To continue our monthly series of book lists for youth, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following titles:
November, 2006 -- Explore the World With Books
Kente Colors by Debbi Chocolate. A rhyming description of the Kente cloth costumes of the Ashati and Ewe People of Ghana highlighting the symbolic colors and patterns. Grades P-2. Large print book LP 14477.
On the Same Day in March by Marilyn Singer. Turning the pages in this book takes you on a trip around the world to look at the variety of weather and activites taking place in 17 different locations on the planet all on the same day in March. An author's note describes the connection between the earth's rotation and the seasons. Grades P-2. Large print book/braille book BR 15007.
Afro-Bets First Book About Africa: An Introduction For Young Readers by Veronica Freeman Ellis. An overview of the history and geography of the continent of Africa underlining the many languages and cultures represented there. Grades K-3 and older readers. Cassette book RC 37887.
Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions From Around the World by Selby K. Beeler. For children all around the world, losing their first teeth is a milestone. This book covers facts about the process, as well as rituals surrounding the experience in different cultures. Grades K-3. Cassette book RC 47758.
In The Heart Of The Village: The World Of The Indian Banyan Tree by Barbara Bash. Describes a day in the life of a particular banyan tree in the middle of an Indian village. It serves as a home for wildlife and as a focus of social interaction as the villagers learn, play, trade and worship beneath its boughs. Grades 2-4. Cassette book RC 45538.
Tracking Wild Chimpanzees in Kibira National Park by Joyce Powzyk. After traveling to Kibira National Park in Africa, the author talks about the focus of her visit, the wild chimpanzees, but also describes other wildlife and the people and culture of Burundi . Grades 2-4 and older readers. Cassette book RC 30745.
Kids Around The World Celebrate! The Best Feasts and Festivals from Many Lands by Lynda Jones. Describes holidays around the world such as Chinese New Year, Mardi Gras, El Dia de los Reyes, Carnevale in Venice, and Barbados Crop-Over. Includes recipes and suggestions for hands-on activities. Grades 3-6. Cassette book RC 50329.
Fifty-two Days By Camel: My Sahara Adventure by Lawrie Raskin. Describes a journey that included Morocco, the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, Timbuktu, and the ancient salt mines in a remote part of the Sahara. Discusses camels, nomads, customs, Muslim traditions, and Raskin's adventures traveling in his favorite desert terrain. Grades 4-7. Cassette book RC 48295.
My Season with the Penguins: An Antarctic Journal by Sophie Webb. A biologist records her two-month trip to McMurdo, Antarctica, with other researchers to study an Adelie penguin colony during the breeding season. She describes her travel preparations and the campsite, as well as the behavior of the adult penguins and their chicks. Grades 4-7. Cassette book RC 52714.
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. The Taliban rulers in Kabul, Afghanistan , impose strict limitations on women's freedom and behavior. Eleven-year-old Parvana must disguise herself as a boy so that her family can survive after her father's arrest. Grades 5-8. Cassette book RC 53938. Cassette book in Spanish RC 58951.
Central and South America by Martyn Bramwell. Provides information about the location topography, climate, population, industries, and languages of the countries in Central and South American. Grades 5-8. Braille book BR 14133.
Europe by Martyn Bramwell. Presents basic information about the location, topography, climate, population, industries, and language of each European country. Grades 5-8. Braille book BR 14136.
Homesick: My Own Story by Jean Fritz. The author's recollections of her early life in China as a young daughter of missionaries. Although she loved that country, Jean had dreams of finally achieving a more normal life in America and meeting the grandmother she corresponded with, but had never met. Grade 5 and up. Cassette book RC 19266.
Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson. In 1910, Maia, an orphan, leaves London with her terse new governess to live with her only relatives, the greedy Carter family, on their rubber plantation in Brazil. Maia endures many hardships, but friendships, some quite unexpected, help her to follow her dreams. Grades 5-8. Cassette book RC 54235.
Sovietrek: A Journey By Bicycle Across Russia by Dan Buettner. In 1990, the last full year of the Soviet Union's existence, two Americans and two Soviets cycled 7,353 miles across the southern part of Russia . In this book they talk about their journey and the people they met along the way. Grades 5-8. Cassette book RC 41940.
The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera. Kahu, whose great-grandfather is the chief of their Maori tribe in New Zealand, develops a mystical relationship with whales. Although her potential as a future leader is discounted because she is not male, Kahu and her talents save her people. Grades 5-8. Braille book BR 15238.
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez. Dominican Republic. In the early 1960s, twelve-year-old Anita's family is harassed and under surveillance by the secret police. She learns that close relatives are involved in the underground movement to end the crushing dictatorship of General Trujillo, endangering the entire family. Grades 6-9. Cassette book RC 5613.
Siberia by Madelyn Klein Anderson. Describes the history, people, geography, and politics of Siberia, a northern land that covers one third of the area of the Asian continent. Grades 6-9 and older readers. Cassette book RC 30224.
Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton. Virginia teacher recounts his childhood in northern Kenya . Describes daily tasks, puberty rituals, communication and reconnection difficulties while in boarding school, and leaving home to study in the United States. Grade 6 and up. Braille book BR 15221. Cassette book RC 57478.
Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World by Rita Golden Gelman. Children's author and "modern-day nomad" recounts her travels since 1986. Gelman's lifestyle takes her around the world -- from the Galpagos to Thailand and beyond -- where she connects with locals, learns their customs, and shares their lives. Grade 9 and up. Braille book BR 15269.
Link to previous Recommended Reads.