Multicultural Children and Young Adult Literature

  Culture 5 Asian Pacific American Literature A. BIBLIOGRAPHY Say, Allen. 2011. DRAWING FROM MEMORY. New York, NY: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545176866. B. PLOT SUMMARY This is the story of how award-winning author and illustrator Allen Say got started.   From birth to 16 years old, Allen Say lived in Japan.   He loved drawing and wanted to be a famous cartoonist.   His parents were not very supportive, especially his father.   Say decided to keep drawing despite this.   After taking a chance and seeking out Noro Shinpei, Japan’s leading cartoonist for mentorship, Allen Say learned a great deal about drawing and becoming an artist.   Ultimately the risks Allen Say makes while in Japan put him on a trajectory which leads him down the path he wants to travel in life. C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS) The author writes an autobiography that details his life until age 16.   This autobiography contains text, drawings, sketches,...

  Culture 4 Native American Literature Book Review A. BIBLIOGRAPHY Dorris, Michael. 1992. MORNING GIRL. New York, NY: Little, Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0974171166. B. PLOT SUMMARY Morning Girl and Star Boy are two children growing up on a Bahamian island in 1492.   This is a historical realistic fiction story that occurs just before Christopher Columbus sets foot on the island.   The story captures typical life for indigenous people of this island during this time.   The two children and their parents live a simple life, each one fulfilling their role within the family.   C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS) The family lives on a Bahamian island.   The author describes the setting as a typical island with lots of trees and plants, rocks, and the water near.   The housing is described as simple, it seems to be covering to keep the elements away.   They sleep on mats.   The mother prepares meals and cares for the f...

  Culture 3:   Hispanic/Latino(a) Literature Book Review A. BIBLIOGRAPHY Engle, Margarita. 2018. THE FLYING GIRL. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9781481445030. B. PLOT SUMMARY Aida de Acosta wanted to fly.   “All I need are some lessons and a chance to try!”, she said to her mother.   Aida enlisted the help of Alberto to teach her how to fly an airship.   This is a nonfiction book about the first woman of powered flight. C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS) This book depicts the true story of a young woman who was determined to fly.   In the late 1800’s early 1900’s women were expected to do things like cook and take care of children, not pilot airships.   The dialogue in this book is about Aida living out her dream of flight and not being afraid to try.   The overall tone of the book is “girl power”.   Aida is a strong woman who was not afraid to try and not afraid to dream. The illustrations in ...