all my stripes: a story for children with autism written by shaina rudolph & danielle royer and illustrated by jennifer zivoin & alison singer

Royer, Danielle, and Shaina Rudolph. All my Stripes: A Story for Children with Autusim, Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin and Alison Singer. Washington D.C.: Magination Press, 2015. ISBN: 9781433819179

Plot Summary:
     Zane is a zebra who attends school but is self-conscious about his schoolmates only noticing his Autism stripe. He endures so many ventures in school; however, he doesn't endure them like all of the other children. When the fire alarm goes off, the noise is too loud. When he's in art class and has to paint, he doesn't want the paint to get on his hooves. After all of these instances, Zane finds comfort in his mother's words to endure the events that occur in his everyday life of being a student.

Critical Analysis:
     All My Stripes is a children's picture book that depicts certain aspects of autism. The authors, Shaina Rudolph and Danielle Royer, do an excellent job by using parallelism through the stripes of a zebra. Zane the zebra is a child in class who feels as if everyone only sees his autism; however, his mother assures him that there is more to him than that. The authors incorporate some of the characteristics of autism such as sensitivity and fear to abrupt noises, creating new elements, and a sensitivity to getting messy. By including these aspects, readers are provided with understanding of some of the things that differ in autistic people. The authors also collaborate with Jennifer Zivoin who provides beautiful illustrates to coincide with the story. They demonstrate symbolism by using the different stripes of a zebra as character traits, as well as explaining through illustration and context the importance of why everyone is different. The authors and illustrator do a beautiful job of explaining autism to not only autistic children, but to those who may not know what it entails.

Review Excerpts:

"Does your child feel different from or misunderstood by his or her peers? If so, he or she will relate to Zane, an adorable zebra who is having a hard day at school. From not wanting to get paint on his hooves during an art project, to being overwhelmed by the sound of the fire alarm to having trouble socializing with his classmates, Zane is having a tough time fitting in. “How come all anyone sees is my autism stripe?!” he asks his mama, who explains that we all have many different stripes that make us unique and special. Zane, for instance, has a pilot strip, a caring stripe, an honesty stripe and a curiosity stripe, to name a few. Zane realizes all of his stripes—including his autism stripe—make him who he is, and he loves each one. Authors Rudolph and Royer have created an endearing story about a zebra on the autism spectrum and the common sensory and social difficulties that leave some children feeling upset, sad and frustrated. They show Zane trying to process situations that are common for children. A story of empowerment, Zane shows how we can accept our differences, and learn to embrace our unique attributes, and thrive. Zivoin brings this cute zebra to life with endearing illustrations in vibrant colors. A reading guide discusses Zane’s dialogue and actions in the story. A note to parents and caregivers discusses diagnosis and treatment.This story is a wonderful teaching tool for initiating a helpful dialogue about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)." - Children's Literature

"Rudolph and Royer shine a light on the autism spectrum, but go a step further and show how endearing, unique and beautiful the children are in this inspiring story about embracing differences." - Children's Books Heal

Connections:
Customers who bought this book also purchased My Brother Charlie, Understanding Sam, and Since We're Friends.

Interactivity:

• Ask children if there's anything that makes them special or unique.
• Educate children on Autism and what it's like for a child with Autism. 
• Ask children if they have ever felt left out from their peers and why, and allow them to suggest ways that they would've included those who were left out.

i am jazz written by jazz jennings & jessica herthel and illustrated by shelagh mcnicholas

Herthel, Jessica, and Jazz Jennings. I Am Jazz, Illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2014. ISBN: 9780803741072

Plot Summary:
     Jazz Jennings is just like any other adoolescent girl. Her favorite colors are pink and green, she likes makeup, and she loves to dance. One thing that sets Jazz apart from her peers in school is that she was born in a boy's body with a girl's brain. Being diagnosed as transgender, Jazz's family begins to understand and accept her being a girl and allows her to live her life as such.

Critical Analysis:
     I Am Jazz is a children's picture book that tells the story of Jazz Jennings, the youngest publicly documented person to be identified as gender dysphoric. The author, Jessica Herthel, collaborates with Jazz Jennings as her co-author. By co-authoring with Jazz herself, the story is told through Jazz's eyes. Jazz is a child who tells her story about how she's always known that she was born with a girl's brain in a boy's body. By allowing Jazz to tell her own story, she adds a simplicity to understanding the complexity in gender dysphoric.
     Not only do the authors share the story of Jazz through context, but they strengthen her story with illustrations. The illustrator, Shelagh McNicholas, conveys each emotion that Jazz describes accurately. During the story where the authors state, "Be who you are. We love you no matter what," Shelagh illustrates Jazz with a huge smile on her face. Not only does she demonstrate facial accuracy, but she also subtly shows the physical transition that Jazz goes through from boy to girl. The details in these instances allow readers to understand the basics of transgender people.

Review Excerpts:

"This enlightening autobiographical picture book tells the story of a transgender child who knew from the time she was two that despite her physical body she wasn't really a boy. Young Jazz was passionate about her love of mermaids, dancing, dress-up, and pop stars, as well as her conviction that her gender identity was female. Readers are taken through her journey with upbeat, pink-hued watercolor illustrations that are a good complement to the cheerful tone and positive message of the story ("I don't mind being different. Different is special! I think what matters most is what a person is like inside."). Joining the ranks of new books targeted at young children that examine gender roles, such as Ian and Sarah Hoffman's Jacob's New Dress (Albert Whitman, 2014), this title highlights a topic that has not been well represented in children's literature in an uplifting and empowering way. Jazz's explanation of what transgender means ("I have a girl brain but a boy body") is somewhat simplified. However, for those looking to introduce the concept to young readers or those seeking books that value differences, this illustrated memoir is a solid choice." - School Library Journal

"An autobiographical picture book describes trans-youth activist Jazz Jennings' story of embracing and asserting her transgender identity.Both the title and the opening text proclaims, "I am Jazz!" The book goes on to detail Jazz's various interests and tastes, which follow traditionally feminine gender norms. But as Jazz goes on to explain, she has "a girl brain but a boy body. This is called transgender. I was born this way!" Although the realistic watercolor illustrations consistently display only happy faces in these beginning pages, the text recounts her family's struggle to understand her early-childhood assertion of femininity: "At first my family was confused. They'd always thought of me as a boy." Jazz recalls her pain when compelled to wear "boy clothes" in public. "Pretending I was a boy felt like telling a lie." Her parents' efforts to understand prompt them to meet with a doctor who introduces the word "transgender," which enables the family's powerful affirmation: "We understand now. Be who you are. We love you no matter what." The story balances this acceptance with honest acknowledgement of others' ongoing confusion and intermittent cruelty, and it briefly addresses Jazz's exclusion from girls' soccer in her state. Ultimately, Jazz's self-acceptance, bolstered by her family's support and advocacy, acts as a beacon for readers, trans- and cisgender alike.An empowering, timely story with the power to help readers proclaim, in the words of Jazz's parents, 'We understand now.'" - Kirkus Reviews

Connections:
Customers who purchased this book also purchased the following titles: Jacob's New Dress, My Princess Boy, and It's Okay to Be Different.

Interactivity:

• Ask boys if they have ever played with a doll or wore the color pink. Ask girls if they have ever worn pants or wore the color blue.
• Educate children on the importance of accepting people on who they are.
• Facilitate a discussion encouraging children to ask questions and help them understand the trans- community.

does my head look big in this? written by randa abdel-fattah

 

Abdel-Fattah, Randa. Does My Head Look Big In This. New York: Scholastic Inc., 2008. ISBN: 9780439922333

Plot Summary:
     Amal is an Australian-Palestinian teenage girl who faces everyday teenage dilemmas but with an addition -- discrimination due to her decision of wearing the hijab. Amal makes the conscious decision to wear the hijab as a testament to her faith. However, she is overwhelmed with, both, negative and positive attention on her decision.

Critical Analysis:
     Does My Head Look Big In This is a novel that details the decision of a teenage girl to wear the hijab at her new school. The author, Randa Abdel-Fattah, allows Amal to tell her own story providing her audience with a first person point of view. Through this usage, the audience is able to experience the impact and education as Amal embraces her culture and religion among Western culture. Randa does a good job of incorporating interlingualism such as Yallah, fajr, and wudah. Not only does she incorporate these words, but she provides her readers with their meanings.
     The author does an exceptional job delivering the details of the everyday life that Amal entails. She vividly describes Amal's day-to-day occurrences in a manner that reaches her audience. More specifically, within the first five chapters Amal details how she makes her decision to wear the hijab; she details that she writes a list of people who would accept her decision; she details how on her first day of school, how her principle reacted; and she also details how her teacher reacts to her seeking permission for prayer in the afternoon. All of these descriptions provide readers with a varying perspective on her religion and what it entails, as well as some of the hesitation that she feels due to her assumptions on the people around her.

Review Excerpts:

"With an engaging narrator at the helm, Abdel-Fattah's debut novel should open the eyes of many a reader. Headstrong and witty, 16-year-old Amal, an Australian-Muslim-Palestinian ("That means I was born an Aussie and whacked with some seriously confusing identity hyphens") decides during winter break from her posh private school that she's ready to wear the hijab, the Muslim head scarf, fulltime, as a testament to her faith. Amal knows she will face discrimination by classmates and misinformed people but she is committed to her decision; her parents are initially concerned, but ultimately rally behind her. Their worries, in fact, are well-founded: Amal attracts her share of stares and taunts both at school and around town, but she finds strength, not only from her convictions, but from her close-knit group of friends, who for various reasons-being Japanese, Jewish, nerdy or body-conscious-are perceived as being outside "the norm." As Amal struggles with her identity in a post-9/11 world ("Do you have any idea how it feels to be me, a Muslim, today? I mean, just turn on the television, open a newspaper.... It feels like I'm drowning in it all"), her faith-and an array of ever-ready quips-help her navigate an often-unforgiving world. Using a winning mix of humor and sensitivity, Abdel-Fattah ably demonstrates that her heroine is, at heart, a teen like any other. This debut should speak to anyone who has felt like an outsider for any reason." - Publishers Weekly

"The sight of Jennifer Aniston in a bridesmaid's dress creates an urge to change the channel for most viewers, but for witty, academically talented Amal Abdel-Hakim, it inspires the confidence to wear the hijab full time. As a Pakistani Australian Muslim, she has been teased about her religion, but in her decision to wear the hijab, she also has the support of loyal friends and her loving parents. Armed with fashion sense as well as faith, Amal sets out to match her hijab to her school clothes and modify her weekend wardrobe to flatter her assets as well as to express her belief in modesty. Not everyone is so accepting of her hijab, however. Classmates at her private high school ask her what she knows about terrorism, and a cranky neighbor makes no effort to hide her prejudices. Throughout the book, Amal makes candid yet astute observations on what it means to be a Muslim, a modern woman, and a good friend and daughter. Although the book addresses many teen issues including identity, family, religious traditions, and body image, it rarely strays into the realm of didactic. There is plenty of gentle humor, and strong female relationships balance Amal's racist classmates and a friend's crushingly traditional Muslim parent. In addition to her friendships, Amal also tries to deal with a crush that she knows will never develop into a romance and the hypocritical behaviors of some of her cousins. This novel is an excellent addition to the multicultural and chick-lit genres, and it is recommended for most collections." - VOYA

"An "Australian-Muslim-Palestinian" teen opts to wear the hijab, the Muslim head scarf, full-time, embarking on a courageous exercise in self-understanding. Sixteen-year-old Amal attends an elite prep school in a Melbourne suburb. Poised to begin the third term of 11th grade, Amal admits, "it's hard enough being an Arab Muslim at a new school," but "shawling up is just plain psychotic." Determined to prove she's strong enough to "wear a badge of my faith," Amal faces ostracism and ridicule as she dons her hijab with both good humor and trepidation. Supported by her parents, Amal spurns racial epithets like "towel head" and discovers her friends still accept her for who she is, not what she wears. As the term progresses, Amal's friends face their own issues of self-worth while her faith is tested when she falls in love with a non-Muslim classmate. Wearing the hijab full-time shuts some doors, but opens others for Amal as she emerges a bright, articulate heroine true to herself and her faith. Abdel-Fattah's fine first novel offers a world of insight to post-9/11 readers." - Kirkus Reviews

Connections:
Customers who purchased this title also bought the following books: Ten Things I Hate About Me, Dreamrider, Ready or Not.

Interactivity:

• Ask children have they ever been mocked for something that is normal to them and their family i.e. religion, sexual orientation, race, etc...
• Facilitate a discussion surfaced around the notion of not associating one race with terrorism.
• Ask children what are some physical religious practices they've seen i.e. Ash Wednesday, hijab, not eating pork, etc...

the name jar written and illustrated by yangsook choi

Choi, Yangsook. The Name Jar. New York: Random House Children's Books, 2010. ISBN: 9780440417996.

Plot Summary:
     Unhei is a Korean girl who just moved from Korea a week ago to begin school in another country where she has no friends. Like any new student, Unhei is apprehensive about her first day of school and whether or not the kids will like her. Her biggest concerns stems from the pronunciation of her name, and her biggest fears come to life when she is introduced on her first day and no one can pronounce her name -- not even the teacher. However, her classmates are incredibly in awe with the new girl who introduces herself with no name and are eager to help her choose one.

Critical Analysis:
     The Name Jar is the story of a Korean girl who moves from Korea to America with her family who faces cultural boundaries concerning her name. The author and illustrator, Yangsook Choi, uses the story of the protagonist to bring attention to assimilation and social identity. The protagonist, Unhei, starts a new school, but struggles in defining herself in comparison to the American children -- more specifically, through her name and the pronunciation. On her first day of school she introduces herself as not having a name and telling her classmates she will have one within the next week. She peaks their interest and on the next day, she is welcomed by a jar that is sitting on her desk with various name choices to assist her in choice. Through this story line, the author depicts how Unhei struggles to try to fit in. For instance, after she comes home from her first day of school, Unhei tells her mother that she needs an American name so the kids in her classroom can pronounce her name. Her mother responds saying, "Why? Unhei is a beautiful name. You grandmother and I went to a name master for it." This response demonstrates the significance and importance of Korean naming practices. However, Unhei feels the need to assimilate to American culture to fit in.
     For the most part, this story does a good job of accurately depicting the issues and concerns that Asians face while living in America or even growing up in America. However, the author does provide one obvious "positive stereotype" when Unhei's mother says, "You must study hard, behave nicely, and get good grades to show that you're a good Korean." This is an example of a "positive stereotype" which does the complete opposite of transcending stereotypes among Asian culture.
     The author also provides illustrations for this title which aides in a positive reflection of Asian culture. For instance, there is a part in the story when Unhei and her family are at the airport saying their goodbyes to her grandmother. Choi illustrates the skin tone of the four of them with varying shades of  tan. This depiction of skin tone variation accurately portrays that Asian skin tone varies from white to black. Aside from this one example of a negative depiction, the author does provide her audience with accurate portrayals of Asian culture through her context and illustrations of this title.

Review Excerpts:

"Unhee is the new girl in school. She and her family have just arrived and she feels scared and alone. Unhee can speak English very well, but she is worried her classmates will not be able to pronounce her name. Unhee decides she must choose a new American name for herself, much to her parents' dismay. Unhee's Korean grandma has given Unhee her name stamp. Her classmates think this is a wonderful possession and they envy her. Unhee discovers that the symbol on her stamp means grace. Unhee also discovers what her new name will be. Her classmates and neighbors know Unhee is looking for a new name and make many suggestions, placing their ideas in a name jar. Unhee faces her classmates and tells them she loves the names they have selected for her, but her decision has been made. Choi's beautiful art enhances her depth of the characters and adds warmness to this problem faced by so many children¾that of fitting in and being accepted." - Children's Literature

"On the way to her first day of school, Unhei is teased by the children on the bus for her Korean name. When she reaches her classroom and is asked her name, she tells her classmates that she has not yet decided on one. To be helpful the children put their suggestions into a "name jar." Eventually the girl decides to keep her own name as one of her classmates takes pride in the new Korean nickname he has chosen, Chinku, meaning "friend." The round, red imprint of the Korean character for Unhei's name provides the graphic manifestation of the story's theme. Attractive golden endpapers feature random repetitions of the stamp imprint interspersed with her classmates' handwritten suggestions on scraps of torn paper. The bold, bright paintings that illustrate the story are realistic, warm, and appealing." - School Library Journal 

Connections:
Customers who purchased this title also bought the following books: Recess Queen, Those Shoes, and A Chair for my Mother.

Interactivity:

• Ask children have they ever been embarrassed of their name and if they have, was it based on the response to other people.
• Facilitate a discussion on the  importance of accepting everyone, especially their differences vs. trying to make someone feel ashamed of who they are.
• Allow children to go home and ask their parents why they chose their names and research the meaning of their name.

dumpling days written by grace lin

Lin, Grace. Dumpling Days. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2012. ISBN: 9780316125901

Plot Summary:
     Pacy is a school aged girl whose home is in New York and always has been. Because she is Taiwanese-American, she doesn't look like all of the other kids in her schools, but she surely acts just like them. However, during this particular summer Pacy's parents decide to send her to Taiwan, as well as participate in a couple of art classes. She is apprehensive of this trip, but she gradually begins to learn the culture of her family.

Critical Analysis:
     Dumpling Days is the story of the struggles that Pacy faces with her cultural identity. The author, Grace Lin, allows Pacy to tell her own story providing her audience with a first point of view. Through the usage of this first person point of view, the audience is experiencing the impact and education of Taiwanese culture just as Pacy does. Lin incorporates some of the negative stereotypes that Taiwanese-American children encounter. For example, Pacy states that some of her peers refer to her as a twinkie - yellow on the outside and white on the inside. Along with the negative depictions that are presented, the author does a great job of providing accurate cultural representations by comparison. She finds ways to describe the differences between American culture and Taiwanese culture by comparing everyday items with each other such as how the toilets in Taiwan are incredibly high-tech versus the ones in America, and how the garbage trucks in Taiwan play the same tune as the ice cream trucks in New York. Throughout this novel, the author does a great job accurately depicting cultural identity for a Taiwanese-American girl as well as incorporating an accurate culturally representative novel that children can either relate to or learn from.

Review Excerpts:

"Pacy and her family travel to Taiwan for one month to celebrate her grandmother's 60th birthday, giving this Chinese-American girl another lens through which she can examine her identity. When Pacy's dad calls Taiwan an island of treasure, or bao dao, which sounds similar to the Chinese word for dumplings, she wonders--could Taiwan's treasure be food? In a companion novel to The Year of the Dog (2006) and The Year of the Rat (2008), gentle Pacy is back, brimming with questions of identity and self-discovery. At home in New York, Pacy is one of the few Asians in her class. She tries hard to fit in. In Taiwan, she looks similar to everyone else, but she doesn't speak Chinese or Taiwanese. So she doesn't fit in there either. Pacy's mom signs her up for a painting class, and Pacy is excited. She's a good artist; surely she'll make some friends. But painting with a bamboo brush on rice paper is difficult! The one talent that made her feel safe is suddenly gone; Pacy doesn't know who she is anymore or where she belongs. Luckily, there is a lot of loving family to surround her, and a lot of incredible food to eat (especially dumplings). This third outing is as warmhearted as the first two. Deftly weaving together historical anecdotes and simple line illustrations, Lin once again touches the heart of growing up in a multicultural family." - Kirkus Reviews

"Dumpling Days is a charming book about family and searching for identity. It is best suited for children nine to thirteen years old, but readers who grew up with a multicultural background will relate to the story. Ten-year-old Pacy struggles to find the balance between her two cultures, and the lessons she learns are relevant for everyone. Dumpling Days is sweet, fun, and honest; its vivid descriptions and amusing anecdotes will whet readers' appetites for dumplings." - VOYA

Connections:
More titles written by Grace Lin include: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, The Year of the Dog, and The Year of the Rat.

Interactivity:

• Ask children to research their family history and their heritage. 
• Ask children have they ever visited the area where their family is from; be it, a particular state from America or a different country.

drawing from memory written by allen say

Say, Allen. Drawing From Memory. New York: Scholastic Press, 2011. ISBN: 9780545176866

Plot Summary:

     Born in Japan, Allen Say is an imaginative young boy whose mother taught him how to read before he began school with her own motive for her son to become popular among his peers. From this motive grows an intelligent boy who becomes fascinated with comic books and their illustrations. Allen's love for comic books turned into a fascination with their illustrations resulting in his determination to become a cartoonist. Throughout Allen's life, he faces many difficulties and much disapproval from his father regarding his aspirations; however, these difficulties paired with his passion allows Allen to grow into who he is now. 

Critical Analysis:

     Allen Say recounts his story and memories of his life through an autobiographical nonfiction piece titled Drawing from Memory. Allen is a renowned writer and illustrator whose work has been featured in the Japanese American National Museum. Who else could recount the life of Allen Say more accurately than himself? Say captivates readers' interest through his usage of cartoon-like drawings and sketches created using watercolors, ink, and pencils. Paired with a vast integration of pictures is the textual story of Allen Say's life. As the author details his story, he follows a chronological timeline spanning from childhood to adulthood that allows readers to easily follow his story while appreciating his unique style of illustrations. Such depictions include just enough information of how Say recounts how his life was changed during WWII as he states, "Then a war began in 1941. When bombs started to fall on our city, Mother took us and fled to a village named Tabuse between Hiroshima and Iwakuni." This example displays an accurate display of Japanese history. Not only does Say's story unfold before the reader, but he displays his growth and progression as an artist through the details of his illustrations. 

Review Excerpts:

"Retooling some of the material in his autobiographical middle-grade novel The Ink-Keeper's Apprentice (1994), Say tells the story of his decidedly nontraditional Japanese upbringing, supplying watercolors, photographs, and humorous sketches to create a vivid record of life in postwar Tokyo. Say's family rented him his own apartment when he was 12 so he could attend a better school. "The one-room apartment was for me to study in," he writes, beneath a b&w sketch of his desk, "but studying was far from my mind... this was going to be my art studio!" (A second drawing, in color, shows his conception of the perfect desk, covered with paints and brushes.) Japan's most famous cartoonist, Noro Shinpei, accepted Say as an apprentice until Say immigrated to the United States in 1953. Say's account of his relationship with Noro (who later called Say "the treasure of my life") is the centerpiece of the narrative. As the story of a young artist's coming of age, Say's account is complex, poignant, and unfailingly honest. Say's fans—and those who also feel the pull of the artist's life—will be captivated." - Publishers Weekly

"Say's picture book memoir shows his passion for drawing and determination in pursuing his dream of becoming an artist. It is about the goals and accomplishments of a middle school-aged boy who wanted to work with a famous cartoonist. He actually knocked on the artist's door and asked! This "Sensei," or teacher, became the key to his development as an artist and a young man. "Let your dear child journey," is a Japanese saying that allowed Say to be on his own, achieve his goals, and become one of the best known children's authors and illustrators today. Although the cover illustration may not entice students, this memoir would be a good choice for those who need to be encouraged in their own passion, particularly if it is art. The illustrations inside the book are a rich mixture of Say's artwork from this training period, the work of his teacher, photographs, and graphic novel-like depictions of his memories. It would be a good companion to The Ink-Keeper's Apprentice, Say's earlier novel based on these same experiences. It would be a good source for an author study as well, as the memoir provides insights into many of the portraits of Japanese culture Say presents in his other work." - Children's Literature

"Say tells the story of how he became an artist through a vibrant blend of words and images. Beginning with his boyhood in World War II-era Japan, he traces his life-changing relationship with Noro Shinpei, an illustrious cartoonist who became his surrogate father figure and art mentor. Illustrations are richly detailed and infused with warmth. Exquisite use of light makes night scenes glow, and the mid-20th-century Tokyo setting is captured with vivid authenticity. A variety of media and artistic styles, including full-color paintings, black-and-white sketches, photographs, and comic-book panels, adds texture and depth to the narrative. Fans of the artist's work will take particular delight in seeing sketches from his student days. Simple, straightforward sentences and a conversational narration in combination with a wealth of images will appeal to aspiring artists and reluctant readers alike. This book covers much of the same material as Say's autobiographical novel, The Ink-Keeper's Apprentice (Harper & Row, 1979), but the lively mix of art and text will draw in a new generation and a slightly younger audience. The somewhat abrupt ending, with Say moving to the United States, may leave readers wishing for a more extended epilogue or sequel, but that is simply because his story is so engaging. Readers of all ages will be inspired by the young Say's drive and determination that set him on a successful career path." - School Library Journal

"Say, an award-winning author and illustrator of juvenile literature, has created in this memoir a beautiful tribute to his sensei, Japanese for "teacher" or "master." Taught to read at an early age, Say loved comic books, which inspired a passion for drawing: "When I was drawing, I was happy. I didn't need toys or friends or parents." His father, however, had a low regard for artists. At age twelve, Say was sent to live with his maternal grandmother in Tokyo. Used to living alone, his grandmother had little patience for her artistic grandson. He studied and gained admittance into a prestigious middle school, and with his grandmother's blessing, he moved into his own apartment. That night, he read a newspaper article about a boy, an apprentice to the famous Japanese cartoonist Noro Shinpei. Say writes of Shinpei, "His books were my secret treasures I hid from my parents." The article set Say on the path to realizing his dream of becoming an artist and into a relationship of mutual respect and admiration. Say's autobiographical story introduces readers to Japanese culture of the 1940s and 50s. Teens will envy the extreme independence accorded to Say at such an early age. The mixture of text, sketches, and photographs illustrates Say's development as an artist and provides a glimpse into his youth and the lives of those closest to him. This book is sure to appeal to reluctant readers. Its brief text and plentiful graphics make it a quick but fulfilling read, and leave the reader wanting more." - VOYA 

Connections:

Customers who purchased this book also bought the following titles: The House Baba Built: An Artist's Childhood in China, Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom, and The Extraordinary Mark Twain.

Interactivity:

• Have children draw their lives within five frames.
• Ask children if they have any of their artwork displayed in their homes i.e. hanging on the refrigerator, framed on the walls, or drawings on the wall. 
• Ask children what they want to be when they grow up and who they look up to for that choice. 

rabbit's snow dance as told by joseph & james bruchac and illustrated by jeff newman

Bruchac, James, and Joseph Bruchac. Rabbit's Snow Dance, Illustrated by Jeff Newman. New York: Penguin Group, 2012. ISBN: 9780803732704

Plot Summary:
     Rabbit is a snow bunny who loves the Winter snow. He has his own special snow dance he performs to call the snow to fall during Winter; however, one bright sunny Summer day, Rabbit decides he wants it to snow. He sings his song and dances his dance causing it to snow in the middle of Summer, but due to his impatience, Rabbit is in for a surprise.

Critical Analysis:
     Rabbit's Snow Dance is a retelling of a traditional Iroquois story. The authors, James and Joseph Bruchac, retell this traditional story in a friendly and humorous manner while maintaining Native American authenticity. The authors base their main focus around the religious and ceremonial practices of weather dances in Native American culture. They proceed to describe one prominent figure (Rabbit) with the ability and power to call a weather occurrence when there is a lack thereof. In the case of this story, the authors correlate Rabbit with that prominent role of having great responsibility and knowing the importance of tradition.  The story continues as the authors detail how due to Rabbit's impatience and lack of responsibility to his gift, he endures great consequence. Along with the emphasis of traditional practices, the authors also incorporate animistic attributes which coincides with Native American beliefs of animals having living souls. This is shown at the conclusion of the story as the authors state, "...if yo keep an open ear toward the forest, you may just hear a small voice singing this song...," depicting the living soul after Rabbit is gone.
     In addition to the retelling of this story, the authors collaborate with Jeff Newman to illustrate this Iroquois tale. Newman utilizes watercolor, gouache, and ink to add to this story. He uses a simplistic artistic approach by only illustrating the outlines and main parts of each animal and the scenery. This approach allows the audience to not be distracted by detailed images that could result in taking away from the content of the story. Despite the illustrators lack of detail in his art, he is still able to depict the story by his accurate portrayal as he follows the storyline. The authors and illustrator do a good job in providing their audience with a humorous twist on this traditional Iroquois story.

Review Excerpts:

"The father-and-son storytelling team behind Raccoon’s Last Race and Turtle’s Race with Beaver return with their version of a traditional Iroquois tale. While the Bruchacs reach back hundreds of years for the source of their story, Newman’s influences are comparatively modern—think Mary Blair with a touch of Hanna-Barbera. Set back when Rabbit had a “very long, beautiful tail,” the story follows the selfish, impatient animal’s attempts to conjure a massive midsummer snowstorm (rabbit’s big snowshoe-like feet allow him to hop atop the snow and reach “tasty leaves and buds” more easily). His chanting and drumming do the trick, creating so much snow that it covers the treetops and causes difficulties for the small animals; the summer sun that rises the next day, however, brings about rabbit’s comeuppance and costs him his tail. Rabbit and the other animals don’t always look consistent from page to page, as though Newman couldn’t quite settle on a style, but his paintings are nonetheless a welcome departure from the stodgier artwork that can often accompany myths and folk tales." - Publishers Weekly

"When the long-tailed Rabbit wants something, he wants it immediately. One summer, tasty leaves high in the trees prove so irresistible to Rabbit that he decides he needs piles of snow to build up to the point he can reach the leaves. Small animals, such as Squirrel and Chipmunk, warn Rabbit that bringing snow in the summer will leave them without food. Beaver's dam is not finished, and Turtle is not ready to sleep. But Rabbit does not listen. He rushes home, grabs his drum and begins singing his winter song, the song that brings snow. Though the snow lasts only a day, the consequences of Rabbit's selfishness are long-lasting. This retelling of a traditional Iroquois tale by father-son duo James and Joseph Bruchac begs to be read aloud and shared at story time. Repeated sentences and sounds invite young listeners to chime in and bring the impatient Rabbit to life. Unusual animals, such as lynx and grouse give teachers an opportunity to discuss different habitats and the story's woodland inhabitants. Jeff Newman's energetic illustrations capture the feeling of animated cartoons of the 1970s and will inspire reenactments of Rabbit's racing, dancing, sleeping, and falling. A fun addition to any personal or library collection, this dramatic tale will capture the imagination of readers of all ages and gently teach lessons about seasons, thoughtfulness, and the importance of being patient." - Children's Literature

"A long-tailed rabbit who wants a nibble of the highest, tastiest leaves uses his special snow song in the summertime, despite the protests of the other animals. The Bruchacs' Iroquois pourquoi tale tells how selfish Rabbit, who is short on patience, simply cannot wait for natural snow, no matter that the other forest denizens are not yet ready for winter. Drum in hand, he sings as he dances in a circle: "I will make it snow, AZIKANAPO!" (It won't take much coaching before listeners join in with this and other infectious refrains.) Like the Energizer Bunny, Rabbit just keeps going; by the time he ceases his drumming, only the top of the tallest tree is left sticking above the snow. Exhausted, Rabbit curls up on this branch and sleeps through the night and the hot sunshine of the next day, which melts all the snow. Stepping from his treetop, Rabbit gets a terrible surprise when he falls to the ground, his long bushy tail catching on each branch he passes and making the first pussy willows. And that is why rabbits now have short tails. Newman's watercolor, gouache and ink illustrations are an interesting mix of styles. Some foregrounds appear to be painted in a pointillist manner, and some of the animals are almost manga-esque, lacking any shading in their sharp outlines and flat colors. Kids who are looking forward to a snow day may give Rabbit's chant a try, but hopefully, they will know when to stop." - Kirkus Reviews 

Connections:
Customers who purchased this title as purchased the following books: Turtle's Race with Beaver, Bear has a Story to Tell, and Between Earth and Sky.

Interactivity:

• Ask children if they have ever heard of a rain or snow dance and then educate them on the cultural significance as well as the factual information pertaining to these Native American ceremonial dances.
• Share the significance of lessons told at the conclusion of fables and their importance.