Habibi

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Nye, Naomi Shihab. 1997. Habibi. New York: Simon Pulse. ISBN 9780606163200

PLOT SUMMARY

Liyana and her family move from St. Louis to Palestine.  In Habibi, Naomi Shihab Nye details Liyana’s transition and exploration of Palestine.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The protagonist of this story, Liyana, is a character typical of any American girl.  As the story begins, Liyana has just gotten her first kiss as her parents announce they are moving to Palestine.  Liyana’s father is Palestinian and moved to the United States when he was training to be a doctor.  Liyana’s mother is American.  The parents have decided that it is a good opportunity for their children, Liyana and Rafik to discover their Palestinian roots.  Liyana and Rafik represent typical American children and readers will be able to relate to their actions.

The setting of this story is split between St. Louis and Palestine, with the majority of the story taking place in Palestine.  Throughout the story, Liyana must navigate a new world.  Her clothing is no longer appropriate and her behavior faces criticism from her father.  Liyana quickly befriends Omer, a Jewish boy.  Liyana’s family’s tentative acceptance of Omer speaks to the open hearts that many people have.

The conflict between Palestinians and Jews was not thoroughly explained in the book.  While that may be appropriate for younger readers, I found myself curious about how Liyana’s family would fit into the conflict.

Nye expertly includes cultural markers throughout this story and they are an integral part of this story.  Food preparation was frequently included and Liyana refers to her mother’s cooking often.  Although Liyana’s grandmother lives a very traditional lifestyle, Liyana and her family are very modern.  In this way, Nye defies some stereotypes and it was refreshing to see that, although there were many differences, there were also many similarities between their lives in both countries.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide: “When Liyana Abboud is fourteen, her father decides that the time is right to move the family from St. Louis to his native Jerusalem. Inevitably, Arab-Israeli tensions enter into the story, but the message isn't preachy and remains almost secondary to the story of Liyana's search for her identity. The leisurely paced text contains poetic turns of phrase that accurately reflect Liyana's passion for words and language.”

Booklist: “The story is steeped in detail about the place and cultures: food, geography, history, shopping, schools, languages, religions, etc. Just when you think it is obtrusive to have essays and journal entries thrust into the story, you get caught up in the ideas and the direct simplicity with which Nye speaks.”

School Library Journal: “Though the story begins at a leisurely pace, readers will be engaged by the characters, the romance, and the foreshadowed danger. Poetically imaged and leavened with humor, the story renders layered and complex history understandable through character and incident.”

CONNECTIONS

Readers who enjoyed Habibi might also enjoy these books that have similar settings:

Ibtisam Barakat. Tasting the Sky: A Palestinian Childhood. ISBN 9780374357337

Cathryn Clinton. A Stone in My Hand. ISBN 9780763647728

The Year of the Dog

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lin, Grace. 2006. The Year of the Dog. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 0316060003

PLOT SUMMARY

The Year of the Dog tells the story of a young girl, Pacy, and her experiences growing up as a Taiwanese-American.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In The Year of the Dog, Lin writes a story that is engaging and delightful.  The story chronicles Grace (or Pacy as she is known at home) and her quest to “find herself.”  Pacy is a charming main character, and readers will like her immediately.  Readers, especially young girls, of all races will be able to relate to her feelings about trying to fit in and navigate the social circles of school.  This theme is present throughout the story. 

At the beginning of the story, Pacy meets another Taiwanese-American girl, Melody.  The girls become fast friends.  Although they are similar, they find that they are quite different as well. 

Lin has incorporated small black and white drawings throughout the story.  These drawings are simple and add to the authenticity of the narration.

Throughout the story, Line breaks up the story by inserting stories from Grace’s different family members.  This provides a historical and cultural context for Pacy’s experiences.

Lin excels at including cultural markers in this story and examples can be found on almost every page.  The story is narrated by a childhood and throughout the story, Pacy explains cultural issues to the reader.  Her explanations are directed to young readers and are simple, yet informative.  For example, when Pacy has a new cousin, she explains how the extended family gives red eggs to the baby. 

Lin also tackles tougher issues, like racism.  For example, Pacy and her family attend a Taiwanese convention.  Pacy struggles with not being American enough for the Americans and not Chinese enough for the Asian population.  While at the convention, Pacy encounters this racism:

“You’re a Twinkie” another girl said.  “My brother said Chinese people who are Americanized are Twinkies.  Yellow on the outside, but white on the inside!” (p. 101).

This example is a brief summarization of Pacy’s identity struggles that continue throughout the book.

I especially enjoyed Pacy’s description of her family’s Thanksgiving celebrations in Chapter 27.  Her descriptions make it clear to readers how the family has adopted customs from both cultures.

Overall, this book was an enjoyable read and it presents cultural issues respectfully and with humor.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Publisher’s Weekly:  "Lin creates an endearing protagonist, realistically dealing with universal emotions and situations," in this "autobiographical tale of an Asian-American girl's sweet and funny insights on family, identity and friendship.”

Horn Book:  “For Taiwanese-American Pacy, sorting out her ethnic identity is important, and she wonders what she should be when she grows up. Writing and illustrating a book for a national contest makes her think that perhaps she can become an author of a "real Chinese person book." Lin offers both authentic Taiwanese-American and universal childhood experiences, told from a genuine child perspective.”

Booklist:  ”Lin does a remarkable job capturing the soul and the spirit of books like those of Hayward or Maud Hart Lovelace, reimagining them through the lens of her own story, and transforming their special qualities into something new for today's young readers.”

CONNECTIONS

Readers who enjoyed The Year of the Dog will enjoy the following books in the Pacy Lin series:

Grace Lin. The Year of the Rat. ISBN 1439596891

Grace Lin. Dumpling Days. ISBN 0316125903

Tree of Cranes

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Say, Allen. 1991. Tree of Cranes. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 039552024X.

PLOT SUMMARY

Tree of Cranes is the story of a young Japanese boy who is celebrating his first Christmas.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The protagonist of this story is a young Japanese boy.  Although Say does not identify his age, the boy is “not yet old enough to wear long pants” (p. 4).  The story begins with the young boy catching a cold from playing near the pond, even those his mother had warned him not to play there.  The boy returns home, and his mother acts strangely for the rest of the day.  He is confused about her behavior and she finally admits the reason—she has been preparing for Christmas.  Even though the mother is Japanese, she was born and raised in California.  In Tree of Cranes, she introduces the American custom of Christmas to her young son.

The beauty of this story is in the fusion of the two cultures.  Instead of decorating the Christmas trees with traditional American’s decorations, the mother uses paper cranes and candles.

Say’s illustrations are beautiful and culturally accurate.  The mother and boy wear traditional clothing in the pictures, but the father is wearing a Western suit and tie.  Skin coloring and hair texture are accurate and respectful of the culture.  The colors of the watercolor illustrations are vibrant.

In addition to the cultural markers in the illustrations, Say identifies typical food (rice gruel, sour plum, and yellow radishes).

Overall, this book would be a wonderful introduction to the holiday celebrations in other cultures.  This story is unique as it presents Christmas from an outsider’s perspective. Tree of Cranes would be a wonderful addition to any collection.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist: “Infused with gentle nostalgia, the quiet, graciously told picture book is a perfect blend of text and art.”

Publisher’s Weekly: “Heedless of Mama's warnings, a Japanese boy cannot resist playing at an ice-cold pond ``filled with carp of bright colors.'' When he comes home, he is immediately treated for a cold, with a hot bath and rice gruel. His mother's attitude chills him more than the weather, though; he cannot understand why she seems to be ignoring him. Hearing a noise in the garden, the boy spies Mama digging up the pine tree that was planted when he was born. She brings it inside and decorates it with paper cranes and candles. It is a Christmas tree, the first for the boy, and the first in many years for his mother, who tells her son she comes from ``a warm place called Ca-li-for-ni-a.'' The story is a poignant one, illuminated with finely drawn illustrations reflecting the serenity of a Japanese home and the quiet love between mother and son. Say (The Bicycle Man, El Chino), who came to this country from Japan when he was a teenager, again exhibits a laudable sensitivity to Eastern and Western cultures--and to both the differences and the similarities between them.”

CONNECTIONS

The following books by Allen Say offer similar themes and illustrations:

Allen Say. Grandfather’s Journey. ISBN 0395570352

Allen Say. Bicycle Man. ISBN 0812474279

When My Name Was Keoko

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Park, Linda Sue. 2002. When My Name was Keoko. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0618133356

PLOT SUMMARY

In When My Name Was Keoko, Park tells the story of Japanese occupation of Korea during WWII.  The story is told from the perspective of young Sun-hee and her older brother, Tae-yul.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

When My Name Was Keoko is told from the alternating perspectives of Sun-hee and Tae-yul.  The story begins with the children having to give up their Korean names and adopting Japanese names in their place, a requirement from the occupying Japanese government.  As the story continues, the children’s family must endure other hardships enforced by the Japanese.  As children, Sun-hee and Tae-yul do not always understand what is happening or the larger implications of the Japanese occupation.

Both of the main characters are likeable children.  Boys may relate better to Tae-yul and girls may relate better to Sun-hee.  By using both characters, Park gives readers of both genders a main character with whom they can identify.  Although the siblings often quarrel, their love for each other is evident, especially when Tae-yul joins the Japanese army.

The theme of pride for one’s heritage is present throughout this book.  The children’s uncle first introduces them to the Korean flag, but must do so subversively as the Japanese have outlawed it.  He teaches the children about the flag and gives the children hope that the flag will fly again one day:

“It is against the law to fly this flag—even to put up a picture of it.  Korea is part of the Japanese Empire now.  But someday this will be our own country once more.  Your own country” (p. 14).

Both children remain optimistic that Uncles’ words are true and that one day they will be living under the Korean flag again.

The Author’s Note at the end of the book adds to the historical authenticity of this story.  In addition to the Author’s Note, Park provides and extensive bibliography.

Cultural markers are thoroughly incorporated into this story.  Specifically, forms of address are explained in a foreword.  The culture is specifically identified as Korean.  The Kanji form of writing is also explained several times throughout the book.  In addition to the Korean focus of the book, the story explores Japanese cultural markers as well, especially noting the difference between the Korean and Japanese cultures.

Most historical fiction novels set during WWII focus on the European experience during the war.  This novel presents a unique, authentic, and engaging perspective.  I highly recommend this novel. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Publisher’s Weekly”  “A brother and sister alternate as narrators in Newbery Medalist Park's (A Single Shard) well-constructed novel, which takes place from 1940-1945 in Japanese-occupied Korea. The Japanese government forbids the Korean language to be spoken and the country's flag to be flown, and even forces Korean families like Tae-yul and Sun-hee's to change their names (Sun-hee becomes Keoko). Through the use of the shifting narrators, Park subtly points up the differences between male and female roles in Korean society; and the father's process of choosing the family's Japanese name speaks volumes about his strength and intelligence. As the war intensifies, each family member asserts his or her individuality, from Sun-hee, who continues to keep a journal after a soldier calls it "a crime against our Divine Emperor," to her uncle, who prints a revolutionary newspaper in hiding, to Tae-yul, who joins the Japanese army to avoid helping the military police capture his uncle only to be chosen as a kamikaze pilot. The son comes to an understanding of his father rather abruptly at the novel's close, and some readers may wonder why Tae-yul was not labeled a chin-il-pa ("lover of Japan" ). But, in the end, telling details provide a clear picture of Sun-hee and Tae-yul and their world. Readers will come away with an appreciation of this period of history and likely a greater interest in learning more about it.”

Kirkus Review:  “This powerful and riveting tale of one close-knit, proud Korean family movingly addresses life-and-death issues of courage and collaboration, injustice, and death-defying determination in the face of totalitarian oppression.”

CONNECTIONS

The following books by Linda Sue Park might appeal to readers who enjoyed When My Name Was Keoko:

Linda Sue Park. A Single Shard. ISBN 0395978270

Linda Sue Park. The Kite Fighters. ISBN 054732863X

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

Alexie, Sherman. 2007. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. Ill. by Ellen Forney. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 9780316013680

PLOT SUMMARY

Fourteen year-old Arnold Spirit (also known as Junior) has always been an outsider in the Spokane Indian reservation where he lives.  This coming of age stories chronicles Arnold’s quest to better himself.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, Alexie provides a good introduction to life on a reservation to readers unfamiliar with the lifestyle.  Similar to other coming of age stories, Arnold does not fit in in his community.  He has always been bullied and only has one true friend, Rowdy.  When Arnold decides to switch schools to better himself, he is ostracized by the reservation’s community.  At his new school, Arnold is the only American Indian.  He is able, however, to carve himself a spot within the school’s social structure. 

Teenagers, especially boys, will be able to relate to the main character, Arnold.  Arnold is a realistic character and Alexie has succeeded in creating a likeable and authentic protagonist.  Because this story is written in the first person, readers will feel like they personally know Arnold.

The setting of this book is split between the reservation and the white school, Reardan.  In his descriptions of the reservation, Alexie provides enough detail that readers will understand the poverty that the residents are experiencing.  The opposite is true with Alexie’s descriptions of Reardan.  The most prevalent theme in this story is the theme of identity, as Arnold is trying to discover who he is as an individual, apart from his tribe.

At 229 pages, this is definitely a chapter book for older readers.  Despite the length, Forney’s illustrations are included every few pages.  The black and white cartoons are supposed to be drawn by Arnold and definitely supplement the story nicely.  The illustrations add information to the story, such as the description of the differences between whites and American Indians on p. 57.  The illustrations also add to the appeal of this book to male readers.  This novel would be a good suggestion for readers who typically read graphic novels.

Cultural information is integral to this story.  Alexie does not include many physical descriptions, but he excels at describing the reservation culture.  Most notably, Alexie informs readers about the widespread alcohol abuse among American Indians.  Throughout the story, Arnold mentions alcoholism like it is not a big deal.  This, combined with the frequency it is mentioned, makes readers understand how widespread and “normal” alcoholism is.  For example, after describing his friend’s parents, Arnold says that “My mother and father are drunks too, but they aren’t mean like that” (p. 16).  Later, Arnold says that “I only know, like, five Indians in our whole tribe who have never drunk alcohol” (p. 158).  Alexie succeeds at describing cultural differences between American Indians and whites, but he also does well in explaining how the two cultures are similar.  Arnold’s parents, like parents of other ethnicities, want better for their children than they had themselves:

“But it isn’t weird that my parents so quickly agreed with my plans.  They want a better life for my sister and me.  My sister is running away to get lost, but I am running away because I want to find something.  And my parents love me so much that they want to help me.  Yeah, Dad is a drunk and Mom is an ex-drunk, but they don’t want their kids to be drunks.”

Throughout this story, Alexie uses humor address some tough issues.  This is an entertaining read and effectively teaches readers about cultural intricacies.  Some of the topics may be mature for very young readers, but readers in grades 8 and up will be a perfect fit for this story.    

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist: “Younger teens looking for the strength to lift themselves out of rough situations would do well to start here.”

School Library Journal: “The teen's determination to both improve himself and overcome poverty, despite the handicaps of birth, circumstances, and race, delivers a positive message in a low-key manner. Alexie's tale of self-discovery is a first purchase for all libraries.”

CONNECTIONS

In the following books, Alexie presents similar themes:

Sherman Alexie. War Dances. ISBN 9780802144898

Sherman Alexie. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. ISBN 9780802141675 

Sherman Alexie. Face. ISBN 9781931236706

 

 

Morning Girl

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dorris, Michael. 1992. Morning Girl. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 07681358X

PLOT SUMMARY

In Morning Girl, Dorris tells the story of a young Taino girl, Morning Girl, and her younger brother, Star Boy, who live on a Bahamian island in 1492.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The plot of this story is interesting because it explores a well-known story (the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World) from a unique perspective.  Morning Girl and her brother, Star Boy, are living normal day-to-day lives.  Readers familiar with the history of conquest in the Americas will read anxiously read this story, waiting for the inevitable disruption in these children’s lives.  The arrival of Europeans is only a brief moment of the story, but it is powerful to realize the magnitude of the impact their arrival will have on the community.

Each chapter in this story alternates between the perspectives of Morning Girl and Star Boy.  This allows readers to understand the motivation behind each of their actions in addition to allowing readers to form a deeper relationship with both characters.  Most readers will be able to relate to the characters.  Even though the story takes place more than 500 years ago, readers will be able to relate to the tension between siblings that takes place in Morning Girl.

Morning Girl takes place on an island in the Bahamas.  The vivid descriptions allow readers to easily visualize the setting.  The importance of family is a theme often explored throughout the story.  Morning Girl’s mother loses a baby and Star Boy goes missing during a hurricane.  During these events, Dorris relates the importance of the family members to each other.

Cultural markers are thoroughly integrated throughout this story.  Dorris excels at using metaphors from nature to add to his descriptions.  For example, Morning Girl describes the color of her skin: “tan as the inside of a yam after the air has dried it” (p. 31).  Later in the story, Star Boy has a conversation with dead ancestors.  Although a brief scene, it is a good example for readers of how the native belief system may differ from their own.  Dorris also does a good job of explaining daily life activities.  After the hurricane he describes how the families would build their houses and leisure activities that community members would take part in (p. 46-47).

This is a short story at only 74 pages.  There is a brief epilogue at the end of the story that includes an excerpt from the diary of Christopher Columbus.  Although the story is short, readers will quickly bond with the characters.  The abrupt ending will leave readers contemplating what happened next.

 REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide: “A book not to be missed.”

Kirkus Review: “Saddening, compelling--a novel to be cherished for its compassion and humanity.”

School Library Journal: “Dorris has written a reverberating story of coming-of-age, both for the two characters and for the world.”

CONNECTIONS

The following stories also tell about white conquest from a young American Indian perspective:

Scott O’Dell. Sing Down the Moon. ISBN 9780547406329

Jane Yolen. Encounter. ISBN 9780152013899

The Arrow Over the Door

BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

Bruchac, Joseph. 2002. The Arrow Over the Door. Ill. by James Watling. New York: Puffin Books. ISBN 0141305711

 

PLOT SUMMARY

 

In 1777, the American colonies are facing conflict in all directions and colonists fear attacks by both the British army and the Indians in the area. The Arrow over the Door tells the story of two young boys who have a meaningful meeting in a Quaker Meetinghouse.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

 

Based on a true story, The Arrow Over the Door tells the story of a gathering between Quakers and an Abenaki Indian scouting party in 1777.  There are two main characters in this story.  Samuel Russell is a thirteen year-old boy living near Saratoga, New York.  Stands Straight is a young Abenaki boy.  The story is told from both of their perspectives, alternating between chapters.  Readers, especially young boys, will be able to relate to both characters.

 

Although the setting of this story is the American colonies, the setting is a minor detail to this story.  The historical context in which this story is placed is much more important.  Readers will benefit if they have a working knowledge of the American Revolution, but it is unnecessary.

 

In addition to telling about American Indian culture, this book also expands on Quaker culture, which is often underrepresented.  It is likely that children will be unfamiliar with Quaker history and this book would be helpful in introducing them to the topic.  Most notably, Bruchac includes accurate dialogue between Quaker characters.  The Quakers use a lot of thees and thous, for example.

 

Despite the Quaker cultural references, this book thoroughly explores American Indian cultural markers.  It is an accurate and respectful piece of fiction.  Near the beginning of the story, Bruchac describes Stands Straight:

 

“Though his trousers and his shirt were the kind that could be seen from Montréal to the Gaspé Peninsula, his long black hair, the brown color of his skin, and the Algonquin features of his handsome face revealed the fact that he was an Indian.  So did the moccasins and the leather pouch decorated with the beaded shape of a rabbit, which hung at his waist” (p. 11).

 

Stands Straight speaks both French and Abenaki, a result of being an altar boy.  This illustrates the French influence on the native population and his historically accuarate. 

 

The simple black and white illustrations by James Watling add to the story.  The illustrations show characters from both cultures in traditional clothing.

 

The Author’s Note at the end of the book adds to the historical accuracy of the story.  In the Author’s Note, Bruchac explains what historians think really happened during this event and he explains his personal connection to the story.

 

Overall, this was an interesting story.  At only 89 pages, it may appeal to reluctant readers, especially boys.

 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

 

School Library Journal: “With a surprising amount of drama and even suspense, this tale of pacifism triumphant makes a good choice for historical fiction collections.”

 

Booklist: “A truly excellent example of historical fiction for the middle-grade/junior-high audience.”

 

CONNECTIONS

 

Readers who enjoyed The Arrow Over the Door might also enjoy the following books by Joseph Bruchac:

 

Joseph Bruchac. Children of the Longhouse. ISBN 0140385045

 

Joseph Bruchac. March Toward the Thunder. ISBN 0142414468