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On My Desk | More Great Diverse Books for Kids (the 2020 Version!)

Back by popular demand! (kinda).

Actually, I’m not sure there’s demand at all…I just like sharing all the amazing diversity books that cross my (Becky) desk during the months leading up to Multicultural Children’s Book Day.

So, as we prepare for MCBD2020 (1/31/20), I am once again having many *mind, blown* moments as a steady stream of gorgeous multicultural books for kids and YA enter my workday.

SO..what in the world is “On My Desk” anyway?

This series got started because, with my role as Project Manager, I get to enjoy the avalanche of amazing multicultural books for kids that are donated to our project.  A good chunk of the year my office looks like a small bookstore and I love every second of it.

Being appreciative of every book that crosses my desk, I wanted to find a fun way to share those books with the loyal folks who show up here to read every week and support this non-profit. At that moment, On My Desk | #ReadYourWorld Kidlit Books was born! It’s my way of sharing some amazing titles that don’t always get the attention they deserve.

Here’s what the Mailman Book Fairy brought me this week:

EARTHWAVES By Michael Smith; Illustrated by Gayle Garner Roski

Akela is excited to embark on his first sailing canoe voyage with his wise Grandfather so they can trade with faraway neighboring islands. But their long journey across the open Pacific Ocean is risky, facing storms and sharks and fearing hunger or getting lost. Grandfather teaches young Akela how to pilot a trackless sea by using ancient methods of navigation based on observing natural signs—the stars, the sun, the ocean swells, and the birds.

Set in the 1500s, Earthwaves reveals the fascinating and little-known culture of the Pacific Islander seafarers, whose wayfinding techniques began thousands of years ago. It takes more than bravery to stay alive without compasses and charts. It takes knowledge and wisdom passed down from generation to generation.

¡TODOS A CELEBRAR! A Hispanic Customs & Traditions Alphabet Book

The second in Del Alma Press’ popular alphabet series, this bilingual children’s alphabet book showcases some of the most widely known Hispanic customs and traditions popular in both the US and Latin America. It helps children of all nationalities learn more about these customs and traditions that are so deeply rooted in the Hispanic way of life.

This book may be used as a read-aloud and shared reading, or for paired or independent reading in the upper elementary grades. Its purpose is twofold: to build background about Hispanic customs and traditions and to provide further discussion or extension of learning. Click here for more details.

The Yeti and the Jolly Lama: A Tale of Friendship

Gather around, children, and hear a tale from far-off Tibet, the fabled Land of Snows. Surely you have heard of it, the mountain home of the legendary Abominable Snowman.

How can we soothe the savage beasts of fear, aggression, and intolerance? “We do it together,” teaches American Buddhist teacher Lama Surya Das, in an authentic teaching tale from the high Himalayas. When the legendary yeti terrorizes a small Tibetan village, the local lama―a cave-dwelling, meditating hermit―shows us how generosity, patience, and a sense of belonging can turn an Abominable Snowman into an adorable one. With themes of resilience, interconnection, acceptance, and a subtle introduction to lovingkindness meditation, this story of spiritual friendship will awaken the hearts of children young and old.

Book of Ju’Anne Over the High Sea by Joan Ruffins

Ju’Anne’s dream has come to pass. She finally embraces her mother, but two days later has to kiss her goodbye as she boards the airplane for her new country. Trading one parent for the other is not an easy task. Book two is filled with adventures, excitement, and an appreciation for the simple things in life. Ju’Anne moves from a remote village in the countryside of Jamaica to one of the largest metropolitan cities in North America. Toronto, Canada opens her eyes, mind, and way of thinking. Celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and witnessing snow for the first time reminds Ju’Anne that anything is possible. She’s a dreamer and will continue to dream until all of her dreams come through. Come along as Ju’Anne continues on her journey from nothingness to nothing less.

What great diverse books have YOU discovered this week?

BOOK REVIEWERS, WE.Need. YOU.