CHILDREN'S BOOKS
How to Heal a Broken Wing
Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel
By Nikki Grimes, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
(Putman, 2009)
74 pp. $10.99
Dyamonde Daniel is the star of a new chapter book series for 8- to 10-year-olds. She loves math, is outgoing, and knows everyone in the neighborhood. In this first book she breaks through the tough exterior of a new kid in the school who has been taking out his frustration on everyone. Because countless beginning chapter book series feature white children, we look forward to the upcoming adventures of this strong African American girl.
My Name is Sangoel
By Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed, illustrated by Catherine Stock
(Eerdmans Books, 2009)
32 pp. $17
An identity story of a young boy who flees with his mother to the United States from Sudan after his father is killed in the war. As a refugee, the one thing Sangoel has is his name, yet people mispronounce it and children laugh at it. Sangoel devises a creative way to solve his problem and build friendship with his classmates. A well-illustrated book that sensitizes children about the conditions of refugees and the power of names.
John Brown:
His Fight for Freedom
Written and illustrated
by John Hendrix
(Abrams Books, 2009)
40 pp. $18.95
Published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of John Brown’s raid, this dramatically illustrated book brings Brown to life. The detailed text on each page concisely explains the important events in his life, highlighting not only Brown’s campaign against slavery but also his steadfast stand against racism and for equality. An excellent read-aloud for upper elementary through high school students. It’s also a fine discussion starter on the topics of race, abolitionism, and the role of white people in the struggle against racism.
Heroes of the Environment:
True Stories of People
Who Are Helping
to Protect the Planet
By Harriet Rohmer, illustrated by Julie McLaughlin
(Chronicle Books, 2009)
108 pp. $16.99
An inspiring collection of the stories of 12 people across North America who are fighting for the planet. The heroes include Will Allen, the founder of an urban farming project in Milwaukee; Judy Bonds, organizer against mountaintop-removal coal mining in West Virginia; Sarah James, spokesperson for the Gwich’in people of Alaska who are fighting oil drilling; and El Hijo de Santo, the masked wrestler in Mexico City who works to protect turtles and whales. The short vignettes, illustrations, and photographs will appeal to 7- to 14-year-olds. Excellent for reading, science, and social studies.