Level 3 Language & Literature Summer Reading Assignments
2019-2020 School Year
2019-2020 School Year
Level 3 Summer Reading Assignments
Level 3 Summer Reading Assignments
In addition to The Teen Guide to Global Action: How to Connect with Others (Near & Far) to Create Social Change by Barbara A. Lewis, please read ONE of the selections below and complete the following assignments for each book. Please read the reviews and descriptions of the books with your parents to ensure it is a good selection for you. If you already read a book on this list, do your brain cells a favor by reading a different book on the list. The Teen Guide to Global Action: How to Connect with Others (Near & Far) to Create Social Change by Barbara A. Lewis
In addition to The Teen Guide to Global Action: How to Connect with Others (Near & Far) to Create Social Change by Barbara A. Lewis, please read ONE of the selections below and complete the following assignments for each book. Please read the reviews and descriptions of the books with your parents to ensure it is a good selection for you. If you already read a book on this list, do your brain cells a favor by reading a different book on the list. The Teen Guide to Global Action: How to Connect with Others (Near & Far) to Create Social Change by Barbara A. Lewis
Before you email me with questions, make sure you have read through all assignments and instructions thoroughly! If your question still isn’t answered by reading the assignments and instructions, please email Dare York at dare_york@iss.k12.nc.us.
Before you email me with questions, make sure you have read through all assignments and instructions thoroughly! If your question still isn’t answered by reading the assignments and instructions, please email Dare York at dare_york@iss.k12.nc.us.
If you complete assignments electronically, use Google Docs and share those with the email address listed above!
If you complete assignments electronically, use Google Docs and share those with the email address listed above!
Academic Honesty
Academic Honesty
The summer reading assignments that you complete MUST BE YOUR OWN WORK and IN YOUR OWN WORDS! I will be checking for plagiarism! The use of summary sites is prohibited! Please view the Academic Honesty Policy and read over the MLA citation documents in the Google Folder.
The summer reading assignments that you complete MUST BE YOUR OWN WORK and IN YOUR OWN WORDS! I will be checking for plagiarism! The use of summary sites is prohibited! Please view the Academic Honesty Policy and read over the MLA citation documents in the Google Folder.
Assignment for The Teen Guide to Global Action
Assignment for The Teen Guide to Global Action
1. Read The Teen Guide to Global Action: How to Connect with Others (Near & Far) to Create Social Change by Barbara A. Lewis and complete the activity on pages 8 & 9 of the book. Make sure that you are on pages 8 & 9 of the book and not Google Drive.
1. Read The Teen Guide to Global Action: How to Connect with Others (Near & Far) to Create Social Change by Barbara A. Lewis and complete the activity on pages 8 & 9 of the book. Make sure that you are on pages 8 & 9 of the book and not Google Drive.
Assignment for the Fiction Book of Your Choice
Assignment for the Fiction Book of Your Choice
2.Pick a fictional book from the list below. Read your book and highlight KEY QUOTES regarding: a) character development, b) conflict , and c) theme. Highlighting these key quotes will help you create your dialectical notes (step 3).
2.Pick a fictional book from the list below. Read your book and highlight KEY QUOTES regarding: a) character development, b) conflict , and c) theme. Highlighting these key quotes will help you create your dialectical notes (step 3).
3.Create dialectical notes using the attached handout for the book. (You must be signed into your school account to access these notes.) Be sure to choose excellent quotes or segments form the text. Have a discussion with the book’s ideas. You may print this out or create your own chart on notebook. Please note that there are 10 boxes, so you should have 10 significant quotes and 10 explanations. I prefer you to do these using Google Doc and turn those in electronically. (WILL BE GRADED! Due the first week of school)
3.Create dialectical notes using the attached handout for the book. (You must be signed into your school account to access these notes.) Be sure to choose excellent quotes or segments form the text. Have a discussion with the book’s ideas. You may print this out or create your own chart on notebook. Please note that there are 10 boxes, so you should have 10 significant quotes and 10 explanations. I prefer you to do these using Google Doc and turn those in electronically. (WILL BE GRADED! Due the first week of school)
4.Find 4 non-fiction articles from a magazine, website, or newspaper that pertain to your novel and can connect to one of the Global Contexts. Read the articles, write a one paragraph summary for each article (total of 4 one-paragraph summaries) explaining how the article relates to your novel and the Global Context, and staple the summary & article together. The summaries that you write should briefly explain what the articles are about and explain how all three (Global Context, novel, & article) relate to each other. (WILL BE GRADED! Due the first week of school)
4.Find 4 non-fiction articles from a magazine, website, or newspaper that pertain to your novel and can connect to one of the Global Contexts. Read the articles, write a one paragraph summary for each article (total of 4 one-paragraph summaries) explaining how the article relates to your novel and the Global Context, and staple the summary & article together. The summaries that you write should briefly explain what the articles are about and explain how all three (Global Context, novel, & article) relate to each other. (WILL BE GRADED! Due the first week of school)
If you use an online resource, provide a URL link to the article.
If you use an online resource, provide a URL link to the article.
5. Sign up for Remind text messages.
5. Sign up for Remind text messages.
Summer Reading Book List (FICTION)
Summer Reading Book List (FICTION)
Keeper by Mal Peet Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Keeper by Mal Peet Reading level: Ages 10 and up
When Paul Faustino of LA NACION flips on his tape recorder for an exclusive interview with El Gato — the phenomenal goalkeeper who single-handedly brought his team the World Cup — the seasoned reporter quickly learns that this will be no ordinary story. Instead, the legendary El Gato narrates a spellbinding tale that begins in the South American rainforest, where a ghostly but very real mentor, the Keeper, emerges to teach a poor, gawky boy the most thrilling secrets of the game. A seamless blend of magic realism and exhilarating soccer action, this evocative novel will haunt readers long after the story ends.
When Paul Faustino of LA NACION flips on his tape recorder for an exclusive interview with El Gato — the phenomenal goalkeeper who single-handedly brought his team the World Cup — the seasoned reporter quickly learns that this will be no ordinary story. Instead, the legendary El Gato narrates a spellbinding tale that begins in the South American rainforest, where a ghostly but very real mentor, the Keeper, emerges to teach a poor, gawky boy the most thrilling secrets of the game. A seamless blend of magic realism and exhilarating soccer action, this evocative novel will haunt readers long after the story ends.
Red Glass by Laura Resau Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Red Glass by Laura Resau Reading level: Ages 10 and up
One night Sophie and her parents are called to a hospital where Pedro, a six-year-old Mexican boy, is recovering from dehydration. Crossing the border into Arizona with a group of Mexicans and a coyote, or guide, Pedro and his parents faced such harsh conditions that the boy is the only survivor. Pedro comes to live with Sophie, her parents, and Sophie's Aunt Dika, a refugee of the war in Bosnia. Sophie
One night Sophie and her parents are called to a hospital where Pedro, a six-year-old Mexican boy, is recovering from dehydration. Crossing the border into Arizona with a group of Mexicans and a coyote, or guide, Pedro and his parents faced such harsh conditions that the boy is the only survivor. Pedro comes to live with Sophie, her parents, and Sophie's Aunt Dika, a refugee of the war in Bosnia. Sophie
loves Pedro—her Principito, or Little Prince. But after a year, Pedro’s surviving family in Mexico makes contact, and Sophie, Dika, Dika’s new boyfriend, and his son must travel with Pedro to his hometown so that he can make a heart wrenching decision.
loves Pedro—her Principito, or Little Prince. But after a year, Pedro’s surviving family in Mexico makes contact, and Sophie, Dika, Dika’s new boyfriend, and his son must travel with Pedro to his hometown so that he can make a heart wrenching decision.
Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Kek, a young Sudanese refugee, is haunted by guilt that he survived. He saw his father and brother killed, and he left his mother behind when he joined his aunt's family in Minnesota. In fast, spare free verse, this debut novel by nonfiction writer Applegate gets across the immigrant child's dislocation and loss as he steps off the plane in the snow. He does make silly mistakes, as when he puts his aunt's dishes in the washing machine. But he gets a job caring for an elderly widow's cow that reminds him of his father's herds, and he helps his cousin, who lost a hand in the fighting. He finds kindness in his fifth-grade ESL class, and also racism, and he is astonished at the diversity. The boy's first-person narrative is immediately accessible.
Kek, a young Sudanese refugee, is haunted by guilt that he survived. He saw his father and brother killed, and he left his mother behind when he joined his aunt's family in Minnesota. In fast, spare free verse, this debut novel by nonfiction writer Applegate gets across the immigrant child's dislocation and loss as he steps off the plane in the snow. He does make silly mistakes, as when he puts his aunt's dishes in the washing machine. But he gets a job caring for an elderly widow's cow that reminds him of his father's herds, and he helps his cousin, who lost a hand in the fighting. He finds kindness in his fifth-grade ESL class, and also racism, and he is astonished at the diversity. The boy's first-person narrative is immediately accessible.
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Before We Were Free by Julia Alvarez Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Anita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her 12th birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the government’s secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition of el Trujillo’s dictatorship. Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, leaving all that she once knew behind.
Anita de la Torre never questioned her freedom living in the Dominican Republic. But by her 12th birthday in 1960, most of her relatives have emigrated to the United States, her Tío Toni has disappeared without a trace, and the government’s secret police terrorize her remaining family because of their suspected opposition of el Trujillo’s dictatorship. Using the strength and courage of her family, Anita must overcome her fears and fly to freedom, leaving all that she once knew behind.
Samurai Shortstop by Alan Gratz Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Samurai Shortstop by Alan Gratz Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Tokyo, 1890. Toyo is caught up in the competitive world of boarding school, and must prove himself to make the team in a new sport called besuboru. But he grieves for his uncle, a samurai who sacrificed himself for his beliefs, at a time when most of Japan is eager to shed ancient traditions. It’s only when his father decides to teach him the way of the samurai that Toyo grows to better understand his uncle and father. And to his surprise, the warrior training guides him to excel at baseball, a sport his father despises as yet another modern Western menace. Toyo searches desperately for a way to prove there is a place for his family’s samurai values in modern Japan. Baseball might just be the answer, but will his father ever accept a “Western” game that stands for everything he despises?
Tokyo, 1890. Toyo is caught up in the competitive world of boarding school, and must prove himself to make the team in a new sport called besuboru. But he grieves for his uncle, a samurai who sacrificed himself for his beliefs, at a time when most of Japan is eager to shed ancient traditions. It’s only when his father decides to teach him the way of the samurai that Toyo grows to better understand his uncle and father. And to his surprise, the warrior training guides him to excel at baseball, a sport his father despises as yet another modern Western menace. Toyo searches desperately for a way to prove there is a place for his family’s samurai values in modern Japan. Baseball might just be the answer, but will his father ever accept a “Western” game that stands for everything he despises?
Bamboo People By Mitali Perkins Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Bamboo People By Mitali Perkins Reading level: Ages 12 and up
When 15-year-old Chiko is pressed into military service by the Burmese government, he finds himself involved in an ongoing war with the Karenni people, one of the many ethnic minorities in modern Burma. A scholar, not a soldier, Chiko soon gets wounded and finds himself at the mercy of Tu Reh, an angry Karenni boy only slightly older than he is. Will these two teens, who should be natural enemies, find a way to friendship? Perkins' latest novel—told in the individual voices of the two boys—explores that possibility while introducing a considerable amount of factual and contextual information about present-day Burma.
When 15-year-old Chiko is pressed into military service by the Burmese government, he finds himself involved in an ongoing war with the Karenni people, one of the many ethnic minorities in modern Burma. A scholar, not a soldier, Chiko soon gets wounded and finds himself at the mercy of Tu Reh, an angry Karenni boy only slightly older than he is. Will these two teens, who should be natural enemies, find a way to friendship? Perkins' latest novel—told in the individual voices of the two boys—explores that possibility while introducing a considerable amount of factual and contextual information about present-day Burma.
Island’s End by Padma Venkatraman Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Island’s End by Padma Venkatraman Reading level: Ages 10 and up
From the acclaimed author of Climbing the Stairs comes a fascinating story set on a remote island untouched by time. Uido is ecstatic about becoming her tribe's spiritual leader, but her new position brings her older brother's jealousy and her best friend's mistrust. And looming above these troubles are the recent visits of strangers from the mainland who have little regard for nature or the spirits, and tempt the tribe members with gifts, making them curious about modern life. When Uido's little brother falls deathly ill, she must cross the ocean and seek their help. Having now seen so many new things, will Uido have the strength to believe in herself and the old ways?
From the acclaimed author of Climbing the Stairs comes a fascinating story set on a remote island untouched by time. Uido is ecstatic about becoming her tribe's spiritual leader, but her new position brings her older brother's jealousy and her best friend's mistrust. And looming above these troubles are the recent visits of strangers from the mainland who have little regard for nature or the spirits, and tempt the tribe members with gifts, making them curious about modern life. When Uido's little brother falls deathly ill, she must cross the ocean and seek their help. Having now seen so many new things, will Uido have the strength to believe in herself and the old ways?
A Time of Miracles by Anne-Laure Bondoux Reading level: Ages 12 and up
A Time of Miracles by Anne-Laure Bondoux Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Blaise Fortune has gone by the name Koumaïl for most of his life with Gloria in the war-torn Republic of Georgia. Although he loves her like a mother, he enjoys hearing the story of how she rescued him from a train that had derailed and his French mother, a passenger, died, and he dreams of the day he will find his real family. When the Soviet Union collapses, Gloria and Koumaïl begin a long, perilous journey to France where she believes he can live the life he deserves, without the stress and strife of war. Readers follow them through refugee camps, alternating between times of more peaceful hardship and periods of danger and flight.
Blaise Fortune has gone by the name Koumaïl for most of his life with Gloria in the war-torn Republic of Georgia. Although he loves her like a mother, he enjoys hearing the story of how she rescued him from a train that had derailed and his French mother, a passenger, died, and he dreams of the day he will find his real family. When the Soviet Union collapses, Gloria and Koumaïl begin a long, perilous journey to France where she believes he can live the life he deserves, without the stress and strife of war. Readers follow them through refugee camps, alternating between times of more peaceful hardship and periods of danger and flight.
Dante’s Daughter by Kimberly Houston Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Dante’s Daughter by Kimberly Houston Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Throughout his life, the famed 14th-century poet Dante was politically active, often choosing the wrong side in internecine battles of the ruling families, forcing him constantly to abandon his family and even his country while seeking refuge. Finally his poetry won him peace and patronage in Ravenna. His one daughter, Beatrice, attended him during the last few years of his life and eventually became a Dominican nun. Kimberley Heuston, a historian by training and winner of The Washington Post's 2002 Top 10 Kids Books Award, has meticulously researched Dante's life and times in order to create this fictional account of the great poet's daughter in the decades preceding the Italian Renaissance. In lush detail, she traces the life of an intelligent and talented young woman in a time when a woman's role required neither intelligence nor talent. In spite of that, Beatrice traveled extensively, learned an art, and devoted her full life to her work and her god. Dante's Daughter brings a human scale to famous figures of history, and breathes life into the events of those turbulent times.
Throughout his life, the famed 14th-century poet Dante was politically active, often choosing the wrong side in internecine battles of the ruling families, forcing him constantly to abandon his family and even his country while seeking refuge. Finally his poetry won him peace and patronage in Ravenna. His one daughter, Beatrice, attended him during the last few years of his life and eventually became a Dominican nun. Kimberley Heuston, a historian by training and winner of The Washington Post's 2002 Top 10 Kids Books Award, has meticulously researched Dante's life and times in order to create this fictional account of the great poet's daughter in the decades preceding the Italian Renaissance. In lush detail, she traces the life of an intelligent and talented young woman in a time when a woman's role required neither intelligence nor talent. In spite of that, Beatrice traveled extensively, learned an art, and devoted her full life to her work and her god. Dante's Daughter brings a human scale to famous figures of history, and breathes life into the events of those turbulent times.
An Innocent Soldier by Josef Holub Reading level: Ages 12 and up
An Innocent Soldier by Josef Holub Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Sixteen-year-old Adam Feuchter is an innocent farmhand deceived into service in Napoleon's Grande Armee. Holub's riveting narrative chronicles Adam's experiences as a soldier and the close friendship he forms with one of the officer--who turns out to be a boy not much older than he is. Their friendship transcends class distinctions that would normally separate them as they embark on the harrowing march across Europe toward Moscow, and the disastrous retreat. Holub's narrative is a compelling and honest look at the tragedy of war, and an unlikely, deep-rooted friendship that forms between two soldiers.
Sixteen-year-old Adam Feuchter is an innocent farmhand deceived into service in Napoleon's Grande Armee. Holub's riveting narrative chronicles Adam's experiences as a soldier and the close friendship he forms with one of the officer--who turns out to be a boy not much older than he is. Their friendship transcends class distinctions that would normally separate them as they embark on the harrowing march across Europe toward Moscow, and the disastrous retreat. Holub's narrative is a compelling and honest look at the tragedy of war, and an unlikely, deep-rooted friendship that forms between two soldiers.
The Acorn Eaters by Els Pelgrom Reading level: Ages 12 and up
The Acorn Eaters by Els Pelgrom Reading level: Ages 12 and up
The story begins in the 1930s, after the Spanish Civil War has ended. For the peasants living in the mountainous region of Spain known as Andalusia, the war is not over. The rich still control everything, including the Church. Partisans of various political ilks can intimidate or kill anyone, even a working child. Curro is greatly loved midst his parents' ever-growing family. Curro has a quick wit and ingenuity, as witnessed by his actions after he discovers a honeycomb in the monastery and a short-lived business of selling dishes. The Acorn Eaters evokes a strong sense of community within a wonderfully developed plot that includes growing tensions, a touch of romance, strong characters, and a variety of views regarding material culture.
The story begins in the 1930s, after the Spanish Civil War has ended. For the peasants living in the mountainous region of Spain known as Andalusia, the war is not over. The rich still control everything, including the Church. Partisans of various political ilks can intimidate or kill anyone, even a working child. Curro is greatly loved midst his parents' ever-growing family. Curro has a quick wit and ingenuity, as witnessed by his actions after he discovers a honeycomb in the monastery and a short-lived business of selling dishes. The Acorn Eaters evokes a strong sense of community within a wonderfully developed plot that includes growing tensions, a touch of romance, strong characters, and a variety of views regarding material culture.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life--until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives. Lina finds solace in her art, documenting these events by drawing. Risking everything, she imbeds clues in her drawings of their location and secretly passes them along, hoping her drawings will make their way to her father's prison camp. But will strength, love, and hope be enough for Lina and her family to survive? This powerful tale of heartbreak and hope is sure to haunt readers long after they finish the last page.
Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life--until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives. Lina finds solace in her art, documenting these events by drawing. Risking everything, she imbeds clues in her drawings of their location and secretly passes them along, hoping her drawings will make their way to her father's prison camp. But will strength, love, and hope be enough for Lina and her family to survive? This powerful tale of heartbreak and hope is sure to haunt readers long after they finish the last page.
The Shepherd’s Granddaughter by Anne Laurel Carter Reading level: Ages 12 and up
The Shepherd’s Granddaughter by Anne Laurel Carter Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Ever since she was a little girl, Amani has wanted to be a shepherd, just like her beloved grandfather, Sido. For generations her family has grazed sheep above the olive groves of the family homestead near Hebron. But now Amani's family home is being threatened by encroaching Jewish settlements. As
Ever since she was a little girl, Amani has wanted to be a shepherd, just like her beloved grandfather, Sido. For generations her family has grazed sheep above the olive groves of the family homestead near Hebron. But now Amani's family home is being threatened by encroaching Jewish settlements. As
Amani struggles to find increasingly rare grazing land for her starving sheep, her uncle and brother are tempted to take a more militant stance against the settlers. Then she meets Jonathan, an American boy visiting his father. Away from the pressures of their families, and despite their differences, the two young people discover a secret meadow where Amani can graze her sheep. A moving novel about one of the most hotly disputed pieces of land on earth.
Amani struggles to find increasingly rare grazing land for her starving sheep, her uncle and brother are tempted to take a more militant stance against the settlers. Then she meets Jonathan, an American boy visiting his father. Away from the pressures of their families, and despite their differences, the two young people discover a secret meadow where Amani can graze her sheep. A moving novel about one of the most hotly disputed pieces of land on earth.
Blue Jasmine by Kashmira Sheth Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Blue Jasmine by Kashmira Sheth Reading level: Ages 10 and up
When 12-year-old Seema, her sister, and parents leave India for Iowa City, she is surprised to receive a farewell gift from Mukta, a poor classmate. In the U.S. Seema makes friends but she struggles not only with American English and customs but also with Carrie, a classmate who mocks her. A serious family illness pulls Seema's family back to India for a short stay and a chance to visit Mukta. Returning home to Iowa City, Seema realizes, "like an airplane attached to two shimmering wings, I was attached to two precious homes." Filled with details that document an immigrant's observations and experiences, Seema's story, which articulates the ache for distant home and family, will resonate with fellow immigrants and enlighten their classmates.
When 12-year-old Seema, her sister, and parents leave India for Iowa City, she is surprised to receive a farewell gift from Mukta, a poor classmate. In the U.S. Seema makes friends but she struggles not only with American English and customs but also with Carrie, a classmate who mocks her. A serious family illness pulls Seema's family back to India for a short stay and a chance to visit Mukta. Returning home to Iowa City, Seema realizes, "like an airplane attached to two shimmering wings, I was attached to two precious homes." Filled with details that document an immigrant's observations and experiences, Seema's story, which articulates the ache for distant home and family, will resonate with fellow immigrants and enlighten their classmates.
The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman Reading level: Ages 12 and up
The Complete Maus: A Survivor's Tale by Art Spiegelman Reading level: Ages 12 and up
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus tells the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler’s Europe, and his son, a cartoonist coming to terms with his father’s story. Maus approaches the unspeakable through the diminutive. Its form, the cartoon (the Nazis are cats, the Jews mice), shocks us out of any lingering sense of familiarity and succeeds in “drawing us closer to the bleak heart of the Holocaust” .
The Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus tells the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler’s Europe, and his son, a cartoonist coming to terms with his father’s story. Maus approaches the unspeakable through the diminutive. Its form, the cartoon (the Nazis are cats, the Jews mice), shocks us out of any lingering sense of familiarity and succeeds in “drawing us closer to the bleak heart of the Holocaust” .
Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea by Guy DeLisle Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea by Guy DeLisle Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Famously referred to as an 'Axis-of-Evil' country, North Korea remains one of the most secretive and mysterious nations in the world today. A series of manmade and natural catastrophes have also left it one of the poorest. When the fortress-like country recently opened the door a crack to foreign investment, cartoonist Guy Delisle found himself in its capital Pyongyang on a work visa for a French film animation company, becoming one of the few Westerners to witness current conditions in the surreal showcase city. Armed with a smuggled radio and a copy of 1984, Delisle could only explore Pyongyang and its countryside while chaperoned by his translator and a guide. His astute and wry musings on life in the austere and grim regime form the basis of this remarkable graphic novel.
Famously referred to as an 'Axis-of-Evil' country, North Korea remains one of the most secretive and mysterious nations in the world today. A series of manmade and natural catastrophes have also left it one of the poorest. When the fortress-like country recently opened the door a crack to foreign investment, cartoonist Guy Delisle found himself in its capital Pyongyang on a work visa for a French film animation company, becoming one of the few Westerners to witness current conditions in the surreal showcase city. Armed with a smuggled radio and a copy of 1984, Delisle could only explore Pyongyang and its countryside while chaperoned by his translator and a guide. His astute and wry musings on life in the austere and grim regime form the basis of this remarkable graphic novel.
The Diary of Ma Yan by Ma Yun and Pierre Haski Reading level: Ages 10 and up
The Diary of Ma Yan by Ma Yun and Pierre Haski Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Ma Yan's heart-wrenching, honest diary chronicles her struggle to escape hardship through her persistent, sometimes desperate, attempts to continue her schooling. Its publication was an international sensation, creating an outpouring of support for this courageous teenager and others like her . . . all due to one ordinary girl's extraordinary diary.
Ma Yan's heart-wrenching, honest diary chronicles her struggle to escape hardship through her persistent, sometimes desperate, attempts to continue her schooling. Its publication was an international sensation, creating an outpouring of support for this courageous teenager and others like her . . . all due to one ordinary girl's extraordinary diary.
Snow Falling in Spring: Coming of Age in China During the Cultural Revolution By Moying Li Reading level: Ages 12 and up
Snow Falling in Spring: Coming of Age in China During the Cultural Revolution By Moying Li Reading level: Ages 12 and up
This inspiring memoir follows Moying Li from age twelve to twenty-two, illuminating a complex, dark time in China’s history as it tells the compelling story of one girl’s difficult but determined coming-of-age during the Cultural Revolution.
This inspiring memoir follows Moying Li from age twelve to twenty-two, illuminating a complex, dark time in China’s history as it tells the compelling story of one girl’s difficult but determined coming-of-age during the Cultural Revolution.
Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak by Deborah Ellis Reading level: Ages 11 and up
Three Wishes: Palestinian and Israeli Children Speak by Deborah Ellis Reading level: Ages 11 and up
This simple, telling book allows young readers everywhere to see that the children caught in this conflict are just like them - but living far more difficult and dangerous lives. Without taking sides, it presents an unblinking portrait of children victimized by the endless struggle around them.
This simple, telling book allows young readers everywhere to see that the children caught in this conflict are just like them - but living far more difficult and dangerous lives. Without taking sides, it presents an unblinking portrait of children victimized by the endless struggle around them.
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle Reading level: Ages 12 and up
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle Reading level: Ages 12 and up
In plain, stirring free verse, Engle dramatizes the boyhood of the nineteenth-century Cuban slave Juan Francisco Manzano, who secretly learned to read and wrote poetry about beauty and courage in his world of unspeakable brutality. Side-by-side with Juan's anguished voice are the narratives of other characters, including his mother, his demonic owners, and the white child who secretly tries to help. Qualls' occasional black-and-white sketches express Juan's suffering and strength, and a brief afterword fills in historical background.
In plain, stirring free verse, Engle dramatizes the boyhood of the nineteenth-century Cuban slave Juan Francisco Manzano, who secretly learned to read and wrote poetry about beauty and courage in his world of unspeakable brutality. Side-by-side with Juan's anguished voice are the narratives of other characters, including his mother, his demonic owners, and the white child who secretly tries to help. Qualls' occasional black-and-white sketches express Juan's suffering and strength, and a brief afterword fills in historical background.
Engle, Margarita. The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom. Henry Holt, 2008. 176 pages. Age 12 and older
Engle, Margarita. The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom. Henry Holt, 2008. 176 pages. Age 12 and older
Jiang, Ji-Li. Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution. HarperCollins, 1997. 285 pages. Age 12 and older
Jiang, Ji-Li. Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution. HarperCollins, 1997. 285 pages. Age 12 and older
Taylor, Mildred D. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Puffin Books, 1976. ISBN 0- 14-03.4893 X. 276p. 10 and up. Fiction.
Taylor, Mildred D. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Puffin Books, 1976. ISBN 0- 14-03.4893 X. 276p. 10 and up. Fiction.
This is a story about a black family that struggles in the South during the Depression. The book takes the reader through one year of Cassie Logan’s family life. Despite the prejudice that she and her family face throughout the book, they continue to remain proud of who they are and of the land that they possess.
This is a story about a black family that struggles in the South during the Depression. The book takes the reader through one year of Cassie Logan’s family life. Despite the prejudice that she and her family face throughout the book, they continue to remain proud of who they are and of the land that they possess.