Category Archives: International

The Grotto

By Angelie Tumaghap Martzke, Michigan.

**Iloilo Province in Panay, Philippines.**

“My dad said he saw something in here yesterday,” Reeza said. “Amelia, when did you get here? Do you have insects in America? Ants? Worms? Caterpillars?”

“I got here a few days ago. Yeah, we have bugs.” I replied, trembling. “Do you like them?”

“Yeah, they’re cute. You might see a few in here today.”

Do I really want to go in there with all these slimy, creepy bugs? Yuck, I thought. But she seems nice and I’m finally meeting someone my age.

We were standing as tall as the grotto, a small cavern of rocks my grandparents gathered years ago from the Panay Gulf beach across the street. It was a house for various statues of animals carved by a local artist from the village. A frog, a turtle and a carabao stood strong, stationary, and well-preserved from the scorching Philippine sun. Reeza gently placed her left hand on the arch to peer inside. I did the same with my right hand, feeling secure touching the coarse, solid entrance.

“It smells in here. It’s been rainy this June.” Reeza pointed to the cracked ceiling as she carefully knelt in between the statues. “How long are you going to be here with your grandpa?”

“It’s cooler in here. I’ll be here until Sunday. Then to my aunts’ for school,” I replied, ducking my head in and kneeling on the prickly, pebbly ground. I gently wiped the sweat pouring off my forehead now that we were away from the morning sun. I wondered when I’ll stop sweating and get used to the heat like everyone else here.

We surveyed the black, grainy floor. My right hand unknowingly grabbed something furry and squishy on the grotto wall.

I let out a piercing yelp.

“What is it?”

“It was just moss. Sorry,” I said.

We returned to exploring the darkness. Then a deep, rumbling call echoed inside.

“Have you been to the beach?” Reeza asked. “Let’s go there tomorrow morning and see if the fishermen caught some sharks. I want a picture with it.”

Yuck, I thought. Sharks seem slimy.

Tookoo! Tookoo!* Big, bulging eyes glowed towards me.

“Eeeek!” I screamed and we hurriedly stepped back.

A gecko the size of my arm scampered out of the cavern, climbing up and blending in with the banana trees behind the grotto.

“He’s harmless,” Reeza replied. “He’s usually inside a house. He sleeps during the day and is up at night looking for bugs to eat.”

“What was he doing here?”

“Maybe cooling off,” Reeza said. “Do you guys have geckos where you come from?”

“None in Michigan.”

“We’re used to them. They’re everywhere here.”

House Geckos? Shark fishing? Bugs everywhere? Will I fit in?

We stooped back into the grotto. My gaping mouth caught the salty sweat running down my forehead. I swallowed and breathed deeply, relieving the cottonball feeling stuck in my throat. Reeza waved me in.

“I can’t. Bugs creep me out and I’m scared of geckos, sharks and whatever else is here,” I said, lowering my head towards my flip-flops. “Maybe I should just go home now.”

“Oh!” Reeza gasped, her finger pointing at me.

A gust of wind whistled and relieved us from this tropical heat. I slowly eyed the right side of my face without moving a muscle in my body. Something was dangling, gently caressing the side of my cheek.

“Run!”

We squealed, bumping into one another on the way out. We bolted out of the grotto and leapt across the front yard. My heart was pounding, my legs were wobbling forward, one after the other. Somehow, we managed to reach the driveway. We collapsed on the cement, panting, and clutching our heavy chests.

“Look!” I yelled, pointing to her back.

Reeza shrieked and pranced in a circle, her hands waving up in the air. She’s a girl on fire. As I peeled the snakeskin off from her shirt, she slumped down and brushed her body with her hands.

“Thank you,” Reeza said, panting.

We examined this leathery object.

“It’s actually soft.”

“So pale and long.”

“My teacher last year brought snakeskin to school. She told us that snakes molt or shed their skin in one piece. They do this when they’re growing,” I said.

“I didn’t know that,” Reeza replied, tilting her head. “Snakeskins don’t scare you, but geckos and little bugs do?”

“I guess not,” I said, giggling. “I’m just not used to the ones you have here. Not yet anyway. Snakeskin is one thing, but a real snake is…”

“Gross.”

“Jinx.”

We sat, laughing and crying with the snakeskin in between us.

I wonder what else we have in common, I thought.

“Do you like soccer?”

**Playing Soccer in Pototan, Iloilo Province, the Philippines**.

“I love soccer!” Reeza said, beaming. “Let me get my ball and see if anyone else wants to play. I’ll be right back.”

**San Joaquin, Iloilo Province, Philippines** *(above)* *and* **A Boat in the Philippines** *(below)*

Author’s Note: Tookoo! Tookoo! is the sound that a lizard makes.

Photos and story by Angelie Tumaghap Martzke, Michigan. She adds: “I was born in the Philippines and grew up part of my childhood there in my grandfather’s house... This story, set in the Iloilo Province, is inspired by my actual experiences there. Since I was 9-years old, I have gone back every two to three years and continue to speak my language of Kinaray-a. My background is in Social Work, receiving my Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University in 2008. I have worked with teens and adults providing individual, family and/or group therapy.”

Art Essay by Jaeyeon Kim

Life is a journey.
“Standing at the many crossroads of life, my decisions would add up, changing my life and being. Fortunately, my friends and family have often been on hand to support and guide me through the toughest decisions and transitions. When it comes to art, I draw upon memories for inspiration and create with a strong sense of appreciation for the significant others and cross-cultural influences in my life. In this sense, my works are a collection of nostalgic thoughts, emotions, and experiences, as I look back on my life and hone in on influential fragments of time and space that have come together to define me as a human being.”
Jaeyeon is a fine artist who works to claim spaces for the public to engage with art without difficulty. Her work often revolves around detailed paintings, installation art and sculptures, which become a place for social engagement and visual communication.
—Jaeyeon Kim, 19, was born in South Korea, and came to the U.S. as an international student at the age of 15. She currently studies at the Parsons School of Design in New York.

1. CrossRoad Korea

Seoul, where I was born, is a big city. There are many cars and people at the crosswalk. When I saw a crosswalk, its ‘X’ shape reminded me of our society. Our community is connected like the shape of ‘X’ and also has a system like a red/green light. Also, everyone has a different destination in life.

2. Subway Korea

In Korea, the subway is the lifeblood of the city, as in other countries. Many people go to the heart of the city by subway, and it is always crowded. Koreans liken these crowds to the appearance of ‘beansprouts’ which have to grow in a dense environment and survive well in it. I capture a scene of the subway and its passengers. People in the subway have various backgrounds–different ages, genders, occupations, attires, and emotions. Most people feel tired but, well, there is a will to live today.

3. Identities

There are many identities within us. Regardless of age, from a girl to a lady, there are various images of women in one person, based on the situation and culture.

—Art and writing by Jaeyeon Kim, 19, was born in South Korea, and came to the U.S. as an international student at the age of 15. She currently studies at the Parsons School of Design in New York.

Snap Out of It

By Bella Melardi, Grade 11, Ontario, Cananda

Information is resistance. It will open our eyes. Awareness is change. The first step to solving a problem is acknowledging there is one. Let the existence of the climate crisis sink in. This is a reality check. Get out of your own heads. Snap out of it.

People’s lives are at stake. Climate change doesn’t affect everyone equally. People in power and people with privilege will not feel Mother Nature’s wrath the way minorities do. People will use their wealth and privilege as ‘band aids’ to block out destruction.

You can already see the effect that pollution is having on minorities in Canada. McGill Daily states, “In October 2020, over 250 Neskantaga residents were evacuated and transferred to a hotel in Thunder Bay after “an oily sheen was found in the Neskantaga water reservoir;” “high levels of hydrocarbons” were discovered in the water after testing.” The chemicals we created are destroying communities. They are festering in our waterways like tumors, spreading disease.

This destruction can also be seen through the construction of Line 3. Line 3 is a pipeline expansion that was just completed in September 2021. This pipeline will transport almost a million barrels of toxic tar sand oil per day from Alberta to Wisconsin. An oil spill would mean damage to coastal communities (near Lake Superior) and the wildlife, such as salmon and orca . StopLine3.org states, “Line 3 would violate the treaty rights of Anishinaabe peoples and nations in its path wild rice is a centerpiece of Anishinaabe culture, it grows in numerous watersheds Line 3 seeks to cross. It’s well past time to end the legacy of theft from and destruction of Indigenous peoples and territories.”

It is disgusting that our government allowed this pipeline to be built. They choose oil over preserving life! The people in power have to wake up! We have to find a new renewable resource. We have to act now. Researchers have found that we’ll likely cross the threshold for dangerous warming between 2027 and 2042. In 2042, I will only be 35 years old.

If you leave it up to my generation, it will be too late. We must all do better. Urge your elected officials to remove Line 3. Urge them to create a plan to invest in solar, wind or hydropower. We must switch to a renewable resource now! Increase the carbon tax. Instead of using tax dollars to invest in Line 3, the government should have used them to benefit the future of society. The Canadian government has to make stopping climate change a priority.

I want to help stop this but I feel so powerless. Corporations value making money over the future of their children. They value making money over minorities’ lives. Capitalism has caused people to become so consumed with greed. They are putting lives at stake. Mother Nature is bleeding. Humans are tearing out her skin and cutting her flesh. The earth is coughing up ash and choking on our greed. When will the earth’s heart give out?

This is my final plea to the people in power. You are selfish. You are killing us. You have already ruined the lives of countless Indigenous communities. You may not be affected by climate change right now but Indigenous people are. My generation will be. Our futures will rise up in flames. I don’t understand why you can be so selfish? Was it worth it? I hope you’re happy. You are exchanging lives for dollars. I hope it’s worth it.

We have to end the cycle of greed and suffering. Information is resistance. Open your eyes. Awareness is change. Use this awareness to get out of your own heads. Remove the shackles of greed that are binding you to your destructive choices. Think of the world around you. Here is a reality check.

Snap out of it.

Bibliography

Canada, Environment and Climate Change. “Government of Canada.” Canada.ca, Gouvernement Du Canada, 3 Mar. 2021, https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-indicators/progress-towards-canada-greenhouse-gas-emissions-reduction-target.html

Board, Editorial, and Editorial Board. “Neskantaga First Nation Still Doesn’t Have Clean Water.” The McGill Daily, 22 Jan. 2021, https://www.mcgilldaily.com/2021/01/neskantaga-first-nation-still-doesnt-have-clean-water/

Voltaire’s Micromegas

Micromegas: A Different Kind of Science Fiction

By Sahil Prasad, Grade 6, Maryland.

The legendary scientist Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”^[1] What if I told you that the famous 18th century French philosopher Voltaire, one of Newton’s contemporaries and admirers, literally turned that quote into reality in his fun, yet philosophical book Micromegas. Micromegas is a science fiction novella about the namesake brilliant giant from Sirius and his adventures across the Milky Way with his friend, a secretary from Saturn. The uniqueness of the book is sure to make you laugh as well as think deeply about life.

You would think that a novella about a giant and his friend traveling the galaxy would be a picturesque science fiction book. However, Micromegas is just as philosophical as it is a science fiction book. In the book, Micromegas embarks on the galactic journey not only to explore, but to gain knowledge in a quest driven by curiosity. When Micromegas was talking to the Saturnian, he shared “… I have not seen any who only desire what they truly need…” when the Saturnian was complaining about his “short life” of 15,000 years. As you can see, this revelation supports the philosophical nature of Micromegas’ journey. That statement also fits in with a teaching from the Bhagavad Gita, anIndian spiritual textwhich explains that suffering comes from wants and desires. During Micromegas’ conversation with the Saturnian, he reveals the reason for his journey, “I do not want to be pleased, I want to be taught.” This quote reveals Micromegas’ humbleness, which is a frequent theme in the book. It is this humbleness of Micromegas that makes him ready to learn.

Along with philosophy, Voltaire added yet another element of surprise to Micromegas—satire. Voltaire lived his life in a period called the Enlightenment, which supported reason and the mental prowess of man. However, Voltaire believed that the thinkers of the time should equally appreciate both, philosophy and science. Voltaire included satirical elements in Micromegas to support his perspective on the Enlightenment. For one, Micromegas specifically called out Wicar Durham, a scientist during the Enlightenment for claiming to have seen the universe and said that his description of the universe was false. Voltaire also ridiculed the great mathematician Blaise Pascal by saying that he only completed 32 of Euclid’s propositions (a phenomenal feat) while Micromegas completed 50 of the propositions and Voltaire even stated that Pascal, “…became a fairly mediocre geometer.” There is a also brief reference to the futility of war and the excessive casualties that result from leaders fighting to own territories that they may never even see in their lifetime: “… and almost none of these animals the mutually kill themselves have never seen the animals for which they kill.” In most of his books, Voltaire included these subtle, but harsh satirical elements and he even ended up with an arrest warrant because he satirized Louis XIV! Throughout the book, Voltaire also uses humor to make his work more engaging and take the sharp bite off of his satire.

Our children’s science fiction novella also features the greatest scientist of all times, Sir Isaac Newton himself! Newton is omnipresent in Micromegas—whether you are talking about his quote on giants which influenced Micromegas’ publication or the plethora of references to Newton in the novella. Voltaire was exiled to England because of his quarrel with Chevalier de Rohan, a well-known French nobleman and courtier of Louis XIV. Voltaire fell in love with the works of Newton while in London. Further, Voltaire’s love interest, the Marquise du Châtelet, translated Newton’s critical work, Principia Mathematica into French. The trial that sentenced Micromegas to 800 years of exile was based on the trial Newton faced because of his revolutionary ideals. Micromegas, the character, and Newton both faced the wrath of religious figures during their trials—Newton faced the church of England and Micromegas faced the mufti of Sirius for defending bugs against fleas in a scientific paper. Micromegas has a very innovative spirit and it comes into play when this giant cuts his fingernail to make a funnel to enable him to talk to the tiny humans he meets on Earth. This could represent the innovative personality of Newton when he discovered the three laws of motion and gravity while observing animals on his farmstead.

As you can see, Micromegas is more than a fantasy novel, it’s a contemplation of life. If you are humble, humorous, and open minded like Micromegas, you can journey through life overcoming obstacles and attaining knowledge.

By Sahil Prasad, Grade 6, Maryland. Sahil adds: “Micromegas will appeal to your readers because of the exciting, profound, and silly elements of the book. It can be read by people of all ages and you are sure to have a different perspective every time you finish the book.”

###

Edition information:

Micromegas, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016. ISBN: 978-1533107763

^[1] From a letter sent by Sir Issac Newton to the polymath Robert Hooke in 1675.

Gone Bananas

By Connie Salmon, bilingual author, originally from Puerto Rico, lives in Connecticut.

You put it in your cereal. You eat it with peanut butter and bread. You eat it with ice cream in a special dish. But have you ever wondered where your banana came from?

Many people think that bananas grow on a tree. The truth is that they grow on an herbaceous (herb) plant. It’s leaves sprout from the ground and wrap around each other very tightly, forming the stem. Large purplish red buds push through the center of the stem and later form smaller purplish flowers that grow into bananas. The banana got its name from the Arabic word for finger, banan. A single banana is called a finger.

Bananas most likely came from South East Asia, about 7,000 years ago. Then they were taken to Arabia, and later to the Middle East and Africa. They were transplanted to the Canary Islands. From there, the Spanish brought bananas to the New World, after the voyages of Christopher Columbus.

Bananas grow in plantations in countries with a tropical climate. Leading exporters of bananas to the US are Columbia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and West Africa.

The banana is America’s favorite fruit. There are 500 different types of bananas. The most popular one in the US is the Cavendish.

If the bananas are going to be harvested the traditional way, they are sprayed with pesticides (chemicals to get rid of insects) at the plantation. Then the farmers add fertilizers (artificial nutrients) to the soil to help the crop grow.

If the bananas are to be harvested organically, natural fertilizers like manure and seaweed are used. Insect predators and barriers are used to prevent pests. For example, crushed eggshells or pistachio nut shells prevent slugs and snails. The plants are weeded by hand or mulch is used to prevent weeds.

Farmers tie banana plants to long poles for support and cover them in large, plastic bags to protect them from insects and birds. The clear plastic lets light reach the leaves, allowing the fruit to mature.

Nine to twelve months after planting, the fruit is ready to be harvested. The bananas grow in large bunches. These are broken down into smaller groups. 10 to12 bananas are called a cluster, 4 to 6 are a hand, and each individual banana is a finger.

There are many steps to the harvesting (gathering) of the bananas. They are picked while still green to prevent them from spoiling while being shipped. A worker called a cutter cuts down the plant with a machete. Another worker, a backer catches the plant as it falls into a large cushion on the backer’s shoulder, to prevent the fruit from bruising. The backer attaches the bunch to one of the overhead cables that run between rows of plants. The moving cables bring the bananas to the packing shed, located in the plantation.

The bananas are washed in large tanks of cold water. The water removes most of the chemicals from the fruit. It also lowers the temperature of the bananas, which are still warm from the tropical heat in the field.

Inspectors then examine the bananas, to make sure they are of good enough quality to export. Once they pass inspection, the bananas are carefully packed into boxes, so they don’t bump against each other and bruise.

Boxes of bananas are loaded into huge, refrigerated ships or reefers, to prevent the bananas from ripening any further, putting the bananas “to sleep.”

Once the reefers arrive at their destination, they dock at food terminals. They are then inspected for insects, snakes and other tropical pests (spiders sometimes hide in banana leaves).

Then the fruit ripens in special rooms for 3 to 8 days. Ethylene gas, which is produced naturally by all fruit, is pumped through the ripening rooms to speed up the process. The temperature is lowered as days pass, so the bananas don’t over-ripen before they are loaded onto refrigerated trucks and brought to the market to sell.

The banana has at last made its long journey to you. The next time you are in the supermarket with Mom, you can pick out a hand or a finger of bananas and tell her all about them.

Sidebar: TOP EXPORTERS OF BANANAS TO THE UNITED STATES

The banana is the most traded fruit in the world. Bananas started to be traded internationally by the end of the 1300’s. Today they are grown in over 150 countries.

There is an organization called Banana Link in Latin American countries like Ecuador, Honduras, Columbia, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Nicaragua. It campaigns for fair and ethical trade practices for banana (and pineapple) plantation workers. In a largely hostile work environment for trade unions, there is a high level of violence and repression.

There is also a failure of health and safety standards, that causes much devastation of human health and natural environments, due to the use of toxic chemicals in banana production.

Banana Link fights for the dignity of workers (both men and women) and trade union rights. Trade unions try their best for workers to have better wages and benefits as well as better working conditions.

Bananas and plantains are a staple food in many tropical countries and play a major role in food security for many households.

TOP EXPORTERS:

ECUADOR: US $3,68 millions in exports. Total Banana production: 6.28 million metric tons.

THE PHILIPPINES: US $1,608 million in exports. Total production: 8.4 million metric tons

COSTA RICA: US $1,083 million. Total Banana production: 2.27 million metric tons

COLUMBIA: US $990 million. Total Banana production: 3.7 million metric tons

GUATEMALA: US $956 million. Total Banana production: 3.8 million metric tons

Other smaller banana exporting nations include countries like Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Ivory Coast.

Sources for the Information:

“How bananas are Grown, Banana Link” www.bananalink.org.uk

Encyclopedia Brittanica.com: “Banana (Description, History, Cultivation, Nomenclature)”

By Connie Salmon, bilingual author, originally from Puerto Rico, now lives in Connecticut.

Longing to Leave

By maggie d. , African American poet, Washington.

Frost and snow puzzles me

Hailing from Sudan

Icicles and sleet

Billowing clouds holding no

Heat

Makes me weep

For sandy dust sweeping

Across tan dunes

Never ruining my shoes

With muddy slush of melted snow

Without constant sun

Running for fun

Getting drenched by rain

Has made me aim

For returning to Wad Madani

Leaving behind winter

Without a whimper

I will laugh again with

Sunglasses on to watch

Camels parade upon dirt roads

But I suppose it will take awhile

For Alab to say

“Goodbye Sigh-beria!”

By Maggie d., Washington.

It was Good to be Back

By Benjamin Kwack, age 9, Illinois.

Hi. My name is Billy and my family was visiting Seoul which is in Korea and I loved everything about it. As soon as I heard that we were staying here for the entire summer vacation plus three months into the school year, I was so excited. Partially because I was going to not have three months of school. But anyway. I was going to be in Seoul because ever since the Korean war started and the fighting began, America had sided with South Korea. My father, who actually had joined the army 15 years ago, had to stay in South Korea to help, just in case the Northern part of Korea attacked again. I hoped I would enjoy my time, especially on the holidays. In America, holidays were still fun but this was a whole new country with different traditions so I couldn’t wait to be in Seoul.

The first holiday I witnessed was the New Year. Everyone stayed up really late until after midnight and in the wee hours of the morning. I was sleepy but tried to stay awake just to see what happens. I saw a big bell that was right next to a street and people had gathered around, cheering as they jumped out of their houses running to it. The only light was the light from thousands of cellphones, and they glowed brightly in the dark. The night was silent until somebody started talking into the mic. I felt a little nervous. The person with the mic stopped talking as someone rang the gigantic bell with a mallet that was hooked onto a chain. The big shouts of celebration filled the air, and children ran around with big smiles on their faces. I heard noises like, “It’s the New Year already!” and “See you next year!” The bell rang 33 times before it stopped. The sound of the heavy gong filled my head even after it ended but I was too excited, so it actually didn’t really matter.

Finally, everyone went back into their houses and went to sleep. When we woke up in the morning, my mom realized something. She said that we should have gotten a traditional food, called Tteokguk (It is a soup with sliced rice cakes inside it). I walked up to my mom and said that we had to try some of the soup because if this was a tradition, then I wanted to try it. She said, “Of course Billy. Why not?” So that was the reason why we rode to the supermarket in a taxi. The supermarket wasn’t crowded because everyone already had Tteokguk prepared a few days before. Luckily for us, one container of Tteokguk was still there sitting on the shelves. We quickly bought it. The cashier said, “Annyeong.” We said that we didn’t speak Korean so it was kind of difficult talking to the cashier but we finally managed to understand each other.

After we were done, I skipped out of the supermarket, and we rode another taxi home. It was a while for us to get back there but we unloaded the food and started cooking. I drooled. We waited and it was finally cooked thoroughly. The soup had a natural taste that felt rich as I rolled the pieces of sliced rice cakes around in my mouth. The soup warmed me inside and made me feel calm after all the excitement. I was thinking about the New Year. I tried some more, and it felt plain but at the same time, strong. I saved some for later; I didn’t want to eat all the Tteokguk in one meal.

Then, I watched as people came back out onto the streets again. But this time, a lot of older people also walked onto the streets. I followed them with my mom and my dad. The children bowed to their elders saying, “Saehae Bok mani badeuseyo!” and the elders smiled back, and they gave the children a little money. This went on for a while and when the last coins rattled, I held my breath with a little disappointment because I thought everything was done.

It wasn’t. There was one other thing. It must have been really meaningful because everyone went to visit their grandfathers and grandmothers or their ancestors who had passed away by going to their ancestor’s graveyards. Their family members who had lived in other cities also came and joined them. They laid food by the graveside and prayed for them. The family members chatted for a while and ate some of the food together and waved to each other for a long time before finally leaving. I was struck with a little confusion because this was a new thing for me, and I only knew a little of what was happening. That’s why everything made me feel awestruck and amazed. I actually liked the Korean way of celebrating the New Year. It soon became dark, and I went to bed and gazed up at the ceiling smiling waiting for the next holiday.

“What?!!!!!” I yelled waking up the next morning. My dad had announced that he had received an early retirement. It was such an honor to turn it down. Plus, my dad had been wanting to go back to America as soon as possible. I just sat there on my bed and scowled, but there was nothing I could do.

I gloomily walked to the airport with the family, boarded the plane and looked out the window. I had actually begun to like Korea and didn’t want to leave. Helplessly, I just flew back to America and cried to myself.

20 years later…

Billy had been in the army for four years. He had been sent to Korea to serve there. The happy smiles and laughs struck him and he smiled. It was good to be back!

“My name is Benjamin Kwack. I am 9 years old and I really like to draw, to do math and most of all, I like to write. I like to write fantasy, fiction and I really enjoyed reading informational books in class this school year.

In my story, ‘It was Good to be Back ,’ the main character, Billy, is a boy from America and his dad was in the army for 15 years. His dad was sent to South Korea to serve the army. Billy enjoyed the Korean New Year celebration because this was a new country with a new culture and traditions for him.

I wrote most of the story from Billy’s point of view except for the last two lines. I thought that way, it would seem special and more like a real story.”

Colors of Ukraine

By Camille Campbell, age 17, Arizona.

With images flashing in my mind,

I lay out the billowing silk,

and begin to paint.

I trace the lines of my ancestry,

each brushstroke forming a branch

on my family’s ancestral tree.

With golden gutta, I outline my identity,

ready to color between the lines.

I splash on the colors of Ukraine—

the teal darkness of Odessa’s Black Sea,

the sun-lit golden domes of Kyiv,

the crimson autumn of Sofiyivka gardens,

the flaxen fields of sunflowers.

I dream of living within the painting,

strolling and dancing in the silken world.

The kaleidoscope of hues connects me

to my mother’s Land of Color.

**The Kaleidoscope of Dreams and The Vase of Joy**. *Art by Camille Campbell, age 17, Arizona.*

Camille writes:

In my poem, I write about the beautiful form of art called “silk painting” and how it connects me with my Ukrainian heritage.

For years, silk painting has captivated me. My mother, who moved from Ukraine to the United States, fondly talked of the colorful silk paintings made by artistic communities in Ukraine. Disappointed that this technique was not practiced much in the United States, I decided to change that: one brushstroke at a time. As I learned the intricate and complex process, each painting felt like a tribute to my mother’s country.

When art gallery owners expressed interest in my silk paintings, I assembled a collection of my work and was fortunate enough to receive representation by Derubeis Fine Art Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona. With my silk paintings, I positively impacted my community by donating a few of them to the Make a Wish Foundation to raise money at their silent auctions.

When I’m doing a live art event, I always love to answer people’s questions about the process of silk painting and how it ties to my Ukrainian heritage.

Along with my poem “Colors of Ukraine,” I have included four of my silk paintings: The Kaleidoscope of Dreams, the Vase of Joy, Flickers of Autumn and Serenity. You can see more of my art at: www.artistcamillecampbell.com

**Flickers of Autumn and Serenity.** *Art by Camille Campbell, age 17, Arizona.*

Multicultural and Nature Books

Isak Reading a Book on top of Santa Maria, Guatemala. Photo by Paul Dix, Oregon.

(Updated: Feb. 13, 2026)

The 2025 Skipping Stones Book Awards have been announced, and the 2025 Book Award Reviews (a 6 Mb file) are ready for your downloading. As in the past years, the 2025 Skipping Stones Book Awards honor many outstanding entries from publishers—large and small—as well as self-published books. From 2024, you can download a pdf file (8 Mb) of the 2024 Book Reviews here.
Reviews of all the honored titles are available in the Book Awards section. In addition to our Annual Book Awards, we also recommend multicultural and nature books as well as educational films in this space. Here are some recently reviewed books:

THIS IS WHO I AM by Rashmi Sirdeshpande; illustr. Ruchi Mhasane. Magination Press. Ages 4-8.
A young Southeast Asian girl reflects on who she is and how she came to be. Through memories, family history, and everyday experiences, she explores what it means to grow up connected to more than one culture. Her story weaves together her ancestors’ traditions, her parents’ journey to a new country, and how the people and situations she encountered have shaped her understanding of herself and her world. Told in a poignant prose and accompanied by expressive illustrations, this beautiful picture book celebrates the many layers that form a child’s identity. We see that a person is more than one place, one story, or one background. As the girl embraces her heritage and experiences, she discovers pride, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging in who she is becoming. THIS IS WHO I AM, is published by Magination Press, an imprint of the American Psychological Association. It includes a easy-to-understand guide for parents, caregivers, and teachers to support children in their discussions about culture and belonging. Highly recommended!

The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price. AmazingGeneration.com. Ages 9-16.
The tech companies and service providers want you to believe that their smartphones and social media are the key to have a wonderful life. Did you know these products are designed to be addictive? They often leave people feeling lonely, trapped, and unhappy! If you want a life full of real friendships, freedom and fun, this book will show you how to use the devices as tools; and how not to allow the technology to use you. A growing number of young people are refusing to let these giant corporations control their lives. The book shares how these young “rebels” are responding. This is a perfect book for all teenagers because it shows them how to build a life that’s truly their own!

Wanjiku, Child of Mine by Ciiku Ndung’u-Case; illustr. Karen Vermeulen. Catalyst Press. A Picture book for ages 6-9.
In the lush Kenyan countryside, Wanjiku, a young Gikuyu girl helps her grandma with daily chores. But when she is shopping in the streets of Nairobi, she is Catherine. When she is a grown-up at a boarding school, she is surrounded by students from many different cultural backgrounds. Yet, when she is with her school friends from her own tribe, they talk in their own mother tongue and she is immersed in her culture. Living in two different worlds, enjoying life as it is. In this bold, cultural picture book, the author attempts to create a world where every individual child’s unique story is cherished, celebrated, and heard.

Zoom in on Zombies by Kari Lynn Winters and Catherine Rondina. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. Ages 9-14.
Real-life Zombies are all over in our world; in bacteria, viruses, fungi, worms, bugs, fish, reptiles and even in mammals. These relentless invaders zombify their hosts and survive even the most dangerous situations. This book details the survival tactics of these weird creatures in their natural habitats, explores their bizarre traits, and investigates how some animal zombies move about or use mind-control tactics, and suggests some cool hands-on science activities! A great nature book that you will find hard to set aside until you are done!

Animal Listeners: The Awakening of Quinby Clark by R.Aveen. Animal Listeners Press. Ages 12-18.
When Quinby Clark could carry on a conversation with a bird, she feels she must be going crazy! Then, when a dog invites her to attend an Australian boarding school for children who can communicate with animals, it dawns on her that her dreams of escaping her awful family are on the verge of coming true. Quinby realizes that she can speak with many more animals. And the school asks her to keep that ability a secret for herself. She and her friends help rescue animals in trouble even while she must defend herself when she is accused of causing trouble. The novel is set in the East Coast of Australia as the author is from that region of Australia. The readers will find the 460-page novel engaging and educational.

Imposter, a YA novel by Cait Levin. Charlesbridge TEEN, www.charlesbridge.com. Ages 12-18.
Imposter deals with a number of important themes for teens today: gender discrimination in the world of coding, feminism, self-esteem, and things like fear and self-doubt that many youth struggle to overcome. It is much more than a work of fiction. With wit and wisdom, it exposes the reader to the transformative power of STEM education. And, it will help—especially young women—join the ranks of courageous young innovators.
The main character of the story, Cam, a high school sophomore who initially struggles in her computer science class to overcome taunts from the boys who felt that girls had no place in coding. She conspires with her quick-witted best friend, Viv, and they engineer their way onto the extracurricular RoboSub team. Ultimately, they are selected as two girls on the teamfor a national competition.
Women are taking their places in the tech world, but still face a lot of pushback. As an educator and techie herself, the author encourages girls and women to follow their passions and make a difference through this engaging novel.

The History of We, words and paintings by Nikkolas Smith. Kokila, an imprint of Penguin/Random House. Appropriate for ages 6 to 11.
Every human being alive today, regardless of their skin color or heritage, can trace their ancestry back to Africa. This extraordinary picture book for young readers is a rare, inspiring history of our shared past that uplifts our ancestors’ achievements. It captures the first artists to draw on the cave walls, the first people to dance, play drums, to cultivate the soil, to navigate the seas, to survive and thrive, and to form the building blocks of the global society that we have become. The expressive acrylic paintings by African American author and artist Nikkolas Smith illustrate the lyrical story line.

What to Do when the News Scares You: A Kid’s Guide to Understanding Current Events by Jacqueline B. Toner; illustr. Janet McDonnell. Magination Press.; maginationpress.org
Scary news is an inevitable part of current world that kids face. News of Violence—mass murders with guns, wars, extreme weather events, or Covid-19 Pandemic, for example, can be frightening to children. This revised edition of What to Do series is helpful both to children and their educators because it offers ways to deal with anxiety and stress around how events are portrayed in the news and how children might process news to become an informed media consumers. This informative book from American Psychological Association is a must for any library!

Franklin’s Trees by A.J. Schenkman, illustr. Lauren Reese. Muddy Books / Globe Pequot; MuddyBootsBooks.com.
This beautifully-illustrated picture book introduces President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s life-long love of nature. FDR lived in Hyde Park, New York and he indulged in planting countless trees around his homestead. He hiked the trails through the family forest. During the Great Depression era, he created the Civilian Conservation Corps to help unemployed people support their families and at the same time, get many public works projects completed, including planting trees in many places. After he contracted polio in 1921, he was unable to walk through the trees he loved so he had a road built so he could drive and see the majestic trees. He died in April 1945, after the Second World War. Today, FDR’s love of trees is remembered at his historic birthplace in Hyde Park, where many of the trees he planted still stand. You can visit the FDR Homestead and walk through the trees. A great picture book for young readers!

CONSERVATION SUCCESS: Protecting Wild Spaces and Species by Laura Perdew. Illustr. Lex Cornell. Nomad Press. Paperback. 112 pages. Ages 9-13.
In this book with many hands-on science activities for kids, curious kids will discover different conservation efforts around the world, learn about many of the people and organizations involved in protecting species, habitats, and thus our planet!
Kids will learn about the various approaches to conservation: restoration, rewilding, reintroduction, recovering species populations, reconnecting habitats, community based conservation, ecotourism,protections and laws, and of course, education and awareness. In this book, the author investigates the people and the scientists that are guiding various initiatives in conservation and also how this will impact future conservation efforts. Chances are some of these will encourage you to get involved in conservation as your hobby or even a future career! You might want to try some of these hands-on STEM activities introduced in the book: develop seed bombs, make biodegradable plastic, rewild your backyard, make a model wildlife crossing, and more. Tastefully illustrated.
—Arun N. Toké, editor.

Believe You Belong, written and illustrated by Lona Faye Feldman. www.luminarepress.com Ages 4-8.
S.W. is a small saltwater fish looking for a place to belong. As he travels to find his “home,” he comes across many different places and fish. In today’s world with so much identity confusion, Lola has addressed the dilemma faced by countless youth, with a powerful message with simple words and through beautiful illustrations in Believe You Belong. She offers this picture book for children of all ages struggling to find their voice, but a person of any age would benefit from reading it. Btw, S.W. does find a home in the salt water sea off the coast of Mexico.
—Robin Brown-Wood, author of Audacious Authenticity.

Bows and Ties by Kavya Thakar. Available from Amazon/Kindle. For ages 14 and up.
The author of this book, sixteen-year-old Kavya, wanted to show that sisterhood isn’t just about friendships with other females; it’s about learning from one another, celebrating each other’s growth, and creating space for more women to lead with confidence. Bows and Ties is a tribute to the women who remind us that success feels more meaningful when it’s shared. Kavya has based her book on interviews with 19 women who’ve built remarkable careers—from entrepreneurs and designers to writers and founders. The book explores how ambition and empathy can thrive side by side. Each woman’s story reveals how honesty, resilience and shared experience empower others to grow, lead and lift one another higher. Each interview leads us to a key takeaway that becomes the prompt for the next woman interviewed, creating a living chain of insight and inspirations, making a continuous, evolving dialogue and an interwoven tapestry of stories of women that offer young readers a broad spectrum of experiences and insights. In her conclusions, the author shares what she has learned in her journey: reach out first, celebrate others, listen without judging, be honest, protect your peace and boundaries, use your words, and connect with others.

History Smashers: Earth Day and the Environment by Kate Messner; illustr. Justin Greenwood. Random House Kids. Ages 8-12.
Myths, lies, climate issues? Recycling scams? This volume in the History Smashers series focuses on many environmental issues and problems that you and your friends might have heard about. Did you think that Earth Day was the beginning of environmental movement in the country? Read this book to realize that countless people have been working on preserving and protecting the environment, nature, and ecology for a long time before that.
True, because this volume is just an introduction, and it is meant for young people, it is not as inclusive or exhaustive as I would have liked it to be. But still, when you are done reading the book, your understanding of the issues and the history of environmental protection in our country will be deeper than when you started. Caution: This is a paperback edition so the black and white photographs are rather small and of mediocre quality! But the book still serves a useful purpose with its informative and entertaining style of presentation.

Searching for Mr. Johnson’s Song by Ariel Vanece; illustr. Jade Orlando. Penguin.com/kids. Ages 6-10.
In Black communities, music is an integral part of the culture and shared memories. Songs tell forgotten pasts and ways to look to the future. Caius, a boy living next door to Mr. Johnson’s house, spends summer mornings on his neighbor’s porch. In his advanced age Mr. Johnson, who is wheel-chair bound, can’t remember things as well as he used to and can no longer sing his favorite song, ”Further Along,” an American Southern gospel hymn. Caius wants to help by finding out the rest of the words to the song. He goes to the library, he asks day-care teacher, but no luck! Finally, as they are cleaning up after their evening meal, by sheer chance his granny starts singing the same song! Caius is happy and wants to help his neighbor by singing that song with him. A touching story that portrays dementia with gentleness.

The Humane Hoax: Essays Exposing the Myth of Happy Meat, Humane Dairy, and Ethical Eggs; edited by Hope Bohanec. (For ages 16 plus, as well as parents and educators).
The Humane Hoax contains essays by noted animal rights and environmentalism figures like Carol Adams, Robert Grillo, Sailesh Rao, Karen Davis, and Christopher “Soul” Eubanks. Some of the contributors have done extensive peer-reviewed research on the subject while others have been working with farmed animal advocacy for decades thinking deeply about this issue. Still others are rescuing farmed animals directly from local and small-scale farms, witnessing first-hand the undeniable suffering that is commonplace in animal farming. The book is available as a paperback and also as an e-book from Lantern Publishing & Media. For more details, click here to read a recently published article describing this informative book by Hope Bohanec.

Old to Joy, written and illustrated by Anita Crawford Clark. Gnome Road Publishing. Ages 4-8.
Joy’s Grandmama lives in an old house, with old trees and all kinds of old things. She even does her dishes the old-fashioned way! Joy thinks there’s no fun in OLD things… but as the day passes, her grandma helps Joy discover how things and old ways can bring joy to her heart. A sweet story with a good message and a great ending.

So Many Ways to Be a Bird by Constance Anderson. Star Bright Books. Ages 5-9.
This beautifully illustrated educational book combines engaging writing and insightful information to entice young readers to discover the diverse, fascinating world of birds. Not all birds are alike; some fly, some can’t. Some can fly, walk, and even swim in deep waters without a problem. Some of them migrate long distances. With over 11,000 bird species on the planet, the book surely will guide readers of all ages in their quest to understand the many unique characteristics of many birds, how they have adapted to, and will continue to adapt to the changing environment and climate. A two-page spread includes interesting bird adaptation information. A delightful read for young readers and their educators alike!

Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States by Rajani LaRocca, illustr. Huy Voun Lee. Little, Brown and Co. Ages 5-9.
This nonfiction picture book introduces why people from other countries and continents leave their homelands, and come to the United States to study, work or be with their family. Then it further shows how, after a number of years, if immigrants choose to, can become full-fledged, naturalized citizens by studying for and taking successfully a citizenship test, and then taking an oath to support and defend the Constitution. I loved when the author says: “We bring with us our languages, our cuisines, cour customs, clothing, music, stories, histories. we bring hard work and determination, intelligence and skill, optimism, joy.” And, in the end, “Some of us are born to it. Some of us choose. And we are all American.” The Author’s Note will help parents explain important points to young readers.

Running for the Mountains (A 76-minute documentary by Julie Eisenberg & Babette Hogan. Available from First Run Features) is an unimaginable yet real story of dirty money and dirty politics that affects the entire nation. This informative documentary documents the raw truth as it uncovers the strip mining and mountain top removal to extract coal and gas out of Appalachia. Mostly, the footage and story focuses on West Virginia. The movie tells the tale of a rough and tough politics and reckless policies that dominate West Virginia (and the rest of the nation). Transcending party lines, the filmmakers’ 15 year investigation unveils a corrupt web of influence. The film explores the ties between extractive industries and politicians, who have placed their personal profit over the health of their constituents, subjecting their state to deadly toxic air, water and land pollution. Weaving a blend of history, current political affairs, and workers’ unions and activism, Running for the Mountains brings to viewers’ attention people’s sacrifices, as it shows undercover scenes that make clear who their politicians are working for and who really pays the cost of these devastating priorities. The policies of this one state affect us all. Appropriate for High school students and up.

The Echo People by SD Youngwolf, illustr. Shonto Begay. Lee & Low. Ages 7 to 11.
One bright and early morning two Native American children set out on a journey to meet their grandfather, an Indian elder. Grandfather leads them separately to a nearby river canyon area and encourage them to get to know and connect with the Echo People who live there. In that beautiful natural area, they learn something about themselves and the world in the presence of invisible Echo People. Beautifully told and well-illustrated children’s story that will make a deep impression in all young people’s hearts. The way we connect with the world surrounding us, also creates our own realities and our relationships. Our actions, our words, even our thoughts all come back to us.

A Kids Book About DIWALI by Chhavi Arya Bhargava. akidsco.com. Ages 5-9.
Diwali or Deepavali, the five-day Hindu festival of lights, will be celebrated by many millions in North America in the second half of October this year. (The exact dates of the festival change each year because of the lunar calendar days are different each year.) Mrs. Bhargava, an Indian American Canadian author, mother of two kids, and a former elem. school teacher, wrote this book because she would like to see a more-inclusive world. Diwali is celebrated not just in Indian subcontinent, but all over the world. It celebrates triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The author writes, “It’s like Christmas, New Year’s, and Independence Day all together!” The book shares a very short version of the Hindu epic of Ramayana, and concludes with an introduction to the five days and their significance.

Make Your Mark, Make A Difference: A Kid’s Guide to Standing up for People, Animals, and the Planet by Joan Marie Galat. Aladdin/Simon & Schuster. For ages 9 to 19!
With the almost ubiquitously present digital devices and social media, we are more aware (than in the last century) of the many issues that impact our family, society, and world. Yet, getting involved in solving the many problems that affect us can be very challenging!
This guide for youth offers tools to get informed, become active and effective. With it, you can become an agent for change at school and/or in your community, or even at the national level. It offers an overview of issues, as well as a basic understanding of the animal rights and human rights issues, and how youth are working to tackle the problems. The eleven chapters in this 342-page book contain a great wealth of information and great examples of many well-known activists. You will learn that activism can be loud as well as very quiet. Boxed inserts and simple drawings make the book easier to digest.

It Feels Like Family: Se siente como familia by/por Diane de Anda; illustr: Roberta Collier-Morales. Piñata Books/Arte Público Press. Ages 5-9.
Elena and Miguel’s parents don’t live in the same house anymore. They must split their time between their mom and dad after their divorce and are having a rough time coping with their life lived in two households—on weekends with dad and during weekdays, with mom. Do they feel like a family? Not really. When they do anything together as a family—like a movie night or even picking oranges in the garden with one parent, they miss their other parent. But the weekend birthday celebration and soccer game in the presence of their extended family brings back some sense of normality.
This Spanish-English bilingual picture book, illustrated sensibly and realistically, will help children of split families understand (and deal with) their situation. It explores the difficult subject of divorce and resulting changes in their lives that are experienced by many children.

Black Girl, Black Girl: Celebrate the Power of You by Ali Kamanda and Jorge Redmond, illustr. amnda Quartey. Sourcebooks.com. Ages 4-8.
This is an outstanding, inspiring picture book for young readers. Young readers are introduced to nine creative Black visionary women—activist, artist, attorney, astronaut, and athletes included—like Ava DuVernay, Miriam Makeba, Kamala Harris, Misty Copeland, Mae Jamison, and Wilma Rudolph. It makes an ideal picture book for young girls and early readers, who need female role models in their life!

Our Beautiful Homelands: As Told in Self Portraits by Global Youth. Merna Ann Hecht, editor. ChinMusicpress.com. Middle and upper grades.
This book is a compilation of 18 self portraits—in words and art—of young immigrants and asylum seekers studying at a high school in Tukwila, Washington. Many of them are MLL (Multilingual Learning) students from countries like Afghanistan, Angola, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Vietnam, and therefore, the production is that much more powerful. This collection makes you realize how inaccurate the politically-motivated portrayals of immigrants and refugees as gang members and trouble makers can be. The book is very accessible to students in middle grades.

Baking Up Love by Alan Page and Kamie Page; art by David Geister. Page Educational Foundation. Ages 6-10.
When young Esther comes home after school, she finds her grandpa snoozing in his favorite chair. Grandpa and Esther bake delicious cupcakes for the next day’s Literacy Feast at the school. Grandpa doesn’t forget to honor her late grandmother by adding her secret ingredient: love. The book highlights themes of Black family traditions and generational bonds. Wonderfully illustrated!

Freedom Pancakes for Ukraine by Dr. Janice Cohn; illustr. Yana Holubiatnikova. Le Chambon Press. Ages 7-12.
When the Russian war on Ukraine began three years ago, young Artem’s dad had to stay behind to fight while his mom and Artem are asked to seek refuge in Poland. Hannah, a school girl in the U.S. decides to help raise money for World Central Kitchen that’s helping make and distribute meals for the Ukrainian refugees in Poland. A beautifully illustrated picture book for kids with global awareness!

Reviewed by Arun N. Toké, editor.

A Voice of Hope: The Myrlie Evers-Williams Story, by Nadia Salomon; illustr. London Ladd. Philomel. Ages 4-8.
A Voice of Hope is an artistic retelling of the life of Myrlie Evers-Williams. She is a strong-willed woman of color, who has a passion for piano. Her rough Mississippi childhood surrounded by the troubles of racism led to find her strength in standing for civil rights of her community and for who she was. Her coming from a low-income household and also the prevalent racism does not help young Myrile achieve her dream of playing classical piano at the Carnegie Hall. As an adult, she faces a terrible tragedy when her husband Medgar, a WWII veteran, was shot and killed outside of their home. She finds her strength and powerful voice to speak out. She changes her life, fights for civil rights and accomplishes a musical career. President Obama invites her to say opening prayers at his inauguration. This book has a lot of heart and is beautifully illustrated. I believe it will inspire the readers to seek their purpose and to work for it.

Bridges Instead of Walls: The Story of Mavis Staples, by Mavis Staples and Carole Boston Weatherford, illustr. Steffi Walthall. Penguin.com/kids. Ages 7-12.
Mavis Staples, a woman of color, was an integral part of her family band “Staple Sisters” that her dad started when she was a young girl. This book shares her journey of finding fame singing the Gospel all round the South. Even during a time when there was segregation, their musical career prospered well. In her later years, she went into more Blues, but faith and family were still her core values. This is a powerful reading, with flowing illustrations. The last page has eight song recommendations, and four documentaries. If you’re interested in music and black history, or in finding strength, you might love this amazing book!

How to Bird by Rasha Hamid. Free Spirit Publishing. Ages 6-9.
For birders and nature lovers alike, How to Bird is a fun read about the joy of bird watching. Readers get to find out who gets to be a birder and who doesn’t. Here is a hint: everyone does! A birder is someone who watches birds in their habitats. The book is packed with cute kids, pretty nature and best of all, birds! It tells readers what kind of tools to bring, what to wear and how to watch birds. It even includes how to celebrate discoveries. This is for anyone who wants to see the outdoors in a new fun way.

Sashiko’s Stitches by Sanae Ishida. Worthy Kids. Ages 6-9.
This is a multicultural children’s book based on the traditional Japanese art of mending old clothes. It follows a young girl named Sashiko who is struggling with troubling sadness. Her kind mother finds her crying in her room and tells a tale of the origin of her name—Sashiko is the name of the mending style of clothes that can have pictures and patterns. It is meant to add beauty to old, worn-out items. This comforts the little girl as she learns how to mend herself. The story ends with her making a big quilt of her works. This theme of healing and growth is a great family read for anyone having a hard day.

Dear Dad, Love, Nelson by Margarett McBride; illustr. David Wilkerson. Free Spirit Publishing. Ages 7-12.
Dear Dad, Love, Nelson is a unique story told through the letters of Nelson to his father who’s in jail. The reader gets to watch the boy’s life change by the absence of his dad. One gets to feel what he longs for. His sister had left for school at the same time, and told him he was ‘significant.’ Nelson, not so sure what this word means, tries to do something significant for his father for when he gets back. He finds himself trying to fix his father’s old car. The release of Nelson’s father is not shown but the things waiting for him are. It’s a touching story for those who have gone through Nelson’s situation and for those who haven’t. It even shows the reader how to write a letter for a person incarcerated.

Reviewed by Addie Thompson, our high school student intern.

Climate Is Just The Start, by Mikaela Loach. Bright Matter Books. For grades 7 to 12.
These days, we hear about climate crisis almost everyday. Against a backdrop of social inequity and unfairness, we tend to feel powerless. Climate activist Mikaela Loach of United Kingdom offers an inspiring message to young people who want to solve the climate crisis and start building a better world for common people. She shares her own journey as an activist and also writes about experiences of people living under climate crisis conditions, and what they are doing to fight back. The book offers a message of hope and opportunities to create a sustainable future and better lives for all.

Living on the Veg: A kid’s guide to life without meat, by Clive Gifford and Jacqueline Meldrum. Free Spirit Publishing. Ages 8-13.
Did you know that a vegetarian diet is good for your health, animal welfare, our ecological sustainability, and also for the planet as a whole? And, you can get a lot more diverse, tasty dishes that will cater to your palates? If you have grown up meat-eating, taking the first steps to becoming a veggie could be daunting. But this illustrated nonfiction book is a great resource to make that transition easier for you. While providing good answers to people who ask you why you became a veggie, it also offers information on understanding food labels, good nutrition, and 12 complete recipes for easy to make Veg meals. Both the authors have been vegetarians for over 25 years! Highly recommended!

ABCs of the World’s Religions, by Rev. Vicki Garlock; illustr. Raman Bhardwaj. EatonPress.com Ages 4-10.
This richly-illustrated picture book focuses mainly on Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism, with the Baha’i faith and Indigenous/polytheistic traditions included where appropriate.
Each letter of the alphabet is given a two-page spread with full color illustrations. Rhyming couplets on left-hand pages explain basic concepts for preschool to kindergarten-aged kids. Additional information, including similarities and differences among religious traditions, are on right-hand pages and are geared toward elementary school-aged readers.
Appropriate for homes of any faith or no faith, ABCs of the World’s Religions contains easy-to-use pronunciation guides, is non-devotional and is constitutionally appropriate for classrooms.

We Gather Together: Stories of Thanksgiving from Then to Now (Young Readers Edition) by Denise Kiernan. Philomel / Penguin.com/kids. Ages 11 – 18+.
Do you think Thanksgiving is an American holiday that began when the Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock and met the Indigenous people already living there? If you do, you are in for a lot of great information in this volume. The author debunks myths, provides facts, and explains how and why Thanksgiving evolved in the U.S. the way it did, and what gratitude means to us. This book could be read anytime during the year, not just around Thanksgiving time. Contains lots of interesting historical information and also a chapter on why we might choose gratitude!

Recommended by Arun N. Toké, editor.

Educating for Peace and Understanding for Palestine

Old Enough to Know, by Alice Rothchild (Cune Press, www.cunepress.com, 2023), is a winner of the 2024 Arab American Young Adult Book Award. While the reader is guided through this compassionate and informative story featuring an unusually sensitive and thoughtful Palestinian-American fourth grader, Mohammed Omar Mohammed Abu Srour, the book’s appeal reaches well into the Young Adult sphere.
Alice Rothchild gives us an intimate look at Mohammed’s humor, clever verbal play, and strength of character as he struggles to learn what it means to fully embrace his Palestinian heritage. Mohammed and Zaynab, his sixteen-year-old sister, are navigating new schools, and they both experience the anguish of school bullying. Classroom bullies ridicule the Palestinian lunches Mohammed brings to school, and he receives mean spirited anti-Muslim comments and notes from one particular classroom bully. Zaynab also suffers, with hate speech directed at her and comments and notes aimed at her hijab accusing her of being a terrorist. Both are told to “to go back where they came from.”
The unfolding narrative told by Fatima, their beloved Sitti (grandmother, in Arabic), bestows great honor on how generation to generation storytelling can preserve family and cultural history and help young family members connect to their roots. With each crisis experienced in school-related targeting, Sitti’s dramatic stories, beginning with her childhood in a Palestinian village to the extremities of hardship, exile, and life under military occupation in a refugee camp, awaken Mohammed and Zaynab to their Palestinian identity and history. Sitti anchors the stories of her childhood into her adult years with vivid descriptions of life under the harsh Israeli occupation with compassion and spirited resistance. Her resilience inspires Mohammed and Zaynab to face their many struggles with pride and inner strength. Through Sitti’s wise counsel, they learn to honor and embrace their heritage and the struggle of their people in Palestine. Equally important is that the readers will encounter the history of the occupation and the cost to both the individual and collective lives as dreams are shattered and respect for human rights are trampled on.
The heartfelt storytelling by Sitti—who had not learned to read—shows Mohammed and Zaynab that they are indeed “old enough to know” the painful and violent history of the occupation, checkpoints, and the imprisonments and abuse that took place in their grandmother’s life. The stories of their Sitti’s lifelong struggles help them gain a mature understanding of their history.
Storytelling is Rothchild’s strength. This book belongs in a blue ribbon spot for teaching and learning about the Nakba and the intolerable situation in which the Palestinians continue to find themselves. The glossary of non-English words, a regional map, a family tree, and a guide for parents and teachers also help the reader gain a better understanding. And, if you love to cook or savor all that emerges from a Palestinian or Middle Eastern kitchen, Sitti’s daily preparations of her beloved Palestinian food made each day for her family bring the story to life with the tastes of home. These traditional Palestinian dishes combined with her stories of how she overcame unimaginable hardships can help young readers gain an understanding of similar traumas now shared by thousands of children in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. Old Enough to Know is an important and informative book for teaching with compassion about the ongoing struggle for human rights for the Palestinian people.

Reviewed by Merna Ann Hecht, teaching artist and social justice educator, Washington.

Lost in Information by Astrid Iverslien. ER Publishing, UK. (Available on Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/znfzz5vk). Ages 11-18.
LOST IN INFORMATION delivers a much-needed wake-up call on how we use our smartphones. This picture book about the danger of the digital deluge is also a guide to finding a journey back to yourself. Using her amazing art to illustrate the often dark and covert ways in which smartphones can hijack our focus, distort reality, and deny us hours of authentic living, the author explains how we can reclaim, through mindful meditation the joy of being at peace within.
While this book’s contents may not be what most teenagers or children want to hear, this is very pertinent book for these modern times. The author says, “In a world overflowing with pings, swipes and notifications, the alluring glow of smartphones threatens to drown an entire generation in digital deluge…” LOST IN INFORMATION shows how the devices hijack our focus, distort reality and pulls us away from genuine human connections. The last several pages show the readers a few ways to use mindful meditation to bring about a change.

Tenacious: Fifteen Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes by Patty Cisneros Prevo. Illustr. Dion MBD. Lee & Low Books. A Picture book for Ages 7–13.
Written by a Mexican American author who is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, this inspiring picture book introduces 15 amazing disabled athletes who did not let their disabilities keep them behind a curtain of hopelessness or inactivity. Each athlete featured also shares his/her daily challenge as well as daily joy. No matter what the disability, we can achieve great heights in one field or other—archery, wheelchair basketball, skiing, sprinting, swimming, or weightlifting, etc. In the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, 539 medal events were held. Since 1988, the Paralympic Games are now held in the same city and the same venue as the Summer Olympics every four years. Upwards of 4,400 athletes from 160 to 170 teams now participate in these Paralympics. Did you know that these sports also provide a mental, physical and social rehab for wheelchair-bound or otherwise disabled people?

Black Girl Power: 15 Stories Celebrating Black Girlhood. Leah Johnson, editor. Freedom Fire, www.DisneyBooks.com. Ages 8-12. Middle grades.
This anthology features girls dealing with universal issues like first love, family expectations, and themes that are unique to the experience of being a Black Girl. Each story in this book is written by unique and boldly rejects stereotypes. Written by 15 icons of modern children’s literature, Black Girl Power is a love letter to Black girls everywhere and the stories remind readers of their individual and collective power and at the same time, their right to be the main character and also the storyteller. These stories and poems are heartwarming and they celebrate the joy, strength and experience of Black girlhood.

The Gratitude Goggles by Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez. www.WholesomeChildren Books.com. Picture book for early readers.
This timely picture book offers a time-tested message of “gratitude” to the young children, as we approach winter holidays that traditionally begin with Thanksgiving. The author gently guides children toward focusing on who and what they do have in their lives, rather than focusing on what they don’t have. Gratitude practices can help combat feelings of inadequacy and depression. A vast majority of kids are constantly getting messages that either “they’re not good enough or they don’t have enough.” Naturally, feelings of inadequacy and mental health issues are on the rise among today’s children, says the author. She adds: “Gratitude can ground us and work as an antidote to these feelings of inadequacy.”

Earth’s Pollinators: Insects and Beneficial Friends of the Pacific NorthWest by KimmySomeLove Smith. KimmySomeLove42@gmail.com A Coloring Book for Kids of All Ages.
This engaging coloring book is perfect for young nature enthusiasts and budding artists alike. As you flip through the pages, you dive into the fascinating lives of bees, butterflies, beetles, and other insects that play a vital role in our ecosystem. You will also discover fun facts about these varied pollinators and learn how they help plants and fruits grow and thrive. It is an educational book that brings to our attention the many interdependent connections that our planet’s ecosystem employs so beautifully! And, at the same time, this is an ABC’s book that invites you to hone your artistic skills by coloring each page with your imagination.

Little Gardner’s First 100 Words by Tenisha Bernal. Crown Books for Young Readers.
This great board book introduces babies and toddlers to the world of gardening, from bugs found in the soil to the plants that grow, to the tools used in the garden to cultivate them. Little ones will also learn about the many foods that can be grown in our gardens. As educators, we can use these 100 words when we take the little ones to the garden to show them things that we use, plants we grow, or parts of the plants that we use for cooking or eating. A great way to cultivate children’s interest in the art of gardening and at the same time, in good books!

The Book of Radical Answers by Sonya Renee Taylor. Penguin Young Readers. For middle grade readers.
THE BOOK OF RADICAL ANSWERS, is a wonderful guide to growing up in today’s world. It is rooted in radical self-love and body empowerment, and is written by Sonya Renee Taylor, an educator, artist, activist, speaker, and a well-received author of six books. Steeped in joy and possibility, this is a groundbreaking non-fiction book that gives honest, empowering and age-appropriate answers to over 100 real questions from young readers about health, sex, gender, race and justice. Ms. Taylor does not shy away from seeking help of experts when answering a question outside of her expertise. I recommend this book highly as a coming of age resource for all girls and boys—preteens and teens. All libraries would do well to carry this beautiful book in their collections.

Human 2.0 by Patrick Kane and Samuel Rodriguez. Mayo Clinic Press Kids. Ages 8-14.
Human 2.0 is a book that shares the many remarkable achievements that are being made in bio-engineering (medical engineering). It also offers a glimpse of what the future might hold for humanity—Imagine a deaf person being able to hear for the first time, or a color blind person being able to see in full-color, or an amputee being able to walk and/or run. It showcases innovations like cochlear implants, pacemakers, artificial limbs and electronic chip implants.
Technological breakthroughs have truly changed lives for countless people with many disabilities and improved their quality of life. As you read the book, you begin to ask, “What else could be made possible with advances in electronics and biotechnology in the near future?”

—Arun Toké, Editor

The River is My Ocean by Rio Cortez. Illustr: Ashleigh Corrin. Ages 4-8. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Saturdays are extra special for one girl and her abuela. Together, they walk a short way down a hill to go see the Hudson River. Some of these days are peaceful, others are exciting, and sometimes their visits to the river are a mix of different experiences. Abuela tells her granddaughter about Yemaya, a goddess of oceans and rivers, who looks like a mermaid. They thank Yemaya and the Hudson River for Abuela’s memories of the ocean and her home back in Puerto Rico.
This book exudes a peaceful appreciation of the beauty of nature, even in built-up places like New York City. The illustrations are calm, bright, and soft all at once, and they add to the mood of the story perfectly. You can easily feel the strong multi-generational connection here with Abuela’s kind words and anecdotes. Yemaya is fleshed-out and discussed further in a page after the main story, so readers can feel like they’re learning from Abuela’s wisdom, too.

Do I Belong Here?/¿Es este mi lugar? By René Colato Laínez. Illustr: Fabricio Vanden Broeck. Elementary grades. Bilingual Spanish/English. Piñata Books/Arte Publico.
A young boy who has just come to America from El Salvador arrives at his new school feeling confused, mostly because he doesn’t know any English. He struggles greatly in class, failing assignments, and feels like he doesn’t belong. But through activities and the help of a classmate who often translates for him in Spanish, he slowly begins to find connection. In the end, he is confident enough to help another new immigrant student as she also struggles to find her sense of belonging.
Bright chalk pastel-style illustrations bring vibrancy to this short story of finding one’s place when beginning as a complete outsider. As a somewhat autobiographical tale, the Laínez focuses on some aspects of immigration that aren’t often brought up, particularly for children. Written in both English and Spanish on every page, this is a simple message of encouragement and hope for young readers who may be on their own journey of trying to fit in.

Tierra, Tierrita: / Earth, Little Earth / Tal, Talchin by Jorge Tetl Argueta. Illustr: Felipe Ugalde Alcántara. Early elementary grades. Piñata Books/Arte Publico.
Through simple poetic expression, this book introduces a personified view of Earth as the creator of and provider for all of nature. The gorgeous full-page pictures present nature and our planet in all her ethereal splendor, giving a bit more weight to the words. With both Spanish and English on every page (as well as a Nahuat translation at the end), readers of all ages can learn something new as they explore this beautiful celebration of our home.

Reviewed by Scooter Milne, Editorial Assistant.

Renewable Energy: Power the World with Sustainable Fuel by Erin Twamley and Joshua Sneideman. Illustr. Micah Rauch. Nomad Press. Ages 9-12.
Children will definitely be impacted by the climate change now unfolding. Already countless children have already experienced the heaviness of the problem. And yet, few children are provided with hope, hope for how they can take small, practical steps now, and larger strides in the future.
This book shows the many methods that could be used to harness clean energy, in a child-friendly, engaging way. With colorful pictures, comics, and practical activities accompanying each chapter, the book is designed to help students and educators alike to become passionate and hopeful about protecting the environment through clean energy, while avoiding guilt-inducing language. In the midst of the engaging material, it introduces vocabulary, the history of climate change, and the science of how modern renewable energy is made. The importance of inviting children to become a part of the solution to climate change is immeasurable. If we equip our children to keep their eyes on the solutions to climate change, they will surely help create a more sustainable future for us all.

Reviewed by Anna Dillon, grade 12, student intern, Oregon.

Regenerating Life by John Feldman; distributed by Bullfrog Films. 2023. Grade Level: 10 and up (including undergraduate studies). Ages 15-95.
John Feldman’s feature-length documentary film, REGENERATING LIFE, takes an ecological approach to help us understand the unfolding climate crisis. It sheds a bright light on the various causes of global warming, going beyond CO2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels to include humankind’s relentless destruction of nature. The film convincingly argues that ultimately, it’s the vast biodiversity (that has existed on the Earth for long time) that regulates and balances our precious planet’s climate.
REGENERATING LIFE is divided into three segments: Water Cools the Planet, Life Sustains the Climate, and Small Farms Feed the World. And it explores how nature—the ecological web of living organisms—regulates the climate through photosynthesis, the carbon cycle, and the water cycle, and a vast interconnected underground network of fungi, microorganisms, and plant roots. The film also looks at the economic and political systems that have accelerated the destruction of nature through a relentless greed for wealth and power.
Can human societies reverse the ongoing “ecocide” by regenerating life on the planet? We hear from many well-known leaders that have worked tirelessly on ecological solutions. These influential people have been working to restore planet’s forests, grasslands, wetlands, and oceans in various regions. They regenerate soil, grow healthy foods, and build healthy communities, and in the process, show us how we could solve the climate crisis.
I recommend this highly educational and well-balanced documentary for high school levels and up.

Reviewed by Arun Narayan Toké, editor.

Mango Memories by Sita Singh and Nabi H. Ali. Anne Schwartz Books (Random House).
Mango is the national fruit of India, and children grow up slurping on juicy mangoes. Unfortunately, we can’t get fresh, ripe mangoes in the cold, northern climates of the United States, Canada, or Europe. This sweet book transports the readers to the childhood memories of the authors in India. As we turn the pages, we experience life during hot, lazy summer months in rural India and discover the joy of picking mangoes from mango trees, and then enjoying the sweet fruits with siblings and family. There is also a glossary of simple Hindi words used before the story begins (and an author’s note on the last page) to help us along. Ages 5-9.

Daddy, Tell Me a Story by Kathleen Long Bostrom; illustr. Ela Smietanka. Worthy Kids.
Sophie believes her daddy is the best storyteller! Naturally, she wants him to make up a story for her bedtime. Daddy begins to tell a story but Sophie is very creative, and she keeps on making tiny changes to make his story more to her liking. Even though storytellers don’t like to be interrupted while telling a story, her daddy plays along and tweaks his story to her liking. What will be the end of this story? Find out by reading this wonderfully written picture book with charming, kid-friendly illustrations on every page! Ages 4-8.

Unbroken Ties. Directed by Graham Streeter & Grace Swe Zin Htaik, Producer: Peter K. Yap. Mandalay Productions, USA and Myanmar. 92 minutes. www.unbrokenties.com
I wish to bring to your attention this new multicultural movie that I watched at the DisOrient Film Festival in Oregon in March 2024. Set in the 1990s, Unbroken Ties (aka Myittar) is a Burmese orphan’s journey to California that unravels a web of secrets, betrayals, and connections that challenge his identity, his friendships, and his sense of belonging.
Min is an elementary school teacher at an orphanage (where he grew up as an orphan himself) in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), in Southeast Asia. For Min, his students are his family.
With sheer luck Min secures a U.S. Diversity Visa and lands in San Francisco, California. His childhood friend from the same orphanage is the only person Min knows in the new country. His friend, who now identifies as a transgender person, offers him a place to stay in their crowded Airstream trailer. Min navigates the Burmatown in pursuit of employment and gets a mundane job helping a charity.
This bilingual film celebrates the resilience of immigrants as well as the LGBTQ community, while illuminating the struggles of orphans and minorities. Their unyielding determination shines throughout this authentic movie, filmed in both Burma and California. As the director offers an authentic portrayal of hope and human spirit, we discover heartfelt meanings of love and family. A well-crafted portrayal of events unfold, chronicling Min’s time in the city. I think this is a touching movie, suitable for ages 13 and up, and it shares a much broader meaning of love through the lens of an Asian culture, bringing a narrative to diverse audiences that will surely be embraced. No surprise that the movie received DisOrient Film Festival’s Audience Choice Award!

Reviewed by Arun N. Toké, editor.

The Voice of My Heart: Unforgettable Memories in an Unforgettable Year. Edited by Merna Ann Hecht. Poetry and Art from the 2021-22 Stories of Arrival: Refugee and Immigrant Youth Voices Poetry Project. Chin Music Press, Seattle, WA.

“…My thoughts were heavy, my head lay heavy on the windows / of the bus taking me further away, / I closed my eyes and felt like I was falling, losing myself / in a shattering haunted mirror with nothing I could do…” —Tieda Tsegay Araya.
There is nothing quite like the raw pain of leaving one’s country, the place where every child’s heart is molded. A heart is torn between where it is now, pulsating in an immigrant’s chest, and where it once was. A heart caught in the intersection between love for one’s home and pain in seeing it destroyed by war, climate, illness, and famine.
The laments of a motherland left behind, the pain of destruction by climate, war, and greed, the isolation of living in an unfamiliar land, the drive to make the world a little bit better, all merge into the beautiful, vivid verses of poetry recorded in a volume aptly called “The Voice of My Heart.” This volume is one of many that the Stories of Arrival Project has produced since 2009.
Where does the voice of your heart lead you? For youth like Tieda, it leads to Eritrea. For Sharmila, it leads to Burma, to the family she left behind. For Mohamed, it leads to Gambia, to the nostalgic peanut and rice porridge he used to eat. For Shahab, it leads to Afghanistan, where he prays that peace will come. For Tri, it leads Vietnam, to a brother endangered in war.
For many, the voice of their hearts leads to a passion to fight climate change, poverty, and injustice. Thirty-seven talented immigrant student poets from around the world share their diverse stories, passions, and poetry in this incredible collection of poetry written during the 2021-22 school year, displaying the potential inherent in America’s young immigrants. The unimaginable pain that these poets have experienced flows into their vulnerable writing, and makes it impossible not to open your heart to their struggles and joys.
This volume is perfect for anyone who relates to the immigrant experience or anyone who wants to expand their knowledge about the experiences of immigrants. It raises awareness, through a personal lens, about the tragic world events that too often are reduced to faceless numbers in our news feed.

Reviewed by Anna Dillon, student intern, high school senior, Eugene, Oregon.

Sunjata of the Mandé Empire by Ekiuwa Aire. Illustr: Alina Shabelnyk. Our Ancestories; www.our-ancestories.com. Ages 7 to 11.

Centuries ago, the powerful Mandé empire was home to “the learning center of the world,” with a huge library, more than 170 schools, and 2 universities. But how did this pioneering west African nation achieve such excellence?

“Sunjata of the Mandé Empire” recounts the story of a young boy faced with seemingly impossible obstacles on his road to leadership. With a disability preventing him from being accepted by his people, a brother ready to fight to claim his throne, and a power-hungry foreign empire determined to conquer his people, only Sunjata can turn his kingdom from desperation to a thriving empire. Over the years, Sunjata gains confidence and becomes the leader his people need.

This powerful story, gleaned from the oral traditions of present-day Mali, brings to light one of the many beautiful yet underrepresented tales of African history, in an engaging, child-friendly way. Vivid illustrations accompany each page of this exciting story, and inspire children and adults alike not to lose hope in the face of challenges. The book concludes by explaining the powerful history of the Mali Empire.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in an exciting, inspiring story, that remains engaging as it teaches the reader about Mali culture and history.

Reviewed by Anna Dillon, student intern, high school senior, Eugene, Oregon.

Celebrate the Day of the Dead! By Diane de Anda. Illustr: Gloria Felix. Ages 3-6. Crown Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House. A Spanish edition of this book is also available.

Learn how Christina and her family prepare and celebrate Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Many people in Mexico and other countries have this festival to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Christina and her family dress up in special clothes, make special foods, and even dance in parades. How do people in your community remember their past family and friends?

With festive colors and friendly faces on every page, this vibrant board book is a wonderful introduction to traditional Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. The English version has Spanish words peppered throughout. The illustrations are helpful and clear, and they add to the context and the story. This is a great book for young readers to begin to explore culture and holidays.

Alicia and the Hurricane: A Story of Puerto Rico / Alicia y el huracán: Un cuento de Puerto Rico. By Lesléa Newman, Illustr. Elizabeth Erazo Baez. Spanish Translation: Georgina Lázaro. Children’s Book Press/ Lee & Low Books.

In this story inspired by Hurricane María in 2017, a little girl named Alicia lives in Puerto Rico, an island in the Caribbean. She loves los coquíes, the little tree frogs, that live there. Every night as she goes to bed, Mami tucks her in and tells her to listen for los coquíes to sing her to sleep. One day, a terrible hurricane hits the island. Alicia and her family stay in a shelter to keep safe from the storm. But Alicia is worried when she can’t hear los coquíes sing at night. Are the little frogs going to be OK?

Lesléa Newman tells a touching story of family, natural disaster, strength, and resilience. Alicia and her family stay safe, and they and their neighbors all come together to rebuild the community. The rich colors from Elizabeth Erazo Baez’s illustrations show the vibrant beauty of Puerto Rico and its people… and los coquíes, who do come back to sing once the danger has passed.

Amazing Insects Around the World. By DGPH Studio. Ages 7-10. Penguin Workshop.

If you want to learn more about insects, this is the picture book for you! Packed with pages full of interesting facts, this book covers some of the insects you’ll see in your neighborhood as well as strange and rare ones you’ve probably never heard of before. The illustrations are soft and stylized, making some of the creepy crawlies look a bit less scary, but still natural. The beginning introduces terms and facts that apply to most insects, and each double-page spread focuses on different types or groups of bugs (along with a few other creatures). There is a helpful glossary at the end.

Put Your Shoes On & Get Ready! By Raphael G. Warnock. Illustr. TeMika Grooms. Ages 4-8. Philomel Books.

In this story, author Raphael Warnock talks about different kinds of shoes. But it’s not really just about shoes. It’s a story about wearing the right shoes for your job—whether your job is listening to your parents, going to school, leading a church, or even being the first Black U.S. Senator from Georgia. You will probably wear lots of different shoes for lots of different jobs in your life. The lively illustrations show all the jobs Raphael has worn various shoes for as he takes us through his life. What kinds of shoes do you think you might wear as you grow up?

What is Juneteenth? By Kirsti Jewel. Illustr. Manuel Gutierrez. Ages 10-14. Penguin Workshop.

While the Emancipation Proclamation freed Black slaves in the United States in 1863, some of them didn’t learn about it until two years later. This book details the history of the holiday commemorating that day, known as Juneteenth, as well as many of the events and cultural shifts in Black history that followed it. Everyday moments, important data, and pivotal points are all captured in black-and-white illustrations that sometimes feel like photos. Even though I grew up in Texas where Juneteenth began, I learned a lot I didn’t know from this book. Not only is it full of historical facts, it also talks about politics and culture. Several pages of photos are included showing important people, places, and events as recent as 2021.

Anjali the Brave: All About Vaccines. By Dr. Adjoa Smalls-Mantey & Dr. Maria Abraham, Illustr. Paul Buşte. Indies United Publishing House.

Like many people, Anjali has a lot of questions about vaccines. What do they do? Why do we have to get more than one vaccine? When she goes to the doctor, she’s kind of scared to have to get another shot. But her dad holds her hand, and she asks Dr. Amber all of her questions. Dr. Amber explains how vaccines help keep Anjali and other people. Anjali is still scared, but she’s brave, too. In the end, she’s happy that her vaccine will prevent her from getting sick, and she wants to become a scientist to help others stay healthy!

The illustrations in this book are soft and friendly, with bright colors. They help show us how scientists have been making vaccines for a very long time, and how our body’s cells use vaccines to keep us healthy. We even learn that because scientists have gotten good at making vaccines, some diseases are totally gone now! Getting a shot might be scary sometimes, but learning about the science behind it can help us be brave (even if it still hurts a little bit).

But Why: Do Fish Breathe Under Water? And Other Silly Questions From Curious Kids. By Jane Lindholm and Melody Bodette. Illustr. Neil Swaab. Ages 8-10. Grosset & Dunlap, Penguin Random House.

This second book in the But Why? series tackles kids’ questions about the oceans and marine life. Have you ever wondered about how underwater creatures do what they do? Are sea horses really horses? Where does all that salt and sand in the water come from? Why are whales so big, anyway? You’ll find the answers to all of those questions and a boatload more in this book.

Plenty of really interesting explanations and facts are sprinkled throughout these pages. Did you know that the deepest place in the ocean is almost seven miles down? Learn facts like this and so much more, prompted by real questions from kids just as curious as you are!

If this book gets you interested in learning more, you’re in luck. It also mentions ways we can help protect the oceans and the creatures in them, and even lists some careers for people who want to stay current on all matters with the sea. This book is worth diving into!

Climate in Crisis: Changing Coastlines, Severe Storms, and Damaging Drought. By Carla Mooney. Illustr. Traci Van Wagoner. Ages 12-15. Nomad Press.

Understanding climate change can seem difficult, especially since it affects so many different things. This book helps make several aspects of it much clearer by using easy explanations and real-world examples without talking down to its audience. It addresses topics like frequent and more severe weather, decreased food and water situations, the effects on animals, changes in the oceans, and the direct and indirect consequences for human life.

The information provided is detailed, but not overwhelming. Photos, graphs, and even comics accompany most descriptions. This book is even a bit interactive; QR codes linked to relevant videos and other online resources can be found on many pages. Margins pose both questions and suggestions to readers about things we can all do to stay safe when dealing with climate change-related issues, and to learn more about how we can keep things from getting worse.

As an adult, I have tried to keep on top of learning about climate change and its effects for a while, myself. I know that I am not alone in having little time to devote to more in-depth studies on the subject. While it’s primarily aimed at younger teenagers, this book also provided a refreshing way for me to learn many interesting things I didn’t know about the climate crisis.

Forest Bath Right Down This Path. By Lisa Robinson. Illustr. Khoa Le. Ages 4-8. Sounds True.

Do you know what forest bathing is? Put simply, it’s when you slow down and really take in all of the nature surrounding you. Kayla takes her daddy, and readers, on a wonderfully sensory journey through a forest near her home. With them, we explore the plants, dirt, water, and animals we encounter on our walk. After a bit of convincing, Kayla finally gets Daddy to start enjoying nature more than his phone.

Lisa Robinson’s writing is lyrical and almost poetic as she describes everything in the forest. Readers will slow down a little bit, too, as we imagine the smells and textures and sounds all around. Khoa Le’s illustrations help us feel like we’re in nature exploring right along with Kayla and her daddy.

This is a very lovely book in every sense of the word! If you’ll excuse me, I feel the need to go outside and find some trees to experience.

How We Can Live: Principals of Black Lives Matter. By Laleña Garcia. Illustr. Caryn Davidson. Lee & Low Books.

The Black Lives Matter movement is one of those subjects that probably feels difficult to explain to children. This book acknowledges that, but also approaches it from a different angle: exploring positive change. It explains some of the older systems and stories responsible for much of the negativity surrounding race in many of today’s cultures, and then it asks us to imagine how the world might be if things just weren’t like that. What if people did better? What if we learn the truth about history and make a genuine effort to change the future? It won’t be an easy journey, but it will be worth trying.

This is probably not the most comfortable book you’ll ever read, but it just might be one of the most important ones. Historically important Black figures as well as everyday people are used to define and highlight topics such as empathy, restorative justice, and collective value. While the book is primarily aimed at children, it’s an excellent read for adults as well. You might start out with concern on the first page, but by the time you close the cover, you will likely have learned a powerful message (or several) no matter what your background is.

Multiple notes from the creators in this book specifically address both children and adults, challenging them to take this information and use it as inspiration in their own lives and out in the world. Whether you’re angry, scared, frustrated, or confused about what Black Lives Matter really means, this book can help you understand and channel your emotions toward a positive future for us all.

Little Bear: An Inuit Folktale. Retold by Dawn Casey. Illustr. Amanda Hall. Ages 4-8. Wisdom Tales Press.

This story follows the tale of a lonely old woman and an orphaned polar bear cub. Raising the cub as her own, the woman and the bear find love and comfort in each other and with their village as the bear grows up alongside them. When he is little, the cub plays with the children. When he gets bigger, he helps the hunters catch salmon and seals. One day, the hunters and the bear cross paths with hunters from another village who do not know the bear, and the bear ends up injured.

After nursing the bear back to health, the old woman realizes that it would be better for everyone if the bear goes back to living in the wild. Although she is very sad, she understands that it is best for him. The woman and the bear found each other when they both needed love the most. Now it is time to move on.

Amanda Hall’s drawings glow brightly from the pages, perfectly capturing warmth and love against the backdrop of the snowy scenes. Even during the long winter when the sun doesn’t shine, the pictures are filled with color. Hall’s art is ideal for this lovely folktale about love, respecting nature, and doing the right thing even in difficult situations.

Nurse Florence, What is Heat Exhaustion?By Michael Dow. Illustr. Janel Halton. Dow Creative Enterprises.

Do you know what to do if someone is experiencing heat exhaustion? In this book, kids will learn important information about this serious health condition. They’ll also learn how to help treat it when it happens, and how to avoid it in the first place. Nurse Florence answers the real questions kids ask about this type of sudden illness.

While the text is in kid-friendly language, it does include some health-related terms that adults might think are advanced. However, as the author explains in his forward to parents, it is important for kids to know how to talk about health and their bodies, and to be able to describe what’s going on. Combined with the artist’s notebook-styled drawings clearly showing symptoms to watch out for and first aid that they can give, this book helps teach kids important vocabulary they might need.

On My Papa’s Shoulders. By Niki Daly. Illustr. Niki Daly. Catalyst Press.

How can an everyday routine become so special? This book shows us how one boy gets to walk to school with different members of his family. Each one of them does things just a little bit differently. Mama helps him hurry along a busy sidewalk, while Tata leads him through a park when there are rain puddles to splash in. They all make walking to school fun and special in their own ways.

While the boy in the story loves all of his family, he loves walking to school with Papa the most. He gets to sit on Papa’s shoulders and see the world in a whole new way!

The illustrations in this picture book have a gentle quality to them, with lightly sketched lines and many pastel colors that stand out against the gray city. The backgrounds give a slightly different feel to each of the different routes the boy walks with each family member. But like the boy and his family, the pictures still have an overall sense of connection. This is a sweet little story about simple everyday moments with family, but especially with Papa.

Swahili Folklore: A Compilation of Animal Facts, Folktales, Nursery Rhymes, and Songs. By Gloria D. Gonsalves. AuthorHouse (UK).

Do you and your friends sing songs that go with movements and games? Do you like to hear and/or tell fables? How about learning some neat animal facts? Schoolchildren in Tanzania like all of these things, too! Most kids there learn stories, rhymes, and songs by hearing them from adults and then telling them to each other, instead of reading them. Author “Auntie Glo” wanted to write some of them down to make sure people didn’t forget. She remembered some things from when she was a kid, but she asked children who were still in school to help by telling them to her again.

This book is a fantastic collection of Swahili stories, children’s songs, and rhymes, along with interesting facts about African animals. Most of the illustrations are by kids, bringing fun and life to the various tales and animals within. For the songs and rhymes, Auntie Glo describes the movements, games, and dances that go along with them.

If you read this book, maybe you can act out some of the animal stories with your friends. Get a group together to play some of the games and dances. Can you make up tunes to go with the songs?

Reviewed by Scooter Milne, student intern from LCC, Oregon.

Restrict: A Poetic Narrative. By Sol Rivera. Penguin Random House. Ages 13 and above.

Dive into the fluid prose of Sol Rivera, reporter for Teen Kid News and founder of Magnolia magazine, in an empathetic exploration of eating disorders and the toxic culture surrounding female body image. Follow a Little Girl as she becomes a young woman who feels the only thing she has to offer the world is her body, and the journey she takes to heal from her traumatic childhood. Restrict investigates where the line between perpetrator and victim blurs when it comes to the societal conversation surrounding beauty and body image among rich private school students and millionaire families, stripping away the glitz and glamor to reveal damage among society’s elite.

The Search for King: A Fable. By Thomas Smith. Canoe Tree Press.

This is a book of beautiful photographs accompanied by fluid verse based on legend and facts that surround birds as they search for their king. The story asks; what would make a bird worthy to rule an entire biological class? Is it perhaps impressive and colorful feathers? A melodic song? The meaning humans ascribe to your species? The Search for King explores dozens of North American birds, possible to find in many backyards, that a reader may not have been aware of or fully appreciated before. Upper elem. to middle grades.

Reviewed by Hailey Bonebrake, student intern, Churchill High, Oregon.

The Media and Me: A Guide to Critical Media Literacy for Young People by Project Censored and the Media Revolution Collective. www.sevenstories.com / censoredpress.org

As the world becomes more and more reliant on technology, media literacy has never been more critical. With the new generation of teens who have risen alongside technological advances, it seems strange that there aren’t more books about media literacy that directly target teens and young adults. Maybe it’s the assumption that us teens, who have had social media at our fingertips since birth, should already have an inherent foundation of how to navigate the internet. But the truth is, although many youth know how to use technology, we haven’t been educated in how to deal with the plethora of both harmful and helpful information bombarding our every step. That’s where this book comes in. It addresses complex topics, such as racism in the media, how advertisers target the unconscious mind, and how news media has become distorted, in simple, easy-to-understand language. It is not a book dedicated to prevent teens from using social media; it is instead a resource on how we can use it responsibly and effectively.

Dispersed throughout the book are useful terms and ideas that help us understand the media; for example there is a page dedicated to defining common logical fallacies that we might not even realize that people in the media are using to convince us of illogical ideas.

The part I personally found most helpful in this book was the chapter on biases that underlie the media we consume without our even noticing. An example used in the book is in the movie Aladdin, all of the “good” main characters have American accents, whereas the “bad” side characters often have Arabic accents. In this way, as well as many others, the book highlights how the media can unconsciously affect us, whether by encouraging biases or convincing us that we “need” to buy a certain product.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to take control of the media that they are consuming, and learn how social media affects our lived reality.

—Reviewed by Anna Dillon, age 16, high school junior, Oregon.

Mattie and the Machine by Lynn Ng Quezon, Santa Monica Press. Ages 12-18. ISBN 9781595801180.

A California-state licensed engineer has written this fictionalized story based on the life of the real world female inventor, Margaret E. Knight, who strived for the recognition of her ingenuity in the male-dominated field of mechanical industry of post Civil War America. In this novel, Mattie, a 15-year-old female paper-bag factory mechanic, discovers payment inequalities between the “factory girls” and recently hired male Civil War vets, and she confronts her boss. The boss tells her men are better with machines and that’s why he pays them more. She does not agree with him, and tells him she can design and build a fully automatic paper-making machine to prove that. But he puts a condition that her machine would have to work better than one that a newly-hired mechanic, Frank, would build. Mattie proves her boss wrong by meeting the challenge successfully. Women can excel in any and all fields of study, including the STEM-related fields. Her journey catapults her beyond the factory and into a wider, women-distrusting world. A wonderfully written novel that is hard to put down to the very end!

A Costume for Charly by C. K. Malone, illustrated by Alejandra Barajas. Beaming Books. Ages 6-10. ISBN 9781506484051

This timely book is an exploration of gender identity through the lens of a bigender kid. Charly is trying to find a costume that fits them for Halloween; one that doesn’t disguise their female or male identity, but lets both shine through. A Costume for Charly is illustrated with playfully detailed pictures with a spark of seasonal whimsy by masterful illustrator Alejandra Barajas.

Explore with Me at the Salish Sea, poetry by Nancy Oline Klimp, illustrated by Jared Noury. Nature Speaks To Us. All ages. ISBN 9781735184425

This is a gorgeously illustrated, artful, poetic guide to the Pacific North West’s Salish Sea (located in the border region of the American Pacific Northwest and British Columbia in Canada). The author writes about the nature, like the tides, birds and mammals but also the modern human functions. The book contains verses that describe both the seasonal changes and human events that take place in and around the biologically diverse Salish Sea, as well as a glossary for the terms used in the book.

Hello! A Welcoming Story by Gina K. Lewis, Illustrated by María José Campos. City of Light Publishing. Ages 5-8. ISBN 9781952536281

This is a story told in two parts. One part consists of welcoming an immigrant (or refugee) to one’s country, and the other of the person being welcomed into a new community. This picture book explores the feelings of leaving a home you love but you had to leave because of violence or some other unbearable problem. It also explores feelings of uneasiness in a new surroundings and the feeling of being accepted in your new home. Sensitively illustrated. The author is an ESL teacher and she wrote the book based on the experiences of her students.

Love Your Amazing Self by Ofosu Jones-Quarterly (Recording name: BORN I) of You Are Enough, illustrations by Ndubisi Okoye. Storey Publishing. Ages 8-16. ISBN 9781635865479

Ofosu Jones-Quarterly fills these colorful pages of Love Your Amazing Self with a lovingly-written advice, a key to understanding oneself and others. The advice is shared through verses, and also through recommended activities, ranging from thought exercises to getting outside and blowing bubbles, for finding one’s inner-self and joy.

A Taste of Honey-Kamala Outsmarts the Seven Thieves by Rebecca Sheir, illust. Chaaya Prabhat. Storey Publishing. Ages 6-10. ISBN 9781635864922.

This is a modern adaptation of a South Asian folktale, brought to life with rich, colorful illustrations by Chaaya Prabhat. Can Kamala, a rare example of a heroic female breadwinner of this folktale, use her wits to continue to maintain her family’s beekeeping business despite many challenges that it is facing? How will the seven thieves end up helping her in unintentional ways? In the Now It’s Your Turn section, the author provides playful methods of telling a story, such as demonstrations on how to make a shadow puppet show or imagining the auditory narrative of the story. Brought to readers by Circle Round, a production of Boston’s NPR news station that adapts international folktales for youth.

If You Read This by Kereen Getten. Delacorte Press. Ages 10-14. ISBN 9780593174005

Written by the author of the acclaimed book, When Life Gives You Mangos, Kereen Getten brings to life a tale of joy, grieving, and growth set on the Caribbean Islands nation of Jamaica. Through her deceased mother’s final letters—a gift she had received for her twelfth birthday—Brie discovers her family’s secrets and forges a deeper connection with them as she explores her grandfather’s house with her friends.

Raising Feminist Boys by Bobbi Wegner. A parenting resource from New Harbinger Publications. ISBN 9781684036677. Paperback.

How do you teach your son to be kind and conscientious? How do you shape his moral compass in a world that sends him so many conflicting messages? How do you ensure your son is empowered to make empathetic decisions? How can you bring up conversations about sexism and bias, without it feeling forced and/or uncomfortable?

In this practical, hands-on parenting book, Raising Feminist Boys, author and psychologist Dr. Bobbi Wegner explores all of these ideals and provides practical strategies to achieve them. Dr. Wegner addresses a variety of issues, all stemming from the importance of gender equality and empathy. The ideas range from gender roles, to sex education, to empathy and collectivism. The concepts are simple yet useful, and Wegner divides them into age appropriate categories, making the book practical for parents of any age children. Pragmatic ideas of how to talk to children about these concepts are also dispersed throughout, giving parents tangible ways to interact and apply the information.

Bobbi Wegner is herself a mother and expert in the field, and interjects from her own experience throughout the book, making the book conversational and relatable. With a strong background in psychology, Wegner emphasizes the importance of continuous, two-way conversations with your sons about hard topics, such as sex and bias, instead of a once off lecture. She also describes the importance of looking inward at one’s self, addressing your own history of gender norms and stereotypes, and how this can affect the way one parents.

Raising Feminist Boys, is a practical guide to building empathy and justice in the hearts of our youth, and an important accompaniment in any parent’s journey.

Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals by Jennifer Welborn, Illustr. Rozillia MH. Waterbear Publishing. Ages 4 to 8.

What happens when an elephant has a stuffy nose? Or when an owl has an allergy? These are some of the puzzles that Rosie, whose aspiration it is to be a veterinarian, tries to figure out in this delightful book for young children.

It is by now a truism that too few books focus on girls interested in the fields commonly known as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics); even fewer celebrate African American and other girls of color and, when they do, such books tend to be devoid of a sense of humor and whimsy. Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals fills all these gaps. Written by Jennifer Welborn, an award-winning middle school science teacher, the book is an imaginative but not fantastical take on how Rosie, the protagonist, envisions her future life as a veterinarian to a host of unlikely patients including a rabbit, a pig, and even a giraffe, among others. Throughout the story, Rosie’s mother, a real-life veterinarian, guides her in looking for ways to help them. The cures recommended are both natural and understandable to even the youngest readers, with a caveat: “Important: Consult a licensed veterinarian before using any of the natural remedies listed in this book.”

With each animal she meets, whether a rabbit with an earache, a pig with a tummy ache, or a giraffe with a sore throat, Rosie tries to help with science-based remedies. There are no magical cures, just simple but reasonable treatments. For example, she treats the rabbit who has an earache with an aloe plant to help alleviate the pain, and the giraffe receives water with honey to help soothe his very long throat.

Readers are certain to be engaged in the remedies Rosie comes up with. I especially like the fact that the title reinforces Rosie’s future ambition to be a veterinarian by using “Dr.” in front of her name. This is the kind of gesture that will help readers, particularly girls, know that they have a right to dream, and that their dreams are attainable. This book will be a welcome addition to any classroom for young children by teachers who want to introduce their students to the world of veterinary science in a relatable way, and by parents who want to expand their children’s understanding of some of the medical problems animals might really have. The text is both humorous and convincing, with illustrations that are colorful and appealing. This is sure to become a staple for young children of all backgrounds.

Reviewed by Sonia Nieto, Professor Emerita, Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Reconstruction:The Rebuilding of the United States After the Civil War by Judy Dodge Cummings; Illustr. Micah Rauch. www.nomadpress.net. Ages 12-15.

“To help navigate the present, Americans must understand their past.” A true statement, and the main reason this book is so timely and should be greatly appreciated by teachers and high school students alike. From 1865 to 1877, democracy expanded because Americans (black & white) worked across racial lines to bring about positive change. Author Judy Cummings weaves the nearly eleven years following the Civil War (known as the Reconstruction Era) with events in the last ten years in America. She compares the criminal acts of today, fueled by white supremacy doctrines and racism with the violence, which destroyed the progress achieved during reconstruction. These criminal acts have opened the eyes of “white America” and forced some laws to change. The justice system has been compelled to apply the laws we have fairly to each person regardless of their race.

Students are asked to compare the politics of the reconstruction era with today’s policies regarding race. Readers are compelled to clearly study the platforms of the Democratic and the Republican parties. How are they the same and how are they different? All Americans need to understand that during the first eleven years after the Civil War there were black men seated in the House of Representatives and at least two senators were black. There were black men & women who owned and operated restaurants, hardware & clothing stores, etc.

Black people could sit anywhere they wanted to on public transportation and inside theaters. There were several flourishing (mostly) black towns. You may ask, what happened? Promises were broken. The federal troops were withdrawn from the rebel southern states. The KKK was formed and Jim Crow Laws were established in nearly every state. Black towns, and black owned business were burned down, destroyed. Hundreds, maybe thousands of black men, women & children were killed or run off of their property.

Reconstruction is often downplayed or overlooked entirely in the classroom. Usually students are just getting into the Civil War when school is over for the year. Today, most Americans, (both white & black) don’t know about the accomplishments achieved during this period. Even in 2022 there are still too many people who never want the truth to be told. That’s the real truth behind today’s controversy labeled “Critical Race Theory.” We are doomed to repeat the same mistakes over and over again if we are unwilling to make a hard, painful study of the Nation’s past, and determined to make changes for the future.

This book is well organized, which makes it easy to understand. It is divided into eight chapters. Each chapter contains many useful photos (both black & white and color), one purposeful comic strip, bullet points to consider and a list of suggestions to help readers better understand the era. In addition there is a two-page timeline with pictures in the front of the book. Also found in the back is a five-page glossary and an index. There is a list of useful resources readers can refer to for more information.

Reviewed by Paulette Ansari, retired librarian, storyteller, and Skipping Stones board member

Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole B. Weatherford; illustr. Floyd Cooper. Lerner. (Winner of the 2022 Skipping Stones Book Award). This year, the nation observed the 100th anniversary of probably the worst ever racial violence in the country. In 1921, a mob of armed whites attacked the Greenwood district, home of a thriving African American community, looted homes and businesses, and burned them down. As many as 300 blacks were killed and 8,000 were left homeless. The police did nothing to stop the violence. In fact, for 75 years after this massacre, there was no official investigation. This picture book offers a sensitively written, powerfully illustrated introduction to this massacre and helps young people understand the history so we can move forward to a better future for all. Ages 6-10.

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom; illustr. Michaela Goade. Roaring Brook Press. Inspired by the recent Indigenous-led movements (like the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline) to protect the sacred Native lands and the nourishing waters that are absolutely necessary for life, this beautifully illustrated book invites us to join the rallying cry to protect our water from ecological destruction. Both the author and illustrator are Native Americans and they infuse their traditional culture and wisdom in this important, ecologically sensitive book. Ages 5 -9.

Reconstruction: The Rebuilding of the United States After the Civil War by Judy Dodge Cummings; illustr. Micah Rauch. Nomad Press. This book examines the period 1865 to 1877—the time when the country began to address the questions of equality and justice for blacks. Who should be eligible for the full rights of citizenship? How should the state and federal governments share powers and responsibilities? Can all people of all races be treated equally? The book offers pertinent context, hands-on activities, critical thinking exercises, and discussion questions. The book includes historical photos as well as useful illustrations. Ages 12-15.

Aurora: A Tale of the Northern and Southern Lights by Richard T. Parr; illustr. Endre Lothe. KDP/Amazon. A young boy discovers there is really no Santa Claus as he has been told every Christmas. Realizing he doesn’t have presents for anyone he climbs out his bedroom window and runs away. Tired, he falls asleep under a tree in the freezing cold. He is shaken awake by an old man who asks him why he is not home in bed. He tells him there is no Santa Claus, and he doesn’t have presents to give anyone in his family. The old man comforts him by telling him a fascinating story he can retell on Christmas morning as his gift to them. He carries the boy back to his room and as a parting gift tells him how to whistle down the northern lights and be granted one wish. Ages 7-70.

Guru Nanak: First of the Sikhs by Demi. Wisdom Tales. Guru Nanak was the founder of Sikh religion. Guru Nanak, born in India over 500 years ago, traveled through South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula for 25 years sharing his message of one God, heartfelt worship, honest work, peace, sharing, service to humanity, and equality for all. There are now over 25 million Sikhs in the world. Learn about his remarkable life in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Ages 5 – 9.

Finish Strong: Seven Marathons, Seven Continents, Seven Days by Dace McGillivray. Nomad Press. Are you a runner? A sports fan? This is the inspiring story of Dave McGillivray who successfully completed the World Marathon Challenge. He ran seven marathons in one week—that’s running 26.2 miles each day for seven days in a row—then discovered that he needed to have a heart surgery. Six months after his heart surgery he was back to running marathons and finished the Boston Marathon! Ages 7 – 11.

Firdaus Learns About the Heart by Dr. Sara Kulsum Alavi; illustr. Aurica Safiulina. FirdausandFriends.com. This is a really cool way to learn about human anatomy and the heart, in particular. Firdaus is an elementary grade student at Medina Academy, and she loves science because her teacher, Mrs. Ahmed, makes it exciting and easy to understand. Using activities, diagrams, experiments and fun facts, she teaches students about the human heart. Along the way, we also learn a little about Muslim culture through the student and family interactions. Ages 9 – 12.

Accused: My Story of Injustice by Adama Bah. Norton Young Readers. Adama came to the U.S. from Guinea, Africa at the age of two. She grew up sheltered by her parents in New York City. After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11^th, 2001, she began experiencing prejudice and hatred because she was a Muslim. Then, in 2005, when she was just 16, she was falsely accused of being a suicide bomber and arrested. In this engaging book, she shares her harrowing experiences of harassment and humiliation in the detention center. (Also available from the same publisher, Hurricane: My Story of Resilience by Salvador Gómez-Colón. The book offers the true story of Salvador, a high schooler who helped rural residents of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017. Both of these first person, non-fiction accounts are part of a new series called I, Witness.) Ages 10 – 14.

The Golden Key of Gangotri by Eval N. Danon. Blue Branch Press. Harley is a 21-year-old student in New York, whose father vanished in the high Himalayas. This soul-stirring adventure, set in Northern India, takes readers on Harley’s journey of self-discovery, in which she uncovers the answers she had been desperate to find. Ages 13 – 18.

Honey on the Page: A Treasury of Yiddish Children’s Literature. Edited and translated by Miriam Udel. New York University Press. This wonderful collection of translated stories and poems from 20^th century Jewish literature is an outstanding resource for today’s Jewish children in the United States and other English-speaking regions of the world. Arranged by themes including Jewish holidays, history, family, fables and folktales, this 325-page anthology covers both prominent and lesser-known authors from Eastern Europe as well as New York and Latin America. Anyone who would like to understand the Jewish diaspora and its religious, cultural and ethnic heritage will find Honey on the Page a fascinating read! Ages 14 – adult.

Call and Response: The Story of Black Lives Matter by Veronica Chambers with Jennifer Harlan. Versify/HMH. This outstanding book, with many telling photographs, shares the history of the Black community. The rise of Black Lives Matter during 2020 resulted from a long history of oppression and racism in the country. In this 152-page book, we learn about systematic racism, the art of protesting, people power, and much more, including how to become an activist. The last chapter offers excerpts of conversations with four BLM leaders. The black and white vintage photos of the Civil Rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s and color photographs from the recent street protests after the brutal killings of unarmed Blacks illustrate the rage and desperation that helped fuel this powerful movement. Ages 13 – adult.

Books in the News: Banned or Challenged Books of 2024

To begin the NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK that began today (April 7th), the American Library Association (ALA) released the Top 10 Most Challenged Books List as part of the 2025 State of America’s Libraries Report that highlights the ways libraries continue to meet the needs of their communities amid challenges to intellectual freedom.

A majority of book censorship attempts (72 %) came from organized pressure groups and elected officials. (Parents accounted for 16% of demands to censor books, while 5% of challenges came from individual library users). The 120 titles most frequently targeted for censorship during 2024 were all identified on partisan book rating sites (thus making it easy for activists to demand censorship of library books).

Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, said: “All who care about libraries and personal liberty must stand together and join the movement to halt this assault on the freedom to read.” Today, Monday, April the 7th is being observed as Right to Read Day.

The Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024:

“All Boys Aren’t Blue,” by George M. Johnson

“Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe

“The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky

“Tricks,” by Ellen Hopkins

“Looking for Alaska,” by John Green

“Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” by Jesse Andrews

“Crank,” by Ellen Hopkins

“Sold,” by Patricia McCormick

“Flamer,” by Mike Curato

The most common justifications for censorship provided by complainants were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and covering topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice. Reports sent to ALA documented 821 attempts to censor library books and other materials in 2024 across all library types (compared to 1,247 attempts in 2023). The Banned Books Week will take place from October 5-11, 2025.

Snake Island

Imagine a beautiful, tiny island located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 25 miles off the coast of Brazil. Here you’ll find tropical weather, luscious rainforests, and a breathtaking coastline. But the island’s creepiest residents are several thousand deadly snakes.

This island is called Ilha da Queimada Grande but it is better known as Snake Island. On the island, there are between 2,000 to 4,000 deadly snakes. There is at least one snake per square meter, so if you were to take several steps, you are likely to come across another snake!

The island is the only home to the golden lancehead (a type of pit viper). It is one of the most venomous and endangered snakes on earth. This snake is yellowish brown in color with a black-tipped tail and can grow from over a foot and a half to well past three feet in length. Its venom is three to five times stronger than that of any mainland snakes. If the golden lancehead bites someone, it can melt human flesh, and that person could be dead within an hour.

You may wonder how all these snakes arrived on an island located so many miles from the mainland. Actually, the snakes appeared over thousands of years on their own. Approximately 11,000 years ago, sea levels rose to separate Snake Island from Brazil. The species that then lived in Brazil were called jararaca snakes. This same species became stranded on Snake Island and began increasing in population because they didn’t have any ground-dwelling predators. Without having any food sources, the snakes began slithering up trees to prey upon birds that migrated to the island. Over time, their venom became much stronger because they had to compete for food, and they had to kill the birds instantly so they wouldn’t fly away.

**Golden Lancehead.** *Photo by Otavio A.V. Marques, a scientific researcher from Brazil working with the golden lancehead species to find cures for illnesses.*

Over many years, the golden lanceheads developed a method of attacking their prey. The golden lanceheads coil up and draw the tip of their tail close to their head. The movement of their tail helps to attract birds. They then strike their prey and wait for the poisons to take effect. They paralyze, or prevent their prey from moving, so that they can melt its flesh to make it easier to swallow whole.

No humans live on the island now, but some did for a while up until the late 1920’s. A lightkeeper and his family lived there to maintain the island’s lighthouse. According to legend (a story believed by many people but not proven to be true) several snakes entered their home through some open windows. As a result, the entire family was bitten and soon died. Another legend involved a fisherman who arrived on the island looking for bananas. He was later found dead in his boat with snake bites all over his body.

It is now illegal for anyone to step upon the island without special permission from the Brazilian government. The Brazilian navy makes a yearly visit to maintain the island’s lighthouse and to trim surrounding trees and plants. Scientists and researchers are the only other groups allowed to visit, but they must bring a doctor along in case they need to be treated for a snake bite.

Scientists and researchers are studying the golden lanceheads’ venom to support health issues. Brazilian scientist, Marcelo Duarte, who studies venomous reptiles for medical purposes, described the potential of the golden lancehead. “We are just scratching the world of possibilities for using this venom,” he said. He further commented that golden lancehead venom has shown promise in helping with heart disease, blood circulation, and blood clots.

Unfortunately, the golden lanceheads are now considered critically endangered, which means they are at high risk of becoming extinct. Wildlife smugglers who trap the snakes and sell them illegally for thousands of dollars have caused a decrease in their population. Also, snakes captured for scientific studies have added to the problem. Removal of some of the island’s trees and plants by the Brazilian navy as well as disease among the golden lanceheads have also reduced the snake population by approximately 50 percent in the last 15 years. This may come as good news to people but not for the snakes!

Isn’t it fascinating that something so beneficial could come from something so deadly? However, if different approaches aren’t taken, we could lose the golden lancehead species forever. This could mean throwing away the key to a future of life saving medications and procedures. Protecting and preserving nature can truly help everyone.

SIDEBAR: If you would like to help protect wildlife, here are some steps to take:

• Learn about threatened and endangered species in your area. Use your knowledge to teach others about these species.
• Install a birdhouse or feeder near your yard.
• Keep your pets, especially cats, indoors. Cats kill billions of birds each year.
• Avoid the use of fertilizers or pesticides on your lawn or garden as they are toxic to wildlife.
• Let local or state wildlife agencies know that you don’t support the use of cruel or inhumane traps to capture wild animals.
• Write a letter to your local or state officials requesting that they follow regulations that support wildlife.

By Debby Shade, Texas. Debby is a writer, former school teacher, and a nature enthusiast.