Book picks similar to
A Shelter in Our Car by Monica Gunning
picture-books
homelessness
poverty
realistic-fiction
Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan
Ashley Bryan - 2016
Less than an ox. Less than a dress. Maybe about the same as…a lantern. This gentle yet deeply powerful way goes to the heart of how a slave is given a monetary value by the slave owner, tempering this with the one thing that can’t be bought or sold: dreams. Inspired by the actual will of a plantation owner that lists the worth of each and every one of his “workers,” the author has created collages around that document, and others like it. Through fierce paintings and expansive poetry, he imagines and interprets each person’s life on the plantation, as well as the life their owner knew nothing about—their dreams and pride in knowing that they were worth far more than an overseer or madam ever would guess. Visually epic, and never before done, this stunning picture book is unlike anything you’ve seen.
Lailah's Lunchbox: A Ramadan Story
Reem Faruqi - 2015
Carman.
Orange Peel's Pocket
Rose A. Lewis - 2010
Everyone starts to ask Orange Peel questions about the country because they know that s where she was born. But she doesn t have all the answers. So Orange Peel joins her mother on her neighborhood errands to find out. Many of the shops they visit are owned by people who also were born in China. Each has a story to tell Orange Peel. She visits Mr. Fan the tailor, who speaks about silk; Ma Sang, who owns an antiques store and also writes poetry; Mrs. Liu at the flower shop; Mr. Yu, whose restaurantmakes best there ever was noodle soup; and Jasmine at the ice cream shop. Orange Peel can t wait to tell the kids at school about China s influence on all of these things, but first she discovers a number of gifts that have been slipped into her pocket by the store owners: silk, a poem, a peony, a noodle soup recipe, and a lucky red knot. Orange Peel is overjoyed, as the treasures she s found link her to the place where she was born. Rose Lewis s text is a wonderful look into China s influence on history and the modern world. Exciting new illustrator Grace Zong brings the story to life through her modern and thoughtful art. F&P Level: MF&PGenre: RF Praise for the work of Rose Lewis Bank Street College Best Children s BooksChild Magazine Best BooksOppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum AwardsBookSense Book of the Year finalist Offers abundant reassurances of love to adopted children . . . Publishers Weekly Sweetly sentimental . . . taps into a well of genuine emotion. Publishers Weekly"
Hear My Voice/Escucha mi voz: The Testimonies of Children Detained at the Southern Border of the United States
Warren Binford - 2021
The children's actual words (from publicly available court documents) are assembled to tell one heartbreaking story, in both English and Spanish (back to back). Each spread is illustrated in striking full-color by a different Latinx artist. A portion of sales will be donated to human rights organizations that work with children on the border.
I Love Saturdays y Domingos
Alma Flor Ada - 1999
On Saturdays, she visits Grandma and Grandpa, who come from a European-American background, and on Sundays -- los domingos -- she visits Abuelito y Abuelita, who are Mexican-American. While the two sets of grandparents are different in many ways, they also have a great deal in common -- in particular, their love for their granddaughter. While we follow our narrator to the circus and the pier, share stories from her grandparents' pasts, and celebrate her birthday, the depth and joy of both cultures are conveyed in Spanish and English. This affirmation of both heritages will speak to all children who want to know more about their own families and ethnic backgrounds.
Tar Beach
Faith Ringgold - 1991
Part autobiographical, part fictional, this allegorical tale sparkles with symbolic and historical references central to African-American culture. The spectacular artwork resonates with color and texture. Children will delight in the universal dream of mastering one's world by flying over it.
A Normal Pig
K-Fai Steele - 2019
Suddenly she doesn’t like any of the same things she used to . . . the things that made her Pip.
Woolbur
Leslie Helakoski - 2008
Woolbur is not like other sheep. He hangs out with wild dogs and even dyes his wool blue."Don't worry!" says Grandpaa when Maa and Paa fret that Woolbur is different. But when they tell their son to follow the flock, the opposite happens—the flock follows him! Soon everyone is copying his wild hairstyles and taking turns on the spinning wheel. Leave it to Woolbur to find a new way to step ahead of the herd.Spunky, funky, and refreshingly distinct, Woolbur will strike a chord with anyone who's ever felt different. And that's all of us!AwardsBook Sense Hot PickGreat Lakes Book Award finalistGift of Literacy Oregon Book ChoiceMichigan Reads! One State, One Picture Book AwardBe sure to join Woolbur’s next adventure in Ready or Not, Woolbur Goes to School!
Your Mama
NoNieqa Ramos - 2021
Perfect for Mother’s Day.Yo’ mama so sweet, she could be a bakery. She dresses so fine, that she could have her clothing line. And, even when you mess up, she’s so forgiving that she lets you keep on living. Heartwarming and richly imagined, YOUR MAMA twists an old joke into a point of pride that honors the love, hard work, and dedication of mamas everywhere.
Ben's Trumpet
Rachel Isadora - 1979
Using the art-deco style of the period, Rachel Isadora not only captures the poignancy and yearning of a youthful talent, but in page after page of striking art seems to convey the very sound of music.
And Tango Makes Three
Justin Richardson - 2005
But Tango's family is not like any of the others. This illustrated children's book fictionalizes the true story of two male penguins who became partners and raised a penguin chick in the Central Park Zoo.
Lola at the Library
Anna McQuinn - 2006
Why? Because it's Tuesday--and on Tuesdays, Lola and her mommy go to the library. Join Lola in this cozy celebration of books and the people who love them.
The Bell Rang
James E. Ransome - 2019
Daddy gathers wood. Mama cooks. Ben and the other slaves go out to work. Each day is the same. Full of grueling work and sweltering heat. Every day, except one, when the bell rings and Ben is nowhere to be found. Because Ben ran. Yet, despite their fear and sadness, his family remains hopeful that maybe, just maybe, he made it North. That he is free.
Most People
Michael Leannah - 2017
Jennifer Morris’s emotive, diverting characters provide the perfect complement to Leannah’s words, leading us through the crowded streets of an urban day in the company of two pairs of siblings (one of color). We see what they see: the hulking dude with tattoos and chains assisting an elderly lady onto the bus; the Goth teenager with piercings and purple Mohawk returning a lost wallet to its owner; and the myriad interactions of daily existence, most of them well intended.
Most People
is a courageous, constructive response to the dystopian world of the news media.Fountas Pinnell Level M
In My Mosque
M.O. Yuksel - 2021
O. Yuksel, with gorgeous artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator Hatem Aly. A great conversation starter in the home or classroom, this book is perfect for fans of All Are Welcome and The Proudest Blue.No matter who you are or where you’re from, everyone is welcome here. From grandmothers reading lines of the Qur’an and the imam telling stories of living as one, to meeting new friends and learning to help others, mosques are centers for friendship, community, and love.M. O. Yuksel’s beautiful text celebrates the joys and traditions found in every mosque around the world and is brought to life with stunning artwork by New York Times bestselling illustrator Hatem Aly (Yasmin series, The Proudest Blue, The Inquisitor’s Tale). The book also includes backmatter with an author’s note, a glossary, and more information about many historical and significant mosques around the world.