Honoring Traditions

Bintou's Braids

Written by Sylviane A. Diouf

Illustrated by Shane W. Evans

A girl named Bintou wants braids like the older girls and women in her West African village, but she is not old enough to have earned them yet. When she saves the lives of her cousins and is offered a reward, it seems like her time has come. But then Grandma has another idea, and Bintou discovers that beauty can take many different forms.

Deep in the Sahara

Written by Kelly Cunnane

Illustrated by Hoda Hadadi

An Arab girl in West Africa wants to wear a malafa like her mother and older sister, but first she must learn that the beautiful cloth covering represents more than beauty. Oce the girl understands that the malafa represents mystery, traditions, belonging, and faith to the women who wear it, she earns the right to wear one to pray with her mother.

Crane Boy

Written by Diana Cohn

Illustrated by Youme

A boy named Kinga learns that Bhutan's black-necked cranes are endangered. He wants to help by making a new festival. He and his classmates create and perform a dance to honor the cranes and to encourage people to protect them.

Nadia's Hands

Written by Karen English

Illustrated by Jonathan Weiner

When Nadia is chosen to take part in her aunt's traditional Pakistani wedding, she worries about making a mistake. She is also anxious about having her hands painted with henna for the ceremony because she's afraid her classmates will tease her. After the wedding, though, she feels proud and connected to her heritage.

Crouching Tiger

Written by Ying Chang Compestine

Illustrated by Yan Nascimbene

When Vinson's grandfather comes to visit from China, Vinson, also known as Ming Da, is embarrassed by his Chinese ways. But something happens that changes the way Vinson sees Grandpa and makes him reconsider his Chinese heritage.