Children's Literature Collection Development
Completed by Amy McCurdy
for Information Sciences 560 at
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
To move directly to different sections of this document, click on the links below: | |
|
Parent Organization Variables |
|
In collection development, information professionals must be aware of and ready to cater to the needs of the community. Developing a collection is a complex process that begins with information professionals detecting a need for access to materials on a certain subject. I have decided to develop a collection of multicultural children's books to meet the needs of the West Knoxville Community. I have chosen a Knoxville bookstore as the organization for the collection.
The mission of the bookstore is to "provide [its] customers with the highest quality service of any bookseller in America." The goals and objectives of the agency can be summarized as follows:
to be the very best in the business, regardless of size, pedigree or inclination of our competitors
to bring to the industry nuances of style and approaches to bookselling which are consistent with evolving aspirations
to be a credit to the community we serve
to be a valuable resource to our customers
to be a place where dedicated booksellers can grow and prosper
The Bookstore is a large chain-based bookstore headquartered in New York. The home office regulates most of the displays of books required at the agency. The home office sends a list of required books to be displayed and accompanying signs. The home office also has control of the agency's "model numbers," or the number of certain titles to be kept in stock to comprise a core collection. The organization is arranged into a distinct hierarchy of employees. This starts with the founder and CEO and the President. District managers are next in the caste. Within the agency, the hierarchy continues with the store manager, two assistant managers, and a fourth key-holder. Directly below the managers and key holder, the agency employs three department supervisors. Booksellers, both full and part-time, comprise the lowest division of the hierarchy. The booksellers consist of a few high school students, several college students, and a few people working to earn second incomes. To fulfill the agency mission of providing its customers withe the highest customer service possible, the employees of the agency use a policy called the Triple A's: Acknowledge all customers, Assess the customer based on the cues the customer gives, and Approach every customer, prepared to satisfy their needs. The agency measures success of meeting its customer service goals according to effectively handling the "moment of truth" with customers. The belief that "nothing comes before putting a book in the customer's hand, acknowledging them by eye contact or a greeting, offering to order a book that we do not currently have in the store, and thanking them for coming to our store" allows the agency to achieve this goal. On a more economic front, the agency measures success based upon whether or not it meets "plan"--the weekly sales goal decided upon by the New York home office. The home office-controlled policies and procedures almost make the agency seem detached from the community's specific needs. The agency strives to be the best in customer service, and has the freedom to make some decisions concerning the types of collections it keeps in the environment. Meeting the specific needs of the community is an important tenet within the bookstore, but the agency almost seems to become overwhelmed in policies and mandates from the New York home office. The prescribed model numbers of titles kept within the store permit the agency to provide many mainstream, core titles for customers (just-in-case collections). The agency also has a large collection of regional books, including regional history, regional fiction/folklore and regional travel and reference. This section encompasses two full bays of books, and is important to the agency because of its popularity with the customers. Any customer request exceeding the home office modeled titles or the regional collection must be obtained for the customer via orders from a wholesaler or publisher (just-in-time collections). This policy may interfere with the agency fulfilling its goals of being the very best in the business, being a credit to the community they serve, and being a valuable resource to their customers.
Return to the top
of the page.
The agency is located in the upper middle class, white-associated West Knoxville; however, its clientele is quite diverse. I believe the community would be well served by a collection of quality multicultural children's literature. In my previous graduate studies, I learned to help children to recognize and celebrate diversity among themselves and peers. I developed a multicultural world view and acquired an affinity for making children aware of cultural distinctiveness. During my graduate work, I noticed there existed a lack of resources to help children celebrate diversity. Children's differences in race and culture were issues that simply were not addressed, and everyone seemed content with depending on white-centered viewpoints and literature material. Anything multicultural just seemed to slip in by accident. For this reason, I have chosen to create a collection of multicultural resources for children. This collection will be available for the community to see their own uniqueness being mirrored and to experience the distinctiveness of cultures unlike their own. The Children's Department, the focus of the proposed collection, can be characterized as follows:
Sections of favorite characters, including Barbie, Barney, Teletubbies, Blue's Clues and Berenstain Bears
A favorite series section, with primarily white-centered Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys, Babysitters' Club, Sweet Valley Twins and Mary Kate and Ashley
Young reader chapter books, picture books, classics, non-fiction and reference, workbooks and new and notable books
Return to the top
of the page.
Books of multicultural interest are interspersed within the larger picture book, young reader, and reference sections. There is a collection of African American history and Native American history, each filling approximately one shelf each. I saw mostly didactic, lower-quality books here, including historical series of Indian tribes and history-book caliber biographies of African American figures. Some picture books are kept within this collection, but many seem to be older titles. To celebrate Black History Month in February, there is a display of African American picture books, a display of newer African American biographies, and a display of appropriate bargain books. The importance of the proposed collection is immeasurable, and a demand for multicultural materials already clearly exists. In 1999 alone, the Children's Department has had six specific requests for multicultural literature, three of which could not be fulfilled by the current collection. Scout leaders, teachers and parents have been to the agency in search of materials. We are experiencing
such a move toward political correctness within the United States and we have such a diverse population of cultures and ethnicities. Our country seems to be moving away from simply assimilating different cultures into the mainstream white culture. Rather, because of the large variety of cultures
present in the United States, we are acknowledging each different culture and its uniqueness. This move toward political correctness is being curtailed by some members of society. Many feel allowing aspects of other cultures to enter the classrooms and popular media will cause our white children
to lose their language skills. Many have adopted a viewpoint like my own, and these are the community members for whom this collection is essential. This demand for literature for children to help them learn of the diversity of America and to see their own culture being mirrored already exists, and inevitably will increase. Bookstores and libraries are currently the only source of multicultural literature for the community served by the agency. School libraries I have visited, even those in multicultural communities like Lonsdale and Inskip Elementaries seemed inadequate sources of information. The library at Sarah Moore Greene School seemed to have the best multicultural book collection, with a few African American and Appalachian titles. Their collection is by no means comprehensive, and is not actually at the disposal
of the larger community. To fulfill their needs for multicultural children's books, the community is resigned to having a bookstore such as the agency order specific books for them. Many community members do not have the foresight to come in to the agency one to two weeks before they need the multicultural resources because the resources have to be special ordered from Ingram or Baker & Taylor or directly from the publisher. Most users are not willing or able to wait this time period, and ultimately go without the desired materials. In cases like this, where customers are turned away, the agency is not able to fulfill its goal of being a valuable resource
to their customers. The agency could better meet its goal of being a credit to the community they serve by having the proposed collection of children's materials from diverse cultures. To develop this collection, I searched for information on various web search engines and on the agency's search system, BookMaster, which is a Books in Print based system. To find appropriate multicultural children's books for the collection, I decided to search with the following keywords: Appalachian, Native American, African American,
Catholic, Jewish, Arab American, Hispanic American, Asian American, and Irish American. I also searched Bosnian American as an experimental examination of available resources, and remembering a customer's request for such information. On the web search engines, I began by searching the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) on the terms "multicultural" and "children." This search led me to several hits, but the sources all seemed to be bibliographic books of multicultural literature or guides for using multicultural literature
in the classroom. I decided to change direction with my search. I browsed the Yahoo search engine with them terms "multicultural," "children" and "book." I found thirteen sites which included links to publishers' and personal home pages. I then clicked on the bottom of the Yahoo search screen to perform similar searches on Alta Vista, Hotbot, Deja
News and Lycos. From the search engines, I found links to several useful sites. One was an article from Instructor magazine called "How to Choose the Best Multicultural Books." URL="http://www.scholastic.com/instructor/curriculum/langarts/reading/multicultural.htm" This site is helpful to me in deciding which books are best for the collection, and would be good for teachers to consult in incorporating multicultural literature into the curriculum. Other sites I found useful for their comprehensive bibliographies and price information
were America's Stir Fry and Alba Book Company and Lee and Low Books. After my web search for appropriate materials, I searched the in-store search system. On the system, which searches only for books, I selected the "juvenile" filter
and searched the individual keywords. I determined from my web and Bookmaster searches that the selections appropriate for the collection are certainly available. I found books available in all price ranges, from Eric Kimmel's The Three Princes: A Tale from the Middle East at $16.95 to Ezra Jack Keats' Goggles! At $5.99. It is clear that the resources exist for creating a collection of the best multicultural children's resources. It is also evident that a demand exists within the community for such materials. I will bring the existence of the materials and the needs of the community together by creating a collection at the bookstore.
Before beginning to gather materials to place in the collection of multicultural children's books and materials at the bookstore, I separated the community into distinct subsets. This was necessary as a means to identify and gear the collection toward those groups that are most likely to use the resources, as not all members of the community will be interested. I identified three distinct community groups who are likely to benefit from the collection. These groups--parents, teachers, and special community groups--were chosen based on their attendance of previous events at , and based on previous customer requests for multicultural materials at the bookstore. I continued this process of identifying the segments of the population likely to use the collection by identifying contact persons for each group. I identified one person from each segment who is knowledgeable of children's multicultural literature, and one person who is a potential user of the collection. Talking with these people enabled me to get a sense of the usefulness of the collection to them and other members of their subset of the community. Through a series of interview questions, I devised the following table (to be expanded upon later in this analysis) to classify the groups in order of projected frequency of use:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After thoughtful consideration, I ranked the teachers as the primary group because of their specific requests and reliance on the materials for student learning. Of the three subsets of the community, the teachers I talked to seemed to be the most enthusiastic about the collection. Special community interest groups are designated the secondary group for use of the collection. Their specific requests for materials to be included, along with their general belief that people in the group would use the materials, led me to make this judgement. Parents, because of their uncertainty of the success of the collection with other community members, were chosen as the tertiary group for using the collection of multicultural children's books and materials at the bookstore. After
I talked with members from each user group, taking into account the patterns of shoppers at the bookstore, I formulated an estimate of the numbers of likely users for each segment. Using a month as a time period to measure use, I estimate that roughly ten teachers, eight members from community agencies, and five parents will use the collection in a month. This estimate does not use passers-by or users who are not seeking materials from the collection to meet specific goals for their use.
Return to the top
of the page.
This collection is being developed for the Knoxville community to provide an accessible resource of quality children's multicultural books and resources. It is important that children in today's society are given a chance to recognize and celebrate diversity between themselves and peers. There seems to exist a lack of resources to help children celebrate diversity. This collection will be available for the community to see their own uniqueness being mirrored and to experience the distinctiveness of cultures unlike their own. The American Association of School Librarians and Association of Educational Communications and Technology, in their book Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs, state that it is the responsibility of information professionals to "provide intellectual and physical access to information and ideas for a diverse population whose needs are changing rapidly" (1988). The purpose of this collection of quality children's multicultural books and resources, briefly stated, is this:
to provide members of the Knoxville community a collection of multicultural children's books and materials at various costs, in various formats, to serve as aids in the character development and celebration of cultural diversity among children through their parents, teachers, and other community agencies.
These are the cultures projected to be represented in the collection:
Catholic
Hispanic
African
Appalachian
Arabic
Asian
Jewish
The catalog of books available to be ordered by the bookstore is contained in their Bookmaster system. This system is based on Books In Print, which lists only titles in print in the United States. For this reason, only books published in the U.S. will be included in the collection.
For children to understand the uniqueness of their cultures, it is necessary for them to understand the origins of various racial, religious and other-cultural groups in America. For this reason, materials in the collection should include resources that do just that--make children aware of the lives of people who brought their unique cultures to America. Children should be able to see through materials in the collections the ways in which they are different and how previous members of their cultures have served to make them unique. More importantly the collection should consist of books and resources that reflect cultural diversity in today's society in a positive way.
The date of issue of the materials should be recent in that the materials correctly reflect the history and impacts of various cultures in the United States. Older classic works of good quality may also be included.
This collection will contain, at various costs and formats, books on the preschool through intermediate school levels, aids for teachers and community group personnel, and audio cassette materials that follow a multicultural theme. The collection will not include videos or computer software, because the agency does not provide for the inclusion of such materials in its inventory.
The collection will consist primarily of juvenile trade books for children and parents to share. These books will cover the reading levels of pre-reading to young readers (approximately fifth-sixth grades). The books will be available in both hardcover and paperback formats, thereby providing selections from a large range of price. The books for children will encompass the genres of history and biographies, and fiction or historical fiction on a larger scale. Audio books and cassettes of multicultural songs or games or other materials will also be available for the segments of the community to use with children. These will comprise a small part of the collection.
At the request of the knowledgeable representatives from each segment of the community, good multicultural materials with activities in them, such as active games, word games, crafts, songs, recipes will be made available for teachers and agencies to guide them in imparting knowledge and sharing stories with children.
Besides the criteria mentioned in the discussion of the type and format of materials, the resources in the collection should present children of various cultures in empowering, nonprejudicial ways. The purpose of the collection is to focus on positive character development and presenting cultural diversity in ways that empower children.
The specific breakdown of subjects has been characterized in earlier discussions of the type and format, and the criteria for selecting materials. The following table illustrates the proposed breakdown of the materials in the collection. Both subject aspects and desired levels of materials have taken into consideration the desires expressed by contact persons in all segments of the community of likely users.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There is no other collection of this sort in Knoxville. Teachers and community group leaders depend on mail orders or borrowing materials from libraries or other agencies for use. Libraries are available for all users, but require the extrication of multicultural books from stacks of seemingly endless titles of children's books. This collection will provide a convenient means for community members to obtain the high-quality multicultural children's books and teaching materials that they obviously desire.
Return to the top
of the page.
In the collection development process, it is important to appraise the current collection to determine the degree to which it meets the needs of the community. I spoke with members of three segments of the community in the community analysis segment of this development process. Members from all three groups stated that there was currently not a collection to satisfy their needs for multicultural books and materials to use with children. Members of the community who shop at the bookstore said they use library, catalog or mail orders as outlets other than bookstores to get these materials. Members of the three segments must look for materials themselves at libraries or bookstores or order materials themselves or through the bookstores.
Delimiting the books already in the children's department at the bookstore is an important step in assembling the collection of multicultural books. I used the BookMaster system to search the agency's inventory to determine the materials available for adding to the collection. As indicated in the characterization of the Information Agency Variables, the multicultural children's books in the agency are not contained in one section; they are found within the picture books, young readers, history, biography, and other sections of the juvenile department. I was able to determine actual numbers of titles already on hand for each sub-genre in the proposed multicultural collection. These are numbers of titles, and do not include multiple copies of titles.
|
|
|
| African-American | 61 |
| Native American | 28 |
| Hispanic American | 12 |
| Asian American | 10 |
| Appalachian | 9 |
| Jewish | 28 |
| Catholic | 3 |
| General Multicultural | 6 |
| TOTAL TITLES | 157 |
The number of potential users determined in the community analysis can be related to the on hand titles available for inclusion in the collection. The total number of multicultural titles on hand in the agency, 157, compared to the estimated user population (roughly ten teachers, eight members from community agencies, and five parents) yields a ratio of 6.8 books per likely user. This is a rather large ratio considering the unmet needs of customers expressed in the community analysis section of this collection development process. This collection evaluation will serve to weed items from the current collection that are not used. Ultimately the noteworthy items in the existing inventory of the agency will be grouped with items to be added to the agency to create a collection of the best children's multicultural books and materials.
African American, Native American and Jewish children's books receive the most emphasis among the multicultural titles already held within the agency. The intellectual content of the books can be described as ranging from preschool level (picture books) to early reader (beginning readers) to intermediate elementary level (young readers). All of the titles currently in the agency which are being considered for the collection are either trade cloth (52 titles) or trade paper (105 titles) format. The book, Sister Annie's Hands by Marybeth Lorbiecki, is the exception. This book has library binding. Books with special features include Chief Lelooska's Spirit of the Cedar People, which comes with a compact disk, The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays, which has a listing of important Hebrew words and their English translations, and the general multicultural books, which have detailed recipes and art project ideas. The currency of the titles currently held within the agency will be an important factor to consider when weeding of the titles occurs. Since January, there are several new picture books of multicultural emphasis that have been published. These are listed below:
|
Journal of Joshua Loper: A Black Cowboy by Walter D. Myers From Here to There by Margery Cuyler Come on Rain by Karen Hesse Girls Together by Sherley Williams Kites by Demi Raisel's Riddle by Erica Silverman Manuela's Gift by Kristyn Rehling Estes |
God Inside of Me by Della Reese What a Truly Cool World by Julius Lester The Hatseller and the Monkeys by Baba W. Diakite Miss Viola and Uncle Ed Lee by Alice Fay Duncan The Invisible Princess by Faith Ringgold Black Hoops by Frederick McKissack |
This is an important aspect in the development of this collection for two reasons. First, the automatic creation and influx of multicultural titles reaffirms the need and the impending
success of the proposed multicultural collection. Second, these titles are already available in the agency to be included in the collection. Twenty-nine titles were released in 1998. The oldest titles in the inventory are The Jack Tales, published in 1976 and Uchida's Journey Home, published
in 1982.
The first category of titles to weed, or remove from the list of titles to include in the collection, are those which are not used. The "Sales History" function of the BookMaster system provides a record of the copies of titles sold in the last fifty-two weeks. The following table displays the names of titles which have been purchased once or twice (column 1) and then not at all (column 2) in the past 52 weeks.
|
|
|
|
| African American | Goggles!
The Black Snowman Fallen Angels The NY Public Library's Amazing African-American...* A Band of Angels* Beginning School Duke Ellington Her Stories My Black Me Sister Anne's Hands Something Beautiful Women of Hope Boundless Grace Colin Powell Come on Rain* |
The Journal of Joshua Loper*
Stealing Home* Oh, Freedom!* African American Inventors Allie's Basketball Team Miss Viola and Uncle Ed Lee* A Picture Book of Thurgood Marshall Freedom Train Heaven* Meet Maya Angelou On the Court with Grant Hill A Ring of Tricksters Afro-Bets Book of Black Heroes Ashley Bryan's ABC of African... Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad Bayard Rustin: Behind the Scenes Bright Eyes, Brown Skin The Wedding* Girls Together* God Inside of Me* What a Truly Cool World* The Hatseller and the Monkeys* The Invisible Princess* |
| Native American | The Double Life of Pocahontas
The Lost Temple of the Aztecs The Secret of the Indian Blue Feather's Vision If You Lived with the Cherokee The First Strawberries The Good, the Bad, and the Goofy The Return of the Indian The Rough-Face Girl A Mare for Young Wolf Anpao |
Spirit of the Cedar People
The Earth Under Sky Bear's Feet Brother Eagle, Sister Sky The Native Peoples of North America |
| Hispanic American | Amelia's Road
Centerfield Ballhawk Zoo-Looking |
Abuela (trade paper)
Abuela (trade cloth) Pinatas and Paper Flowers From Here to There* |
| Asian American | Lion Dancer
Grandfather's Journey Child of the Owl |
How My Family Lives in America
Journey Home Show and Tell A Jar of Dreams Child of the Owl Kites* New Cat* |
| Appalachian | The Jack Tales (trade cloth)
Jack and the Animals My Great-Aunt Arizona (trade cloth) Smoky Mountain Rose |
Appalachian Scrapbook
The Rag Coat Mist over the Mountains |
| Jewish | The Four Questions
Festival of Freedom The Magic of Kol Nidre The Illustrated Jewish Bible for Children The Keeping Quilt Friedrich |
Sharing Blessings
A Picture Book of Anne Frank* Golem One More Border The Book of the Jewish Year The Jewish Holiday Craft Book The Tattooed Torah |
| Catholic | The Catholic Children's Bible
New Catholic Children's Bible The Children's Book of Saints |
|
| General Multicultural | Multicultural Myths and Legends
Global Art Hands Around the World The Kids' Multicultural Art Book The Kids' Multicultural Cookbook |
Multicultural Books to Make & Share |
The titles that are marked with asterisks in the table are titles that were not added to the agency inventory until January 1999 or later. Thus, they are not considered part of the group to be weeded because of lack of use; they have not been in the agency long enough to develop a sales history. These items will be considered for the collection on a per-title basis. All items in the agency are physically accessible. There is no storage of books per se, and all titles are placed on shelves that can be reached with or without the assistance of a step stool. A factor leading to non-use of some of the materials may be due to insufficient intellectual access. Some books that will eventually be placed in the collection are already found within the agency. A reason these books are not popular is because they are hidden within the confines of the larger sections of the children's department-customers are not able to access the books intellectually unless they know a specific title or author of a book they want. Lack of intellectual access will be considered when books are weeded based on low use or non-use.
A second criterion used to weed items from the list of titles to include in the collection is their obsolescence. The major factors used to weed items in this stage will be date, didactic or unappealing tone, or lack of inclusion on a "best" list. Items that are out of date and do not seem to project a valuable viewpoint or multicultural perspective will be weeded in this stage. Materials currently included in the agency inventory will not be included in the collection if they are more than ten years old, and are not part of a best list. Those titles found in the inventory that are more than ten years old are listed as follows:
|
Wagon Wheels I Have a Dream: Story of Martin Luther King The Snowy Day Zeely Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman The Story of Jackie Robinson, The Bravest Man in Baseball The Courage of Sarah Noble North American Indians The Double Life of Pocahontas Red Fox and His Canoe The Indian in the Cupboard The Return of the Indian Pinatas and Paper Flowers Journey Home A Jar of Dreams Friedrich About the B'Nai Bagels The Catholic Children's Bible The Children's Book of Saints |
The books from this list that should be discarded because of their lack of use and their dated content are: Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman, The Story of Jackie Robinson, The Bravest Man in Baseball, The Double Life of Pocahontas, Pinatas and Paper Flowers, Journey Home, A Jar of Dreams, Freidrich, About the B'Nail Bagels, The Catholic Children's Bible and The Children's Book of Saints. Books that were published ten or more years ago, but that are frequently used, will be included in the collection. These include the following titles: Sounder, Wagon Wheels, I Have a Dream: The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr., The Snowy Day, Zeely, The Courage of Sarah Noble, North American Indians, The Indian in the Cupboard and The Return of the Indian.
The third major weeding category includes items that are not used because of wear and tear or poor physical condition. This proposed collection of the best multicultural children's books will be placed in an agency that only has new books. For this reason, this weeding category does not apply to this collection development.
Determining which items are best for the collection is as important as weeding items that are not appropriate for inclusion. Two methods of determining which items are best will be used in this collection development. These are studying transaction logs to see which types of materials are the best sellers and consulting lists of best items.
BookMaster sales histories of the multicultural titles in the current inventory can be used to determine popular items just as they were used previously to determine titles which had not been purchased recently. Those items that have had high numbers of sales in the past fifty-two weeks appear in the following table:
|
|
|
|
| African American | A Picture Book of Harriet Tubman
On the Court with Michael Jordan Nappy Hair Wagon Wheels I Have a Dream: The Story of Martin L.K. Zeely Picture of Freedom (Dear America Series) Freedom Train : Story of Harriet Tubman |
Sounder
I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly (Dear America Series) The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 The Snowy Day The Ear, the Eye and the Arm In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall |
| Native American | The Key to the Indian
North American Indians Red Fox and His Canoe The True Story of Pocahontas |
Walk Two Moons
The Courage of Sarah Noble Indian Captive: The Story of M. Jemison The Indian in the Cupboard |
| Hispanic American | none | Josefina's Surprise (American Girls Series)
Josefina Learns a Lesson (Amer. Girls) Changes for Josefina (Amer. Girls) Meet Josefina (Amer. Girls) |
| Asian American | The Five Chinese Brothers | none |
| Appalachian | Southern Jack Tales
My Great Aunt Arizona Silver Packages: Appalachian Christmas Story |
Ghosts and Haunts from the Appalachian Foothills |
| Jewish | none | Let My Babies Go: A Rugrats Story
Number the Stars The Upstairs Room Dreams in the Golden Country (Dear America Series) |
| Catholic | none | none |
| General Multicultural | Children Just Like Me | none |
Several trends in customer interest can be detected from the above data table. These trends can be applied to choosing popular titles to add to the collection. The Dear America Series, a historical fiction series by Scholastic publishers, seems to be popular among customers. Two of the titles in this series, I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly (a Coretta Scott King Award recipient) and Dreams in the Golden Country, sold more than ten copies each in the last fifty-two weeks. A Picture of Freedom from this series had five sales within the last fifty-two weeks. Another series that appears to be popular based on sales within the last year is the American Girls series. Four titles from the Josefina girl, the recently added Hispanic member of the series, experienced ten or more sales last year. A final major trend detected in the sales history from the past year is the sale of Caldecott and Newbery Award Books. Seven titles which sold ten or more copies are medal winners or honors: Sounder, The Ear, the Eye and the Arm, Walk Two Moons, The Courage of Sarah Noble, Number the Stars and The Upstairs Room (Newbery) and The Snowy Day (Caldecott). The trends detected from the numbers of sales of books already in the agency will be important in evaluating items being considered for adding to the collection.
A second method for determining which items need to be added to the collection is to consult a "best" list. This list will provide names of titles that should be considered for addition to the collection as the core of the collection. The first of the best lists considered for titles to add to the collection is the Coretta Scott King Award list. This is an award given every year for an outstanding African American text and illustration. All titles from this list will be chosen for inclusion. The second best list to be considered is the list of Caldecott winners. Multicultural books from this list of the most outstanding picture book illustration in the United States as determined by the American Library Association will be selected. Older titles still in print will be chosen from this list because of their meritorious illustrations and perseverance in libraries and other collections over the years. These titles are: Duke Ellington by Andrea Pinkney, Tibet Through the Red Box by Peter Sis, Golem by David Wisniewski, Smoky Night by Eve Bunting, Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say, Lon Po Po by Ed Young, Shadow by Blaise Cendrars, Ashanti to Zulu by Margaret Musgrove, Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema and The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. Newbery Medals, awarded by the American Library Association every year for outstanding text, is the third best list for titles to include. The titles still in print include: Walk Two Moons, Number the Stars, Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, M. C. Higgins the Great, Julie of the Wolves, Sounder, I Juan de Pareja, ...and Now Miguel, Amos Fortune Free Man, Yung Fu of the Upper Yangtze and Shen of the Sea.
Community members' needs and wants and analysis of the existing collection are important factors in selecting titles for inclusion into the collection. In the initial rationale stage of the development of this collection, it was stated that three of six customer requests for multicultural children's materials in a one-and-a-half-month period could not be filled at the bookstore. In the community analysis section of the collection development process, opinions of three segments of likely users of the collection were elicited. A member of the special community agencies subgroup of proposed users stated that she uses the Internet, public library and bookstores to obtain multicultural materials. She further maintained that she does not check materials out from the Girl Scout Council because they are "poorly organized, outdated, and there is no list available of what they have." Community members expressed the desire for a collection which contains books for children to understand how their friends are different, workbooks, teaching supplements, materials to use for holidays, and multicultural games. The viewpoints of potential users will be considered when weeding items from the agency's current inventory and when adding items to the collection. A characterization of the existing inventory at the bookstore as well as a study of best lists of multicultural children's books are important in determining which titles to weed from or add to the collection. The desires of members of the community demonstrate gaps in the availability of teaching aides in the current collection. These will be added to the collection to meet the needs of the community. Weeding titles from the list of multicultural books currently found within the agency has left a small sample of quality books to be further considered for collection. The titles ultimately chosen for inclusion will be cross-filed in the new multicultural collection and the old section established by BookMaster, as stated earlier in the collection development policy section of the Information Agency Variables. Adding titles to the collection will fill the gaps identified by the best lists and the unmet needs of community members.
Return to the top
of the page.
The fact that there are no other collections in the community which fill users' needs for quality multicultural children's books and materials has been discussed in earlier stages of this collection development process. Previously, satisfying users' needs has been achieved by searching the current holdings of the agency or other libraries or bookstores for specific titles or authors. The agency has the ability to access distant collections by placing special orders for customers from warehouses or distributors. Users are often not willing to use the option of placing special orders for books because of the seven-to-ten day period required to obtain the book. There is no other collection in the community to meet users' needs, and accessing distant collections through special orders is often not acceptable for users due to time constraints. For these reasons, the collection of multicultural children's books and materials at the bookstore is the best option for meeting users' needs for quality multicultural children's books and materials.
To discover the cost of purchasing materials to fill the gap between what the community wants and needs and what is presently available at the agency, I performed the following steps: 1) analyzing the space set aside for the collection to determine the number of titles necessary to fill the space; 2) preparing a list of titles to include in the collection based on items currently popular with the community and items included in several lists of best children's books; 3) checking the agency's holdings to determine which items on the highly-used and best lists were already contained elsewhere in the agency in quantities of two or more. A quantity of two or more is necessary to fulfill the policy statement requirement of cross-filing titles in the collection. Titles included in the collection must also be shelved in the sections of the store indicated by the agency's BookMaster system; and 4) assessing the remaining items on the list of current popular items and best items to determine the cost of purchasing the items in quantities of two.
The space allowed for the collection is a bay of shelves that is three feet wide. The bay will consist of three shelves and one Plexiglas fixture that will be used to display materials that cannot be displayed on a regular shelf because of binding or format. The materials in this Plexiglas display will be fully faced-out to ensure access to users. To get an idea of the number of items that will be required to fill the space, I considered the nature of the items that will be included in the collection. The collection will be comprised of items that would otherwise be found in the picture book, young reader chapter book, history, biography, and education sections of the agency. I counted the number of books found on two different shelves in each of these sections and arrived at an average number of books. The picture book, chapter book, and education sections of the agency are very densely packed with nearly all titles spined out. The history and biography sections consist of titles tightly packed with one or two face-outs per shelf. This display style, called "dense with display" in the bookstore handbook, is the style proposed for this collection.
| Hardcover picture books
Paperback picture books History Biography Young Readers Education |
90, 105
114, 126 69, 77 64, 66 70, 66 56, 54 |
| Average number of books per shelf 79.75 | |
After determining the average number of books per shelf, I began to prepare a list of titles to include in the collection. I kept the number of books needed (80 times three shelves = 240 books) in mind as I developed the list. I considered the fact that multiple quantities of some titles will be included, and that the collection will consist of dense with display shelving style, allowing for books to be faced out. The list of titles, derived from items currently popular among users and from lists of best children's books, consists of approximately 125 titles.
I added the titles which were either not currently available in the agency or were found in the agency in single copies to a computerized "shopping list" on the agency's BookMaster system. As stated earlier in the policy statement, only titles available to be obtained from the bookstore Distribution Center or Ingram warehouses were added. No publisher orders will be placed for items to be included in the collection. This factor is not seen as an inhibitor, as the selection available at the distribution center and warehouses is comprehensive.
The printout of the shopping list
I created on the BookMaster system contains publication information for
each title as well as the prices to acquire them from the Distribution Center or Ingram warehouses. I was able to determine from
this list the cost of ordering the titles not already in the agency in
quantities of two (so they can be cross-filed in the sections). The cost
reached from totaling the prices from the shopping list, $871.05, includes
prices for two books when there are none on hand and for one when there
is one copy already in the agency. This list has been approved by the store
manager and will be submitted for shopping from the distribution center
or warehouses. The budget of the agency is maintained through the home
office in New York. A system of balance of titles received and
returned as unsold constantly occurs. Unlike a library or another lending
institution, the inventory of the bookstore is not static. Titles are
replaced as they are sold and titles are usually contained in quantities
of more than one. Collections are constantly changing. Once the titles
are purchased to develop the "core" collection of multicultural children's
books and materials, the collection will be expanded upon and maintained
by reordering popular titles and assimilating new titles into the collection.
For these reasons, it is difficult to differentiate the budget used for
development of this collection from the budget used to supply titles to
the agency day by day.
Experts on the subject of multicultural books are necessary as evaluators of the success of the collection. Experts are also necessary to provide recommendations for titles to add to the collection. In the community analysis segment of this collection development, I established contacts with knowledgeable subject experts from two of the three user groups; A. Loveday from the Tanasi Girl Scout Council and Steve F., a current teacher and former intern in the University of Tennessee Urban Multicultural Education Department. I gained knowledge of multicultural literature for children in my graduate work and internship in the Urban Multicultural Education Program. I plan to establish contacts with experts and become increasingly familiar with quality multicultural children's literature through my studies in the School Library Track of Information Sciences so the collection can be maintained and improved.
Experts on the subject of multicultural children's literature are available through many published monographs of best lists and bibliographies. These will be discussed in detail. Web sites and journal articles are excellent sources of the best materials for a core collection as well as new materials appropriate for inclusion. Bulletins found in Publishers Weekly or the Book Notes newsletter are excellent sources of new releases.
Lists of books receiving awards of merit are excellent sources of ensuring the best older materials are included in the collection. For purposes of this collection development, the following lists were useful in establishing the core collection:
The Newbery Award, presented annually for excellence in content
The Caldecott Award, awarded for outstanding
illustration
The Boston Globe, American Library Association,and School Library Journal awards lists
The Coretta Scott King Award, presentedannually to an African-American children's author and illustrator who "best portray some aspect of the black experience, past, present or future."
The Pura Belpre Award, presented to a
Latino writer and illustrator whose work "best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience" in a work for children or young adults
Carter G. Woodson Award, presented annually
since 1974 for the "most distinguished social science books appropriate for young readers which depict ethnicity in the U.S. sensitively and accurately."
American Library Association. 1996
Notable Children's Books. . Accessed 31 March 1999.
American Library Association. 1997
Notable Children's Books. . Accessed 31 March 1999.
American Library Association/ALSC's Notable
Children's Book Committee. Notable
Books for Children, 1998. Accessed 31 March 1999.
American Library Association. 1999
Notable Children's Books. Accessed 31 March 1999.
"Angela Johnson: You Never Know What's
Gonna Come Down in Heaven . . . " African American Literary Journal:
Celebration Song 2. (January 1999). Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing.
Betts, Wendy E. Children's
Books about Jewish Religion and Culture. Accessed 31 March 1999.
Bishop, Rudine S. "Heaven is . . . Three
African-American Literary Folktales." The Horn Book Magazine (March/April 1999).
Blake, Barbara. A Guide to Children's
Books About Asian Americans. Brookfield, VT: Ashgate, 1995.
Booklist
Editors' Choice '96 Books for Youth. Accessed 30 March 1999.
Burke, Kathleen. "Smithsonian's NotableBooks for Children, 1996." Smithsonian
Magazine (November 1996). Accessed 30 March 1999.
Burke, Kathleen. "Notable Books for Children,
1997." Smithsonian
Magazine (November 1997). Accessed 30 March 1999.
Burke, Kathleen. "Notable Books for Children,
1998." Smithsonian
Magazine (November 1998). Accessed 30 March 1999.
Clegg, Luther B., Miller, Etta, Vanderhoof,
Bill, Ramirez, Gonzalo, and Ford, Peggy K. "How to Choose the Best Multicultural Books." Instructor
Magazine. Accessed 30 March 1999. Link unavailable 11-2-99.
Del Negro, Janice, editor. "1996 Blue
Ribbons." The
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. Accessed 31 March
1999.
Del Negro, Janice, editor. "1997 Blue Ribbons." The
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. Accessed 31 March 1999.
Del Negro, Janice, editor. "1998 Blue
Ribbons." The
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. Accessed 31 March 1999.
Helbig, Alethea K. and Perkins, Agnes
R. This Land is Our Land: A Guide to Multicultural Literature for Children
and Young Adults. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 1994.
Holdren, John, and Hirsch, E.D., editors.
Books to Build on: A Grade-By-Grade Resource Guide for Parents and Teachers. New York: Dell, 1996
Isomedia. Multicultural Book Reviews. Accessed 31 March 1999.
Johnson, Lauri and Smith, Sally. Dealing
with Diversity through Multicultural Fiction. Chicago: American Library
Association, 1993.
Jones, Trevelyn E., Toth, Luann, and Fleishhacker,
Joy. "SLJ's Best Books 1995." SLJ Online: Best Books and Part
2. Accessed 2 April 1999 and 16 April 1999. Links unavailable. 11-2-99.
Jones, Trevelyn E., Toth, Luann, and Fleishhacker,
Joy. "SLJ's Best Books 1996." SLJ
Online: Best Books. Accessed 2 April 1999. Link unavailable 11-2-99.
Jones, Trevelyn E., Toth, Luann, and Fleishhacker,
Joy. "SLJ's Best Books 1997." SLJ Online: Best Books. Accessed 2 April 1999. Link unavailable 11-2-99.
Jones, Trevelyn E., Toth, Luann, Fleishhacker,
Joy, and Grabarek, Daryl. "SLJ's Best Books 1998." SLJ Online: Best Books. Accessed 16 April 1999. Link unavailable 11-2-99.
Kruse, Ginny M. and Horning, Kathleen T. Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults: A Selected Listing of Books 1980-1990 by and about People of Color, 3rd ed. Madison, WI: Cooperative Children's Book Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1991.
Kuipers, Barbara J. American Indian Reference and Resource Books for Children and Young Adults, 2nd ed. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1995.
Latrobe, Kathy H. and Laughlin, Mildred K. Multicultural Aspects of Library Media Programs. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1992.
Lanehart, Wendy and Ramsey, Inez. James Madison University. Multicultural
Bibliography: African-American. Accessed 31 January 1999.
Marantz, Sylvia and Ken. Multicultural
Picture Books: Art for Understanding Others. Worthington, OH: Linworth,1997.
"1998 Children's Books of Distinction." Riverbank Review (Summer 1998). Accessed 2 April 1999. Link unavailable 11-2-99.
"1999 Children's Books of Distinction Awards." Riverbank Review of Books for Young Readers vol. 2 no.
1 (Spring 1999): 22-23.
Odean, Kathleen. Great Books for Boys. Ballentine, 1998.
Office of Children's Services, The New York Public Library. 100
Picture Books Everyone Should Know. Accessed 31 January 1999.
"PW's Best Books of 1996: Childrens." Publishers Weekly Online. Accessed 2 April 1999. Link unavailable 6-23-00.
"Reviews." Riverbank Review of Books for Young Readers vol. 2 no. 1 (Spring 1999): 28-43.
Schon, Isabel. The Best of the Latino Heritage: A Guide to the Best Juvenile Books about Latino People and Cultures.
Lanham, MD: The Scarecrow Press, 1997.
Thomas, Rebecca L. Connecting Cultures:
A Guide to Multicultural Literature for Children. New Providence, NJ: R.R. Bowker, 1996.
Wordsworth Books: Just for Kids. Accessed 31 March 1999.
Latrobe and Laughlin's Multicultural
Aspects of Library Media Programs and Johnson and Smith's Dealing
with Diversity through Multicultural Fiction were important only as
sources to allow me to compare my collection development plan with two
already in place. They were not significant in the collection of reviews
or lists of best books. Kuipers' American Indian Reference and Resource
Books was not helpful in any way. This book included discussion on
curricular framework and did not present many choices for the best trade
books. Blake's Asian American guide and Schon's Latino American guide were
moderately helpful, with four and five hits. Kruse's multicultural literature
guide produced four hits, and was helpful in identifying older titles.
Holdren and Hirsch's best list produced two hits. The most helpful of the
monographs examined in creating this multicultural book collection are
listed as follows, in order of hits:
Thomas' Connecting Cultures; 30 hits
Helbig and Perkins' This Land is Our Land; 11 hits
Odean's Best Books for Boys; 10 hits
Marantz's Multicultural Picture Books; 8 hits
The printed journals and web documents which were most helpful in establishing a best list and collecting reviews
were the Spring 1999 Riverbank Review, the ALA Best Lists
for each year, the Booklist Editors' Choice list for 1996, the School
Library Journal web sites, and the Bulletin of the Center for Children's
Books lists for years 1996-1998. The Smithsonian reviews were
moderately helpful, as was Wendy Betts' Jewish book list. The New York
Public Library list of 100 children's books and the James Madison
University list were helpful in serving as a reference against the
other best lists. The Instructor Magazine/Scholastic web site and
the Isomedia list were helpful in establishing hits for books to
be included in the collection, but were not helpful in establishing reviews.
These sites are not of academic nature, so I hesitate to use them as major
sources. The leading centers of research on the topic of this collection
are the American Library Association and the University of Wisconsin
Center for Children's Books. James Madison University serves
as a credible academic institution upon which to base decisions for collection
development.
In addition to the awards lists,
I consulted several lists of best children's books and sources of reviews
to aid in selecting titles for inclusion in the collection. These appear
as follows and are discussed in some detail following the citations.
In the Community Analysis portion of this collection development, I spoke with community members about access to multicultural materials for children in the community. The members expressed that they obtain materials by ordering them or getting them at the library or bookstores. I toured the Sarah Moore Greene library and did not find a collection of multicultural children's books. While the libraries and bookstores (and the Tanasi Girl Scout Council library) do contain some titles of multicultural relevance, none has a specified collection for such books. Visiting these places was not helpful in developing the collection, but was useful in delineating the need for the collection. The barnesandnoble.com website was helpful in identifying selectables. The dialog of their search engine is not very adaptable, but finding titles in the system allowed for re-searching using the keywords found in certain citations. This site was also helpful in providing a list of other similar books for each book found. The short reviews referenced in some of the citations were helpful in making decisions about inclusion in the collection.
I visited the WorldCat and Alberta Canada
OPAC sites on the web. This was effective in finding sources of best lists, such as the monographs used in the collection development. These sites were not as helpful in identifying particular titles of children's books. I depended primarily on best lists for this.
The list of items that I propose to add to the collection are listed herein. The items for addition belong to two groups: 1)items currently popular among the community or requested by community members; and 2) items appearing on one or more best lists.
The first group of items to be added to the collection are those which are popular among members of the community and those which were requested by community members in the community analysis phase of this collection development. The rationale for including these items in the collection is to fulfill the community members' needs and wants and to make the holdings successful as their collection. Many of the selectables for this category do not belong to any best lists. Reviews and citations of merit for some of the titles are unavailable. Albeit the absence of several of the titles on best lists, the studies of transaction logs and satisfying community members' requests warrant their inclusion.
The following titles are ones that experienced high numbers of sales among the users of the bookstore. Because of their popularity with the community, these titles will be included in the collection.
Adler, David. A Picture Book of Harriett Tubman. Illustrated by Samuel Byrd. New York: Holiday House, 1996.
From School Library Journal:
Basic facts and often-related incidents from Tubman's life are presented in brief vignettes. Adler includes a description of her as a slave child being whipped for stealing a lump of sugar; as a young woman receiving a serious head wound while intervening between a master and his runaway slave; as an escaped slave and conductor on the Underground Railroad; and
a nurse and spy during the Civil War. The easy-to-read, but superficial narrative moves along with lively language suitable for reading aloud.
Armstrong, William H. Sounder. Illustrated by James Barkley. New York: Harpercollins, 1969.
NEWBERRY MEDAL WINNER
From Thomas: When his father takes a ham for his hungry family and is taken to work on the chain gang, the boy works to help his family and learns the importance of education.
Banks, Lynne Reid. The Indian in the Cupboard. New York: Avon, 1982.
From St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Deserves a place of honor beside Mary Norton's The Borrowers and E.B. White's
Stuart Little. Lynne Reid Banks possesses that rare ability to blend the drama and humor of everyday life with utterly believable fantasy.
Banks, Lynne Reid. The Key to the Indian.
New York: Avon, 1998.
From The Horn Book, Inc.: There will certainly be fans who will be delighted to have further adventures of Omri and the plastic Indian that comes to life. Not as fresh as its
predecessors, the latest episode is rather convoluted and stretches even the fantasy boundaries the author herself has set up. It's disappointing, also, to have the adventure taken away from the boys, with Omri's parents knowing about, and even participating in, the magic.
Brenner, Barbara. Wagon Wheels. Illustrated by Dan Bolognese. New York: Harpercollins Children's, 1978.
From Thomas: Tells of a black family's westward journey from Kentucky to Kansas in the 1870s.
Burchill, James V., Crider, Linda J., and Kendrick, Peggy. Ghosts and Haunts from the Appalachian Foothills: Stories and Legends. Routledge, 1993.
Christopher, Matt. On the Court with . . . Michael Jordan. Boston: Little Brown and Co., 1996.
Christopher systematically describes Jordan's career, starting in high school and following through his college,
Olympic, and professional days (with the stop off at baseball). The book ends with the Bulls' loss to Orlando in the 1995 season playoffs. Those familiar with the athlete's career will probably already know some of the anecdotes covered in this book. For example, there's the oft-repeated fact that Jordan didn't make the varsity basketball squad in his sophomore year
in high school, and his trials as a minor league baseball player are common knowledge. Yet, many fans will find this clearly written title among the most satisfying of all of the Jordan biographies. Although the author mentions controversies involving his subject's gambling and the tragedy of his father's murder, he recognizes that what many sports fans want is the highlights of players' careers and meaty descriptions of their key games. On these points Christopher scores.
Creech, Sharon. Walk Two Moons. New York: Dell, 1994.
1995 NEWBERY, 1995 ALA NOTABLE, 1994 SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST
From Children's Literature Magazine: The Newbery Award for best young adult novel is the story of Salamanca
Tree Hiddle who is traveling with her odd, but caring grandparents to find her mother and her own healing. By the story's end, she uncovers the truth. Her mother is dead and she has begun a new journey towards acceptance. The committee should be credited for recognizing the beautiful lyricism
of the book. The main character is a poetic thirteen year old who feels at odds when her father "pluck[s] her up like a weed" and takes her to Ohio where the "houses were all jammed together like a row of birdhouses." The entire book sparkles with word images, expressed with intelligent metaphor and description. The award could also have been given because Salmanca Hiddle is proud of "the Indian-ness of her blood" in this era that is quick to leap on multi-ethnicity. Despite the lyricism of the writing, poignant themes of acceptance amid change, and interesting characters, the numerous characters and plots will leave young adult readers reeling. Four plots
and subplots weave in and out of each other and eccentric characters pop up at every turn in the book. I doubt many children will relate to any of the characters and they might be confused by the preponderance of twists and turns. Only the strongest will persevere in finishing.
Dalgliesh, Alice. The Courage of Sarah Noble. Illustrated by Leonard Weisgard. New York: Macmillan, 1954.
NEWBERY HONOR BOOK
From the New York Times Book Review:
This one is to be long remembered for its beautifully written simplicity and dignity.
Farmer, Nancy. The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm. New York: Puffin, 1995.
NEWBERY HONOR BOOK
From Kirkus: A marvelous odyssey featuring a witty projection of the future, a score of vividly realized
characters, and a nonstop adventure that is at once taut, comic, and touching.
Gorslin, Douglas W. North American Indians. New York: Random House, 1998.
From School Library Journal: Describes more than a dozen American Indian tribes. "A good introduction to a topic that always seems to fascinate children."
Hamilton, Virginia. Zeely. New York: Macmillan, 1967.
From Thomas: Elizabeth Perry and her brother John are spending the summer on Uncle Ross's farm. They give themselves
nicknames and have several adventures including one with a "night traveler" and an encounter with Miss Zeely Taylor.
Hansen, Joyce. I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl (Dear America Series).
New York: Scholastic, 1997.
NEWBERRY HONOR BOOK, CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD
From Horn Book: Patsy is a freed slave girl who continues to live on the plantation and who learned how to read by listening to lessons given to the master's family. When
problems prevent the long-awaited plantation teacher from coming, Patsy begins to teach the alphabet to other plantation workers and discovers her gift for teaching. The diary format reveals Patsy's character and unfolds events in a believable manner.
Herron, Carolivia. Nappy Hair. Illustrated by Jerry Cepeda. New York: Random House, 1997.
From Kirkus: Uncle Mordecai calls out the story of Brenda's hair--the nappiest hair in the world--at the family picnic, while everyone else chimes in with affirmations: "Yep,'' "You said it,'' and "Ain't it the truth.'' At first they think Mordecai is making fun of Brenda's hair; when he says that combing it out sounds like crunching through deep snow with two inches of crust on top, somebody says, "Brother, you ought to be ashamed.'' But soon it's clear that his only purpose is celebration: "One nap of her hair is the only perfect circle in nature,'' hair that is ordained by God Himself. The text, illustrations, and overall design of the book work exceptionally well together. Uncle Mordecai's narration is set in a serif typeface, with the interjected responses set in a variety of serif and sans-serif typefaces for emphasis. The exuberant gospel rhythm of the text is matched by Cepeda's bold, color-saturated paintings, particularly his renderings of little Brenda. She's clearly
a child who stomps through life with a lot of spunk and energy.
Houston, Gloria. My Great Aunt Arizona. New York: Harpercollins Children's, 1991.
From Children's Literature Magazine: This heartwarming celebration of teachers and one-room schoolhouses transports readers to the simplicity of yesteryear. For children, the value of this true story lies in the glimpses of Appalachian life, swimming holes, lunch buckets and high buttoned shoes. Things have definitely changed; Arizona
is teaching the class while rocking her baby's cradle with her foot. The rustic, pastoral background captures the soft and pleasant world that was home to a warm and dedicated woman.
Kindersley, Barnabas and Annabell. Children Just Like Me. New York: DK, 1995.
1996 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK
From Marantz: The authors traveled around the world collecting photographs of children for this celebration
of the 50th anniversary of Unicef. Each area has an introduction, followed by a two-page spread on a child. Housing, food, religion, family, school, and daily life are all introduced, however superficial. Page designs are consistent in providing these facts in the same part of the page for each
culture, so comparisons can be made.
King, Martin Luther. I Have a Dream. New York: Scholastic, 1996.
From School Library Journal:
Martin Luther King, Jr.'s classic speech is creatively illustrated by 15 Coretta Scott King Award-winning artists. Signed statements from the artists explain the emotions they were tying to capture and why and how they used certain colors and tones. The size and medium of the original art are given.
This book evokes the sound of King's voice as it was captured on that historic August day in 1963. Although some pictures are more touching and sobering than others, from cover to cover this is a beautiful book. A foreword by Coretta Scott King is included. A biographical sketch, preceded by a black-and-white
photograph, highlights critical events in Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life.
Lasky, Kathryn. Dreams in the Golden Country: The Diary of Zipporah Feldman, a Jewish Immigrant (Dear America Series). New York: Scholastic, 1998.
From School Library Journal: Zipporah Feldman, a 12-year-old Jewish immigrant from Russia, uses diary entries to chronicle her family's activities as they acclimate to life
on New York City's Lower East Side. The hopes and dreams of a young girl are beautifully portrayed through Lasky's eloquent and engaging narrative. Readers are quickly drawn into Zipporah's world of traditional Jewish ritual and celebrations and will identify with the girl's desires to aspire to greatness in her new home. She absorbs the freedom of America, wanting to share her enthusiasm with her parents, encouraging her father to pursue his love of music and trying to persuade her mother to shed some of her strict religious ways. The story's historical significance is evident in the Feldman's arrival at Ellis Island and the subsequent procedures immigrants had to endure, and in the description of the factory fire in which Zipporah's friend dies, which is based on the famous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory of 1911. Characters are portrayed as strong individuals, and their motives are believable. Readers learn in an epilogue that Zipporah pursued her love for the theater and eventually rose to stardom. Archival photos, accompanied by a recipe for hamantaschen and the traditional Jewish song to welcome the Sabbath, bring the reality of the novel to light. A story of hope and of love for one's country.
Lenski, Lois. Indian Captive: Story of Mary Jemison. New York: Harpercollins, 1995.
NEWBERY HONOR BOOK
From The Horn Book, Inc.: A novel based on the true story of a girl abducted from her frontier home by Seneca Indians; after much difficulty in adjusting to the Seneca way
of life, she decides, when given the chance, not to return to the white world. The account is remarkably balanced for its time; however, Lenski stretches too hard to reconcile some of the actual events of the "captivity story" with her fictional portrait of Mary Jemison.
Lowry, Lois. Number the Stars. New York: Dell, 1989.
NEWBERY MEDAL BOOK
From School Library Journal: The gripping story of a ten-year-old Danish girl and her family's courageous efforts to smuggle Jews out of their Nazi-occupied homeland to safety in Sweden. Readers are taken to the very heart of Annemarie's experience, and, through her eyes, come to understand the true meaning of bravery.
McKissack, Patricia C. A Picture of Freedom: The Diary of Clotee, a Slave Girl (Dear America Series). New
York: Scholastic, 1997.
From School Library Journal: Clotee helps some of her friends escape to the North, but she herself chooses
to stay behind on the plantation as a conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Clotee is such a vibrant, fully rounded character that it is almost painful
to think of her left on the plantation while her friends and fellow slaves
go to freedom. McKissack brings Clotee alive through touching and sobering
details of slave life, told in such a matter-of-fact way that their often
brutal nature is made abundantly clear. However, this is in no way a depressing
book. In fact, it is an inspiring look at a young girl coming of age in
terrible circumstances who manages to live life to the fullest.
Penner, Lucille R. The True Story of Pocahontas. New York: Random House, 1994.
From the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books: The historical details seem fairly accurate,
although at no point is it mentioned that many historians believe the story about Pocahontas saving Captain John Smith was made up by Captain Smith in his memoirs--it is simply presented as true. The narrative is oddly written in the present tense ('When Pocahontas is ten years old, three
English ships appear') and is sometimes a little patronizing ('One man points a big stick. Boom! Boom!'). Soft, earth-toned watercolor illustrations
are competently executed, and the costumes of both Indians and the English
add interest, but while Johnson depicts the men in the story with a variety
of expressions and characteristics, Pocahontas's face is generically pretty,
with little sign of personality.
Reiss, Johanna. The Upstairs Room.
New York: HarperCollins Children's, 1990.
NEWBERY HONOR BOOK
From Elie Wiesel in New York Times Book Review: This admirable account is important in every aspect as
the one bequeathed to us by Anne Frank.
Rylant, Cynthia. Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story. New York: Orchard, 1997.
From School Library Journal: Full-page watercolor paintings decorate this warm, sentimental story loosely
based on actual events. Rylant traces the origins of an Appalachian "Christmas Train" that travels through the mountains each year on December 23 to a
rich man who wished to repay a debt of kindness he had received many years
before. With her clear, balanced, and well-paced storyteller's voice, the
author builds the anticipation and excitement that the children and especially
Frankie feel at the train's annual arrival. Although the heroic profile
of this child-turned-man makes him more of a symbol than a real person,
his story is capably told. The illustrations provide panoramic views of
the Appalachian countryside, with deep nighttime blues and wintry colors,
strengthening the sense of place. A well-rendered reflection on the importance
of giving and sharing.
Steptoe, Javaka. In Daddy's Arms I am Tall: African Americans Celebrating Fathers. New York: Lee and Low,
1998.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 1998, CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD
From School Library Journal: this innovative, stunningly illustrated picture book celebrates the role
of fathers in the African-American experience. The artist illustrates 13
poems with collages made from paper with pastel; applique; and a multitude
of found objects, including fabric, coins, seashells, buttons, sand, seeds,
and leaves. The artwork vibrates with emotion; even the simplest pieces,
showing torn-paper figures on a solid background, capture the powerful
bond between parent and child. The poems, written by Angela Johnson, Davida
Adedjouma, Carole Boston Weatherford, and others, depict fathers working
in the fields and in post offices, playing basketball, fishing, tickling,
or hugging. Steptoe's own poem, "Seeds," is a tribute to his father: "You
drew pictures of life/with your words." Libraries will want this title
for Black History Month, National Poetry Month, Father's Day, or anytime
a patron asks for a book about fathers. Teachers will find it inspiring
in classroom units on poetry, or it can be used in conjunction with David
Diaz's work to demonstrate collage techniques in an art class. Whatever
its use, this lovely book deserves a place on library shelves.
Sterling, Dorothy. Freedom Train. New York: Scholastic, 1987.
Tripp, Valerie. American Girls Collection Series: Josefina. Illustrated by Jean-Paul Tibbles. New York: Pleasant Company, 1997 and 1998.
Willson, Sarah. Rugrats: Let My Babies Go! Illustrated by Barry Goldberg. New York: Simon Spotlight/Nickelodean, 1998.
The following titles are ones that were
chosen to fulfill the community's desire for curricular extensions and
arts and crafts guides to use with children. Reviews are unavailable for
some of the titles. My rationale for including them is to fulfill the requests
of the potential users established in the community analysis portion of
this collection development.
Cook, Deanna. The Kids' Multicultural Cookbook. Charlotte, VT: Williamson, 1995.
From Children's Literature Magazine: Food is the thread that ties together kids from around the globe. They cook and eat a variety of interesting and unusual dishes such as potato cookies, peanut butter soup, and apple pancakes. The book is filled with recipes, descriptions of multicultural feasts, and there are
lots of activities (matching breads, eating utensils, manners etc. with
countries). The photographs show real kids from around the world engaged
in the fun of cooking and eating all of these delicious foods.
DeSpain, Pleasant. Thirty-Three Multicultural
Tales to Tell. Illustrated by Joe Schlichta. Little Rock: August House, 1993.
From The Horn Book: A collection of interesting, moving, and funny stories, mainly from Africa, Asia, North
America, and Europe. DeSpain's gift of storytelling comes through in each of the tales, which are accompanied by black-and-white illustrations. Unfortunately,
the African tales are not identified by country, although all the others
are.
Gaylord, Susan K. Multicultural Books to Make and Share. Jefferson City, MO: Scholastic, 1996.
Gomez, Aurelia. Crafts of Many Cultures: 30 Authentic Craft Projects from around the World. Jefferson City, MO: Scholastic, 1995.
Kohl, MaryAnn F. and Potter, Jean. Global
Art: Activities, Projects and Inventions from around the World. Beltsville,
MD: Gryphon House, 1998.
From Children's Literature Magazine: One hundred and thirty ideas and instructions for art projects are included
in this book. They are arranged by continent of origin, and cover the globe. My favorites are the Sandpaper Printed Cloth from Ghana; Gyotaku art from Japan and the Karensansui mini-garden, also from Japan. The selections are quite diverse, and imaginative. Cities built from milk cartons such as Hippodamos of Greece and double roller painting inspired by the Hungarian brothers who invented the ball point pen are two examples. This collection is well organized, each activity includes a icon indicating the level of experience necessary, the art technique featured and the ease or difficulty
in preparing for the activity. The black-and-white illustrations are informative, although not works of art in themselves. A must have for teachers and parents
who are looking for a lot of ideas, well packaged in an affordable format.
McCarthy, Tara. Multicultural Fables and Fairy Tales: Stories and Activities to Promote Literacy and Cultural Awareness. Jefferson City, MO: Scholastic, 1994.
McCarthy, Tara and Perrone, Donna. Multicultural Myths and Legends: 17 Stories with Activities to Build Cultural Awareness. Jefferson City, MO: Scholastic, 1996.
Milord, Susan. Hands around the World: 365 Creative Ways to Encourage Cultural Awareness and Global Respect.
Charlotte, VT: Williamson, 1992.
From School Library Journal: This lively and entertaining volume is crammed with information designed
to foster cultural awareness. Milord takes students through the year, day-by-day, exploring such topics as "Fun in the Sun,'' "Native Tongue,'' and "One Nation'' on double-page spreads with a different activity each day: carve a Southeast Asian chop, design a Muslim prayer rug, make a wedding crown. The book is written directly to children in an informal, engaging style.
Orlando, Louise. The Multicultural Game Book: More than 70 Traditional Games from 30 Countries. Jefferson City, MO: Scholastic,1995.
Pooley, Sarah. Jump the World: Stories, Poems, and Things to Make and Do from Around the World. New York: Dutton,
1997.
1997 SMITHSONIAN NOTABLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
From Smithsonian: Don't stay home without it. This whirlwind tour offers tempting TV alternatives for children.
Robins, Deri and Stowell, Charlotte. The Kids' Around the World Cookbook. New York: Larousse Kingfisher Chambers, 1994.
Spann, Mary Beth. Literature-Based Multicultural Activities: An Integrated Approach. Jefferson City, MO: Scholastic, 1994.
Teaching the Diary of Anne Frank: An in-Depth Resource for Learning about the Holocaust Through the Writings of Anne Frank. Susan Moger and Elaine Israel (Editors). New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1999.
Terzian, Alexandra. The Kids' Multicultural Art Book. Charlotte, VT: Williamson, 1993.
From Children's Literature Magazine:
This creative activity book introduces children to a stunning variety of art and craft experiences from around the world. Children can use everyday materials to make more than 100 projects from different cultures (African, American, Indian, Inuit, Asian, Hispanic, and Latino). These outstanding
multicultural art experiences focus on cultural roots, rhythms, designs, and traditions.
The following are new multicultural titles and items chosen from a comprehensive study of lists of best children's books. My rationale for adding these titles to the collection is their recent release or noteworthy nature and high esteem based on awards received or inclusion on best lists.
Aardema, Verna. Why Mosquitos Buzz in People's Ears. Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. New York: Dial, 1975.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 BEST, 1976 CALDECOTT AWARD
From Thomas: In this sequential story, a mosquito's silly behavior creates fear in the jungle. Now we know why mosquitos are such annoying pests.
Bannerman, Helen. The Story of Little Babaji. Illustrated by Fred Marcellino. New York: HarperCollins, 1996.
BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE 1996, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK OF 1996
From School Library Journal:
Bannerman's beloved Little Black Sambo is restored to children for their delight in this retelling that replaces the ugly stereotypes and offensive names with clear, funny pictures and the original simple words.
Bunting, Eve. Smoky Night. Illustrated by David Diaz. New York: Harcourt, 1994.
1995 CALDECOTT MEDAL BOOK
From The Horn Book, Inc.: When
the smell of smoke wakes Daniel and his mother during the night, they flee
from the rioting outside their apartment to a shelter. Inspired by an innocent
comment from Daniel, his mother introduces herself to a neighbor; the African-American
woman's attempt to reach out to the Korean-American woman is a clear result
of surviving the riots together. The bold artwork is a perfect match for
the intensity of the story.
Curtis, Christopher P. The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963. New York: Delacorte, 1996.
1996 NEWBERY HONOR AWARD, 1996 CORETTA
SCOTT KING HONOR AWARD, 1996 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK
From The American Library Association:
A family story, both comic and moving, touches on the frightening times
of the early civil rights movement.
Cuyler, Margery. From Here to There.
Illustrated by Ya Cha Pak. New York: Henry Holt, 1999.
From Kirkus: The scope of a
girl's world broadens in this simple book that introduces the scale of
existence, in a game of identity and location that most children have played.
"My name is Maria Mendoza,'' the intimate text begins. "I live with my
father, my mother, my baby brother, Tony, and my older sister, Angelica
at number 43 Juniper street.'' Maria goes on to name her place in her town,
county, state, country, continent, hemisphere, planet, solar system, galaxy,
and universe, knowing that as small as it may be in comparison, her immediate
world is significant. She is still Maria Mendoza, "from here to there.''
Cuyler's plain text is laden with meaning for new readers; she allows them
to draw their own conclusions, which they will. Pak's bright colors and
perspective help children keep track of Maria's place in the universe,
and with folksy familiarity, take the vistas from local to grand.
Diakite, Baba Wague. The Hatseller
and the Monkeys: A West African Folktale. New York: Scholastic, 1999.
From Publishers Weekly: Fans
of Slobodkina's Caps for Sale will relish this fresh twist on a hat vendor's
comical skirmish with some clever primates, set in Diakite's (The Hunterman
and the Crocodile) native Mali. Diakite's version imparts a new moral:
only after the man eats some of the monkey's mangoes can he think with
a clear head--and reclaim his hats. Ceramic-tile paintings on each spread
depict the action in fluid, bold brushwork with man and creatures outlined
in white against backgrounds of nearly transparent blue sky. Opposite each
full-color tile image, a page with brief text set against a white background
shows off a spot line drawing. Diakite then frames each page with a ring
of monkeys in silhouette tumbling over one another. The handsome design
emphasizes the detailed artwork of the tree teeming with life: leaves,
mangoes, lizards, dragonflies, bats and butterflies, as well as the scampering
monkeys sporting BaMusa's brightly threaded hats. In this retelling, Diakite's
use of language is as colorful and unusual as his artwork.
Diakite, Baba Wague. The Hunterman
and the Crocodile. New York: Scholastic, 1997.
1998 CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR AWARD,
1998 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK, 1997 BULLETIN OF THE CENTER
FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS BLUE RIBBON AWARD
From the Bulletin of the Center
for Children's Books: This lively retelling of the rabbit's judgement
over the two title parties gains energy from individualized phraseology
and sturdy, personable portraits of the characters.
Dorris, Michael. Sees Behind Trees?.
New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 1997.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST OF 1996,
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST OF 1996, BOOK LINKS BEST OF 1996
From Children's Literature Magazine:
Walnut, a fifteenth century Powhatan Indian, dreads the warrior's test
to prove his manhood because of his limited vision. It is his other, extremely
acute senses of hearing, smelling and intuition that earn him the name
Sees Behind Trees. Once he receives this great name and acknowledgement,
he wonders how his name fits him. This leads him, finally, on a grand adventure
where discovers a miraculous land of water, and goes through losses that
transform him from boy to man. Dorris' portrayal of the humor, warmth,
and wisdom through experience of Native American life vividly shows a different
era and way of being.
Dorris, Michael. The Window. New
York: Hyperion, 1997.
HORN BOOK FAN FARE BOOK FOR 1998, GLOBAL SOCIETY 1998 NOTABLE BOOK,NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOKS FOR TEENAGERS
From Children's Literature Magazine:
The Window throws itself open to the strengths of familial bonds. From the moment eleven-year-old Rayona sits by the window waiting for the return of her frequently delinquent mother, this novel pulsates forward with an energy and wit that never falters. When her Indian mother does not return from her latest binge to declare their usual "National Holiday" (on which she and Rayona can eat breakfast for supper and practice being best friends), Rayona's philandering black father informs her that her mother has checked into a rehab center, but that he is unable to care for Rayona. With the introduction of Rayona's great-grandmother, the ancient and proper Mamaw,
her sensible and wise Aunt Edna, and her grandmother Marcella (a "vanilla Hostess cupcake" of a woman), Dorris's novel becomes yet more unguarded as these three women embrace their young relative with unconditional love. No scene feels more genuinely celebratory than when her aunt and grandmother
travel west with Rayona to return her home. Having installed a device atop their car to provide cool air-a contrivance that requires the windows to be rolled up-the three must shout to be heard, causing a cacophony of "beg your pardons." When Grandmother opens the window, thinking to be chastised
but instead winning the approval of everyone as the cooler sails away, all three break into hilarity and song. Without glossing over the hurt and pain of parental abandonment, this novel of open windows is a joy, a "national holiday" to which we can return any day of the week.
Dorros, Arthur. Abuela. Illustrated by Elisa Kleven. New York: Dutton, 1991.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 BEST
From Helbig and Perkins: Picture book fantasy set in New York City. Hispanic American Rosalba, the narrator, and her mostly Spanish-speaking grandmother take the bus to the park where they feed the birds. The elation of the adventures real and imagines and the love the two have for each other conveyed by the simple, poetic text are perfectly caught and extended by the colorful, primitive collages.
Draper, Sharon. Forged by Fire. New York: Simon and Schuster Children's, 1997.
1998 CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD
It is the story of Gerald who, in early life, almost dies in a fire when his abusive mother deserts him to search for drugs. Until he's nine, he thrives when his tough and loving
Aunt Queen takes hold of him. But at nine, his mom's back with an abusive husband and a small sister who he's determined to protect. His reliance and courage gives witness to the spirit of the suffering young.
Drucker, Malka. The Family Treasury of Jewish Holidays. Illustrated by Nancy Patz. Boston: Little, Brown, 1996.
From Notes from the Windowsill: This superb compendium of information about Jewish celebrations and observances helps readers understand and assimilate the spiritual meanings behind the rituals. It includes stories, songs, recipes and craft projects and is beautifully designed and illustrated. An invaluable book for anyone interested
in Jewish holidays and culture.
Duncan, Alice Fay and Stewart, Monica. Miss Viola and Uncle Ed Lee. Illustrated by Catherine Stock. New York: Simon and Schuster Children's, 1998.
From Celebration Song: [Alice Fay Duncan] wrote this book to celebrate friendships and encourage children
to honor the differences that they find in others.
Farmer, Nancy. A Girl Named Disaster. New York: Orchard, 1996.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL'S BEST 1996, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST OF 1996, 1996 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK, 1996 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BEST
FOR YOUNG ADULTS, BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD
From School Library Journal: A Shona girl embarks on a life-altering journey and draws strength from various spirits and ancestors along the way. A complex, involving novel
about courage, community, and continuity.
Feelings, Muriel. Jambo Means Hello: A Swahili Alphabet Book. New York: Puffin, 1981.
CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK
From Horn Book Magazine: The beautiful vision of African life in the text merely hints of the community
breathtakingly captured in the illustrations. . . . The space has been filled with monumental figures that glorify the power and beauty of man.
Fox, Mem. Whoever You Are. Illustrated by Leslie Staub. New York: Harcourt Brace and Company, 1997.
From Kirkus: A one-world, "we are all the same under the skin" message for the very young from Fox . . . The faces of the little ones in Staub's paintings are as appealing as dolls'. . . An essential book that acknowledges in the simplest of terms our common humanity.
Freeman, Suzanne. The Cuckoo's Child. New York: Greenwillow, 1996.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST OF 1996, BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS BLUE RIBBON 1996, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST OF 1996
From Publishers Weekly: At once profound and darkly humorous, this ambitious first novel focuses on a [Lebanese] girl whose chance to realize her most ardent wish to have
a "normal" American childhood becomes possible only after the accidental deaths of her expatriate parents. The issues raised are difficult, and Freeman preserves their integrity with authorial integrity.
Garza, Carmen Lomas. Family Pictures. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1990.
1996 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK
From Schon: Vibrant, detailed illustrations
and easy-to-read bilingual narrative relate the author's experiences as a young Hispanic girl in Texas. Readers will savor fiestas, family gatherings, holidays, religion, and other activities of a closely knit Mexican-American family through this beautifully designed picture book.
Giovanni, Nicki. Knoxville, Tennessee. Illustrated by Larry Johnson. New York: Scholastic, 1994.
From Booklist: The text, which first appeared in "Black Feeling, Black Talk, Black Judgment" (Morrow, 1968), gets new life with Johnson's warm and wonderful illustrations. Very simply, Giovanni recreates her summers growing up in Knoxville, where you can eat barbecue and homemade ice cream. Listening to gospel music and being with family, especially Grandma, are also a part of the summer, the season where you can "be warm all the time not only when you go to bed and sleep." The verdant, impressionistic artwork is filled with family, fun, and, most of all, a spirit that transcends and transforms even the most everyday activities, such as eating corn on the cob. Knoxville represents the home of heart, where everyone is welcome.
Gollub, Michael. Cool Melons--Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa. Illustrated by Kazuko Stone. New York: Lee and Low, 1998.
1999 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK
From Riverbank Review: Issa's life story has the makings of a great folktale: the half-orphned and ill-used
stepchild is sent away from home,only to transform himself into the Lay Priest of the Temple of Poetry . . . Cool Melons introduces Issa by scattering thirty of his poems throughout a streamlined biography . . . Gollub's translations convey the poems' instantaneous, new quality.
Gonzalez, Lucia M. The Bossy Gallito:
A Traditional Cuban Folktale. Illustrated by Luis Delacre. New York:
Scholastic, 1994.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY'S 100 BEST
From Schon: This is the story of a bossy little rooster who, on his way to his uncle's wedding, cannot resist picking two kernels of corn from the puddle. He becomes messy in the process and asks a cast of unwilling characters to clean his beak, which they refuse, until his friend, the sun, solves his problem and everyone complies . . . The charming watercolor illustrations, which are bordered by ovals, provide a contemporary yet traditional and festive tone to this Cuban tale.
Gray, Libba Moore. Dear Willie Rudd. Illustrated by Peter M. Fiore. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1993.
From Publishers Weekly: Moving,
evocative and thought-provoking, Gray's ( Miss Tizzy ) work deals with an ambitious topic, the Jim Crow South. As she rocks on her twilit front porch, Miss Elizabeth, a middle-aged white woman, thinks wistfully of Willie Rudd, the black housekeeper of her childhood home, "now surely gone to heaven if anyone ever has.'' With quiet determination, she addresses the
long-dead servant, writing to her "for my mother and for my grandmother and for me.'' The letter belatedly voices Miss Elizabeth's love for her and the wisdom she has gained in the 50 years since her girlhood. "I wish you could come to see me once again,'' she writes. "This time you would come in my front door . . . not my back door.'' Her wistful list continues
(``We would go to the movies and sit together in the front row''). When she finishes, she ties the letter to a kite and releases it heavenward, then resumes rocking on her porch. With great subtlety Gray unfolds the story of a life--and of a country's shameful history. Fiore's richly textured, full-spread oil paintings in dusky hues capture both Miss Elizabeth's revisited childhood world and her contemplative mood as she rocks against the darkening sky. A beautiful and significant book.
Guthrie, Woodie. This Land is Your Land. Illustrated by Jathy Jakobsen. Boston: Little Brown, 1998.
1999 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK, 1998 SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL NOTABLE BOOK
From The School Library Journal: From the minutely-detailed postcard-sized paintings to the breathtaking
double-page vistas, this book pays tribute to America's foremost balladeer and his music.
Hamilton, Virginia. Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales and True Tales. Illustrated by Leo
and Diane Dillon. New York: Scholastic, 1995.
1996 CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR AWARD, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST OF 1995, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK OF 1996
From Marantz: Nineteen stories, all representing the full range of the female African American experience, are retold by this award-winning storyteller. They are grouped as animal
tales, fairy tales, supernatural, folkways and legends, and true tales. The stories are elegantly set with both text and full-paged illustrations thinly framed. The complex, sensitively-rendered acrylic paintings are like others associated with the Dillions' previous award-winning work.
The emphasis is on character development, with all the details needed to enhance the effect.
Hamilton, Virginia. M.C. Higgins the Great. New York: Aladdin, 1993.
1975 NEWBERY AWARD BOOK
From James Madison University: As a slag heap, the result of strip mining, creeps closer to his home in the Ohio hills, fifteen-year-old M.C. is torn between trying to get his family
away and fighting for the home he loves.
Hamilton, Virginia. When Birds Could Talk and Bats Could Sing. Illustrated by Barry Mosel. New York: Scholastic,
1997.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST OF 1996, BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS BLUE RIBBON 1997, PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST OF 1996, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK
From The Windowseat, Review by Tim Moses: The marvelous Ms. Hamilton whose Her Stories, published last
year, won the Coretta Scott King Award for Writing, does it again with this collection of cautionary tales from the deep South. In an Afterword, she explains that these tales were originally written by Martha Young who, as a child, had been told them by the slaves on her family's plantation. Years later she made up her own tales, and Ms. Hamilton notes that it is
impossible now to tell which were the original tales told by the slaves and which tales Ms. Young wrote herself. In a way, it doesn't matter. This collection is charming, funny, humorous, touching, and musical. Illustrated by Barry Moser, the birds and bats of the stories take on their own wonderful
personalities, foibles, and attitudes . . . Wonderful tales, beautifully done.
Herald, Jerdine Nolen. In My Momma's Kitchen. Illustrated by Colin Bootman. New York: Lothrop, Lee, and
Shepard, 1999.
From Kirkus: A child describes the family events, like making apple butter and having relatives visit, that center around Momma's kitchen. These brief episodes from a mother's kitchen showcase Nolen's enticing prose and her inclusive world.
Hesse, Karen. Come on, Rain! Illustrated by Jon Muth. New York: Scholastic, 1999.
From The Riverbank Review: Come On Rain honors the essential childhood ritual of pulling on a bathing
suit and running outside to whoop it up in a summer rainstorm . . . Come
On Rain has depth and grace and a sweet, understated current of celebration.
The story is as refreshing as a long-awaited rainshower.
Ho, Minfong. Hush! A Thai Lullaby. Illustrated by Holly Meade. New York: Orchard, 1996.
1997 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK, 1997 CALDECOTT HONOR
From The American Library Association: A mother asks nocturnal animals of the Thai countryside to "hush" so baby
can sleep. Cut paper collage art beautifully complements the text.
Hobbs, Will. Bearstone. New York: Atheneum, 1989.
From Isomedia: As a last chance to turn his life around, Cloyd, a Ute Indian boy, goes to live with an elderly
rancher whose caring ways help him grow toward manhood.
Hucko, Bruce. A Rainbow at Night. Illustrated by Navajo Children. New York: Chronicle, 1996.
SMITHSONIAN NOTABLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN, 1997
From School Library Journal: After teaching, or "coaching," art in various Navajo communities in Utah for 10 years, Hucko helped put together an exhibition called "Have You
Ever Seen a Rainbow at Night?" in which Navajo children expressed themselves through graphic arts and words. This book presents 23 full-color reproductions of drawings and paintings from the collection, along with a black-and-white photo of each artist, his or her comments about the picture, Hucko's introduction to themes found in each piece of art, and ideas for readers to think about or draw. This is a rich collection of the work of very talented children (ages 6-13) that will appeal to many ages. Younger children will enjoy it best with adult direction, but all will gain insight into the artists'
world and appreciation of their creative talents.
Igus, Toyomi. I See the Rhythm. San Francisco: Children's Book Press, 1998.
1999 CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR AWARD, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 1999 NOTABLE
From Kirkus: The collaborators on Going Back Home return with a stunning history of African-American music.
They begin 500 years ago, on the African continent, chronicle the slave
trade, and document the work songs and spirituals of American slaves. The
blues, ragtime, jazz, gospel, R&B, rock, funk, rap, and hip hop all
come under scrutiny in free-verse poems that incorporate lyrics about and
the rhythms of every style. In addition, Igus has added a brief description
of each musical movement and a terrific timeline noting highlights of African-American
history, both musical and more general information, which roots the whole
book in a broader context. Wood's vibrant paintings are based in historical
detail, and resonate with emotion. The color choices, postures of the figures,
as well as the expressions on their faces, reflect various aspects of African-American
music; the pictures broadcast joy, innovation, and exuberance in the face
of systematic oppression. A child hidden in each scene adds a nice piece
of personality for readers to interpret. Stylish and lively design pulls
it all together into an absorbing, attractive package.
Jiang, Ji Li. Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution. New York: HarperCollins, 1996.
1998 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK, 1998 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BEST FOR YOUNG ADULTS
From Publishers Weekly: A chapter of world history that most American young people know little about becomes
chillingly real through the words of Ji Li Jiang, who was twelve years old when the Cultural Revolution began. Her naive enthusiasm for helping Chairman Mao rid China of the "Four Olds" wavers as she realizes that no one, not even herself, is above persecution.
Johnson, Angela. Heaven. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1998.
1999 CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD
From Celebration Song: In her bittersweet Fall 1998 novel, Angela Johnson brings readers face to face with Marley, a young girl on the verge of learning one of the most rroubling
truths of growing up-that parents are only human and as such are subject to human weaknesses.
Johnson, Angela. The Wedding. Illustrated
by David Soman. New York: Orchard, 1999.
From Publishers Weekly: Here comes the bride-and her younger sister, the flower girl, who offers a glimpse of what it's like to prepare for and participate in a family wedding. .
. The young narrator sees it all. Johnson's poetic language effectively captures the emotional roller-coaster that weddings set in motion from a kid's point of view.
Keats, Ezra Jack. The Snowy Day. New York: Scholastic Book Services, 1971.
1963 CALDECOTT AWARD, NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS
From Thomas: Peter enjoys his day in the snow, making a snow man and snow angels. He even tries to save some
snow for later.
Krull, Kathleen. Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman. Illus. by David Diaz. New York: Harcourt, 1996.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST OF 1996, BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS BLUE RIBBON 1996, BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE, 1996, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK OF 1996
From School Library Journal: Krull skillfully demonstrates that in achieving her historic Olympic triple
victory, Wilma Rudolph also triumphed not only over a normally crippling illness but also over racism and sexism. Diaz's richly colored, stylized illustrations help celebrate an inspiring life.
Lester, Julius. Sam and the Tigers: A New Telling of Little Black Sambo. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Dial, 1996.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST OF 1996, BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS BLUE RIBBON 1996, BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE, 1996, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK OF 1996
From Publishers Weekly: Bannerman's story about the child hero who can outwit tigers is retold here in an expansive
black storytelling voice that's folksy and contemporary, funny and fearful. Pinkney's paintings capture the sunlit idyllic community and the boy's confrontation with tigers that are both powerful and ridiculous.
Lester, Julius. What a Truly Cool World. Illustrated by Joe Cepeda. New York: Scholastic, 1999.
From Rudine Sims Bishop writing in The Riverbank Review, Spring 1999: In What a Truly Cool World, Julius
Lester and Joseph Cepeda have fun with Lester's take-off on a tale about the origin of butterflies, recorded in Zora Neale Hurston's Mules and Men. Lester's vision of heaven is contemporary and humorous, bordering on the irreverent, yet in awe of God's creation. God walks around in house slippers,
has a wife named Irene, and a secretary named Bruce. There is also an angel
in charge of everybody's business, by the name of Shaniqua. The story is
set soon after the earth had been created, supplied with trees and water,
and populated with people and animals of all kinds. Looking down from heaven,
Shaniqua finds the green, blue, and brown ball that is earth to be very
boring. Conceding that she is right, God decides to do something about
it, and after creating grass and music and flowers, he produces, with the
aid of Shaniqua, butterflies. "What a truly cool world!" This tale cries
out to be performed. The language is contemporary, colloquial, colorful,
and humorous ("Go on with your bad self, God!" says Shaniqua after God
creates flowers). Cepeda's colorful, stylized illustrations frolic over
the pages, capturing the spirit of what Lester calls a "black storytelling
voice," and adding many of the details that might come out in an oral rendering
of the story.
Lobel, Anita. No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War. New York: Greenwillow, 1988.
1999 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK, BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS BLUE RIBBON 1998, 1999 RIVERBANK REVIEW CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF DISTINCTION AWARDS
From The Riverbank Review: Best known as a picture book illustrator and author, Anita Lobel spent her childhood in Poland during World War II-"a wrong place at a wrong time."
Her vivid memoir about these years tells how she and her brother evaded and ultimately survived capture by the Nazis.
Mathis, Sharon. The Hundred Penny Box. Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. New York: Viking, 1975.
1975 BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK HONOR BOOK, NEWBERY HONOR BOOK
From Booklist: Mathis fashions an artful study of advanced age and childhood. Masterfully illustrated in shadowy watercolors that underscore the intimacy of the family situation.
McCully, Emily. Beautiful Warrior: The Legend of the Nun's Kung Fu. New York: Scholastic, 1998.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK, 1998 BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS BLUE RIBBON
From Children's Literature Magazine: With a name like Jingyong (Quiet Courage) how could the heroine of this
story possibly grow up quiet and quiescent at court? So despite her mother's worries ("Who will marry an educated woman?") it is decided that she must find her own path. Her path leads to the Shaolin monastery. Under the tutelage of a wise nun, the girl learns to still her mind and summon strength when she needs it. In the end, she decides her own destiny. An author's note provides fascinating material on the background of king fu.
McDermott, Gerald. Arrow to the sun: A Pueblo Indian tale. New York: Puffin, 1987.
1975 CALDECOTT AWARD
From Thomas: A boy must survive four tests to prove his identity and find his father.
McKissack, Patricia. The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural. New York: Knopf, 1998.
NEWBERY HONOR, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
From the Hungry Mind Review: Ten original stories, all with a foundation in African-American history or culture. Some are straight ghost stories, many of which are wonderfully
spooky and all of which have well-woven narratives . . . This is a stellar collection to hook young readers. Storytellers will also find it a goldmine.
McKissack, Patricia. Mirandy and Brother Wind. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. New York: Knopf, 1988.
1989 CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR AWARD, 1989 CALDECOTT HONOR
From Kruse and Horning: Mirandy overlooks her obvious partner for her first cakewalk as she searches for Brother
Wind. Set in the rural South of the early twentieth century, the exuberant story is full of humor and joy. The full-color illustrations offer an abundance of complementary details.
Melmed, Laura K. Little Oh. Illustrated by Jim Lamarche. Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1997.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 1998 NOTABLE
From Children's Literature Magazine: The story of Little Oh is a fairytale of an origami doll that comes to
life. Readers follow Little Oh on her adventures, discovering just how dangerous a dog or water can be to someone made of paper. Little Oh becomes the tie that brings a family together. It is a book that stretches the imagination. Creative, colorful illustrations make the book even more appealing.
Mochizuki, Ken. Passage to Freedom: The Sugihara Story. Illustrated by Dom Lee, afterword by Hiroki Sugihara. New York: Lee & Low, 1996.
SMITHSONIAN NOTABLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN, 1997, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 1998, BULLETIN
OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS BLUE RIBBON 1997
From Publishers Weekly: In 1940, Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese consul to Lithuania, defied his own government and personally issued visas to Jewish refugees fleeing from Poland. He may have saved as many as 10,000 lives. This testament to one man's courage should be read in homes and classrooms across the nation and the world.
Mora, Pat. Tomas and the Library Lady. New York: Knopf, 1996.
SMITHSONIAN NOTABLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN,1997
From Publishers Weekly: One summer in 1940s Iowa, a librarian welcomed a migrant worker child who found the wider world--and his future--in books. This powerful story is based
on the boyhood of Tomas Rivera, who would grow up to become chancellor of the University of California, Riverside.
Musgrove, Margaret. Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions. Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. New York:
Dial, 1976.
1977 CALDECOTT AWARD BOOK, 1977 BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK AWARD
From Thomas: Each letter of the alphabet introduces another group of African people. Information about their customs
and location is included in this brief description.
Myers, Walter Dean. Harlem. Illustrated by Christopher Myers. New York: Scholastic Press, 1997.
CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD, CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR AWARD, BOSTON GLOBE-HORN HONOR BOOK 1997, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
NOTABLE BOOK OF 1998
From Marantz: A spare, poetic description of and tribute to the spirit of Harlem, its people, music, rhythm, hopes and despair. A large book that seems even larger as the double pages fail to contain the rough-hewn collage scenes. The power implicit in the unsentimentalized portraits of ordinary citizens adds to the poem's evocative imagery.
Myers, Walter Dean. The Journal of Joshua Loper: A Black Cowboy (My Name is America Series). New York:
Scholastic, 1999.
From Kirkus: The teenage son of a former slave joins a cattle drive from Texas to Abilene, Kansas, in an entry in the My Name is America series.
Nye, Naomi Shihab. Habibi. New York: Simon and Schuster Children's, 1997.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK OF 1998
From Wordsworth Just for Kids: Naomi Shihab Nye is primarily a poet, which is apparent in her new novel, Habibi. It's filled with rich, beautiful language, colorful images of Jerusalem, words that stand on their own. Liyana has spent her first fourteen years in St. Louis, where her mother grew up. But the summer before she starts high school, her family moves to her father's childhood home in Jerusalem. All of a sudden, Liyana has two new languages to learn, a huge extended family, including her loving, mysterious grandmother who speaks only Arabic, and new friends whose world is completely different from her own. What I love about this book are the details-tiny little things that make the people and places of the story unquestionably real. Liyana keeps a notebook of first lines to stories she may someday write: "Being good felt like a heavy coat, so she took it off." and "Her family was half-and-half, like a carton of rich milk." Reading Habibi is like eating fresh-baked oatmeal raisin cookies-every bite holds warm delicious surprises.
Orozco, Jose Luis. Diez Deditos: Other Play Rhymes and Action Songs from Latin America. Elisa Kleven, Illustrator.
Dutton Children's Books, 1997.
From Children's Literature Magazine: Orozco has arranged and adapted a wide selection of material from Latin
America that is suitable for the earliest of reading, singing, and chanting experiences. Drawn from traditional and new materials, there are more than thirty finger plays, rhymes, and songs that are sure to be enjoyed by children and caregivers alike. Each selection is presented in English and Spanish.
Simple pictographs provide directions for little fingers as well as music appropriate for the piano or the guitar. Each selection is prefaced by an anecdote from the author about what makes the piece special and how it can best be presented. The colorful illustrations make the reader feel as if they are in Latin America, experiencing typical playtime with the children of the neighborhood. In an age of promoting a more multicultural education, this collection provides an important glimpse at Latin American tradition.
Pinkney, Andrea D. Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra. Illustrated by Brian Pinkney. New York: Hyperion, 1998.
1999 CORETTA SCOTT KING HONOR AWARD, 1999 CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD, 1998 SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL NOTABLE BOOK
From School Library Journal: A jazzy introduction to the king of swing told with a rhythm and flair that suit the subject to a tee. The fluid paintings are in perfect sync.
Raschka, Chris. Yo! Yes? New York: Orchard, 1993.
1994 CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK, NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH
NOTABLE BOOK, PARENTING MAGAZINE BEST BOOK
From School Library Journal: With a beautifully-balanced, economical style, the book illuminates the peaks and pitfalls of getting acquainted, and puts in a good word of feelings. It is fun to read and look at, and appealing to the eye, ear and heart.
Ringgold, Faith. The Invisible Princess. New York: Crown, 1998.
From Rudine Sims Bishop writing in The Riverbank Review, Spring 1999: There is a lot going on in the
story, and much that can be read between the lines or understood symbolically or linked to other texts. For example, the idea of the Prince of Night protecting the slaves with his cloak of darkness recalls slaves' nighttime escapes; the annunciation and the prophecy that precedes the birth of the
princess and Pepper's search for the child have biblical parallels. But the strength of the book, not surprisingly, is the artwork. The Invisible Princess, with her halo of golden light and braids, is a striking figure, as is the Prince of Night with his flowing cape of darkness. The colors
are strong, and the images are memorable. It is Ringgold at her best as a picture book artist.
Ringgold, Faith. Tar Beach. New York: Random House, 1991.
1992 CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD, 1992 CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR AWARD
From Isomedia: This is a great book that uses illustrations from the author's story quilts. The protagonist flies in her imagination over the structures her father works on. The story
deals with issues of economic status, mixed heritage, and focuses on the power of the imagination.
Rylant, Cynthia. Appalachia: The Voice of Sleeping Birds. Barry Moser, Illustrator. New York: Harcourt, Brace
and Co., 1991.
1991 BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK AWARD
From Publishers Weekly: Like a cherished photograph album, this portrait of Appalachia by two natives of the region is suffused with memories made golden by time. Beginning
with the dogs that are "named Prince or King'' and live in towns "with names like Coal City and Sally's Backbone,'' Rylant moves to the people, their houses and their activities. Neither story nor factual treatise, the text offers pure nostalgia--a skillfully structured essay that appears,
deceptively, to meander like a dusty country lane and underscores the warmth,
generosity of spirit and steadfastness of the inhabitants of the "shimmering
painted mountains.'' Rylant is frequently effusive: "The men and women
and children who live in Appalachia have no sourness about them,'' she
says; and "The children love all the seasons.'' But when she focuses on
particular details, lyricism suffuses her prose: the "mountains wear heavy
shawls of fog, and giant moths flap at the porch lights while cars cut
through the dark hollows like burrowing moles.'' Moser's masterfully executed
paintings--from the stretching coon dog to the biscuits that wait on the
iron stove--find beauty in plainness, capturing the culture and people
of the hollows with affection and sensitivity.
Rylant, Cynthia. When I Was Young in the Mountains. Illustrated by Diane Goode. New York: NAL/Dutton, 1992.
CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK, NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 BEST
From the Association for Childhood Education International: An evocative remembrance of the simple pleasures in country living; splashing in the swimming hole, taking baths in the
kitchen, sharing family times, each is eloquently portrayed here in both the misty-hued scenes and in the poetic text."
San Souci, Daniel, Perrault, Charles, San Souci, Robert D., and Pinkney, Brian. Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella.
New York: Simon and Schuster Childrens, 1998.
1999 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK, 1998 BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK AWARD
From The Horn Book, Inc.: This lively adaptation is based on a French Creole version of Perrault's familiar tale. Choosing Cendrillon's godmother (a lonely old washerwoman) as narrator provides a fine rationale for the intimate yet traditional storytelling tone that San Souci adopts here. Pinkney's signature multimedia art glows with the richly saturated colors of the Caribbean. This vital, assured
"Cinderella" deserves a place in every library.
Say, Allen. Grandfather's Journey. New York: Houghton, 1993.
1994 CALDECOTT MEDAL BOOK, 1994 BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK AWARD, NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 BEST
From Thomas: A man reminisces about his grandfather, who journeyed from Japan to America. While in America, he missed parts of his life in Japan, yet when he returned to Japan, he
was lonely for America.
Say, Allen. Tea with Milk. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1999.
From Publishers Weekly: Say's
masterfully executed watercolors tell as much of this story about a young
woman's challenging transition from America to Japan as his eloquent, economical
prose.
Sierra, Judy. Nursery Tales Around the World. Illustrated by Stefano Vitale. New York: Houghton Mifflin,
1996.
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY BEST OF 1996, BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK AWARD 1996
From Publishers Weekly: Innovatively conceived and exquisitely executed, this sumptuous collection of 18 tales
is grouped by themes, supported by insightful source notes, and written with flair. Vitale's oil paintings on wood panels echo the cultural cadences of each entry.
Silverman, Erica. Raisel's Riddle. Susan Gaber, Illustrator. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1999.
From Kirkus: Silverman tells of Raisel, an orphan girl who is raised by her scholarly grandfather until his death; three wishes from an old beggar woman allow Raisel to attend the Purim play dressed as Queen Esther, where she captures the attention of the rabbi's son. It is her clever riddle about the precious nature of learning, however, that eventually wins his heart. Carefully crafted, this story not only entertains, but it teaches readers about the Jewish holiday, Purim, Queen Esther, and the tradition of costumed re-enactment. Unlike a majority of the other versions of the Cinderella story, this one does not include a self-absorbed prince who combs the countryside looking for a bride of a particular shoe size; refreshingly, Silverman's hero is as
intelligent as he is handsome, and seeks a bride who is his equal. Graber's illustrations are the perfectly complement, embodying Raisel's transformation from a life of servitude to one of riches "more precious than rubies."
Sis, Peter. Tibet: Through the Red Box. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1998.
1999 CALDECOTT HONOR AWARD, 1999 RIVERBANK REVIEW CHILDREN'S BOOK OF DISTINCTION AWARD, SMITHSONIAN'S NOTABLE BOOKS OF 1998, 1999 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK
From The Riverbank Review: The fantastical yet supposedly true anecdotes from Sis' father's journey
through Tibet in the mid-1950s are the subject of his latest feast for
the eyes and mind. Drawing from childhood memories of his father's stories,
he constructs an intricate vision of a land with a powerful hold over one
man and his family.
Sisulu, Elinor B. The Day Gogo Went to Vote. Illustrated by Sharon Wilson. Boston: Little Brown, 1996.
SMITHSONIAN'S NOTABLE BOOKS OF 1996, 1996 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK
From Smithsonian: April 1994,
the season when freedom rang out across South Africa, a six-year-old girl
and her 100-year-old great-grandmother set out for the polls, creating
their own history on the day black citizens cast their first ballots.
Smalls-Hector, Irene. Kevin and His
Dad. Michael Hays, Illustrator. New York: Little, Brown & Company,1999.
From Kirkus: There is something profoundly elemental going on in Smalls's book: the capturing of a moment of unmediated joy. It's not melodramatic, but just a Saturday in which an African-American father and son immerse themselves in each other's company when the woman of the house is away. Putting first things first, they tidy up the house, with an unheralded sense of purpose motivating their actions: "Then we clean, clean, clean the windows, wipe, wipe, wash them right.
My dad shines in the windows' light.'' When their work is done, they head for the park for some batting practice, then to the movies where the boy gets to choose between films. After a snack, they work their way homeward, racing each other, doing a dance step or two, then "Dad takes my hand and slows down. I understand, and we slow down. It's a long, long walk. We
have a quiet talk and smile.'' Smalls treats the material without pretense, leaving it guileless and thus accessible to readers. Hays' artwork is wistful and idyllic, just as this day is for one small boy.
Soto, Gary. Snapshots from the Wedding. Illustrated by Stephanie Garcia. New York: Putnam, 1997.
1998 PURA BELPRE ILLUSTRATOR AWARD
From The American Library Association:
Maya, the flower girl, is busy snapping pictures at this lively Mexican
American wedding. She captures the groom with his arm in a cast due to
a softball accident, the bride with gifts of money pinned to her dress,
the mariachis with their instruments, and the younger guests playing in
their dress-up clothes. Ingenious in her execution, Stephanie Garcia has
created a series of three-dimensional tableaux created with clay and found
objects.
Steptoe, John. Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. New York: Lothrop, 1987.
1988 CORETTA SCOTT KING ILLUSTRATOR AWARD, 1988 CALDECOTT HONOR, NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY'S 100 BEST, 1987 BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK AWARD
From Kruse and Horning: Two beautiful sisters-one kind and the other vain-compete for the king's attention when he announces he is looking for a wife. Brilliant full-color pen-and-ink illustrate the Cinderella tale.
Stuve-Bodeen, Stephanie. Elizabeti's Doll. Illustrated by Christy Hale. New York: Lee and Low, 1998.
ALA NOTABLE BOOK OF 1999, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOKS 1998
From School Library Journal: Watching her mother care for the new baby, a Tanzanian girl finds a round
huggable rock on which to shower her affection. Vibrant patterns and soft watercolor backgrounds evoke a sense of place and familial love.
Taylor, Mildred. The Friendship. Illustrated by Max Ginsburg. New York: Dial, 1987.
1988 CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD, 1988 BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK AWARD
From Kruse and Horning: In the rural south during the Depression, four African American children witness a frightening scene at the general store. A respected community elder dares to call the white store owner by his first name and is verbally and physically attacked by a group of white men, who do not know of a decades-long relationship between the two. The spare, terse story is powerful and moving as it effectively shows the Logan children witnessing racism first-hand. The strength, courage, and dignity of Mr. Tom Bee offer a memorable African American role model.
Taylor, Mildred. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Santa Barbara, CA: Cornerstone Books, 1989.
1977 NEWBERY MEDAL WINNER, 1977 BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK AWARD
From Thomas: In the rural South during the Depression, the Logan family struggles to keep their land and to demonstrate
their dignity and pride. Cassie Logan and her brothers experience the prejudice of their segregated school and community
Trevino, Elizabeth B. de. I, Juan de Pareja. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1965.
1966 NEWBERY AWARD BOOK, AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK, NEW YORK TIMES BEST JUVENILE BOOK OF THE YEAR
From the New York Times Book Review: This brilliant historical novel captures and holds the attention from its
rhythmic opening sentence-"I, Juan de Pareja, was born into slavery"-all the way through to the end . . . A splendid book, vivid, unforgettable.
Van Laan, Nancy. With a Whoop and a Holler: A Bushel of Lore from Way Down South. Illustrated by Scott Cook. New York: Simon and Schuster Children's, 1998.
1999 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK
From The American Library Association: Kids will naturally gather 'round to hear this exhuberant collection of stories, poems, sayings, and superstitions from the bayous, mountains and lowlands of the American south.
Williams, Sherley A. Girls Together. Illustrated by Synthia St. James. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1999.
From Horn Book Magazine: Exuberance and elegance in art and text tell this simple story of girls together. Williams's writing has a vibrant lyricism ("Sun just barely looking and everything quiet except for the birds. Air feel like if you fell into a trailer full of cotton; it's just that soft on your skin") as she follows five girls on an early-morning walk out of the Project to a nearby suburb,
where they climb trees and adorn themselves with magnolia blossoms. The design choice of high-gloss paper and clean sans serif type effectively sets off the work of artist Synthia Saint James, who creates paintings that remind one of Matisse cutouts in their clear line and intense color (and, too, of the striking angular work of Jacob Lawrence). Although the
youthful narrator speaks of her own "cheeks [that] dimple when I smile"
and describes one of her friends as having "a grin make you grin with her,
her teeth so white and straight," Saint James interprets these friends
as five faceless girls in a variety of rich brown hues sporting neon bright
shirts and pants against a periwinkle blue background. A tiny yellow stud
in each ear of the narrator as the single embellishment in these resplendent
illustrations heightens their bold simplicity.
Wisniewski, David. Golem. New York: Clarion, 1996.
1997 CALDECOTT MEDAL BOOK, BOOKLIST EDITORS' CHOICE 1996, 1996 AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION NOTABLE BOOK
From The Horn Book, Inc.: In Prague in 1580, a time when Jews are being attacked mercilessly, Rabbi Loew decides that in order to protect his people he must invoke the Golem,
a giant made of clay. The monumental story of good and evil -- and the gray areas in between -- receives a dramatic presentation through Wisniewski's precisely cut colored paper collage. A note provides information about the legend and Jewish history.
Yaroshevskaya, Kim. Little Kim's Doll. Illustrated by Luc Melanson. New York: Harcourt Brace, 1999.
From The Publisher: When four-year-old Kim, a Russian girl, walks past a toy store window and sees a very special
porcelain doll -- one with blue eyes and braids the color of ripe wheat -- she wants her more than anything. But Kim's parents worry that a girl who plays with dolls won't grow up to be strong and brave. This delightful story tells how Kim's strength of conviction and inventiveness persuade her mother that, in this case, giving someone what she wants is the best
thing to do.
Young, Ed. Lon Po Po: A Red Riding Hood Story from China. New York: Philomel, 1989.
1990 CALDECOTT MEDAL BOOK, 1990 BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK AWARD
From Kruse and Horning: Leaving her
three children at home alone in the country, a woman departs to spend the
day with their grandmother Po Po. Although instructed by their mother to
latch their door at sunset, the children are persuaded by a wolf disguised
as their grandmother to open the door. Chinese panel art is recognized
in the book's overall design and in the layout of the watercolor and pastel
art created to illustrate the more than 1000 year old tale. The wolf symbolizes
an ominous side of human nature and appears as either a shadowlike possibility
or presence in each double page spread of this suspenseful book.
The previous best-selling multicultural titles at the agency, the wants and needs of community members expressed in the community analysis, and the synthesis of several best book lists guided my selection of resources to include in the collection of quality children's multicultural books and materials for the Knoxville community. The collection will be available for community members in need of specific materials for children. Requests for materials that have been made in the past and have been left unfulfilled will now be able to be met. The groups of potential users--teachers, community agencies, and parents--will be able to find the materials they had to special order or do without in the past. Specific requests for books to help children understand how their friends are different, workbooks, teaching supplements, materials to use for holidays, multicultural games, and materials for kids from nontraditional homes made by the three groups of likely users in the community analysis can now be satisfied locally. Community members and users who are not actively seeking specific books or supplementary materials will benefit from the collection because the materials have been made intellectually accessible. The collection will provide links between certain titles that users may have not recognized before. Teachers and others who work with children will have curricular ideas and ways to extend children's learning. Materials not previously thought of as useful for instilling value in diversity are prominently displayed and removed from the stacks where they may have previously gone unnoticed. Community members identified as potential users and those who may be characterized as "browsers" will be positively influenced by the collection. Because of my interest in and fascination with multicultural literature, I will focus on maintaining and modifying the collection according to community members' needs. I will remain cognizant of new titles appropriate for the collection through my school library preparatory classes and reading journals of new releases. In addition to providing the wealth of resources to the users of the Knoxville community, this collection will benefit me in meeting my goal of being able to provide intellectual and physical access to information and ideas for a diverse population whose needs are changing rapidly.
Return to the top
of the page.
Return
to Amy's Home Page.
Questions or Comments? Please contact
Amy McCurdy.
Last modified December 12, 2001