• African Studies Association Award Winning Books -- compiled by the Center for African Studies. Also "Selecting Books on Africa" by Barbara B. Brown.

• Ahiagble, Gilbert and Meyer, Louise. Photographs by Nestor Hernandez. Master Weaver from Ghana. 

ISBN# 0-940880-67-X 
Grades K-3 
Gilbert "Bobbo" Ahiagble, a contemporary male weaver from Ghana, explains how his people maintain the tradition of weaving. This book is filled with wonderful photographs which show a traditional job and its implements in the modern world. There is a bibliography, glossary and map included. (T. Gallagher, teacher)
***** 
Bobbo is a traditional weaver from Ghana, where his ancestors have been weavers for generations. His son learns from him, as he learned from his father. Through his son's eyes, the reader experiences life in the small fishing village of Denu. The young boy learns that in life, just as in weaving, "one thread is weak, while threads woven together are strong." This book was selected as 1999's Best Book for Young Children by the African Studies Association. (A. Petrakis, teacher)
 
• Cowen-Fletcher, Jane. It Takes A Village. 

ISBN# 0-590-46573-2 
Grades K-3 
This story explains the Afircan Proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." Yemi is given charge of her younger brother Kokou, on a market day in a small village in Benin. While Yemi purchases peanuts for her and her brother, Kokou becomes separated, but not unwatched because the other villagers watch out for and take care of him. There is a very good pattern ("But he was not") in this story which would be good for kindergartners and first graders. An author's note about markets and their importance to village life is included. The illustrations and text are very respectful of the culture and the importance of community. (T. Gallagher, teacher)
 
• Dayrell, Elphinstone. Why The Sun and the Moon Live in the Sky.

ISBN# 0-590-44475-1 (picture book)
Grades K-2 
This is an excellent representation of Southern Nigerian Folklore. It is a delightful story explaining how the Sun and the Moon made it into the sky. At the end of the story is a note explaining how the illustrations were taken from many tribes in Africa and is not representing any particular African country, even though the oral story itself was taken from the Efik-Ibibio peoples of Southeastern Nigeria. It is important that at the end of this story, a teacher discuss with the students that this is folklore and is a story of the distant past. This story does not represent or intend to represent modern day Nigeria. This story is also interesting because it is presented as a dramatization by people of the folktale. (Z. Salameh, teacher)
 
• Hoffman, Mary and Binch, Caroline. Boundless Grace. 

ISBN# 0803717156. (picture book)
Grace, first introduced in Amazing Grace as a spunky, budding actress, has an adventure in Africa. This story contrives to reunite Grace with rich Papa who now lives in the Gambia with a new wife and two kids. Though this seems a bit unrealistic, the reader gets a chance to see Grace, with the help of Nana, grapple with the idea of two families, one of which is a step-family. It also gives the reader a window in the Gambia, though you'll have to take out your own map to see where that is. Details in the text and illustrations will provide plenty of material for discussion of the culture.
This book is appropriate for use with k-3.  Social Studies - Families. Africa/The Gambia. (Lori Fetzer, teacher)
 
• LaTeef, Nelda. The Hunter and The Ebony Tree. 

Moon Mountain Publishing; ISBN: 0967792991; (August 2002) 
In the West African village of Tombakonda, the father of a beautiful girl must find a way to choose a good husband from among her many suitors. The girl chooses a task for the contenders that will assure her of a wise and sociable husband. Adapted from a folk story collected by the author in West Africa.  Illustrations use paper, fabric, and photographs that reflect the Zarma culture in the Republic of Niger. 
 
• Mollel, Tololwa M. Illustrated by E. B. Lewis. My Rows and Piles of Coins.

ISBN# 0-395-75186-1 (picture book)
Grades K-5+
A determined and likeable Tanzanian boy works at various ways to earn money to get what he wants. Many American children with the same sort of desires will understand and appreciate him. His family-oriented point of view is refreshing. Realistic, well done illustrations. (S. Hott, teacher)
*****
Mollel draws on his own Tanzanian childhood for the story of Saruni, a boy who works and saves all his coins for months and months, dreaming of buying a bicycle- only to discover that he does not have enough money. Eventually a selfless act of another inspires his own selflessness. (A. Petrakis, teacher)
 
• Onyefulu, Ifeoma. A Triangle for Adaora: An African Book of Shapes 

ISBN# 0-525-46382-8 
Grades K-2 
Using things found in the environment -natural and manmade-, different shapes are identified: star, paw-paw, square, Apleasa (reed colander), rectangle, Agbada (robe), circle, elephant drums, oval, cowrie shell; heart, akwukwo ede (leaf), diamond, wrapper (dress pattern), semicircles, soup bowls, crescent, plantain, and a triangle hat. Non-English words are highlighted and defined in the text. The photographs show a modern and urban environment. This is an excellent introduction for students in identifying common geometric objects in their environments. (T. Gallagher, teacher)                                ***** 
This is a delightful book about two African girls discovering different shapes. Their quest is to search for triangles, but as they venture through their environment, they find many other shapes. This story includes materials that could be used for the following concepts or themes: math/shapes, geography, people, places, environment, family, customs, ceremonies, and traditions. (L. Morris, teacher) 
*****
A young girl explores the meaning of this native tradition, introducing family members and explaining their ogbo's accomplishments. The color photos and first-person voice introduce concepts of sharing in an African village of contemporary times. (A. Petrakis, teacher) 
 
• Sicilu, Elenor Batezat. The Day Go Go Went to Vote.

Grades 1-4 (picture book)
This is an excellent book in its portrayal of modern South Africa. A grandmother, despite her health conditions, goes to the poles to vote. This is after South Africans fought for years for their right to vote and elect their own leader in South Africa. The author shows authentic life including how two members from the same family argue over the candidate that should win the election. The pictures are beautiful and support the portrayal of a modern Africa with modern clothes and technology. This book falls under the California State Framework for Social Studies Grade 2 strand: People Who Make a Difference. This book speaks of Nelson Mandela and governmental institutions. This book also emphasizes the importance of an individual's actions to make a difference. (Z. Salameh, teacher)
*****
A young girl accompanies her hundred-year-old great grandmother to the polling place in the first election in which black South Africans are allowed to vote. Infirm and housebound, Go Go is determined to vote and does so with a little help from her community. (A. Petrakis, teacher)
 
• Wilson-Max, Ken. Halala Means Welcome! A book of Zulu words.  

ISBN# 0786804149 (picture book)
Grades K-3
Begins with a large map of Africa, highlighting South Africa; a brief note about South Africa and Zulu; a glossary and pronunciation key are at the back. Michael and Chidi are modern day friends who live in South Africa. Chidi tells the reader all about a day when Michael comes to play at his house. The story is told on alternating page spreads with ones in between showcasing particular objects with their English and Zulu names. The bright bold pictures and scant text will appeal to the youngest children. This book is appropriate to use k-3. Social Studies k-1 - Friendship, Citizenship. Language Arts 2-3 - Dictionary/Glossary skills; Syllables; Pronunciation Key. South Africa. (Lori Fetzer, teacher)

• TsitsiDangarembga, Nervous Conditions (Zimbabwe, with some Shona in it). "Set in colonial Rhodesia in the 1960s, this brilliant debut novel is an evocative story of a girl's coming of age and a compelling portrayal of the devastating human loss involved in the colonization of one culture by another." 

• Buchi Emecheta, Second Class Citizen (Nigeria). "A poignant story of a resourceful Nigerian woman whose determination to make something of herself despite strict tribal comination of females leads her to London where, after countless setbacks she achieves an independent life for herself and her children."

• Peter Abrahams, Tell Freedom (South Africa), an autobiography of his early years.  Has been taught this in the context of a black autobiography course and students liked it.  Some good swatches of childhood experience.  Also by Peter Abrahams, Mine Boy, a novel about a young man moves from country to city in South Africa of the 1950s or so. 

• Cyprian Ekwense, Burning Grass (Nigeria).  Story of Fulani (Peul) cattlemen in norther Nigeria.  A simple story.

• Ama Ata Aidoo, Changes (Ghana).   "Married and with a daughter as the novel opens, Esi chooses divorce and a life focused on work.  When she falls in love with an attractive man-married, wealthy, and able to arrange a polygamous marriage-the modern woman finds herself facing a new set of problems.  Witty and fast paced."  An enjoyable read.

• Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart (Nigeria) the story of Okonkwo at the time of the coming of the white man.  Also No Longer at Ease, the story of Okonkwo's grandson in the Lagos of the 1950s or so.

• James Ngugi, now Ngugi wa' Thiongo, Weep Not, Child (Kenya).  A book that has been taught in Ghana, and is  the story of a boy growing up during the anti-colonial resistance of the Mau Mau in the 1950s.  A good story for adolescents.

• Athol Fugard, Master Harold and the Boys (South Africa).  This is a short play, and Fugard is white.  There's also a movie.  It's a powerful look at the personal dynamics between a young white boy and two of his family's employees. 

• Cashford, Jules. The Myth of Isis and Osiris.

Barefoot Books, Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1994. (picture book) 
The publisher notes that Barefoot Books publishes new and traditional myths whose themes relate to significant points in the passage of life. No original Egyptian text of this myth now exists, but the author based his re-telling on Plutarch's version. The book contains sample notes and other historical notes. There are wonderful pictures and color photographs; regrettably, however, the "Picture Acknowledgments" found on pages 28-29 do not contain a key for relating them to the book's many illustrations. (P. Harre, teacher) 

Sabudu, Robert. Tutankhamen's Gift.
Atheneum, 1994. Grades 1-6 
This is the story of a very young Tutankhamen who came to the throne of Egypt at age 9 or 10, in about 1350 B.C.  The pictures are charming and help the book to have appeal for children as young as primary grades, and are created in a style appropriate to the period. The story teaches history, customs and beliefs in a very appealing manner. At the end there are excellent notes which add more to one's understanding of history. (P. Harre, teacher) 
 

• Stanley, Diane and Vennema, Peter. Cleopatra.

Morrow Jr. Books, N.Y. (picture book) 
I would classify this one as a difficult picture book and would use it with older children and high school students. It fits well into the 6th Grade studies in ancient civilizations as well as high school English studies in the classics. This book has no page numbers. At least one-half of the book is illustration, mostly full-page. Because the pictures are extremely beautiful and exceedingly detailed, the reader could learn much about the times and culture by merely viewing the illustrations. The text is entirely narrative and is printed on a background of mosaic tiles throughout. It is a re-telling of Plutarch's history, which was only written about one hundred years after Cleopatra's time. There are ample historical notes, a glossary, fine maps and a bibliography. What a nice way to read history! (teacher) 

• Coerr, Eleanor. Sadako

Grade 3 
Sadako is a young girl dying of leukemia as a result of the bombing of Hiroshima 10 years earlier. Her hope, seen in her folding cranes (a symbol of long life), becomes the symbol of hope for peace. (A. Petrakis, teacher) 
 
• Demi. Kites: Magic Wishes That Fly Up to the Sky.

Grades 1-5 
ISBN# 0-375-81008-0 (picture book) 
This book takes place in Ancient China.  Its focus is on different kites and what flying a kite meant in this particular story.  Each animal is symbolic, and the symbolism is well described.  The ending has a wonderful step-by-step guide to making a kite.  This is a great book for the 3rd grade Social Studies Strand in the California State Framework for Social Studies on Continuity and Change.  It shows an ancient form of government.  Also in studying the cultural landscape of California and the importance of the Chinese in Californian history, this is a good book to use showing how Chinese traditions have changed or stayed the same, especially among the Chinese that came to California.  Moreover, the kite making integrates art. (Z. Salameh, teacher) 
 
• Lee, Jeanne M. The Song of Mu Lan.

Front Street, Inc., Arden, N. C. 
Grades K-6 (6th Grade SS) (picture book) 
This is an easy-to-read picture book which is a translation of a Chinese folk poem of ca, 500 A.D.  The Chinese characters are printed along with the English language.  Detailed illustrations help to provide some understanding of life in those times.  It is the story of a girl who goes off to war for ten years in place of her father. The detailed illustrations of warriors on horseback, with spears poised, would appeal to children in all grades, but sixth graders may directly relate it to their studies. The inclusion of the Chinese character text would fit well into a communications unit. (P. Harre, teacher) 
 
• Louie, Ai-Ling. Yeh-Shen.

Grade 3 
Held forth by many as the oldest known version of Cinderella, this story dates back to 9 BC China. Beautifully illustrated by Ed Young, the theme of the fish/fairy godmother character plays throughout the book. Excellent for comparative literature along with Shirley Climo's Egyptian, Persian, and Korean Cinderella stories, among others. (A. Petrakis, teacher) 
 
• Partridge, Elizabeth. Oranges on Golden Mountain. 

Grades 3-4 
Though set in US, this book contributes to our understanding of Asian culture. (See also Esperanza Rising for Mexico.) The story relates the children's experiences as immigrants by relating background information of the individuals' native countries, the reason for immigration, and the continuing relationship with the country of origin in some way. Social Studies in grades 3 and 4 - Life in California, compare why and how people came to CA(4), CA economy (fishing)(4), history of the local community(3). (Lori Fetzer, teacher)
 
• Shea, Peggy Deitz. The Whispering Cloth: A Refugee's Story.
  Grade 3 
  A Hmong child named Mai quietly tells a story as she and her grandmother wait in the refugee camp. Mai's grandmother teaches her to stitch traditional pa'ndau story cloths. Eventually Mai stitches her own story, filling the cloth with pictures that show the dramatic events of the war. Illustrations include reproductions of authentic stitched story cloths by Hmong refugee You Yang. (A. Petrakis, teacher) 

Yep, Laurence. The Khan's Daughter: A Mongolian Folktale.
Grade 3 
A young shepherd believes his destiny includes both marriage to the Khan's daughter and the ability to meet every challenge placed before him. His most difficult match proves to be the Khan's daughter herself. (A. Petrakis, teacher)

• Atkins, Jeannine. Aani and the Tree Huggers.
  Grade 3 
  Based on true events in northern India, this is the story of a little girl's bravery. Hoping to stop city workers who have come to cut down their beloved forest, Aani and other members of her village try to make them understand how important the trees are, and a single act of bravery helps to save the forest. (A. Petrakis, teacher) 
   
• Axworthy, Anni. Anni's India Diary. 
  ISBN# 1580890504. 
  The first page has a small world map with an arrow pointing out the journey from the US to India.  The book then  begins with a larger map of India. An arrowed path indicates the route that Anni traveled around India.Anni and her parents are on a 3 month trip to India. Anni keeps track of her days in a diary and the story is told through her entries. A portrait of the culture and landscape emerges both in the text and images. The reader learns much information about transportation, geography, food, religion, people, and more. Cartoon drawings are paired with photos and reproductions of common vacation memorabilia such as tickets and postcards. This book is appropriate for use 3-5. Social Studies - Transportation, Geography, Map Skills, Calendar (time and place relationships). Language Arts - Diary writing, journaling. Math - Word Problems, writing and solving. India. (Lori Fetzer, teacher) 
  ***** 
  A young girl travels around India recording her impressions in diary form. (One imagines the Anni in the story and Anni the author to be one and the same, but the sophistication of the illustrations makes this highly unlikely!) Both urban and rural locales are presented. Illustrations are combined with real momentos such as stamps, postcards, tickets, etc. An engaging, lively introduction to the immense diversity to be discovered in a trip to India. (T. Krista, teacher) 
   
• Dalal, Roshen. A History of India for Children.

  
  South Asia Books. 
  ISBN# 0670876062 
  Grades 4-7 
  (This is not a literature book but I include it here because it supports the 6th Grade unit on India so well.) This is a book of 397 pages, with ample line drawings and maps (black and white). Its format would simplify researching, in that topics are arranged chronologically from the early Indus Valley civilizations to 1947 and independence. Unfortunately, there is no index in the back. However, the 55 chronological chapters have quite descriptive headings. The print is easy to read and the style appears to be geared to a young audience of Grades 4 through 6 or 7. (P. Harre, teacher) 

  Demi. One Grain of Rice. 
   ISBN# 0-590-93998-X 
  Grades K-12 
  Subtitled A Mathematical Folktale, this excellent tale is so much more. This story, with its exquisite illustrations and well-written text, will engage all students from kindergarten through the twelfth grade. A short explanation on the illustrations and the traditional version is offered, and, as an afterward, the mathematical formula on which the tale is based is given.  A raja, who has been collecting rice in case of a famine from the farmers in his province, refuses to share the rice when the catastrophe occurs. Rani, a clever village girl, does a good deed for the raja and is rewarded with an opportunity to choose her awards. She asks for just one grain of rice, doubled every day for thirty days. In the end, Rani receives a total of more than one billion grains of rice which teaches the raja about fairness and wisdom. (T. Gallagher, teacher) 
  ***** 
  When a raja offers a reward for a good deed, a young girl asks only for one grain of rice, doubled each day for 30 days. Rani uses her skill in mathematical thinking to outwit and to secure food for her starving people. (A. Petrakis, teacher) 
   

• Jendresen, Erik.  Hanuman. (Based on Valmiki's Ramayana.)
  Tricycle Press. 1-883672-78-3 
  Grades K-5+ (picture book) 
  This is a good introduction to the Ramayana for elementary-age kids. Hanuman, the monkey, is personable and tells a good story. Some of his exploits may be scary due to dark-toned and fierce illustrations. Overall the book seems to solve that problem. The text drops in great one-line value lessons with ease. (S. Hott, teacher) 
   
• Rodanas, Kristina. The Story of Wali Dad.
  (picture book) 
  Grades 3-5 
  Wali Dad is a simple Indian farmer leading a simple life. After many years of labor he amasses a pot of coins. After much thought, he finally purchases a gold bracelet at the market, something so beautiful he feels unworthy of owning it. He decides to give it to one more worthy -- a princess. One thing leads to another and when he begins receiving gifts in return, Wali Dad finds life to be much more complicated than he imagined. This is a retelling of a story retold from a book of stories published in the early 20th century. As such, one wonders how much authenticity is left. A mildly interesting story about selflessness and its rewards. (T. Krista, teacher) 
   
• Shephard, Aaron. Illustrated by Vera Rosenberry. Savitri, A Tale of Ancient India.
  Grades 2-6 (picture book) 
  A retelling of a classic tale of courage and love from the Mahabharata. A young princess, Savitri, is so beautiful, people think of her as a goddess. But it is her mind and heart that make her a heroine. An interesting retelling of a story from one of the world's most significant ancient texts. Recommended. (T. Krista, teacher) 

Recommendations from Meena, Khorana:

• Bond, Ruskin. Cherry Tree. 

Honesdale, PA: Caronline House, 1991. 
Grades 3-6 
 
• Bond, Ruskin. The Angry River.

London: Hamish Hamilton, 1972. 
Grades 3-6. 
 
• Bond, Ruskin. Earthquake.

London: Julia MacRae, 1983. 
Grades 2-4 
 
• Buck, Pearl S. The Big Fight. 

New York: Day, 1964. 
Grades 3-5 
 
• Das, Prodeepta. I is for India.

Parsippany, JG: Silver Press, 1997. (Originally published by Frances Lincoln Lmt, London, 1996) 
Grades 1-3 
Author speaks of India's diversity and focuses on Orissa, her home state. Using the format of an alphabet book, the author provides information on languages, schooling, transportation, village life, festivals, family life, food and clothing, customs, dance and music, religion, agriculture, and wildlife. One factual error: the Author's Note incorrectly states that India is a continent. Highly recommended. 
 
• Gobhai, Mehlli. Lakshmi: The Water Buffalo Who Wouldn't. 

New York: Hawthorn, 1969. 
Grades 2-4 
 
• Gilmore, Rachna. Lights for Gita. 

Gardiner, ME: Tilbury House, 1994. 
Grades 1-3 
 
• Krishnaswami, Uma. The Broken Tusk: Stories of the Hindu God Ganesha.

North Haven, CT: Linnet Books, 1996. 
Grades 3-5 
 
• Konigsburg, Elaine. A View From Saturday.

Atheneum 1996 (Library binding); Aladdin paperbacks, reprint 1998. 
Grades 5-7 
 
• Mantra.

London: Mantra Publishing, 1998. (email: mantrapub@aol.com) 
This catalogue of multicultural and dual language resources includes a list of myths and folk tales, informational books, novels, songs, picture books, and videos and CDRoms. In the U.S., write to Multicultural Books and Videos Inc., 28880 Southfield Road, Suite 183, Lathrup Village, Michigan 48076; tel: 800-567-2220. 
 
• McNair, Sylvia. India. Enchantment of the World Series.

Chicago: Children's Press, 1990. 
Grades 6-10 
This book takes an objective perspective in introducing India's geography, history, people, and diverse culture. Referring to it as the most highly sophisticated country in ancient times, the author outlines India's contributions to science, mathematics, trade and shipping, and art and literature. Considerable space is given to ancient civilizations, something to which  most books don't do justice. The book also discusses life in both urban and rural, modern and traditional, and rich and poor homes. This appreciative and factually correct account gives explanations for some complex situations: lure of traders to India, the impact of colonization on the economy, and the problems facing modern India. There are are a few factual errors: for example, two different outfits for women are both referred to as "sari." 
 
• Rose, Deborah Lee, adaptor. The People Who Hugged the Trees.

Niwort, Colorado: Roberts Rineheart, 1990. 
Grades 1-4 
A highly recommended book about the preservation of trees. Based on an actual incident (in Rajasthan) when a group of villagers hugged the trees near their homes to prevent the king's men from cutting them. The axmen's clothing is not authentic. 
 
• Shalant, Phyllis. Look What We've Brought You From India: Crafts, Games, Recipes, Stories, and Other Cultural Activities from Indian Americans. 

Parsippany, NJ: Julian Messner, 1998. 
Grades 1-5. 
Provides an appreciative introduction to the religious festivals and national holidays, games, arts and crafts, food and epic literature of India. Each chapter gives relevant details and explanations. Easy-to-follow activities show American children how to incorporate Indian culture into their classrooms and lives. Highly recommended. 

• Rodriguez, Luis J. Illustrated by Carlos Vasquez. America Is Her Name.  

Curbstone Press, Willimantic, CT, 1997. ISBN 1-880684-40-3 (picture book) 
Grades 2-4. 
America is nine years old.  She is a Mixteca Indian girl who was born in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. This story is about her life in the Pilsen barrio in Chicago. America wonders why sometimes others treat her like she doesn't belong. "How can that be," she says. "How can anyone be illegal!  She is Mixteco, an ancient tribe that was here before the Spanish, before the blue-eyed, even before this government that now calls her 'illegal'." One day  Mr. Aponte, a poet from Puerto Rico, visits her class at school. America loves poetry. As she discovers her talent for writing, America gains a new sense of belonging. "A poet, America knows, belongs everywhere." I loved this story for its message about writing. The authenticity of the story comes through in the details of America's daily life, as well as the engaging illustrations. (C. Owen, school librarian) 
 
• Ryan, Pamela Muñoz. Esperanza Rising. 

This book works well with Social Studies grade 4 - Life in California, compare why and how people came to CA(4), CA economy (agriculture)(4). Though set in US, this book contributes to our understanding of the cultures of Mexico.  (See also Oranges on Golden Mountain for China.) The story relates the children's experiences as immigrants by relating background information of the individuals' native countries, the reason for immigration, and the continuing relationship with the country of origin in some way.(Lori Fetzer, teacher) 
 
• Zubizarreta, Rosalma. The Woman Who Outshone the Sun/La Mujer Que Brillaba Aun Mas Que el Sol. 

Grade 3 
This bilingual edition tells a story form the Zapotec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico about a stranger whose unusual connection to nature arouses suspicions in the village where she suddenly appears. When the younger people, afraid, drive her away, the river goes with her leaving a desert until the people beg for her forgiveness. (A. Petrakis, teacher) 

• Heide, Florence Parry and Judith Heide Gilliand. Illustrated by Ted Lewin. The Day of Ahmed's Secret.

Lothrop, Lee & Shepard 1990. 0-688-14023-8 (picture book) 
Grades K-5+ 
Ahmed is a likeable boy. He moves about Cairo with ease and persistance. His Cairo has street vendors, merchant stalls and ancient history. While he works hard at lifting jars, he dispenses wisdom and waits patiently to tell his family his secret. At the end of his day, his shared secret brings a great smile to his face and warmth to the reader's heart. Wonderful illustrations. (S. Hott, teacher) 
***** 
This book is about a little boy who lives in Cairo. Initially the boy announces that he has a secret but that he would share this secret at the end of the day. The plot of the story is very simple. The reader is led on a journey through the city of Cairo as the boy performs his daily tasks. Through metaphor and other delightful expressions, the boy conveys to the reader his engagement and interpretation of his world and environment. Finally the boy concludes his day's work and returns home to share his secret with his family: "I can write my name," he announces proudly. 
This story includes material that could be used for the following concepts or themes: geography, map skills, people, places, environment, family, values, respect, self-confidence, and obedience. (L. Morris, teacher) 
***** 
As young Ahmed goes about his deliveries, guarding his secret, the reader receives a tour of the streets and marketplaces of Cairo. At the end of the day Ahmed reveals his secret: he has learned to write his name. (A. Petrakis, teacher) 
 
• Hickox, Rebecca. The Golden Sandal:  A Middle Eastern Cinderella Story.

Grades K-3 (picture book) 
This is a delightful fairytale from Iraq.  The Author's Note is very good because it credits the earliest version of Cinderella as coming from China.  (Which we know is accurate).  It is an alternative to the Arabian Nights, and adds to the few stories available from this part of the world.  Also from reading the Author's Note, it is clear the author has done research on the Cinderella story. (Z. Salameh, teacher) 
 
• Kimmel, Eric A. Illustrated by Leonard Everett Fishen. The Three Princesses.                       
  This is a wonderful Middle Eastern tale retold by Eric A. Kimmel. The story line revolves around a princess who is selecting one of three princes to wed. She presents a challenge to the three princes, and she will marry the one who finds the greatest wonder. This book contains material that leads itself to teaching the following concepts or themes: comparing beliefs, customs, ceremonies, traditions, and social practices of various cultures. This book is also a great motivational tool for the introduction of decision-making and cooperative learning. (L.Morris, teacher) 

 
• Lewin, Ted. The Storytellers.

(See MEOC award below.)
0-688-15178-7 (picture book) 
K-5+ 
A boy and his grandfather walk through the old city to reach their place to lay down their rug and begin to work. After a crowd gathers, Grandfather begins his story using time-honored techniques. This is a real opportunity to participate in the rich experience of a storyteller in the Middle East. Compelling illustrations. (S. Hott, teacher) 
 
• Nye, Naomi Shihab. Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. Sitti's Secrets.

Simon & Schuster, 1994. 0-02-768460-1 (picture book) 
Grades K-5+ 
A young girl expresses the strangeness that comes from being in unfamiliar surroundings. She tells how she and her grandmother, whom she'd never known, overcome language and custom difficulties. The love they share is made sweeter by the means they find to communicate. A very personal glimpse at a real-life contemporary scene in Palestine. Wonderful illustrations. (S. Hott, teacher) 

• Scott C. Davis. The Road from Damascus: A Journey Through Syria - Middle East.

Cune Press, 2001. 
Grades: High School
This is adult non-fiction, but it could be a useful (and fun) book to use in high school. It is an entertaining travelogue by an American author visiting Syria in 1987 and 2001. It deals with many of the same themes of an American encounter with Middle Eastern culture found in younger fiction like Habibi. Excerpts and more information on the book can be found on the Cune Press web site. The publishers are interested in working with teachers to develop a companion curriculum material.
• Laila Halaby. West of the Jordon
  Boston: Beacon Press, 2003
  Grades: High School
  This story is told from the interweaving perspectives of four cousins coming of age in Palestine, Jordon and America. It takes a sophisticated look at the problems of living between cultures, throwing light on both the Arab and American experiences. (M Delattre, ORIAS coordinator)
  
• Ulfat Idlibi, Peter Clark (Translator).Grandfather's Tale.

Interlink Pub Group, 1999; ISBN: 0704381001
Grades: Middle School
Recommended by Leslie Nuncho at MESA conference. A tale told over a series of evenings in the style of Sheherazade. The story is about a boy in the early 19th century, had come from Daghestan in the Caucasus to live with his father in Ottoman Damascus. It offers a glimpse of 19th-century Islamic life in a little-known part of the Islamic world. Excerpts are available on Amazon.com.
• Betool Khedairi. A Sky So Close.

Pantheon Books; ISBN: 0375420967 (paperback due out in May 2002)
Grades: Middle School/ High School 
Recommended by Leslie Nuncho at MESA conference. A coming of age story about a young girl growing up in Iraq.
• Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis: the Story of a Childhood.
  Pantheon Books, 2003 (translated from French) ISBN: 037571457X
  Grades: Middle School/High School
  The is a graphic novel memoires of Marjane Satrapi's childhood in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. A gripping story made all the more expressive by being told largely through illustrations. Great for students who think they don't like to read. Very personal perspective but very political as well. Her second graphic novel Persepolis 2 continues the story through her boarding school experiences in Europe and difficult return to Iran as a young woman. (M Delattre, ORIAS coordinator).
• Muhawi, Ibrahim, and Sharif Kanaana. Speak, Bird, Speak Again: Palestinian Arab Folktales. Berkeley: University of California Press, c1989 1989.
  Available on-line at http://ark.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft4s2005r4/
  Teacher source for Arab Folktales recommended by Prof. Alan Dundes, UCB.

• Naomi Shihab Nye. Habibi.(novel)

(New York: Simon and Schuster, 1997) is the story of 14-year old Liyana, who moved from Missouri to her father's hometown of Jerusalem. At first it is a most unwelcome change for this American teenager and her family. Gradually, through new friends and relatives, she comes to an understanding of her father's culture, and finds her place in it. This is a well written, very interesting novel, which holds one's attention throughout and in a very realistic way portrays the issues that confront Jews and Arabs in Israel and the Palestinian territories. 
• Florence Parry Heide and Judith Heide Gilliland. The House of Wisdom. (picture book)

(New York: DK Publishing, Inc.,1999) highly original, exciting and illuminating illustrations by Mary Grandpre, with a well written, very sophisticated theme. A young boy in 9th century Baghdad, inspired by his scholar father, goes on a search for knowledge and wisdom. The book sheds a bright light on the great work of scholars during this golden 
• Ted Lewin. Storytellers. (picture book)

(New York: Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Books) a gentle story with beautiful illustrations, telling of a young boy and his grandfather who carry on the tradition of storytelling in the market place of Fez, Morocco. A splendid book for showing modern Morocco to young people. 

• Daniella Carmi. Samir and Yonatan. (novel) 

(Scholastic, 2000 English edition translated from Hebrew) This story is told in the first-person by Samir, A Palestinian boy who finds himself awaiting surgery in an Israeli hospital. The relationships that develop between Samir and some of the Israeli children in the ward testify to the possibilities for individuals to transcend the violence around them and make peace. 
• James Rumford. Traveling Man: The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325-1354. (picture book)

(Houghton Mifflen Co., 2001) This is an introduction ot the journeys of Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan scholar who set off to make the pilgrimage to Mecca in 1325 and didn't return for 29 years. His travels took him through Africa, across the steppes of Central Asia, into India and China, and finally back to Morocco. Blue, red, and gold are prominent colors in the striking illustrations, which are further embellished with Arabic and Chinese calligraphy. Text, illustrations, and occasional maps are interwoven throughout for a very effective presentation. 
• Sue Penney. Islam. (reference book) ("World Beliefs and Cultures" series, Heinemann Library, 2001). Written for the upper elementary level, this reference clearly and accurately describes Islam's origins, the development of Islamic civilizations, and the religion's basic beliefs and practices. Sections on family life and celebrations help convey the role of Islam in the everyday lives of real people.

2002 AWARDS

• The Breadwinner, by Deborah Ellis (Groundwood Books, 2002) was the winner in the literature category. Set in Afghanistan in the mid 1990s, much of the story takes place in the small apartment where a young girl named Parvana lives with her family, and in the marketplace where her father markets his skills as a reader and scribe. Through Parvana's experiences, the impact of Taliban rule on everyday life is conveyed, as is the ability of the human spirit to confront and conquer adversity.
  
• Celebrating Ramadan, by Diane Hoyt Goldsmith, with photographs by Lawrence Migdale (Holiday House, 2002) received the award for best picture book. This photo-essay follows a fourth-grade Muslim boy living in New Jersey as he celebrates the holy month of Ramadan. Text and photographs work well together to convey, in a very personal way, the daily life and community of a Muslim-American family.
  

2003 AWARDS 

• In this fourth round of awards, 19 Varieties of Gazelle by acclaimed poet Naomi Shihab Nye (Greenwillow Books, 2002) received the award in the literature category. Nye compiled this moving collection of poignant moments and memories of Jerusalem, Palestine, and her family after September 11, 2001. It serves as a testimony to the painfulness of war, the yearning for peace, and the universal strength of the human spirit.
• In the reference book category, this year’s winning entry was Women in the Middle East: Tradition and Change by Ramsay Harik and Elsa Marston (revised edition, Franklin Watts, 2003). This comprehensive look at Middle Eastern women and their struggle to incorporate both tradition and change in their daily lives is a major contribution to resources on this topic of wide interest. Of particular note, the revised edition includes two chapters that cover the experience of women in Afghanistan and women’s health issues region-wide.

• Afanasyev, Aleksandr. Translated by Norbert Guterman. Russian Fairy Tales.

Random House, 1976. New York: Pantheon Books, 1973.
This 19th-century Russian folklorist published collections of Russian folk tales. Approximately 200 tales were first translated into English in 1945; many editions have been published of this book since. This is the definitive source for Russian folk tales.
 
• Ginsburg, Mira. Adapted from Daniil Kharms. Across the Stream.

New York: Mulberry Books, 1991.
Adapted from Soviet children's literature, this book tells a charming story, but it has lost some of its original wackiness. 
 
• Ginsburg, Mira. Adapted from Daniil Kharms. Four Brave Sailors. 

New York: Greenwillow Books, 1987.
Adapted from Soviet children's literature, this book tells a charming story, but it has lost some of its original wackiness.
 
• Kharms, Daniil. Translated by Richard Pevear. First, Second.

New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1996.
Soviet author Daniil Kharms is known for his nonsense poetry and his children's literature. This book follows two boys who set out on a trip--describing what they encounter first, then second, and so on--and meet an amusing group of characters and situations.
 
• Kharms, Daniil. Translated by Jamey Gambrell. The Story of a Boy Names Will, Who Went Sledding Down a Hill.

New York: North-South Books, 1996.
This is a romping account of how Will goes down a hill and picks up a series of characters as they collide with his sled. 
 
• Kornei Chukovsky. Translated by Gambrell, Jamey. Telephone. 

New York: North-South Books, 1996.
This is a translation of a story in poem form by the Soviet children's author, Kornei Chukovsky. The main character receives a number of wacky requests as he answers his telephone. For example, an elephant orders a case of peanut butter, and a pig is looking for a singing partner.
 
• Marshak, Samuel. Translated by Richard Pevear. The Absentminded Fellow. 

New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1999.
Soviet children's author, Samuel Marshak writes about a man in London who tries to get dressed and catch a train, but this fellow from Portobello Road is too absentminded to accomplish any simple task.
 
• Marshak, Samuel. Translated by Richard Pevear. Hail to Mail!

New York: Henry Holt and Co., 1990.
In this Soviet children's story, a letter travels around the world as it just keeps missing its recipient at each location.
 
• Sokol, Elena. Russian Poetry for Children.

Univ. of Tennessee Press, 1984. ISBN: 0870494066
Contains a good history of Russian children's literature.

• For international children's books in foreign languages see IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People) Honour Lists. On-line list contains titles, author/illustrator, and country information. A catalogue with background and descriptions in English is available from IBBY. 
• The World through Children's Books  edited by Susan Stan. Scarecrow Press, 2002. <https://www.scarecroweducation.com/>

"The annotated bibliography, organized geographically by world region and country, describes nearly 700 books representing 73 countries. Designed as a companion volume to Carl Tomlinson's Children's Books from Other Countries, this volume includes international children's books published between 1996 and 2000, as well as selected American books set in countries other than the United States. Sponsored by the United States Board for Young People (USBBY)" 
• Global Perspectives in Children's Literature by Evelyn Freeman and Barara Lehman. MA: Allyn & Bacon, 2001. <www.abacon.com> A history and guide for using international books across the curriculum.
• Multicultural Voices in Contemporary Literature: A Resource for Teachers,  by Frances Ann Day. NH: Heinemann, 1999. <www.heinemann.com> (See Frances Ann Day's institute presentation.)