Social Studies

Celebrating heritage

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Celebrate We Gullah Geechee by Yvette R. Murray, illustrated by Tonya Engel (Free Spirit Publishing, 44 pages, grades 1-4). Five children introduce readers to the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor that runs along the coast of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Each child focuses on one of the senses, describing what can be seen, heard, felt, smelled, and tasted in the region. Includes an author’s note with additional information about the area, where she has lived all her life; an artist’s note; and a list of websites to learn more.

The lyrical text and brilliantly colored illustrations will whet readers’ appetite to travel to this region to explore more–it certainly got me intrigued. The author’s note touches on the history of the area, but I wish there had been a little more of that as well as a good map. The list of resources is helpful to seek out more information.

Where They Gather by Teresa Rodrigues, illustrated by Jamiel Law (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 40 pages, grades K-3). A pecan tree sees many seasons in the generations of a Black family, starting from the time it starts as a seedling on a farm built by a couple recently freed from slavery. Over the years, the tree is witness to happy times as the people gather for big events like a wedding, play in its shade, and gather the nuts in the autumn. But it also sees the hard times, like when the family is burned out of their home by a mob. They persist, though, rebuilding and taking to the streets with signs of protest. The last page shows the tree towering over a small house with a family gathered together in celebration again. Includes an author’s note and photos of the pecan tree in her grandmother’s yard that inspired this book.

A gentle introduction to Black history, with rhyming text and illustrations showing the family and tree through many seasons, both literally and metaphorically. The final message is one of perseverance and hope.

Indigenous wisdom

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You Are the Land by Steph Littlebird (Nancy Paulsen Books, 32 pages, ages 4-8). From the time she’s born, a Native girl is surrounded by love, both from her family members and the natural world. She compares the two: her grandmother is like a flower with petals to wrap around her and keep her safe; her grandfather is like water, nurturing her and teaching her to use her voice like a thundering waterfall. Her parents, too, take care of her and teach her about the world, lessons that she passes on when she grows older and has a little sister. At her first powwow, she comes to appreciate her community, and she carries those lessons forward as that community works together to protect their land. “My culture teaches me that I am the land,” she concludes, “and the land is me.” Includes an author’s foreword telling how her Atfalati Kalapuya and Clatsop Chinook tribal connections have taught her to take care of the land and encouraging readers to do the same.

I love the environmental message of this book, with its emphasis on family, community, and connection to the land, but it’s the illustrations that make it truly spectacular. showing the girl and her family in a variety of beautiful nature scenes filled with a rainbow of colors. Those familiar with Steph Littlebird’s illustrations in My Powerful Hair will appreciate the way she connects the girl’s hair to the natural world.

The Animals Speak: the Lakota Way by S.D. Nelson, translated by Dakota Goodhouse (Harry N. Abrams, 48 pages, ages 4-8). “If you look with your eyes and listen with your ears, our animal relatives will share their ancient wisdom with you,” the author tells readers on the first page. “This is the Lakota way.” From there, each spread introduces a different animal with both the English and Lakota names and what that animal can teach: buffalo shows how to share and be generous, raven teaches how to listen and make wise choices. There are 16 animals (actually 15 and a tree) in all, with humans being the 17th on the last page. Each animal is shown in its habitat with symbols that suggest interconnectedness. Includes an author’s note with additional information about what humans can learn from animals and the art and traditions of the Lakota that inspired this book.

Another beautifully illustrated book by an Indigenous author, this could be used as a prompt for kids to consider their favorite animals and the lessons those animals teach. Each picture invites contemplation, with its interesting symbols and various portrayals of animals.

Celebrating Black history and culture

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We Are Joy by Chrystal D. Giles, illustrated by Kitt Thomas (Random House Books for Young Readers, 32 pages, ages 4-8). Each spread shows an extended family celebrating joy in some way: “We are joy-filled” as they enjoy dinner together, “We are joy-inspired” as they sing together in church. Even difficult times, when words are ignored or the promise of justice is late, “We are joy-starved.” But Pop-Pop says, “Joy comes in the morning,” and the family focuses on education and their “created culture” that “moves the world.” From connecting with family to connecting with allies who support and lift them, this is a celebration of Black joy.

This is a great introduction to Black history and culture, with text and illustration that could prompt lots of discussions. It doesn’t gloss over more difficult issues, but there is also a sense of resilience and returning to joy.

Black Hands: Builders of Our Nation by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie (Crown Books for Young Readers, 40 pages, grades K-5). Black hands are the theme of this poem, from those “clutching memories” and that “reached for kinfolk” after being torn away from their homes and sold into slavery. They helped build a nation, forging iron, stitching clothing, and growing crops. Black hands played music, wrote literature, built colleges, and helped explore space. They broke chains, elected leaders, and were raised in protest, and now Black hands point the way to liberty and justice for all. Includes additional information about those pictured on each page.

This award-winning (multiple times!) author and illustrator team are sure to be considered for more recognition for this beautiful book that traces Black history through Black hands, looking at both literal and metaphorical accomplishments. Students of Black history will enjoy looking for familiar scenes and faces in the illustrations, and the back matter provides information on those they may not recognize.

Fun American history books for the Fourth of July

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America’s Founding Myths…And What Really Happened! by Christy Mihaly, illustrated by Marta Sevilla (Barefoot Books, 40 pages, grades 2 and up). Each two-page spread covers a different event in American history, beginning with the idea of America as the “New World” and Christopher Columbus and continuing through colonial days and the American Revolution. The myth is printed on a flap on the left-hand page; lift the flap to find out where that myth came from and what the true story is. The rest of the information is arranged in question-and-answer format, with photos, illustrations, cartoon bubbles, and brief facts. Questions are posed to give kids a chance to think critically about the event. The last few pages give some pointers for ascertaining if history is true and encourage kids to record their own history. There’s also a glossary; information about the author and illustrator, including their experiences creating the book; and a lit of additional resources.

Celebrations such as the American 250th celebration this year can often be a reason to trot out old myths about the past. This book is a great antidote, with a fun format and brief but interesting information about each event that may inspire readers to dig deeper into what really happened. I liked the emphasis on being an active consumer of history, asking questions and evaluating sources.

Hot Dog: The History of America’s Favorite Sausage by Christine Van Zandt, illustrated by Steven Salerno (Odd Dot, 48 pages, grades 1-5). Official hot dog historian Frank de Wienerdog takes readers on a journey through the world of hot dogs, a food item consumed by Americans at the rate of 20 billion a year. Starting with the history of hot dogs–aka, frankfurters or wieners–readers will learn how the ordinary sausage became a hot dog, and how it came to be eaten in a bun. Their cheap price and easy transportability made them popular at amusement parks and ballparks, as well as a staple during the Great Depression. Nowadays, the average American eats around 70 hot dogs per year…and a couple people eat that many in a matter of minutes at the famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest held annually in Brooklyn. The last few pages celebrate ways to eat hot dogs, including a U.S. map that shows local specialties around the nation. Includes a timeline of hot dog history, a recipe for Curly Snake Dogs, and additional information and resources on hot dogs.

This colorful introduction to hot dogs with a friendly dachshund narrator is full of interesting facts about hot dogs that are fun and easy to digest (which may or may not be the case for the food they describe). The eye-catching cover and interesting topic will make this an easy nonfiction book to sell to kids.

Liberty and justice for all

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Walk the Walk by R. J. Owens, illustrated by Reggie Brown (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 40 pages, ages 4-8). Dex and Papa are walking to his piano lesson, a walk that seems to Dexter to take forever. But Papa tells him, “If we’re going to talk the talk, we’ve got to walk the walk.” This means supporting the Montgomery Bus Boycott, just like other Black people are doing all over the city. Along the way, Dex and Papa see signs reminding people not to ride the bus and giving information about how to get a ride if they need one. They’re hassled by police and people riding in a truck with a Confederate flag in the back. When Dex has to pee, they can’t go in a restaurant with a “Whites Only” sign out front. At last, the two of them walk past a church where people are outside celebrating. The boycott is over, and they can ride on any seat in the bus! Even though the piano teacher is only a few blocks away, they hop on a bus and choose a front seat, each one wiping away tears of joy. The last page shows a grown-up Dex and an older Papa crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge with a crowd of protesters. “And sure enough, as the years rolled on by, Papa and I just kept on walking, together.” Includes an author’s note, a Montgomery Bus Boycott timeline, and lists of sources and further reading.

This is a great introduction to an important chapter in the civil rights movement, with Dex serving as a generally cheerful but occasionally whiny kid narrator, and Papa keeping his spirits up with his refrain of “walk the walk.” The text and illustrations work together to show features of the boycott, including the racism the participants encountered. Although readers may need a preliminary introduction to the boycott’s history before reading the book, it’s a story that would work well with kids as young as preschool or kindergarten.

We the People Is All the People by Howard W. Reeves, illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh (Harry N. Abrams, 40 pages, grades 1-5). Starting with the Preamble to the Constitution, the narrative states, “We the people is all the people,” then goes on to celebrate the huge diversity of people living in the United States: different religions, cultures, occupations, sexualities, physical abilities, and homes. The illustrations bring this diversity to life, showing all kinds of people in a variety of American settings. One particularly memorable one shows a Native woman with outstretched braids and arms that hold people from history, like a Chinese-American railroad worker laboring up one braid, and a white man leading two enslaved people in chains up one of her arms. The author’s note talks about both the revolutionary nature of the U.S. Constitution and its shortcomings, with references to unnamed people in power who seek to undo it and a sobering but realistic look at the work still needed to ensure that “all the people” are served by it. Also includes an illustrator’s note.

This timely book is a thought-provoking meditation on the diversity of people who are (or should be) served and protected by the U.S. Constitution. Along with the author’s note, it’s an excellent springboard for learning about and discussing the Constitution and the freedoms it outlines that are currently under threat. Duncan Tonatiuh’s illustrations are truly spectacular, and, in my opinion, should receive Caldecott consideration.

Journeys

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Navigating Night by Julie Leung, illustrated by Angie Kang (Anne Schwartz Books, 48 pages, grades K-4). A girl describes her night with her dad as they deliver food to customers from their restaurant. Her jobs are to navigate from one house to the next and to serve as a translator for Cantonese-speaking Baba. She wishes she could have a life more like the kids she sees at the houses where they drop off the food, and she tells Baba that she doesn’t want to do deliveries anymore. Instead of responding directly, he starts telling her about another night, back when he was a kid in China, that “darkened an entire nation.” After years of hunger and worry, his family got a letter from an uncle in New York City, offering a home to one member of the family. Her dad was chosen. He tells her how he got lost his first day, spending hours trying to find his way back to Chinatown. “Before I had you, I would get so lost,” he says, and she smiles, understanding him in a new way. Back at the restaurant, the whole family gathers for dinner, and Baba picks out the tenderest chunks of meat for her. “Baba and I have learned to navigate night, down unlit roads and past unfamiliar street signs, looking for new paths ahead. Together we find our way home.” Includes notes from the author and illustrator about growing up with parents who escaped China’s Cultural Revolution to come to America.

This would make a great book to share for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The stories of the past and present are woven together perfectly, giving the reader a chance to slowly understand Baba better, just as his daughter does. Be sure to share the author’s and illustrator’s notes at the end, which are both very moving. Angie Kang’s will also give readers a greater appreciation of the beautiful illustrations and how they reflect the changing mood of the story.

Taking Flight by Kashmira Sheth, illustrated by Nicolò Carozzi (Dial Books, 32 pages, grades K-4). Three children take long journeys from home, each one addressed in the second person (“You might have said goodbye to teammates from your cozy village surrounded by cotton fields, as you drifted across the ocean, far from the place you belonged.”). They travel from Tibet, Syria, and Ukraine, sometimes witnessing the destruction of their homes, and always leaving behind people and places they know and love. After spending time in refugee camps, they come to an unfamiliar new country with a different language, where they have to bravely start at a new school. Slowly, they learn English, reach out to classmates, and “day by day, little by little, as the new becomes known, you meet other children just like you. Some who were born here, others who arrived not so long ago. You all try to belong together. And before long you do.”

This book really packs an emotional punch, especially in these days of increased hardships for immigrants and refugees coming to America. The text is spare but intimate, and the illustrations show three very different children coming from places far away from each other having similar experiences that require similar courage. This would be a great book to share with both kids who are new to the U.S. and their classmates who are getting to know them.

When history repeats itself

~ Janet Dawson ~ 5 Comments

Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp by Minoru Tonai and Jolene Gutiérrez, illustrated by Chris Sasaki (Harry N. Abrams, 40 pages, grades 2 and up). Minoru Tonai tells the story of his family’s imprisonment during World War II. His father was questioned as early as October of 1941 about being a spy, despite his work as a farmer and his near deafness, and was taken away shortly after Pearl Harbor. Just six months later, the rest of the family was forced to leave their farm and their dog to move to a “detention center.” For the next three years, they endured desert heat and cold, barracks living, and a constant wind that blew sand everywhere. After two years, Papa was finally allowed to join the rest of the family, and in the fall of 1945, after more than three years of imprisonment, the family was allowed to go back home to California. Includes extensive back matter with notes from the illustrator and author (Gutiérrez only, as Minoru Tonai passed away in 2023 at the age of 94), a timeline and other additional information, and a bibliography.

The spare text and stark, brown-toned illustrations capture this dark chapter in American history as seen through the eyes of a young boy. Min’s father collected rocks, and these are symbolic in the story of the strength and resilience the family needed to get through these difficult years. Min doesn’t shy away from the injustice of their situation and the pain of their many losses. His story is an extremely valuable resource for teaching kids about the experience of thousands of Japanese Americans, and the back matter gives plenty of additional information as well as opening up topics for discussion.

Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación (Red Cornet Press, 48 pages, grades 2 and up). “In this land of promise, we hoped to find a place to belong.” So begins–and ends–this reverso poem that shows a Japanese-American family in World War II and a contemporary immigrant family detained at the southern border. In both cases, families are separated, and children are imprisoned behind barbed wire. They suffer from “meager food” and dust everywhere but are also heartened by the kindnesses of strangers and other immigrants, while they try to find beauty where they can. The girl on the last page looks out at the reader as she stands next to barbed wire, with a hope–but no promise–of finding a place to belong. Includes information about Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the site of both imprisonments, as well as that of members of the Chiricahua Apache tribe in the late 19th century; reverso poems; and the author’s family’s experience as Japanese Americans during World War II.

Wow, this book is so powerful, and the reverso poem is absolutely masterful. With spare text and haunting illustrations, Mia Wenjen shows how shameful history continues to repeat itself in America. Mia, I know you are a subscriber to this blog, so congratulations to you on this beautiful book, and I hope it gets some awards recognition.

History books kids will want to read

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Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game by Kadir Nelson (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 112 pages, grades 4-8). This history of basketball starts with a chapter called Pregame that describes the invention of basketball on a rainy winter’s day in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts. In four quarters, Kadir Nelson takes readers through the history of the game from that point, focusing especially on Black contributions. There’s a chapter on the development of the NBA, another called The Revolutionaries that profiles some of the greats of the sport, and one that looks at winning teams over the years. The section labeled Halftime tells about the American Basketball Association (ABA) that only lasted a decade but had an outsized influence on the NBA. A final chapter called Overtime gives a brief history of women’s basketball. Includes an author’s note, timeline, glossary, index, and lists of notes and sources.

This book will fly off the shelves at my school. The cover is eye-catching, and Kadir Nelson’s illustrations capture the speed, motion, and excitement of basketball with plenty of portraits of players many readers idolize. The text is written in an easy conversational tone, perfect for the subject, but there’s a lot of it, and I’m guessing many kids will focus on the illustrations. I’d love to see the final chapter, which felt a little tacked-on, expanded into an entire book about women’s basketball.

My Bicentennial Summer: True Adventures from the Most Epic Family Road Trip of All Time by G. Neri, illustrated by Corban Wilkin (Candlewick, 96 pages, grades 2-6). The summer G. Neri was eight years old, two things happened: America threw itself an epic 200th birthday party and his family decided to take a road trip to from southern California to Washington, D.C. and back again to be part of the celebration. In a 1967 wood-paneled station wagon (10 miles per gallon) and a pop-up tent trailer, Neri and his parents and two older brothers set off. The story is told in a scrapbook style, with illustrations of the family and cartoon bubbles drawn atop photos of the sights they saw. Taking the southern route to head east, they arrived in D.C. in time for a parade on July 3rd, then scrambled to Philadelphia for another one on the Fourth. They somehow got lost and wound up watching the People’s Bicentennial, which was a alternative protest parade, but that proved to be an interesting lesson as well. After catching the fireworks in Philly, they headed back west via the northern route, finishing up with a luxurious stay in Las Vegas before arriving home after seven weeks away. Neri ended up with plenty of material for “What I did over my summer vacation,” as well inspiration to live a life of travel and adventure. Includes an author’s note, facts about the United States, a list of big questions (with partial answers) about American history, additional information about traveling, and a list of recommended reading.

As a veteran of both the Bicentennial (as a child) and some fairly epic family road trips (as an adult), I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book, and it surpassed my expectations. I thought it might be an exercise in nostalgia that wouldn’t be of much interest to 21st-century kids, but it captures the excitement, boredom, mishaps, and ultimate rewards of a long road trip in any era. As a biracial family traveling in the 1970’s, the Neris got into a few sketchy situations, and the author doesn’t shy away from noticing inequalities in the country. Ultimately, though, he celebrates America, the Founding Fathers, and the ideas of democracy, while emphasizing the need to protect and build on those ideals.

Courageous Journeys

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Seven Million Steps: The True Story of Dick Gregory’s Run for the Hungry by Derrick Barnes and Christian Gregory, illustrated by Frank Morrison (Amistad Books for Young Readers, 40 pages, grades 1-5). “What would you do if you knew someone who goes to bed every night without having supper?” This opening question is answered by an account of Dick Gregory’s 1976 run from Los Angeles to New York City: you would travel thousands of miles with very little food, subsisting mostly on juice, vitamins, and water to bring attention to those who are hungry across the country. You would cover 50 miles a day across twelve states, talking to anyone who would listen about what you’re doing and why. You would overcome pain and hunger to cross the George Washington Bridge into NYC on the Fourth of July, the 200th anniversary of the United States. Includes additional information about Dick Gregory’s run and hunger vs. food insecurity, as well as notes from the authors (one of whom is Gregory’s son) and illustrator, and three photos from the run.

I finished this book with more questions than answers and ended up spending some time learning about Dick Gregory and this run. His story is inspiring and is told here in a way to get kids to think about actions they can take to make the world a better place. I loved Frank Morrison’s illustrations showing different vistas of America and capturing the highs and lows of the run. I did find the story a bit confusing, particularly the second-person narration, which draws the reader in, but doesn’t give a straightforward account of the events. If you’re reading this to kids, be prepared to answer some questions.

The Gift of Freedom: How Harriet Tubman Rescued Her Brothers by Glennette Tilley Turner, illustrated by Laura Freeman (Harry N. Abrams, 40 pages, grades 2-5). Starting with Harriet Tubman’s own escape in 1852, this book focuses on how Tubman helped others in her family find their way to freedom, specifically her three brothers. Her plan was to travel to Maryland at Christmas in 1854, when they were given permission to gather for a family Christmas dinner. The siblings met in secret at their parents’ home, where they were helped by their father, who averted his eyes or blindfolded himself so that he could honestly tell anyone who asked that he had not seen them. Following the familiar routes and safe houses that she had learned about, Harriet led her brothers to Philadelphia, where they were given new identities and put on a train to Canada. Includes a selected bibliography, a letter to readers, and an author’s note, which emphasizes how Harriet Tubman always learned as much as she could and befriended people with skills she lacked to allow her to be as successful as possible.

This compelling story with its striking illustrations offers plenty of drama and shows Harriet Tubman’s courage and skill that allowed her to help so many people escape slavery. The author’s note lists her other accomplishments helping to fight in the Civil War and working for women’s rights. The ending felt a bit abrupt, and there was no follow-up to the mention of Tubman’s attempts to rescue her husband, and I had to learn via other sources that he remarried and chose to stay in Maryland.

Two early awards contenders for 2027

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The Dream Builder’s Blueprint: Dr. King’s Message to Young People by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by E. B. Lewis (Calkins Creek, 32 pages, grades 2-8). In the foreword, Alice Faye Duncan explains that the text of this book is an erasure poem, a form of found poetry, in which she took a 1,765-word speech delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to a Philadelphia junior high school in 1967 and distilled it to 277 words. This brief text captures the essence of the speech, in which Dr. King encouraged his audience to build a blueprint for their lives: believing in themselves, choosing a life’s purpose, working for peace and justice, and practicing nonviolence. Words in the poem are capitalized and printed in large, colorful fonts for emphasis, while the illustrations show the hope and hard word needed to build such a blueprint. Includes additional history about this speech with a link to a YouTube video of it, a list of the historical figures mentioned in the speech with the dates of their lives and a sentence about their achievements, victories from the American Civil Rights Movement, directions for writing your own erasure poem, and a bibliography.

There’s so much more to this book than meets the eye, and readers will learn about this inspiring speech that Dr. King made to kids (something he seldom did), as well as receiving instruction and encouragement for creating their own erasure poetry. Although the announcement of 2027 awards is almost a year away, I hope this will be considered, especially for Coretta Scott King recognition.

Troubled Waters: A River’s Journey Toward Justice by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Bryan Collier (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 40 pages, grades 2-5). The Alabama River tells its story, briefly recounting the millions of years it has flowed from Montgomery to Mobile, witnessing the arrival of the Choctaw, who gave it its name that means “Thicket Clearers,” and later, the Europeans, who brought with them ships carrying enslaved Africans. It witnessed the Trail of Tears, the rise of the Black Belt and its cotton plantations, and battles of the Civil War. A bridge was built over it, and eventually, that bridge became the site of two marches in 1965 that brought the violence against civil rights protesters to the nation’s attention. Those marches led to an even bigger one, from Selma to Montgomery, and to the passage of the Voting Rights Act less than five months later. Includes a timeline of the Alabama River from circa 10,000 BCE to August, 1965 and a note from the illustrator.

This powerful book focuses on the Alabama civil rights marches in 1965 that led to the Voting Rights Act in August of that year, told in the unique perspective of the Alabama River. The text is poetic, with lines from spirituals woven in, and the illustrations are gorgeous, always keeping the river at the center of the story. Definitely another awards contender.