The Little Bit SCARY People

Jenkins, E. (2008). The little bit scary people. Boiger, A. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. 

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook (Multicultural) 

A young girl comes across some “scary” people throughout her day. A cranky bus driver, a teen kicking a trash can, and other “scary” people are displayed expressing some kind of emotion but then the young girl shares that if we knew what they played with their children, or loved music, or other things about them, we would know that MOST people are not scary. The young girl knows this because some might say her dad and sister are scary but she knows they are not.

Reaction: LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this story. Not only does this incredible story offer a message that challenges prejudice and encourages understanding of others, it also promotes diversity and confronts stereotypes. For example, a male nurse, an African-American female principal, a female bus driver, a teenage girl playing football, and more. The illustrations are lovely and capture emotion through facial expressions, body language, and color.

Mama Do You Love Me?

Mama Do You Love Me?

Joosse, B. (1991). Mama, Do You Love Me? Lavallee, B. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. 

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook, Multicultural 

Through questioning, a young girl seeks reassurance that her Mama will love her no matter what she does. Mama provides this reassurance and shares the emotions she would feel if her daughter demonstrated the acts in her questions. For example, if the little girl turns into a large animal, Mama would be frightened but would still love her daughter forever.

The illustrations exhibit great examples of body language and tone. On one scene, Mama is angry and her body appears boxed and looms over the small girl but when Mama is expressing her love, she is shaped more roundly and embracing her daughter.  The cultural tie-ins are charming and reminds readers that love is universal. Great book!

In Our Mothers' House

Polacco, P. (2009). In our mothers’ house. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Genre: Children’s Picture Storybook 

Polacco stepped aside from her usual books based on personal experiences and heritage to write a book for children and families that she has met in schools, at speaking engagements, etc. In Our Mothers’ House is the story of three adopted children and the love and devotion they received from their two mothers in their mothers' house. Polacco’s story highlights the love of this family but also showcases some of the challenges and discrimination that “non-traditional” families face. 

I particularly enjoyed the scenes in which the mothers sewed the children’s homemade Halloween costumes and dresses for a special tea. Despite all the love and support the two mothers offered their children, there was one mother in the neighborhood that was not accepting of their non-traditional family and it is beyond sad that these children had to deal with the hateful confrontation of this cold, bitter woman in such a public manner. Fortunately, Marmee and Meema were loving individuals and they did not let the hateful comments of one person impact the love in their hearts. I admire their strength and respectful response to hatred. 

The book follows the three children into their adult lives. Sharing their marriages at their mothers' house, capturing the first steps of their own children at their mothers' house, and coming together for family events/gatherings after their mothers have passed...this story is remarkably touching and  brought tears to my eyes.

Beautiful, beautiful story of unconditional love. Polacco at her finest!

Goal!

Javaherbin, Mina. (2010). GOAL! A. G. Ford. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

Literary Genre: Multicultural/International (Picture Book) 

Ajani has to get water from the well before dark, but his homework is finished, so first it’s soccer time! Ajani and his friends must be careful as they play soccer because the streets are not safe in South Africa. When bullies come their way, Ajani and his friends are clever. The combination of repetitive phrases and detailed illustrations of bright blues and warm browns bring soccer to life and successfully highlights its power to bond the friends together during hard times.

I enjoyed this story because it allows readers to experience what it is like to be a young boy in South Africa. Ajani goes to school and plays with friends, but he also has responsibilities that most young boys in the United States do not, such as getting clean water and looking out for bullies that roam the streets. The illustrations represent a poor, dusty shantytown in South Africa; the boys have dirty, torn clothing; which is an accurate account of the environment and clothing of the area. Javaherbin provides an Author’s Note that provides more background on the significance of soccer. The note shares that the people of South Africa (and other countries) play soccer in spite of war, poverty, bully rulers, unsafe alleys, revolution, and hardship. “They play to stay connected. They play to stay children. They play to stay human. But mostly, they play to play.” Javaherbin does an excellent job of helping readers understand how this sport influences and inspires the people of South Africa this is what multicultural literature is intended to do.

Cactus Soup

Kimmel, Eric A. (2004). Cactus Soup. P. Huling. New York: Marshall Cavendish.

Literary Genre: Multicultural/International (Picture Book) 

Hungry soldiers ride into the town of San Miguel to eat and rest but the townspeople hide their food and pretend to be very poor. The captain asks for a cactus thorn and he begins to make cactus soup. The townspeople are tricked into adding salt, pepper, vegetables, and meats into the soup and soon enough the town of San Miguel is transformed into a lively fiesta. The colorful, detailed southwestern style illustrations do a nice job of representing the time period and avoiding cultural stereotypes.

Cactus Soup is the Mexican version of the story "Stone Soup". There are a variety of versions of this story across many cultures and they could all be used to discuss/celebrate diversity in a classroom of nearly any age group. I value Eric Kimmel’s supplementary features, such as, an author’s note that shares information about the Mexican Revolution and a glossary that defines many of the Spanish words used in the story. I enjoyed this book and believe it can be useful in the classroom, however; I feel that it is at the lowest level (contributions approach) of the multicultural hierarchy because it does not engage readers in Mexican culture.