The Skin I'm In (Chapter Book Addressing Diversity)

This book was written by Sharon Flake. It also won the Corretta Scott King Award. This book is about a 13 year old African American girl named Maleeka. Maleeka has very dark skin and is often teased by the other kids in her class. They also tease her about her homemade clothes and her good grades. Maleeka meets a new teacher at her school and the new teacher has a birthmark on her face. With this teacher's tough love and guidance Maleeka makes some discoveries about how to love who she is and what she looks like.

I read this as a member of the Kentucky Reading Project. After reading it I thought of many ways this book could be used with young adult readers. Middle school-age particularly comes to mind. It is those early teen years that students struggle with their identity and with who they "think" they are versus who they really are. This book would be great to use in literature circles. It would open much discussion about bullying, peer pressure, acceptance, self-esteem, and so many more issues that preteens and teens face. This book is another must have for your school's library!

Whoever You Are (Picture Book Addressing Diversity)

Despite the differences among people around the world, there are similarities that join us together such as pain, joy, and love. This book is by Mem Fox and is a must have for your school's library. This beautiful book features children from all over the world. It helps children see not only the differences we have with others but our similarities. Children can easily pick out differences and it is sometimes harder for them to see ways they are like other children from other parts of the world but this book does an excellent job of helping students celebrate both!

Nicholas

This book was written by Rene Goscinny. It was originally written in French and was translated in English by Anthea Bell.

This book is one of five books. It brings to life the day-to-day adventures of a young school boy. Being an only child, Nicholas, appears older at school than he does at home. Despite trying to be good Nicholas and his friends always end up in mischief and get into trouble.

As a teacher I think we can all think of a "Nicholas" that we have had in our classroom!

A Book of Coupons

This book is written by Susie Hoch Morgenstern. It was originally written in French and was translated in English by Gill Rosner.

In this book it is the first day of school and Marie Curie School is getting a new teacher. The new teacher is nothing like they envision. They are disappointed to find that the new teacher is fat, wrinkly, and old. Each student receives a strange gift-a book of very special coupons. They quickly learn that this new teacher is not the kind of teacher you meet everyday and that the school year is bound to be anything but ordinary!

Henrietta and the Golden Eggs

This book was written by Hanna Johansen. It was published in Switzerland and then translated to English by John Barrett.

This book is about a little hen with big dreams. She lives in a huge chicken house with 3,333 other chickens. She tells the bigger chickens that when she is old enough she is going to lay golden eggs. While she is small she learns to sing, to fly, and to swim in efforts to pass the time until she is big enough to lay her first egg. The other hens are not sure what to expect when Henrietta gets big enough to lay eggs! This was a simple story but very enjoyable to read!

International Literature for Children (Awards)

I found three awards given for children's books published in other countries.

Kate Greenaway Medal is presented for the most distinguished work in the illustrations of children's books published in the United Kingdom.

Carnegie Medal is presented annually to an outstanding children's book published in the United Kingdom.

Mildred L. Batchelder Award is presented to the most outstanding children's book originally published in a foreign language and then translated into English for publication in the United States. It is given by the American Library Association.

Laurence Yep

Cockroach Cooties was published in 2001. I love the picture on the cover! This book is about two brothers, Teddy and Bobby, who live in San Fransisco's China Town. Teddy, the older brother, narrates the story and tells how Bobby is being bullied by a boy named Arnie. Upon finding out Arnie is terrified of cockroaches the brothers decide to get a cockroach from their neighbor "the bug lady". This plan to ward off Arnie works for a while until the cockroach meets its end and the brothers have to come up with a new plan.
As the story unfolds the brothers find out that Arnie has a very rough home life and uncaring parents. When they realize that this is why Arnie acts the way he does the brothers attempt to form a friendship with Arnie.

This is a very entertaining book and a great book to use to discuss bullying. You can see both sides both bully and victim. Also a great book to use to discuss problem solving.

Laurence Yep also wrote Auntie Tiger, Dragon Road, The Dragon's Child, Dragon of the Lost Sea, Dragonwings, and many more!