LSSL 5361 Culture 6 Reviews

 

• Title:  Ask Me No Questions

• Bibliography:  Budhos, M. (2007). Ask Me No Questions. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

ISBN:  978-1416949206

• Summary: 

• In Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos, Nadira and her family immigrated to the US from Bangladesh and are working to live the American dream. They have been in New York City on expired visas, but after the events of 9/11, the family must now try to prove they deserve to reapply for residency..  After her father is caught US-Canada border, Nadira is left with the tough task of keeping her family together.  

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• Critical Analysis:

Ask Me No Questions is based on the story of a family of Muslim immigrants who like many, had to defend their innocence and separation from the terrorists who plotted and carried out the attacks of September 11, 2001.  The story presents to us the awful experience that many had to face.

In this story, the author gives an in-depth look at the characters. The reader learns that Nadira, who is the narrator, is a quiet and average student with little motivation. Her sister Aisha, on the other hand, is an honor student who is dedicated and has a bright future ahead of her. Their parents, who are also well described throughout the story, hold to many traditional beliefs.  

Cultural markes are evident.  These include details such as the dress and food. Nadira and Aisha address their parents as Ma, or sometimes Amma, and Abba. Foods specific to their culture are mentioned throughout. 

Ask Me No Questions is a great story that not only offers numerous cultural details but  that shares an experience that many Muslim immigrants have sadly endured.  This book is a great tool that could hopefully help all readers empathize with all immigrants.

• Review Excerpts:

“A moving, first person, present-tense narrative…Readers will feel the heartbreak, prejudice, kindness, and fear.” –Booklist, starred review

“A perceptive peek into the lives of foreigners on the fringe.” –Kirkus Reviews

“A thoughtful, riveting tale of post-9/11 America…Beautifully written.” –Chitra Divakaruni, author of Queen of Dreams

Connections:

    Other books by Marina Budhos:

    We Are All We Have

    Watched

    Related books:

    The Border  ISBN: 978-1492646839

•  Tell Us We're Home  ISBN: 978-1416903529

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• Title:   This Day in June

• Bibliography:  

• Pitman, G. E. (2014). This Day in June. Magination Press.

• ISBN:  978-1433816598

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• Summary: 

• This Day in June is a picture book that introduces children to a pride celebration.  It promotes a day when we are “all united”.  The book includes a section with information that parents and caregivers may use when talking to children about sexual orientation and gender identity.    

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• Critical Analysis:

• This Day in June is an amazing picture book that can serve as a tool to help teach respect and acceptance.  It is excellent for teaching children and helping them understand lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The book uses short rhyming phrases and cute illustrations to present this information.  It also provides facts and helpful tips parents and caregivers may use when talking to children about LGBTQ+.  

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• Overall, this book is a great way to expose children to diverse communities and to help them understand and accept.  It is an excellent book that will represent yet another group who at times is underrepresented in literature.     

• Review Excerpts:

• "Pitman, in her first book for children, salutes the LGBT parades that take place across the U.S. in June. Her couplets keep things marching steadily forward, but it’s Litten’s artwork that creates a sense of joyous excitement and showcases the diversity on display."—Publishers Weekly

“This beautifully illustrated book is a great addition to a school or personal library to add diversity in a responsible manner without contributing to stereotypes about LGBT people.”—School Library Journal

• Connections:

• Other books by Gayle E. Pitman:

• Evelyn Hooker and the Fairy Project

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• Related books:

    No One Owns the Colors  ISBN:  978-195141296

    The ABCs of Queer History (The ABCs of History)  ISBN:  978-1523518548

• Title:  Show Me a Sign

• Bibliography:  

LeZotte, A. C. (2021). Show Me a Sign. Scholastic Incorporated.

ISBN: 978-1338255829

• Summary: 

• In Show Me a Sign, Mary, despite of her disability, is a very happy girl and lives with a loving family.  That is until tragedy strikes and her brother is killed while trying to save her.  Her mother is distraught and has a hard time moving forward even after months have gone by.  Mary is able to continue her life and her friends Nancy, who is hearing, and Ezra, who is deaf, make it easier.  One day,  a scientist named Andrew Noble, is visiting the island because he wants to study the causes of deafness, but he ends up being arrogant and holds a dismissive attitude towards deaf people.  After unpleasant experiences, Mary is able to realize how people discriminate against those who are deaf and uses this to find her mission in life, to change the mentality of people towards deafness. 

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• Critical Analysis:

• Show Me a Sign is a story that presents the topic of deafness.   The main character, Mary, shares with us different perspectives coming from a person who is hearing impaired.  The author, who is also deaf, shares an amazing story about a girl who lives in an island in which many people are deaf, but are able to communicate amongst each other.  This makes Mary feel good and comfortable.  It is not until she is forced to go somewhere out of her world that she notices the demeanor towards deaf people.  This is something that can probably still be relateable to many with disabilities and/or cultural differences.  

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This book is one that exposes a topic and/or group that is usually not read about.  Sadly, people with disabilities are not well represented in books.  Mary’s incredible story is one that will expose not only the disability and its struggles, but the bright side of it and how people dealing with it can make a difference as well.  This book is a must read which will delight with its beautiful message.

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• Review Excerpts:

• * "LeZotte weaves threads of adventure, family tragedy, community, racism, and hearing people's negative assumptions about Deaf people into a beautiful and complex whole. Mary overcomes her own ordeal with the support of her community, but in the process she discovers that there is no silver bullet for the problems and prejudices of the world. There is no hollow inspirational content to be found in this tale... LeZotte acknowledges the racial tensions among the English, black, Irish, and Wampanoag residents of Martha's Vineyard, creating a dynamic that Mary interacts within but cannot fix... A vivid depiction of Deaf community along with an exciting plot and beautiful prose make this a must-read." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

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• * "Everything about this novel is nuanced, from the syntax of the sign language to the discussions of island politics and history. Mary's dramatic adventure will enthrall readers, but her internal journey-from being an uncomfortable witness to prejudice (including her mother's toward the Wampanoag and freedmen, or former slaves), to experiencing it herself, to determining to oppose it by leading by example-is equally important, and profound." -- The Horn Book, starred review

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• * "LeZotte crafts a moving tale of 1805 Martha's Vineyard that highlights issues still relevant more than 200 years later, including racism, ableism, and prejudice... these themes add nuance to the expertly crafted story of Mary, her response to her situations, her courage, and her hope that she will reunite with the community she loves. Exceptionally written, faced paced, and full of topics that will inspire deep discussion. A valuable addition to secondary elementary or middle school collections." -- School Library Journal, starred review

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• Connections:

• Other books by Ann Clare LeZotte:

• Set Me Free

• Sail Me Away Home

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• Related books:

    I Deaf-initely Can, Rhett the Heeler ISBN:  979-8894435107

    Real ISBN:  978-1639930807

    Title:  Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens

Bibliography:  

Nijkamp, M. (Ed.). (2018). Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR).

• ISBN:  978-0374306502

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• Summary: 

Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens is a young adult collection that features short stories about disability from the perspective of disabled characters.  The stories cover a variety of topics such as friendship, first loves, and travel.  Set in the past, present, and future, the stories celebrates disabled teens of all genders, orientations, and races, while also acknowledging the reality of their situations.  

• Critical Analysis:

Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens is an anthology that was quite unique. Each story had elements that were important and necessary to the collection. From physical disabilities to mental disabilities, I feel these are stories every disabled person can relate to in one way or another. and any reader can learn from as well.  The collection demonstrates that a disability does not define a person. It shows how a person dealing with a disability can still fall in love or have adventures just like anyone else. I liked how the stories did mention that the main character had a disability but that was not the story itself.   The authors did an exceptional job in creating these stories.

Without a doubt, this is an interesting collection that shares wonderful stories that we can all relate to and enjoy but at the same time can help people with disabilities feel represented in literature.  

• Review Excerpts:

"What makes these protagonists different proves far less relevant than the universal emotions they express." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The stories feature wide variety and high quality, but most importantly, none of the teens at the center of the stories are defined by their disabilities. Teens disappointed by the lack of nuanced depictions of disability in YA fiction will cheer for these compassionate, engaging, and masterfully written stories." ―Booklist, starred review

"For intersectional representations of disabled kids leading complex lives―sometimes painful, sometimes funny, never sentimentally inspirational―a vital collection." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

• Connections:

• Other books by Marieke Nijkamp:

    This Is Where It Ends

    Before I Let Go

    Related books:

    Time and Time Again ISBN:  978-1547613908

    On the Bright Side ISBN:  978-0593697863

LSSL 5361 Culture 4 Reviews

 

• Title:  The First Strawberries:  A Cherokee Story

• Bibliography:  

• Bruchac, J. (1998). The First Strawberries: A Cherokee Story. Puffin Books.

ISBN: 978-0140564099

• Summary: 

• The First Strawberries:  A Cherokee Story, by Joseph Bruchac, is a retelling of a traditional Cherokee legend that explains how strawberries came to be. The story is about a man and woman who have an argument and the woman decides to leave. After realizing that he spoke in anger, the man follows the woman, but she is gone.  The Sun helps the man by making berries grow in the woman's path.  After the Sun shines on the strawberries to make the woman notice them, she tastes them and the sweetness reminds her of how happy she and her husband were before their argument. She decides to pick some and the man catches up to her and apologizes, and they share the strawberries.

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• Critical Analysis:

The First Strawberries:  A Cherokee Story is a beautiful retelling of a traditional Cherokee folktale. Both the author and illustrator implement a variety of cultural markers in this picture book. A look into the culture of this Native American tribe is provided by this tale of how strawberries came to be.

Although the author does not use any language specific to the tribe in the story, there are several cultural markers that can help the reader identify this story as Native American. The vivid illustrations show the husband and wife having authentic facial features and skin tone. Both the man and woman have long hair.  The wife’s hair is braided.  The clothing they wear is a true representation of traditional Cherokee clothing.  At the end of the tale, the author also states that the Cherokee people of today still remember to be kind when they eat strawberries.

This is a beautiful tale which is sure to delight children.  Being that Joseph Bruchac is a respected Native American author with an impressive collection, anyone looking for an authentic Cherokee folktale for their collection can be confident that his books are accurate. 

• Review Excerpts:

"Spare text, an uncomplicated story line and gentle illustrations keep this quiet but resonant tale accessible to even the youngest child"--Publishers Weekly

"Quietly luminous watercolors capture details of dress, dwelling, implements, flora, and fauna against an open landscape of rolling hills."--Kirkus Review

• Connections:

• Other books by Joseph Bruchac:

    Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two

    Squanto's Journey: The Story of the First Thanksgiving

    Related books:

    Sootface  ISBN:  978-0440413639

    Brother Eagle, Sister Sky  ISBN:  978-0142301326

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• Title:   Rain Is Not My Indian Name

• Bibliography:  

• Smith, C. L. (2021). Rain Is Not My Indian Name. HarperCollins Publishers.

• ISBN:  978-0380733002

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• Summary: 

• In Rain Is Not My Indian Name, 14-year-old Cassidy Rain Berghoff shuts herself off from the world after the death of her best friend. When her Aunt Georgia invites her to participate in Indian Camp, she cautiously steps out, but from behind a camera. Gradually, Rain discovers she can become an active participant in life again.

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• Critical Analysis:

• In Rain Is Not My Indian Name, 14-year-old Rain is a mixed-race Native American.   However, that is not the main theme in this story.  It is more of how a typical teenage girl copes with the loss of a mom and a best friend, a dad being away from her, a brother who does not communicate well with her, a distant grandfather, among others.

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• Throughout the story, there is some challenge to standard images of Native Americans, including the title. One may not consider the events presented in this book typical for the culture.  First is the name. In this story, Rain’s name has no sacred meaning, instead, it is just a reminder of the stormy day her parents first met. Second are some of the customs. Rain and her family do not live in a reservation. Pretty much, she has a life common among American teens. A third inconsistency is the family. Rain’s mom passed away, and her dad is stationed in Guam. Her grandfather, who is in Las Vegas most of the book, is in charge of Rain’s well-being but since he is gone, Rain’s older brother and girlfriend watch over her. There is no misrepresentation of Native Americans in these characters, they simply illustrate how a modern family lives.  Even then, I feel that customs that one might associate with Native Americans are missing from this story and if included, would of made it more authentic.

Even with some things lacking, the reader will enjoy the book. The situations Rain is facing may be relevant to a typical teenager.  The messages sent out by this book will probably make readers think about their own situations and methods for coping.  It may also encourage resiliency and appreciation.

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• Review Excerpts:

• "A wonderful novel of a present-day teen and her 'patch-work tribe." — School Library Journal

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• “Rain's observations are appealingly wry, and readers …will find food for thought in this exploration of cultural identity. ” — The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books

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• Connections:

• Other books by Cynthia L Smith :

• Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids

• Sisters of the Neversea

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• Related books:

• Soul Keeper  ISBN:  979-8773958024

• Title:  Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

• Bibliography:  

• Maillard, K. N. (2019). Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story. Roaring Brook Press.

ISBN:  978-1626727465

• Summary: 

• Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, is a picture book about a modern, diverse Native American family making fry bread together.  The story highlights what fry bread means to them.

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• Critical Analysis:

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story is a unique story.  Through the first pages, the story tells us about what fry bread means to the family.  At the end of the book, the author provides a very detailed note on how fry bread came to be and a bit of history on it. The author also goes in-depth on the meaning of fry bread.  Additionally, the author provides a fry bread recipe.

As for the cultural markers, both the words and illustrations included some.  First of all, fry bread is one of the foods most commonly associated with Native American culture.  In order for children to truly understand the meaning of this book, I feel some of the history of fry bread should be shared with them.  The book also mentions names of tribes and other Native American cultural traditions such as powwows.  The illustrations show characters with Native American features such as skin tone and hair color and length, but at the same time it shows diversity in families.  

I enjoyed reading this book. The story itself flows well.  The text is simple, yet beautiful. The illustrations bring the story to life.  Fry Bread shares a beautiful message.  It is so much more than a story about food.  

• Review Excerpts:

• “With buoyant, heartfelt illustrations that show the diversity in Native America, the book tells the story of a post-colonial food, a shared tradition across the North American continent . . . Through this topic that includes the diversity of so many Native peoples in a single story, Maillard (Mekusukey Seminole) promotes unity and familiarity among nations. Fry bread is much more than food, as this book amply demonstrates.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

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• “Fry Bread celebrates the thing itself and much, much more . . . Maillard and Martinez-Neal bring depth, detail, and whimsy to this Native American food story, with text and illustrations depicting the diversity of indigenous peoples, the role of continuity between generations, and the adaptation over time of people, place, and tradition.” ―Booklist, starred review

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• “A powerful meditation” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

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• Connections:

• Other books by Kevin Noble Maillard:

• Loving v. Virginia in a Post-Racial World: Rethinking Race, Sex, and Marriage

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• Related books:

    Brother Eagle, Sister Sky  ISBN: 978-0142301326

    Sootface  ISBN: 978-0440413639

    Title: How I Became A Ghost — A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story

Bibliography:  

Tingle, T. (2013). How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story. RoadRunner Press.

• ISBN:  978-1937054557

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• Summary: 

How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story by Tim Tingle, is a historical fiction book about a Choctaw boy named Isaac who survives the Trail of Tears and becomes a ghost.  Isaac and his family are forced to leave Mississippi after soldiers burn homes and shoot people. They escape one night and travel to what would eventually become Oklahoma. Isaac experiences many hardships along the way, including witnessing others die, and eventually meets his own tragic end. After becoming a ghost, Isaac is able to use his new powers to help those he left behind, including rescuing a Choctaw girl who was enslaved in a white soldier camp. Isaac receives help from various sources, including his little sister Nita, who also became a ghost before him, as well as Joseph, the panther boy, and Choctaw elders, both living and dead. 

• Critical Analysis:

• How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story is amazing!  The book is told from Isaac's perspective.  It explores themes of innocence and resilience in the face of tragedy.  Isaac opens the story with a striking declaration: “Maybe you have never read a book by a ghost before.  I am a ghost.” Isaac has a strong voice from the very first line, and readers will be eager to learn more about him.

Cultural markers are very evident throughout the story.  This book exposes readers to Choctaw history, culture, and thinking. It also goes into the Choctaw mythology, which makes the ghosts feel less like magic and more like a natural way of looking at this world and the next.  Words such as “nahullos”, used to describe the white people who forced the Choctaw off their land, are used throughout the book.  

Overall How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story is simply incredible.  From start to finish, the story captivates the reader’s attention.  While some details might not be appropriate for young readers, the older audience is sure to enjoy every single page.

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• Review Excerpts:

• "The beginning of a trilogy, this tale is valuable for both its recounting of a historical tragedy and its immersive Choctaw perspective." -- Vicky Smith "Kirkus Reviews"

"Tingle, a Choctaw storyteller, relates his tale in the engaging repetitions and rhythms of an oft-told story. ... The novel comes alive in Isaac's voice and in the rich alliance of the living and the dead." -- Dean Schneider "The Horn Book Magazine"

• Connections:

• Other books by Tim Tingle:

    When a Ghost Talks, Listen 

    When Turtle Grew Feathers: A Folktale from the Choctaw Nation

    Related books:

    Peacemaker  ISBN:  978-1984815392