A Song for Bijou By Josh Farrar Published by Walker Children’s Farrar handles race and the complexities of interracial relationships by implication, through Alex’s discovery of the vibrant, new (to him) world just blocks away. A solid, timely effort.” –Kirkus Reviews Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N Description Life … Continue reading »
Armel’s Revenge By Nicki Cornwell Illustrated by Erika Pal Published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books “A brave story that highlights how prejudices and hatred can influence the same families for generations.” –IBBY Link Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N Description Christophe’s been given the job of looking after … Continue reading »
Weeping Under the Same Moon By Jana Laiz Published by Crow Flies Press “This heartrending story really rings true and is impossible to ignore, especially since it’s based on real events.” –VOYA “…the book vividly portrays very different yet intersecting worlds.” –George Rupp, President, The International Rescue Committee Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound … Continue reading »
The Unforgotten Coat By Frank Cottrell Boyce Photography by Carl Hunter and Clare Heney Published by Candlewick Press “…a tight, powerful story—brimming with humor, mystery, and pathos” –Publisher’s Weekly “Funny, sad, haunting and original…A tricky, magical delight.” –Kirkus Reviews Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N Description When two Mongolian brothers inexplicably … Continue reading »
Return to Sender By Julia Alvarez Published by Random House Kids Publishing “Unashamedly didactic, Alvarez’s novel effectively complicates simple equivalencies between what’s illegal and what’s wrong.” –Kirkus Reviews “This timely novel, torn right from the newspaper headlines, conveys a positive message of cooperation and understanding.” –School Library Journey Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound … Continue reading »
Trouble By Gary Schmidt Published by Graphia/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt “Written by a 2008 Newbery Honor Book author, this story addresses what it means to be human, to struggle with racist feelings towards others and still be able to work towards responsibility and reconciliation.” –KLIATT “Many social issues currently in play in the United States are … Continue reading »
Where the Streets Had a Name By Randa Abdel-Fattah Published by Scholastic Press “As she did in Does My Head Look Big in This? (2007) and Ten Things I Hate About Me (2009), Abdel-Fattah introduces a bright, articulate Muslim heroine coping with contemporary life…A refreshing and hopeful teen perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian dilemma.” –Kirkus Reviews … Continue reading »
My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece By Annabel Pitcher Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers “This book is a great catalyst for opening conversations about death and loss as well as difficult discussions about hatred and prejudice.” –Children’s Literature “This debut novel, set in the UK, will resonate with readers in post-9/11 America, … Continue reading »
Out of Nowhere By Maria Padian Published by Random House Children’s Books “The author gracefully explores the intersections between culture and religion, as well as suspicion and prejudice in a post-9/11 world. Her well-formed characters and realistic circumstances make for a large and powerful story about re-evaluating one’s beliefs.” –Publisher’s Weekly Find a copy at … Continue reading »
Outcasts United: The Story of a Refugee Soccer Team that Changed a Town By Warren St. John Published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers “…An uplifting underdog story that will appeal to readers interested in the immigrant experience and the surprising role sports can play in people’s lives.” –Kirkus Reviews “Not merely about soccer, St. … Continue reading »
Samir and Yonatan By Daniella Carmi Translated from Hebrew by Yael Lotan Published by Arthur A. Levine Books “This thoughtful and well-written book would be a good starting point for discussion on the current situation in the Middle East. Its easy and flowing style makes it accessible to middle schoolers, while its topic makes it equally … Continue reading »
Skunk Girl By Sheba Karmin Published by Farrar Straus Giroux “Karim’s first novel provides a rare exploration of Muslim culture and will be a welcome addition to teen collections.” –Lynn Rutan, Booklist “Whether they share Nina’s circumstances or not, readers will readily identify with her struggle, and they’ll find her an endearing and admirable literary companion.” … Continue reading »
The Storyteller’s Beads By Jane Kurtz Published by Harcourt Children’s Books “Although firmly grounded in the realities of Ethiopian life, which Kurtz (who grew up in Ethiopia) helps the reader see, hear, feel, and smell, the story is also universal, and will provoke reflection on prejudice, tolerance, and identity.” –Children’s Literature “This ultimately heartening novel … Continue reading »
Lowji Discovers America By Candace Fleming Published by Atheneum Books “Similar in tone to a classic like Henry Huggins, this book is nevertheless firmly set in the 21st century and opens a window to what may be an unfamiliar culture to many readers.” –Lauralyn Persson, School Library Journal Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N … Continue reading »
No Safe Place By Deborah Ellis Published by Groundwood Books “Orphans of the world and victims of human trafficking need all the press they can get, and this book does a great job of introducing the topic and allowing young people to see beyond the headlines of ‘Another illegal accidentally dies in Chunnel.’ ” —Meredith Toumayan, School … Continue reading »
