Tag Archives: Gandhi

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

Matthew Piercy

Time for Action: Reaching Unity in Diversity

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I am sitting in a room surrounded by fellow teachers and administrators, mindful of our physical distance. A grin on my face, not because we just successfully concluded our fifth week of classes. Rather, I am tickled by the irony.

Distanced, we discuss “togetherness.”

More specifically, intercultural competencies was to be the focus of our dialogue. I felt privileged to have the time and space to converse openly because so critical is the work that needs to be done. As part of an international school, one that clearly is not American-centric, we must first consider our context. With students and faculty cultures representing more than sixty nations, there is credence in remaining cognizant of the influences of the host country culture. Possibly the country power structures may even be more hierarchically structured than egalitarian. Furthermore, it would be remiss to not acknowledge the large degree of diversity representative in the range of people’s experiences and quite possibly, readiness to reflect on privilege, equality, and oppression.

Over the summer I wrote an article titled, “An Authentic Response to Take Action.” In it I ask, “Might 2020 be the nascence of more leadership from the heart. Passion hangs heavy in the air, as people imagine a tomorrow they long to live in. Changes bent on solutions, not blame, as millions get down on bended knee in silent protest.” The protests have not abated, if anything they have grown more intense. All this amidst an uncontrolled pandemic and under apocalyptic skies of the Wetern United States. In this same post I introduced Safaa Abdelmagid and her open letter to SEARCH Associates published on June 8. In it she concludes, “Do better, Search Associates, much much better. Start by being honest…Own your privilege and use it to serve those who truly deserve it.” For context, this was but three days after the tragic death of George Floyd.

Then, August 26 The Search Associates Team and CEO Jessica Magagna, responded with their own letter. Addressed, “Dear Search Associates Community,” Magagna cites “tangible actions and evidence of change.” A move beyond awareness and to greater responsibility. Clear points outlined by a 3-section plan, where actions are determined immediate, by the end of December 2020, and by the end of March 2021.

The school where I am employed endeavors to determine measurable action points as well. Thankfully, we too were challenged, most notably by alumni, as they shared their experiences and offered suggestions. The conversations with this invaluable group will continue.

There is much work to be done. The issues do not begin, nor end with race. The move is to reflect, take ownership, and become far more inclusive. So our school, the people but also the systems, are more fully equitable to all cultures; be they defined racially, linguistically, by gender, sexual-preference, or ability. Schools must take a stand. Furthermore, akin to SEARCH associates, a degree of poise but also power must be established. A power which links us as human beings. Our minds simply will not think the way out of this. Our hearts are to play a key role as we feel our way into a reality so many have felt, for so long.

The good news is, the iGen or Generation Z, consistently proves itself to be more accepting of differences than previous generations. It is us educators but moreover the institutions and broader cultures that need to “catch up.” A sensible starting point is to begin by having these long overdue conversations, determining our priorities.

Mahatma Gandhi advised us well when he said. “Action expresses priorities. Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization” The time for action is yesterday.