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Margriet Ruurs

GLOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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Global books for global kids – the following brand new titles allow readers to read a variety of viewpoints about people in different cultures.

InA Single Dreadlock, written by Xaiver Michael Campbell, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes, Lovie was always the same as the other kids in Jamaica. But now that he lives in Newfoundland, he looks different. Especially his hair. Lovie misses his grandma who would smooth his hair down and braid it, something his dads can’t do properly. And when he gets teased in class, he really misses his grandma. As a surprise, she shows up at Channukah time! With jars of hair grease and a whole lot of love and wisdom that help Lovie to be proud of his dreadlocks.

Groundwood Books, ISBN 978-1-77306-938-8

The Sunshine Project is Uma Krishnaswami’s newest title in the Book Uncle trilogy. Set in India, three best friends are assigned school projects. But they have to work with different students from their class. While delving deeper into the city’s commitment to building a new factory to produce solar panels, they discover that it is not as positive as you might think. A coastal village and wilderness area are threatened by the factory. The children involve everyone in their neighborhood, making new friends along the way, and work hard to convince the mayor that there are better ways to accomplish his goals. Weaving in family, sports and every day settings, this is a fun story for young readers.

ISBN 978-1-77946-053-0, Groundwood Books

Words Matter by Anita Fitch Pazner, with art by Sophie Casson is a small but incredibly important book for today. The subtitle is The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl and the White Rose Resistance. This deceptively simple story tells us of the beginning Nazi movement in Germany, where a financial depression leaves people desperate for a new, dynamic leader. But Hitler uses freedom of speech to spread lies and make the people afraid – afraid of those who are different from themselves. 

At first Hans and Sophie are excited to join a youth movement. But soon, their upbringing of sharing ideas and reading many books, leads them to see the truth. 

The book uses a powerful refrain throughout the story to show the importance of words. When books get burned, people will follow. And so Hans and Sophie have to make a choice – to do what is wrong or to stand up for what is right.

A fabulous, and important, book to help readers of all ages understand the past and navigate the future. 72 pages, labeled ages 9-12.

Groundwood Books, ISBN 978-1-77306-970-8

Gandhi, a Manga Biography by Kazuki Ebine.

Through his quietly powerful leadership and influential use of nonviolent resistance in India’s struggle against the British Raj, Mahatma Gandhi became one of the most revered figures of the modern era. While history has recorded Gandhi’s words and deeds, the man himself has been eclipsed by maxims of virtuosity that seem to have little resonance in our everyday lives. In Gandhi, the third volume in our exciting new manga biography series, created in conjunction with Emotional Content, Kazuki Ebine combines a gripping narrative with stunning illustrations to share Gandhi’s inspiring and deeply human story with a whole new generation of readers. Developed in conjunction with Emotional Content.

ISBN 978-0143120247, Penguin Books

Careful What You Wish for by Mahtab Narsimhan is the perfect high interest, low vocabulary novel for tech savvy teens. Eshana does not have much of a social life. While she does have one best friend, she is envious of girls who hang out together in groups. And, even though her parents and computer class teacher have warned her about visiting unknown websites, she is attracted to a wonderful looking site that draws her in with a fairy tale setting and the promise of wishes come true. 

And what else would she wish for than friends, no more school bully and money?! Little did Eashana realize that her wishes would come at a cost. Too high a cost. Will she be able to break the spell cast online? And will she be better off in the end? A gripping read for middle school.

ISBN 978-1-4598-3400-2, Orca Books

Margriet Ruurs is the author of many books for children. She is available for author visits and writing workshops at International Schools: www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

GLOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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Poetry, philosophy, wisdom, a chance to learn from various cultures as well as science… That’s what these deceivingly simple picturebooks do. Use them with young readers or much older ones to foster a love of language and a sense of wonder!

A Pond, A Poet and Three Pests by Caroline Adderson, with art by Lauren Tamaki is an absolute gem of a picturebook. Skillfully written with different poetic tools – alliteration, a little touch of rhyme and carefully crafted haiku’s – this story is both the biography of the Japanese poet Matsuo Basho. It’s a great picturebook to use with students of all ages, especially those in middle school, when crafting haiku’s in class. Historic backmatter is included.

Groundwood Books, ISBN 978-1-77306-893-0

Wabi Sabi, written by Mark Reibstein and illustrated by Ed Young, is a gorgeously illustrated picturebook. Wabi Sai is a Japanese way of seeing beauty and harmony in the world. It is also the cat in this story who searches for the meaning of her name. But everyone she asks, tell her it is complicated. Throughout her search she learns more. The luscious art is a collage of interesting textures: bamboo, reeds, fabric. The text answers the cat’s questions in ancient Japanese poetry formats: both haibun and haiku. This is a book that works with young children as well as with older ones studying forms of poetry and art.

ISBN 978-0-316-11825-5, Little, Brown & Co

The Story and Science of Hope, by Andrea Curtis, with illustrations by Ana Suárez is a thought-provoking picturebook about what, exactly, is hope? It is not the same as a wish. The text explains how hope can be turned into deeds that can make a difference, how a person can turn hope into action. But it delves much deeper than that. Using science, the author looks at the difference in people with and without hope, how your brain is effected and how each one of us can learn to let hope guide us into making ourselves and the world a better place. An excellent picturebook for middle grade and highschool students.

Groundwood, ISBN 978-1-77306-731-5

Margriet Ruurs conducts author visits to international schools. Her titles include picturebooks about children in many countries, books about refugees, nature and libraries around the world.

www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

GLOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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From Africa to Asia and around the world, these picturebooks are perfect for all ages. One is even published in two languages: English and French on the same page – great to use in an international classroom. Have fun reading books and exploring other cultures!

Shake The Mango Tree/Secouez Le Manguier. This bilingual story is written by Ruth Beardsley and illustrated by Jackson Muthoni is the story of Rupat who was born in Congo, Africa. His family lived on a small plot with goats and chickens. Growing up, he loved the sweet fruit their mango tree. But when he was a teenager, civil war broke out. His father had managed to hide him from soldiers but one day, his village was attacked and Rupat managed to escape. He walked and walked and walked for days, weeks, months Together with others, he slept in hiding places. They scrounged for food but were so hungry. Until one day they came upon a mango tree. They shook and pulled and then filled their bellies with juicy mangoes, just like at home. A map show the route Rupat walked to finally reach a UN refugee camp in Burundi where, eventually, he met a woman who became his wife. Now they have children and were accepted to immigrate to Canada where they all study and work hard. And any time Rupat eats a mango, he is reminded of long ago, his home in Africa.

A good story to discuss what it means to become a refugee and to settle in a new environment. The story is published in both English and French on the same page.

ISBN 978-1-0383-29592, Friesen Press

The Light from my Menorah, Celebrating Holidays around the World, written by Robin Heald, illustrated by Andrea Blinick is a gorgeous picturebook to share in classrooms around the world. A child looks at the light of the menorah in the windowsill. He knows that it reminds of a miracle and wonders about that. The light travels far around the world. Is that the miracle? We see a church and a woman with a crown of candles. There’s a tree hung with lights, too. Then the light travels fast across mountains and water. Is that the miracle? We see a buddha figure and floating candles, lanterns and marigolds. The light swirls around people in different clothing, eating different foods before returning to where it started. In the end, seeing light in different cultures is the miracle. The back pages explain similar customs that celebrate many different beliefs: Diwali, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, Christmas and more. All focused on light. Perhaps focusing on similarities is more important than seeing differences. ISBN 978-1-77278-289-8, Pajama Press

Sometimes I Eat With My Hands by Kid Haile is a good picturebook to share with young kids in an international school since they may recognize the different foods and the different ways f eating.With a fork, with a spoon or with your hands. Watermelon, soup or brociolli. But Feven’s favourite food is prepared when her grandmother comes. Then the entire family eats injera and they all use their hands. ISBN 978-1-77306-924-1, Groundwood Books

Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki, with art by Stéphane Jorisch, is not a new book but a lovely one nonetheless. And perfect to have in an international school! Spunky Suki is excited about her first day of school. Her older sisters want to wear cool clothes but Suki wants to wear the beautiful kimono her grandmother gave her. It reminds her of the day they dances at a festival. She wants to wear her Japanese sandals, geta, but her sisters discourage her. “You’ll get laughed at,” they warn. But Suki just wants to wear her beautiful Japanese clothes. She makes a friend on the swings and, in class, she shows her kimono with its lovely wide sleeves. She dances in front of the whole class. After then, instead of laughing, Suki gets applause. A good story to instill pride in one’s heritage – unusual as it may be.

ISBN 1-55337-084-8, Kids Can Press

Margriet Ruurs travels the world to speak at international schools. She is the author of over 40 books for children and loves making friends in different cultures.

www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

GLOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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Stories bring the world home. The following brand new books are great stories to share with children that will expand their world and understanding of others.

Playdate Surprise by Karen Autio, with illustrations by Laura Watson, is the story of two friends, Kayla and Piper. Kayla is excited to have her new best friend come to her house. They play with a dollhouse and with Kayla’s dog. But when Piper invites Kayla to her house, they have to wait until Kayla’s dad can help bring her wheelchair up the steps. Then they have fun playing at Piper’s house and teaching her dog new tricks.

And when they afix a ramp to the dollhouse, Piper has an idea. The big surprise for Kayla at their next playdate, is a real ramp at Piper’s house. Now they can visit anytime!

A gentle story about friendship and a subtle reminder to make places accessible for all.

ISBN 978-1-4431-9981-o, Scholastic Canada

Getting Us To Grandma’s by Nadia L. Hohn, illustrated by TeMika Grooms, is an ode to maps and the atlas. Nikki and her family drive from Toronto to New York to visit family, in an era before GPS or digital maps. Nikki loves nothing better than to follow the lines on the map and read the unusual place names along the way. And when everyone else is asleep except her and her driving dad, she is the one who saves the day when they miss an exit. A fun picture book for travelers who still like to explore maps.

ISBN 978-1-77306-689-9, Groundwood Books

Black Sunflowers by Cynthia LeBrun is the in-depth story of life in Ukraine in the 1920’s. Inspired by a real life story, this novel paints a realistic portrayal of life under Soviet regime. The story is told in two voices: that of a young girl named Veronika, and the voice of her father, Janek. The details of food, hunger, hardships and a family’s love are all too real. This novel will appeal to both adults and younger readers to gain inside into the history and humanity of people in Ukraine.

ISBN 978-1554556434, Fitzhenry & Whiteside

Go Home, by Terry Farish and Lochan Sharma is a powerful novel. When refugee families move to a town in New England, life becomes complicated for many. The new family is trying to settle into a new life, finding work and a place to live. But do they take the jobs that the people who already lived there, wanted? Do they get benefits that long time residents don’t get? Olive loves Gabe, her long time boy friend. But Gabe and his father hate the newcomers, they want to keep New England white. Olive is caught between Gabe and getting to know Samir and his family from Nepal. But she realizes that Gabe and his family are the source of escalating aggressions towards the new immigrants. How do you reconcile these two opposing sides? This book is an in-depth look at real life factions across the country and can serve to generate awareness of a serious problem, as well as encourage classroom discussions.

ISBN 978-1-77306-910-4, Groundwood Books

Margriet Ruurs loves to share books with you. She conducts author visits to international schools around the world.

www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

GLOBAL BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

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GRANDPARENTS – they are full of stories, experiences and wisdom. What can grandparents share with their grandchildren and how can we learn from their stories? These (picture) books all share the love and memories children have of their elders and the stories they can tell. The past leads to the future…

Sometimes you come across a book so perfect that is forms a whole world on its own. Green Papayas by Nhung N. Tran-Davies, illustrated by Gillian Newland is such a book. The illustrations, alternating between light coloured pages and dark, subdued ones, the text and the design work together to tell a touching story. 

Three young children play in muddle puddles when their mother calls them to gather around Oma’s bed. She’s been in hospital and can’t remember their names. But the mother tells her mother’s story of caring for her children during difficult times. Oma grew food, fed and clothed them. She kept them safe during a war and eventually managed to get them to a new country where they could start over. While the moon watches over them, Oma passes away and the family gathers to remember and be grateful. ISBN 978-0889955608, Red Deer Press

Every Wrinkle Has A Story is told by Israeli author David Grossman, illustrated by Italian artist Ninamasina. Like many Groundwood books, this one is unique and touching.

Grandpa Amnon picks Yotam up from school and, on their way home, they often stop at a neighborhood cafe. There, tucked in a corner, Yotam asks about grandpa’s wrinkles. What caused them? How will a face know to make wrinkles? He discovers that wrinkles come in different shapes. Some were made by sad things, others by laughing about happy things. In the end, Yotam is inspired to draw grandpa’s wrinkles on paper. ISBN 978-1-77306-827-5, Groundwood Books

Molly Misses Nainai by Emman Chen, illustrated by Sean Huang, is the story of Molly whose grandmother has been with her always but who needs to now return to China because her visa has expired. Molly misses her so much that she packs her suitcase and follows the snowy road from her home in Canada. Molly’s mom fetches her and together they reminisce about grandmother. And when grandmother joins Molly on her ipad and sings her favourite lullaby, Molly knows that she will always be there. A touching story about grandparents far away, with beautiful, tender illustrations. A good picture book to share with students who can relate to this problem because their grandparents live in another country. ISBN 978-0889956889, Red Deer Press.

When I Visited Grandma by Saumiya Balasubramaniam, illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran, is the story of Maya who can’t believe she is finally visiting her grandma in India. Grandma is not impressed by Maya’s fashion of ripped pants and wants to fix them for her. Together they go to the market where Maya is overwhelmed by sights and sounds. And everyone want to visit her, bringing gifts of food. All those friendly neighbors are too much for Maya. When grandma lands in hospital, Maya wants to visit her but she can’t say goodbye before having to fly back home. Luckily, grandma soon calls her on her iPad and Maya is happy to know grandma will be fine. This picturebook paints a nice picture of two very different places and a common bond that overcomes the distance between them. ISBN 978-1-77306-833-6, Groundwood 

Grandpa’s Stars by Carolyn Huizinga Mills, illustrated by Samantha Lucy Haslam is a celebration of constellations.

A child from the city gets to stay with her grandpa in the country. But at grandpa’s house it is too dark to sleep as branches cast scary shadows. Until grandpa shows his grandchild the night sky, where millions of pin pricks of light dance and make amazing pictures – the ‘lights of your imagination’ grandpa says. And when grandpa has to go to hospital and the child is sad, they knows just what to do: recreate those lights and shapes on the bedroom ceiling!  ISBN 978-1554554638, Fitzhenry & Whiteside

Kaiah’s Garden by Melanie Florence and Karlene Harvey.

Based on traditional beadwork, this is the story of Kaiah who has just moved to a new house in a new street in a new city. But all Kaiah wants is to be back at grandmother’s house. This new house smells different and she misses her grandmother. But the beadwork they had made together helps her to remember: the roses, the turtle, the sun of grandmother’s garden. And the traditional beadwork encourages her to create a beautiful new garden at her new house, that might not be so bad after all. ISBN 978-1443190251, North Winds Press

Margriet Ruurs is a writer of many books for children. She loves to learn about different countries and cultures through books. For school visits cantact her: www.margrietruurs.com

Margriet Ruurs

From Far Away…

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Or perhaps from not so far away… These books showcase stories from a variety of cultures and countries that all show how similar we really are. Whether you need courage in Pakistan or a friend in Afghanistan, we all share similar feelings and needs. Through books, we can learn from each other.

Ang Mahiyaing Manok by Rebecca T. Anonuevo and Ruben de Jesus, is a lovely illustrated picture book told in two languages: Filipino (Tagalog) and English.

Onyok is a young rooster who just can’t crow like the others. They are experienced and know just what to do. The old roosters crow day and night. But no matter how hard Onyok tried, he can’t do it and gives up, feeling quite worthless.

His mother and the old roosters support him. They show him just what to do and encourage him to keep trying. And when Onyok finally manages his crow, he vouches to help other young roosters when he grows older. ISBN 971-508-074-X, Adarna House

Crescent Moon Friends

Crescent Moon Friends by Wadia Samadi, Mo Duffy Cobb and art by Lisa Lypowy is a gentle story about Aisha who has to leave her home in Afghanistan, and Amelia who likes to look at the moon. When Aisha joins her class, Amelia becomes her friend. They discover how much they share in values and interests. The girls as well as their families learn much from each other and are enriched by their new friendships. ISBN 978-177-3660967, Acorn Press

Silent Music, A Story of Baghdad by James Rumford is a skillfully produced picture book for all ages. Ali lives in Baghdad. He loves playing soccer on the dusty streets. But most of all he loves practising calligraphy, just like the legendary calligrapher Yakut. When bombs fall on Ali’s city he, too, fills his mind with peace by practising the flowing words. A beautiful story of peace amid a city in turmoil. ISBN 978-1-59643-276-5, Roaring Brook Press

YouTube Read Aloud:

Malala Speaks Out is the acceptance speech given by Malala Yousafzai upon receiving the Nobel Peace Price. This book should be read by any student and educator. “Instead of painting our hands with hanna flowers,” Malala says, “my friends and I used to paint them with mathematical equations.” When ‘education went from being a right to being a crime’, Malala decided to speak out. Her strong voice recounts situations for more than 60 million girls across the world. This powerful speech can inspire many and help them to realize the importance of education. Commentary in the back of the book, by Clara Fons Duocastella help to put events into context. ISBN 978-1- 77306-916-6, Groundwood Books

Margriet Ruurs is a Canadian author of many multi-cultural books for children. She is currently taking bookings at International Schools for the 2023-24 school year.

www.margrietruurs.com