Illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska. 32 p., Farrar/Frances Foster, 2003. When children move to a new country, they may feel alone and estranged. Yoon's family moves to the United States from Korea. Her father tells her that she has to learn how to write her name using the Western alphabet. Yoon doesn't like this - she likes it in Korean, the way it's always been. She likes the connection of that written form with her name's meaning, Shining Wisdom. When Yoon starts school, her teacher's first lesson is about a cat. She doesn't want to write "Yoon" on her paper, so she writes "CAT." On another day, she writes "BIRD" instead, and on another day, "CUPCAKE." Each time, the word is what she wants to be, in some way. As this is happening, she is beginning to make friends, her teacher is growing to like her, and she's learning things at school. When her mother expresses pride in this, Yoon can consider the possibility that America could be a good home for her. "Maybe different is good, too." Now she's willing to write "YOON" in English, and feels confident that it still means Shining Wisdom when written that way. Illustrated with expressive, light-filled paintings, this story helps children manage the complex feelings that immigration brings. Ages 4-7
Showing posts with label Asian American. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asian American. Show all posts
Every Year on Your Birthday by Rose Lewis
Illustrated by Jane Dyer. 32 p., Little, Brown, 2007. Adoption can bring special thoughts on a birthday. Every year on her daughter's birthday, a European American mother lovingly remembers all of her daughter's previous birthdays, and how much she has grown up. She imagines her daughter's life in China as a newborn, and remembers her anticipation of adopting her. Together, mother and daughter, who enjoy both American and Chinese traditions, remember the girl's Chinese family, and feel a sense of connection between the two families. Illustrated with watercolor paintings that are both gentle and exuberant, this story celebrates the love of a multicultural adoptive family. Ages 3-6
A Place Where Sunflowers Grow by Amy Lee-Tai
Illustrated by Felicia Hoshino. 32 p., Children's Book Press, 2006. Systematic acts of egregious racism are painful and confusing. When Mari's family is placed in an internment camp in Utah during World War II, she is discouraged and confused. She knows she's done nothing wrong, yet much has been taken from her. There were sunflowers in their old home, and Mari's mother plants sunflower seeds. Mari attends art classes twice a week in the camp, and at the first class, she can't think of anything to draw. Her parents each offer empathy and encouragement. At the second class meeting, with her teacher's support, Mari thinks of something to draw: her garden back home. Her parents and brother enjoy her picture, and it seems to brighten their barrack. As she continues to make art, Mari also becomes able to ask Papa about some of her worries, and as a result, she receives reassurance. She also makes friends with a classmate, and becomes more able to participate in class. But she's still discouraged about the sunflower seeds her Mama had planted - until her new friend points out that they've begun to grow. The seedlings give Mari hope that she can stay connected to her life outside the camp. This bilingual (English/Japanese) story is based on the author's mother's experiences, and some of the softly colored multimedia illustrations are based on the author's grandmother's paintings. This story shows children how to use imagination and creativity to cope with even the most difficult experiences. Ages 6-11