiction is a great way to learn about Michigan roots, whether reading on your own, or as a family read-aloud activity. Patricia Reilly Giff's http://www.patriciareillygiff.com/ new book, Willow Run, follows a young girl's family to the B-24 Bomber Factory as they look for work during World War II at the Willow Run plant.
Blog Post
Family Bits: Miraculous Journey
by ryanikoglu
On Valentine's Day 2006 Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane became available. The newest book by DiCamillo, Kate is a great family read-aloud. Edward Tulane is a ceramic doll rabbit who falls from the arms of his adoring Abilene on a trans-Atlantic cruise. Thus begins the "miraculous journey". Extending experiences can be found at http://www.edwardtulane.com/.
Blog Post
Danitra Brown Class Clown by Nikki Grimes
by Tahira
Danitra Brown is back in Nikki Grimes's latest book of verse, Danitra Brown Class Clown. It is a new school year and Zuri Jackson has to face many challenges. With her best friend, Danitra Brown, supporting her every step of the way, Zuri gets through the school year with flying colors.
Blog Post
Friend on Freedom River by Gloria Whelan
by Tahira
Louis hears a voice from the bushes. A runaway slave and her family want to cross the Detroit River to Canada where they will become free. Louis remembers what his father told him before he went up North to work for the winter. “If you don't know what to do, just do what you think I would have done.” Gloria Whelan captures the courage and determination of slaves and those who helped them travel the Underground Railroad in this excellent book for young readers.