Inclusive Literature - Module 6

Bibliography

Polacco, Patricia. 2009. In Our Mothers’ House. New York: Philomel Books: ISBN 9780399250767

Plot Summary

In Our Mothers’ House is the story of a non-traditional family and the love that is shared among the three adopted children. Same-sex parents provide a loving home and life filled with memories for their African American daughter, Asian American son, and Caucasian daughter in a neighborhood that is, for the most part, very supportive of their chosen lifestyle.

Critical Analysis

The story of how Meema and Marma came to be parents is told from the perspective of their oldest daughter who is African American. She shares the story of her adoption and that of her Asian American brother, Will, and Caucasian sister, Millie. Recalling all of the times her mothers were present for important events in her life, and how they each continuously showed their love by cooking, or sewing, or even wearing dresses to a special event helps the reader to see the level of nurturing provided by both parents. Daily events in this household take place just as if they were taking place in any other household with the exception of occasional confrontation by a neighbor, Mrs. Lockner, who does not approve of “what Meema and Marma are”. Meema and Marma simply tell their children that she is “full of fear and doesn’t understand us”.
Although direct references to lesbian relationships are not included in the text, they are implied in a way that children can understand that the author wants to convey the message that having a different family structure doesn’t mean that something is wrong with a family. There is much more that makes up a family than a mom, a dad, children, and pets. Pollaco does a wonderful job in conveying this message through her choice of words in the text and the beautiful illustrations that include a wide range of facial features and characteristics in the extended family members, friends and neighbors.

Review Excerpts

“The eldest of three siblings (each a different race) adopted by a lesbian couple recalls an idyllic childhood. The heavy-handed message is that same-sex parents are just like everybody else, but what real family is this perfect? The nostalgic adult tone and dearth of actual plot severely limit the child appeal of this well-intentioned story played out in Polacco's recognizable illustrations.” Horn Book

“Over the years Patricia Polacco has graced us with many delightful stories of family relationships and special friendships. This title is just such a story, but with a twist. Three children from different parts of the world are adopted by two married women. Although words such as gay, lesbian, sexuality, or same-sex marriage are never used, the reader will make the connection as the story unfolds. The mothers are always there for special moments in the lives of their children, and readers see glimpses of a nurturing extended family and friends. One mother in the community is not so friendly, but Polacco handles this moment in a careful, studied, and easy way, as if hatred and bigotry do not exist. The three children celebrate many happy moments in their family home, and all three return regularly after they are grown. After the death of both mothers, the son and his family move into the house. The writing style is truly Polacco and the colorful illustrations are warm and loving. This is a strong and memorable story of a peaceful, devoted family unit.” Library Media Connection

Connections

Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books conveying the message of family diversity by reading these selections:

Garden, Nancy. Molly’s Family. Ill. Sharon Wooding. ISBN 9780374350024
Newman, Leslea. Daddy, Papa, and Me. Ill. Carol Thompson. ISBN 9781582462622
Parr, Todd. The Family Book. ISBN 9780316738965

Inclusive Literature - Module 6

Bibliography

Budhos, Marina Tamar. 2006. Ask me no questions. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 978-1416903512

Plot Summary

Fourteen year old Nadira and her family left their home country of Bangladesh eight years ago and came to America on tourist visas. Even though their visa expired, they stayed and tried to lead a life undetected. In the aftermath of 9-11 they find themselves a target of the many new registration laws and possible deportation so they flee to Canada to seek asylum only to find that life takes an unexpected turn. Quiet Nadira will be tested as she and her older sister, Aisha are separated from their parents.

Critical Analysis

Budhos gives readers a new perspective in this novel that chronicles the lives of the Muslim immigrant family (The Hossains) from Bangladesh. Throughout the book numerous cultural markers appear in the form of the clothing worn by members of Nadira’s family and extended family including, Ma’s shalwar kameez, and Ali-Uncle’s long kurta. Taslima, Nadira’s cousin also refers to their brown skin color, “all brown people are the same to them”, she said to her father referring to the difference between them and Pakistani people.

As a result of their outward appearance, the Hossain family is racially profiled and Nadira’s father is detained at the Canadian border pending possible deportation. After numerous failed attempts to gain citizenship prior to 9-11, it seems hopeless for Nadira’s family. Her sister, Aisha, who is set to graduate from high school and possibly be named valedictorian, loses her strength and will to fight the overwhelming battle with the government. Nadira continues to heed the words of her father and maintain a slow, calm pace as she begins to put together a strong case to defend her family’s innocence. Nadira’s patience and perseverance pay off and her father is released and given the opportunity to appeal for residency.

Review Excerpts

“Budhos's moving, quietly powerful novel explores the post-9/11 pressures on fourteen-year-old Nadira's Muslim family, Bangladeshi immigrants who have lived productively but illegally in New York for eight years. When they seek asylum in Canada and her father is detained at the border, Nadira realizes it is up to her to prove his innocence and hold her family together.” Horn Book starred review

“Illegal immigrant sisters learn a lot about themselves when their family faces deportation in this compelling contemporary drama. Immigrants from Bangladesh, Nadira, her older sister Aisha and their parents live in New York City with expired visas. Fourteen-year-old Nadira describes herself as "the slow-wit second-born" who follows Aisha, the family star who's on track for class valedictorian and a top-rate college. Everything changes when post-9/11 government crack-downs on Muslim immigrants push the family to seek asylum in Canada where they are turned away at the border and their father is arrested by U.S. immigration. The sisters return to New York living in constant fear of detection and trying to pretend everything is normal. As months pass, Aisha falls apart while Nadira uses her head in "a right way" to save her father and her family. Nadira's need for acceptance by her family neatly parallels the family's desire for acceptance in their adopted country. A perceptive peek into the lives of foreigners on the fringe.” Kirkus Review

Connections

Young adult readers selecting books on the topic of immigration might consider these titles:

Alvarez, Julia. Return to Sender. ISBN 9780375858383
Kheridian, David. Asking the River. Ill. Nonny Hogrogian. ISBN 9780531054833
Littman, Sarah. Life After. ISBN 978054515443

Inclusive Literature - Module 6

Bibliography

Niner, Holly L. 2004. Mr. Worry: A Story about OCD. Ill. by Greg Swearingen, Morton Grove, IL: Whitman. ISBN 978-0807551820

Plot Summary

Young Kevin’s day, and part of his night, is filled with routines. His routines are not like most children’s routines though. His routines are very repetitive and orderly. These routines are part of Kevin’s life because he is so worried that he will forget to do something important. Kevin even becomes worried over things that he knows can never happen, but he worries that they “might” happen, and then, how will he deal with it? After observing Kevin’s overactive worrying, his parents help him find a solution that makes his life much more enjoyable.

Critical Analysis

Niner provides an author note about her own experience parenting a son with Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Her note gives readers information about the disorder and how it affects children. Her insider perspective adds a level of authenticity to the book that treats the main character and the disorder with the proper care and respect deserved. As discussed by the author, the main character in the book, Kevin, is obsessed with repeating numerous tasks each day until each of them are completed with perfection. This includes tasks at school and at home. Even when Kevin knows the answer to questions before he asks them, he asks anyway as a form of reassurance. His imagination also causes him to think his mother could become a blue alien, and lights could appear under his bed each night. Kevin begins to feel that his parents will think he is crazy if he tells them the thoughts going through his head. They reassure him that he is not crazy and make him an appointment with a counselor. The counselor explains how the worries affect Kevin’s brain, much like a telephone call to his brain with a worry on the other end on the phone line. Kevin has to make the choice to not answer the call. Eventually, Kevin begins hanging up on the little “Mr. Worry” character that appears when he thinks he should check something. One by one, the repetitive routines lessen as Kevin practices hanging up. This practice along with his new medication help to make his life more enjoyable without “Mr. Worry” around.

Review Excerpts

“After Kevin begins seeing a therapist, he learns that his worries and odd behavior are called obsessions and compulsions. The story is obvious and agenda driven, but anthropomorphizing obsessive-compulsive disorder as a little man who keeps calling Kevin with worries may be helpful to young sufferers. Pleasant illustrations and a note to parents and teachers accompany the text.” Horn Book

“Kevin does a lot before he goes to sleep: line things up neatly, push in the desk chair, ask his mom the same questions over and over. If he doesn't do those things "his mind gets sweaty,"and he is afraid to tell his parents. What if his mom's an alien? (The picture of Kevin and Mom both riding bikes, in which she turns blue with pointy ears, is actually quite funny.) Kevin's parents take him to see a doctor who talks to people all day about their worries. Dr. Fraser teaches Kevin techniques on how to "hang up" on worry messages as if they were wrong numbers, and she gives him medication. Soon Kevin, who has named his OCD Mr. Worry, is managing his fears better. The airbrushed illustrations, which tend toward realism, have a certain blandness, but there's humor in them as well. This picture book for older readers is useful bibliotherapy that will no doubt comfort many kids.” Booklist

Connections

Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books that teach children how to cope with disorders such as OCD, ADHD, and Autism.

Pollack, Pam and Meg Belviso. I Can’t Sit Still!: Living with ADHD. Ill. Marta Fabrega ISBN9780764144196
Lears, Laurie. Ian’s Walk: A Story about Autism. Ill. Karen Ritz. ISBN 9780807534816
Talley, Leslie. A Thought is Just a Thought: A Story of Living with OCD. ISBN 9781590560655

Asian Pacific Literature - Module Five

Bibliography

Lin, Grace. 2006. The Year of the Dog. 2006. New York: Little Brown. ISBN 9780316060004

Plot Summary

Grace (Pacy, to her family & friend Melody) tries to find herself and determine what she wants to be when she grows up during the New Year of luck, the “Year of the Dog”. Being of Taiwanese-American heritage, Pacy is thrilled when Melody, also Taiwanese-American becomes a student at her school. They become the best of friends and together they endure life at school where many do not understand that even a Taiwanese-American girl could play the part of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz if given the chance. Although this dream does not come true for Pacy, she does become a winner in a prestigious writing contest which helps her to decide she should write books when she grows up.

Critical Analysis
Grace Lin uses the “story within the story” approach to share the life of Pacy, her parents, and two sisters. Embedded throughout the main story are shorter stories shared mainly by Pacy’s mother that help her to understand her Taiwanese heritage. Cultural markers are evident as the family participates in traditional celebrations like the “Red Egg” party for the birth of cousin Albert, when everyone in the family joins together in traditional clothing to shower the newborn child with red envelopes filled with money. Chinese New Year brings a plethora of food choices for Pacy’s family that are very traditional including: roasted duck with the head still on, fried rice with pink shrimp, jade green cabbage, brown dumplings, and seaweed, and a not so traditional item appears on the New Year tray: M & M’s.

The child-like illustrations almost give the book a look of a diary or journal belonging to the main character. The pencil drawings reflect the current happenings and add a bit of humor and whimsy to the book.

Review Excerpts

“For Taiwanese-American Pacy, sorting out her ethnic identity is important, and she wonders what she should be when she grows up. Writing and illustrating a book for a national contest makes her think that perhaps she can become an author of a "real Chinese person book." Lin offers both authentic Taiwanese-American and universal childhood experiences, told from a genuine child perspective.” Horn Book starred review

“A lighthearted coming-of-age novel with a cultural twist. Readers follow Grace, an American girl of Taiwanese heritage, through the course of one year-The Year of the Dog-as she struggles to integrate her two cultures. Throughout the story, her parents share their own experiences that parallel events in her life. These stories serve a dual purpose; they draw attention to Grace's cultural background and allow her to make informed decisions. She and her two sisters are the only Taiwanese-American children at school until Melody arrives. The girls become friends and their common backgrounds illuminate further differences between the American and Taiwanese cultures. At the end of the year, the protagonist has grown substantially. Small, captioned, childlike black-and-white drawings are dotted throughout. This is an enjoyable chapter book with easily identifiable characters.” School Library Journal

Connections

Young readers will also enjoy these novels by Grace Lin:

Lin, Grace. The Year of the Rat. Little Brown. ISBN 9780316033619
Lin, Grace. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. ISBN 9780316114271

Asian Pacific Literature - Module Five

Bibliography

Say, Allen. 1993. Grandfather’s Journey. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780395570357

Plot Summary

Japanese-American author Allen Say tells of his grandfather’s journey to America and his return to Japan. His grandfather experienced feelings of homesickness for his “other” country no matter where he was residing. Later, Say has the same feelings as he leaves his home in Japan to journey to California. To satisfy his longing for home, he returns to Japan to see the mountains and rivers. It is then that he feels he truly knows his grandfather.

Critical Analysis

In Say’s Caldecott Award winning book, the insider perspective provides the reader with authentic representation of the Japanese culture through realistic illustrations rather than text. The character’s facial features, skin tones, and hairstyles each help to define their cultural identity. In addition, the architecture, landscape, and clothing styles (kimonos) that are shown when grandfather returns to Japan are culturally authentic. This story of journeying to a new world and longing for home is beautifully captured through watercolors illustrations reminiscent of a family photo album covering three generations. A beautiful story of the internal struggle and yearning “to belong”.

Awards
Caldecott – 1994

Review Excerpts

“Say's grandfather travels throughout North America as a young man but, unable to forget his homeland, returns to Japan with his family, where the author is born. Say now lives in California and returns to his native land from time to time. "The funny thing is, the moment I am in one country, I am homesick for the other. I think I know my grandfather now." The immigrant experience has rarely been so poignantly evoked as it is in this direct, lyrical narrative, accompanied by soft-toned watercolors.” Horn Book starred review

“A personal history of three generations of the author's family that points out the emotions that are common to the immigrant experience. Splendid, photoreal watercolors have the look of formal family portraits or candid snapshots, all set against idyllic landscapes in Japan and in the U.S.” School Library Journal

Connections
Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books by Allen Say including:

Say, Allen. Kamishibai Man. ISBN978-0618479542
Say, Allen. Tea with Milk. ISBN9780547237473
Say, Allen. Tree of Cranes. ISBN978-0547248301

Asian Pacific Literature - Module Five

Bibliography
Choi, Yangsook.2006. Behind the Mask. New York: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux. ISBN 9780374305222

Plot Summary

Halloween is fast approaching and Korean American Kimin isn’t sure what costume he will wear for the celebration. After encouragement from his mother, Kimin explores the boxes of family treasures that once belonged to his grandfather. Upon opening the boxes a flood of memories overcome Kimin as he recalls seeing his grandfather for the last time and how he was frightened by his gruesome face. After exploring the contents of the boxes, Kimin learns that his grandfather was a famous mask dancer. Kimin decides to dress as his grandfather for Halloween since it is also a time to honor the dead. The children who are trick-or-treating are amazed by his costume and dancing skills, but when Kimin trips on his robe and scratches the mask, the fun ends. After returning home, his mother is pleased that he has worn his grandfather’s costume and Kimin’s friends visit to bring him an important paper that fell from his mask. The note, written to Kimin in Korean, is from his grandfather who wishes him to have the mask and know that his spirit will always be with him.

Critical Analysis

Choi gives readers the inside perspective as details of the Korean culture are shown through the illustrations depicting the masks, or Tal, worn by the dancers. The scene from Kimin’s memory of seeing his grandfather in Korea also shows traditional clothing and furnishings such as the rice paper door and writing on the paneled screen. The end papers of the book include a variety of masks expressing different emotions.

The author’s note providing information on the Talchum, or mask dance help the reader to understand more about the traditional Korean folk dance.

Review Excerpts

“Korean theater traditions meet American Halloween customs in Choi’s satisfying tale. When Kimin gets ready to choose a trick-or-treat costume, his mother brings him two red boxes from his late grandfather, "a famous dancer in Korea." Kimin feels ambivalent because his grandfather once startled him with a white-eyebrowed, white-bearded face. But inside the boxes, he finds family photos and the "gruesome" face-a stylized performance mask. This discovery transforms Kimin's negative memory and becomes a perfect Halloween outfit, although it gets a little scuffed. Choi's text-and-image layouts and cross-generational subject matter recall Allen Say's work on heritage.” Publisher’s Weekly

“On Halloween, Kimin sneaks out of the house wearing his grandfather's Korean dancing costume and tal (mask). When he falls and scratches the mask, he worries about his mother's reaction. The story realistically reflects Kimin's fears and struggles. The muted autumnal illustrations move seamlessly between depictions of traditional Korean culture and those of modern-day America, invoking both solemnity and humor.” Horn Book

Connections
Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books by Yangsook Choi including:

Choi, Yangsook. The Name Jar. ISBN978-0440417996
Choi, Yangsook. New Cat. ISBN0374355126
Choi, Yangsook. Peach Heaven. ISBN978-0374357610

Native American Literature - Module Four

Bibliography

Retold by Bruchac, Joseph. 1993.The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story. Ill. by Anna Vojtech. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0803713312.

Plot Summary

When the world was new, man and woman were made at the same time so they would not be lonely. After marrying each other, they lived together happily until the man came home from hunting one day to find his wife gathering flowers instead of preparing their meal. The man became angry and asked if he was supposed to eat flowers. This made the woman angry because she had picked the flowers to share with her husband. Since he hurt her feelings with his angry words, she decided she would no longer live with him and she set out walking through the plain. Her husband tried to catch up with her but he was unable to match her quick steps. His voice calling her name went unanswered because she could not hear him. Unable to catch up with his wife to apologize, the husband finds help in the form of the sun who tries to distract the woman by having berries grow instantly near her feet as beams of sunlight shine down. Her anger dwells inside and she walks past the raspberries, blueberries, and even the blackberries. The sun tries one last time to slow the woman's stride as it shines the strongest beam of light right in front of her feet to make strawberries appear. Glowing like fire, the woman cannot resist and she stops to pick one to eat. The sweetness reminds her of her husband and his love so she gathers the strawberries to share with him only to find him standing behind her asking for forgiveness. Together they eat the sweet strawberries that symbolize the need for kindness and respect for one another. According to the Cherokee, this is how strawberries came into the world.

Critical Analysis

The author's note mentions the origin of this story being found in James Mooney's Myths of the Cherokee, published in 1900. Bruchac, who is of Abenaki heritage, first heard the story from Mary and Goingback Chiltoskey, Cherokee elders from North Carolina. The story is simple and clearly written with no indications that it would be a story specific to the Cherokee culture other than the source notes from the author, and the title. It does reveal closeness to the Earth and nature.The soft watercolor illustrations present few motifs specific to that of the Cherokee culture. Noticeable motifs include the clay pottery, basket shapes, and the rectangular mud hut dwelling. Other than these motifs, the other illustrations could be included in many books about Native Americans. The skin tones, hairstyles, buckskin clothing, and moccasins seem to reflect a monoculture, which does not exist. It would be nice to see more specific details in the illustrations that reflect the Cherokee culture since the origins of this story are from that culture.


Review Excerpts

“This legend explains the origins of strawberries, grown by the sun to help the first man and woman patch a quarrel. ‘Spare text, an uncomplicated story line and gentle illustrations keep this quiet but resonant tale accessible to even the youngest child.’ ” Publisher’s Weekly

“A gentle story of the Sun's healing of marital discord by a gift of ripe strawberries that magically grow at the feet of an angry woman as she flees her husband's harsh words, thus halting her departure long enough for him to catch up and make amends. Thereafter, the story concludes, whenever the Cherokee eat strawberries, they are reminded to be kind to one another. Quietly luminous watercolors capture details of dress, dwelling, implements, flora, and fauna against an open landscape of rolling hills. Small touches dramatize the story's moods: a bouquet of brown-eyed Susans flung to the ground in anger; an empty nest in a pine tree as the woman disappears behind the western hills; the glimmer of a single firefly as man and wife are reconciled. Complete harmony of text and pictures: altogether lovely.” Kirkus Review

Connections

Other Native American stories to enjoy by Joseph Bruchac include:

Bruchac, Joseph. The Earth Under Sky Bear’s Feet. Ill. Thomas Locker. ISBN 9780140564099
Bruchac, Joseph. Between Earth & Sky: Legends of Native American Sacred Places. Ill. Thomas Locker. ISBN 9780152020620
Bruchac, Joseph and James Bruchac. How Chipmunk Got His Stripes. Ill. Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey. ISBN 9780142500217