Annotated BookWeb List

Transcription

Annotated Historical Fiction Booklist

White (Jewish History): Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Religious Beliefs
*Edwards, Michelle. (2004) Papa’s Latkes. Candlewick Press, ISBN 0-763607797-7 Grades 2-3. 15 pages
Three plates, Selma reminded herself. Just three plates this Chanukah. For Selma
and her little sister, Dora, this is their first Chanukah without Mama. When Papa
comes home carrying a big bag of potatoes and all the ingredients for latkes,
Selma is worried. Momma always made the Chanukah latkes. Can they make
them without her?

Asian/Chinese: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status
*Yin. (1988) Coolies. Philomel Books, ISBN 0-399-23227-3 Grades 2-3.
40 pages
A grandmother shares the story of their ancestors with her grandson. She tells her
grandson of the journey her great grandfather Wong and his older brother Shek.
Wong and Shek travelled by boat to America to work for the Central Pacific
Railroad Company to build railroad tracks headed east. The young boy learns
about the hardships his ancestors faced and how they were belittled and called
names like ―Coolies‖ by the white bosses. This books gives the historical account
of how thousands of Chinese fled to America in the mid 1800‘‘s because of
famine and the Taiping Rebellion. These brave, hard-working Chinese
immigrants were instrumental in building the transcontinental railroad.

Black/Native American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethicity, Religious Beliefs
*Medearis, Angela S. (1991) Dancing with the Indians. Holiday House.
ISBN 0-8234-1023-4 Grades 2-3. 32 pages
Mama’s packed our supper,
The sheep are in their pins,
It’s time to go and visit,
The Seminole Indians.
A young girl in the 1930’s joins her family on an outing to an Indian powwow.
They plan to dance with Seminoles, whose ancestors rescued Grandpa from
slavery and accepted him as their brother.
This author tells the story of a man‘s escape from slavery. The man, John Davis,
travels to Oklahoma which at this time is still Indian Territory. The Seminoles,
who were forced to move to Oklahoma from Florida after the Seminole-Indian
Wars, accepted John as members of their tribe. The story gives the account of
John‘s marriage to a Seminole woman and their family‘s continued interactions
with their Seminole family.

Asian/Vietnamese: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity,
*Breckler, Rosemary. (1990) Sweet Dried Apples: A Vietnamese Wartime
Childhood. Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0-395-73570-X Grades 3-4 32
pages
A girl who lives in the countryside of Vietnam wakes one morning to find that her
father has joined the army. Her grandfather, the village herb doctor, arrives to
help take care of Lieu and her younger brother.
The author tells about the personal account of a family that experiences affects of
the Vietnamese Conflict. Lieu and her little brother Duc watch as their father is
called away to war. In the meantime, they are brought closer to their grandfather
and learn about his amazing healing abilities through his herbal remedies. Their
lives are changed dramatically because they eventually must flee their homeland.

White – Historical Fiction: Race, Ethnicity,
*Roop, Peter and Connie. (1985) Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie.
Carolrhoda Books. ISBN 0-87614-275-7 Grades 3-4 40 pages
Abbie was afraid. She had never had to keep the lights burning by herself before.
But many lives depended on the lighthouse, and Papa was depending on Abbie.
This is an exciting account of how in 1856, there was a storm off the coast of
Maine. Abbie‘s father was the local lighthouse operator. While he was on an
errand to get much needed supplies to prepare for the storm, he put Abbie in
charge to keep the lights burning during the terrible storm.

African American – Historical Fiction: Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status,
Gender
*Thomas, Joyce C. (1995) I Have Learned of a Land. Johanna Coulter Books.
ISBN 0-06-023478-4 Grades 3-4 30 pages
This story describes the joys and hardships experienced by an African-American
pioneer woman who staked a claim for free land in the Oklahoma Territory. The
author recounts the historical events that surrounded the arrival of thousands of
former slaves to the land runs of Oklahoma in 1889 and 1893. These slaves were
determined to stake their claim on some land that was to be available where
industrious blacks build a life of freedom for their families. This was also a great
opportunity for a single woman who could own land in her own name. This story
recalls the experiences of one such woman.

White – Historical Fiction: Race, Religious Beliefs, Ethnicity, Gender
*Harness, Cheryl. (1992) Three Young Pilgrims. Bradbury Press
This is the account of three young pilgrims who sailed on the Mayflower.
Bartholomew, Remember, and the Mary Allerton were part of a group of brave
people who set out to make a new life in a land that was unknown to them. Their
adventures are chronicled during the autumn months of 1620 and 1621. This
book lends the reader a look into the everyday lives of the pilgrims. The book
details such information as a description of the Mayflower and where people and
material were placed on the ship for their initial trip. In addition, the author
describes details of how they interacted with the Native Americans, what they
taught each other and how they helped each other survive.

Asian/Vietnamese – Historical Fiction: Race, Ethnicity,
*Keller, Holly. (1994) Grandfather’s Dream. Greenwillow Books
ISBN 0-688—12340-6 Grades 3-4 30 pages
After the end of the war in Vietnam, a young boy’s grandfather dreams of
restoring the wetlands of the Mekong delta, hoping that the large cranes that once
lived there will return. The Sarus crane, the largest flying bird in the world was
treasured by the Vietnamese people as a symbol of long life and happy families.
Young Nam listened to Grandfather tell stories about how canals were built
during the war. These canals were being built when the Sarus cranes were
plenteous on the wetlands in the Plain of Reeds. Unfortunately, these canals
destroyed the cranes‘ water source and caused many of them to disappear or die.
Grandfather tells Nam that he wants to restore the wetlands so that cranes could
live there again. Grandpa and Nam soon are able to enjoy the Sarus cranes in
their wetlands once again.


African Amerian – Historical Fiction: Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status
*Mitchell, Margaree K. (1993) Uncle Jed’s Barbershop. Simon & Schuster
Books for Young Readers ISBN 0-671 -76969-3 Grades 2-3 30 pages
Despite serious obstacles and setbacks Sara Jean‘s Uncle Jed, the only black
barber in the county, pursues his dream of saving enough money to open his own
barbershop. Sarah Jean‘s Uncle Jed was her favorite relative. Her Uncle Jed
would always greet her with a smile and when he came over to cut her daddy‘s
hair, she would run the clippers on the back of her neck and pretend to cut her
hair. Her Uncle Jed would tell her about how he was saving money for his dream
to open his own barber shop with new swivel chairs and fancy equipment.
Unfortunately, due to the segregation of the south in the 1920‘s and then the bank
failures of the Great Depression, it was difficult for Uncle Jed to realize his
dream. On instance in particular was when Sarah Jean got sick and her Uncle Jed
used the money he saved to pay for her doctor. But then comes the joyful day
when Uncle Jed finally opens his brand new barbershop.
African American – Historical Fiction: Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status
*Miller, William (2004) Joe Louis, My Champion. Lee & Low Books Inc
It’s the spring of 1937, and anticipation for the heavyweight title fight between
Joe Louis and James Braddock is at a fever pitch. Sammy can hardly contain his
excitement. He knows his hero, Joe Louis, will soon be the boxing champion of
the world. But young Sammy feels that he will never be as good as his hero.
Sammy thinks that he is just not good enough. Sammy‘s daddy takes him to talk
to Mister Jake. Mister probably loved Joe Louis just as much as Sammy. Mister
Jake is able to tell Sammy about how Joe Louis had to overcome many obstacles
as a youngster including the most difficult, prejudice. Mister Jake, Sammy‘s
friends and his family help Sammy see that he can be just as good as anyone –
just like Joe Louis had to realize.
Annotated Genre Booklist-Traditional Tales
1. Korean Fairytale – Race, Ethnicity,
San souci, Daniel. (1999). In the moonlight mist: A Korean
tale. Boyds Mill Press Inc., ISBN 1-56397-754-0 Elementary
grades, 32 pgs.
This is the tale of a woodcutter that rescues a deer. To thank him, the deer
grants the woodcutter’s wish to have a wife. The deer tells the woodcutter to
steal the clothes of one of the heavenly maidens that descend to the Earth to
bathe, and she will have to stay on Earth if she cannot find her clothes. The
woodcutter follows the directions, and meets and marries the maiden and has a
child with her. But one day, the maiden is homesick for heaven and the
woodcutter gives her, her clothes to make her feel better. The maiden, while
holding their child, ascends into heaven. The woodcutter once again meets the
deer who tells him that the maidens now drop a bucket down to Earth to fetch
water and he should get inside to go up to heaven with his wife and child. The
woodcutter decides that he must bring his ailing mother along and they both get
in the bucket, but it is too heavy. So he allows his mother to go without him.
Because of the care he showed for his mother, the heavenly king sends a dragon
down to Earth to get the woodcutter and bring him to heaven.
2. Indonesian Fairytale- Race, Ethnicity
Sierra, Judy. (2000). The gift of the crocodile: A cinderella story.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-82188-3
Elementary grades, 40 pgs.
This is the tale of Damura, a young woman that plays the traditional Cinderella
role. Damura lives with her widowed father, and promises to convince him to
marry a neighbor after the neighbor gives her a doll. Her new stepmother and
stepsister eventually start to treat her as a servant. One day, Damura loses her
sarong in the river and calls upon the animals to help. A Mother Crocodile helps
her because of how sweet Damura is and even gives her a new outfit to wear
when a prince comes to town looking for a princess. Damura wins the prince’s
heart after he searches for her the day after the dance, but the stepmother and
stepsister decide to trick Damura onto a boat ride, where they push her into the
water. A crocodile eats Damura and the stepmother and stepsister return to
town with news. Upon hearing what has happened, the prince pleads to the
Mother Crocodile for help, and she makes the guilty crocodile spit her out and
brings Damura back to life. She also tells the crocodiles to eat the stepmother
and stepsister when they see them. Damura returns to her palace while the
stepmother and stepsister enter deep into the forest to never be seen again.
3. Chinese Legend- Race, Ethnicity
Young, Ed. (2004). The sons of the dragon king. Atheneum
Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-85184-7 Elementary
grades, 24 pgs.
In this tale, the dragon king’s nine sons have set out into the world on their own.
But rumors come back to the dragon king that each of his sons is lazy and does
nothing of value all day. The king discovers that each of his sons has a special
gift and guides them in a direction to make the best use of their gifts. Each of the
gifts are still associated with some aspect of Chinese culture today.
4. Ghanian Tale-Race, Ethnicity
Gregorowski, Christopher. (2000). Fly, eagle, fly! Simon and
Schuster Children’s Publishing Division. ISBN 0-689-82398-3
Elementary grades, 32 pgs.
A farmer finds a baby eagle one day and decides to take it home and care for it.
He put the eagle with his chickens and roosters, where it learns to behave just
like them. It will show its wings, but never fly off into the sky. One day, the
farmer’s friend decides to get the eagle to fly, but is unsuccessful after several
attempts. On his last try, he takes the eagle up to the mountain it came from and
coaxed it into taking its place in the sky.
5. Greek Myth- Ethnicity, Gender
Climo, Shirley. (1995). Atalanta’s race. Clarion Books. ISBN 0395-67322-4 Elementary grades 32 pgs.
This myth tells the life story of Atalanta. She was a princess who was
abandoned by her father because he wanted a son. She was left in the woods,
and eventually rescued by a bear. A hunter found her in the bear’s cave one day
and took her in as his daughter, knowing that she was the abandoned princess.
The princess grew to be a great athlete (although she was not allowed in the
Olympics because she is female), and an especially great runner. Even the king
asks to see her and confesses that he is her father. Because her wants her to
marry, and she is less interested, she agrees to marry any man that can beat her
in a race. The penalty for losing race and marries Atalanta. Aphrodite feels
slighted when they are not thankful to her and she has them each turned into a
lion and lioness forever.
6. Plains Indian Trickster/Porquoi Tale- Race, Ethnicity
Goble, Paul. (1989). Iktomi and the berries. Orchard Books.
ISBN 0-531-05819-1 Elementary grades, 32 pgs.
This story explains why people beat buffalo berry bushes when they are picking
the berries. In it, Iktomi is constantly tricking himself with his stupidity. He starts
the day looking for prairie dogs to hunt, but doesn’t see them even though they
are nearby. He then decides to hunt ducks, but falls into the water in the
process. He then unsuccessfully dives for berries, at one point trapping himself
in the water by tying a rock around his neck. Once he gets out of the water, he
realizes that the berries are actually in a tree above the water. He begins to beat
the tree the way people continue to today when picking berries.
7. Balinese Fairy Tale/Animal Tale- Ethnicity, Race
Sierra, Judy. (1999). The dancing pig. Gulliver Books Harcourt
Brace and Company. ISBN 0-15-201594-9, Elementary grades, 32
pages.
This story is about twin girls that have always been especially nice to the animals
around them. Their mother begins leaving the twins home alone one day, with
the twins promising their mother to stay locked in the house until she returns with
a special knock to let them know it is her. Rangsasa (an ogress) tries to trick the
twins into letting her in one day, but the girls recognize that it is not their mother’s
voice. After taking a potion, Rangsasa is able to duplicate the mother’s voice
and she is able to abduct the twins. The animals that the twins treat so well work
with their mother to rescue them.
8. Amazon Trickster/Beast Tale- Ethnicity
McDermott, Gerald. (2001). Jabuti the tortoise: A trickster tale
from the Amazon. Harcourt Inc. ISBN 0-15-200496-3, Elementary
grades, 32 pgs.
Jabuti the tortoise, often played music for other animals in the rainforest. All of
the animals loved it except for the vulture that really wanted to eat Jabuti.
Vulture finally gets the chance when Jabuti asks for a ride to heaven to play for
the King. On the way, the vulture drops Jabuti, who falls and cracks his shell on
a rock. In heaven, the King asks for Jabuti and Vulture claims not to know where
he is. The King sends Toucan, Macaw and Hummingbird to go find Jabuti. The
birds find Jabuti and put him back together. As thanks, each bird go a new color
where they touched Jabuit, the toucan on his beak, macaw on his feathers and
hummingbird on his belly.
9. Cameroon Folk Tale-Race, Ethnicity, Gender
Tchana, Katrin. (2002). Sense pass king: A story from Cameroon.
Holiday House Book. ISBN 0-8234-1577-5 Elementary grades, 32
pgs.
In this tale, the author changes the hero from being a little boy to a little girl. The
story is about an amazingly intelligent girl, Ma’antah, that the people in the
villages around her call sense pass king, meaning she has more sense than the
king. The king hears of her and tries several times to kill her, but she always
escapes unharmed. Eventually he asks that she stay with him so that he can
keep an eye on her. Ma’antah helps the King to rule and even helps him win a
princess from an emperor from across the water. On the trip home, the king and
his soldiers are confronted by a sea monster and Ma’antah saves them all. Upon
returning home, the soldiers tell the villagers what happened and they all kick the
king out and make Ma’antah their Queen.
10. Japanese Legend- Race, Ethnicity
Kimmel, Eric. (2003). Three samurai cates. First Scholastic.
ISBN 0-439-69256-3, Elementary grades, 32 pgs.
This is the story of a daimyo, whose house is taken over by a rat. Every time the
daimyo tries to get rid of the rat, nothing works. The daimyo goes to see the
docho, who is a monk that trains samurai. They daimyo requests that one of the
samurai come rid his home of the rat. The docho sends two, strong, saumurai to
the house, but both are defeated by the rat. The last samurai to arrive is a
ragged looking one and he does not attempt to engage the rat in battle for days.
After weeks pass, the rat helps himself to everyone’s sticky rice and creates rice
ball so big that it traps him. The rat must then make a deal with the samurai to
leave the house if the samurai will help him get out of the rice ball.
Annotated Genre Booklist: Poetry
 African American: Poetry - Race, Ethnicity, Ability
--Thomas, Joyce. (2008). The Blacker the Berry. Amistad, ISBN-10:
0060253754 Grades 4 & Up. Pages: 32.
The Blacker the Berry is a collection of deep-rooted poems about the beauty of dark
skin. This book celebrates color by using vibrant and illuminating words to catch the
reader’s eye. Each poem is read through the voice of a child with each page delving
deeper and deeper into the depths of African descents skin colors. The imagery in
each page of the poems is distinctive and provides creative thinking and a vivid
imagination. In the final poem, all of the children are celebrated and it gives the
reader a sense of pride. This book is recommended for parents and schools to read
to children because it can give students a better understanding of what may be
different and to help them realize we are all one race, the human race.
 European: Poetry- Age, Class
-- Janeczko, Paul B. (2005). A Kick in the Head. Illus. by Chris
Raschka. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, ISBN: 978-0-7636-0662-6
Grades 3 and Up. Pages: 64.
In this collection of 29 children’s poems, the author seeks to gain a humorous vibe
from the audience. This collection presents a variety of formal and familiar poems
that will definitely spark students’ interest. This book of poetry is exceptional for
classroom use because of its many lessons. In the beginning of the book, the author
asks the reader if they could really express their feelings in a poem as short as a
haiku. This can lead to discussions about different types of poetry and what students
are more familiar with. As the author presents 29 different poetic forms, the
audience is left wondering and thinking about all the different forms and types of
poetry that exists.
 African-American: Poetry- Race, Class, Ability, Ethnicity
-- Nelson, Marilyn. (2005). A Wreath for Emmett Till. Illus. by Philippe
Lardy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, ISBN: 091000321-81. Grade 3 and
up. Pages: 121
The story of Emmett Till is based on a true story. The author of this book uses poetry
to sequence the events that happened so long ago. In 1955, Emmett Till was hung
for allegedly hitting on or whistling at a white woman. Two white men saw Till
speaking to her and they murdered him by hanging him. The two men were
acquitted of the crime and set free immediately. The author portrays the whole
synopsis through prose and poetry. She uses words that create imagery for the
reader. This book will help students visualize and feel the events that took place less
than a century ago. Near the end of the book the author discusses the trial in more
recent years and the events that are taking place currently.
 African-American: Poetry
-- Giovanni, Nikki. (2008). Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry
with a Beat. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks, ISBN 10-0034902120. Grades 2nd and Up.
Pages 62
Nikki Giovanni has put together a variety of amazing poems and rhymes by some
of Hip Hop’s biggest names. Queen Latifah, Kanye West and the Sugarhill Gang all
grace this book by adding in a poem and their recording on the audio cd. Each of the
poems talks about a variety of topics, all of which are to promote positive selfawareness. This collection can be used inside of the classroom and outside of the
classroom. Inside of the classroom, the teacher can discuss words that rhyme and
why they rhyme such as they have the same ending sound. Parents can use this
collection to help their child become motivated in reading and poetry.

 European: Poetry
--Sidman, Joyce. (2006). Meow Ruff: A Story in Concrete Poetry.
Illustrated by Michelle Berg. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, ISBN 0810928274623. Grades 2-4. Pages: 42
Concrete poetry, pattern poetry or shape poetry is poetry in which was used to convey the
intended effect as the conventional elements of the poem, such as meaning of words as the
vehicle. The author of this book of concrete poetry relates a simple story about a
small dog that escapes from its house and he meets a cat that is abandoned at
curbside. The unlikely pair meet up at a park where the weather forces the two to
wait under a picnic table. Eventually, the dog and cat begin huddling together and
later become best friends. The book consists of a series of descriptive phrases that
have been compressed and arranged to create elements of the artwork. Children are
sure to love this book because of the descriptive imagery and creative pictures. It
presents many opportunities for teachers to teach students about many character
education skills such as friendship, bullying and empathy.
 Multicultural:Poetry
-- Greenberg, Jan. (2008). Side by Side: New Poems Inspired by Art from Around
the World ISBN 091000321892. New York: Abrams. Grades 3-6. Pages: 155
Thirty-three countries and six continents are where this collection of poets are from.
Many of the poems were not written in English and had to be translated for the
collection. The collection is based on artistry. The poets see a piece of art and wrote
a poem based on what they saw and felt. The collection presents a variety of
different stories that the poets tell. Many of the works relate to an object and its
being.
 European-American:Poetry
-- Dillons, Leo and Diane. ISBN-0983216000 (2007). Jazz on a
Saturday Night. New York: Blue Sky Press/Scholastic.Grade: Kindg.2nd. Pages
The authors in this collection bring an introduction to jazz to small children. Many of
the collections come from artists that have written their own pieces that can be
interpreted as poems as well. Students are able to learn about jazz greats through
the biography of each musician. Each page explains the biography of each musician
and then their works are displayed near their biographies. The text uses simple
rhyming patterns which encourages young students to think about syllables and how
to write poems. This collection will be excellent in introducing jazz music to small
children.
 Korean:Poetry: Religion, Class, National
-- Park, Linda Sue. (2007). Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo Poems.
Illustrations by Istvan Banyai. ISBN-10: 0618234837 New York:
Clarion/Houghton Mifflin. Grade: 3rd and Up. Pages:42.
Tap Dancing on the Roof is a collection of Sijo poems. A sijo is a traditional Korean verse
form of poetry with a fixed number of stressed syllables and a humorous or ironic twist
near the end of the last verse. The poems and verses in this collection are no different.
They were funny, entertaining and witty. The collection presents poems that are written
in unfamiliar forms to the audience which makes the poems more interesting. One
poem entitled “Long Division” embodies a true sijo poem with verses of stressed
syllables and an ironic twist. Children are sure to enjoy writing their own sijo’s, with the
help of a guidance page for writing sijo’s in the back of the book.
 European: Poetry: Class
-- Weston, Robert Paul. ISBN-10: 1595141995 (2008). Zorgamazoo. New
York: Penguin. Grades: 3 and Up. Pages: 288.
Zorgamazoo is a story written about a girl named Katrina Katrell. Katrina’s guardian,
Mrs. Krabone forces Katrina to run away. Katrina meets a creature named Morty who
she quickly becomes friends with. Katrina and Morty join together to solve a town
mystery. Eventually, the end of their journey leads them to the moon. The author
writes in a fantastical rhythm and energy of rhyming couplets throughout the story.
This story is sure to engage students with its imagery and humor.
 European: Poetry: Ability, Class, Race
-- Neri, G. (2007). Chess Rumble. Illustrations by Jesse Joshua
Watson. New York: Lee & Low. Grades 3-6. Pages:64
This novel takes the audience through the life a young African-American boy named
Marcus. This young boy often results to fighting when situations escalate and is not
thinking about his actions. His teacher recognizes that he is getting into a lot of
trouble outside of school and wants to help. She introduces to him to a man named
C.M., Chess Master. C.M. introduces Marcus into the game of chess. Marcus is
reluctant to accept C.M. at one time because of his own father’s absence. Marcus
eventually complies and finally may be ready to step foot in the right direction.
Annotated Booklist Historical Fiction
European: Historical Fiction – Religion, Age, Ethnicity, Gender Ability
Lowry, Lois. (1990). Number the Stars. Random House Children's Books,
ISBN 9780440403272 Grades 4 to 6. 144 pages.
In 1943, during the German occupation of Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie faces the
horrors of prejudice. Annemarie's best friend is Jewish. The girl's families have to work
together to remain safe during the Holocaust. The bravery and courage of this young girl
teaches everyone how to look after the people that are important in life. The history of
Denmark during this period is well-documented and inspiring.
Another incredible aspect of this book is the vivid and descriptive scenes. It seems as if
you can truly visualize every part of the book. Children would benefit from acting out
their favorite scenes. An activity such as this would help them socially, and it would also
help students realize that books happen from real occurrences. Have each child chose
their favorite scene. Then, the children should get into groups according to that
preference. They would work together to develop a skit from that scene.
2. White/African: Historical Fiction – Race, Age, Ethnicity
Fox, Paula. (2008). Slave Dancer. Simon & Schuster Children's
Publishing, ISBN 9781416971399 Grades 6 to 8. 192 pages.
Young Jessie is kidnapped in the dark of the night. He is taken aboard a slave ship on its
way to Africa. Jessie sees the horrors of slavery while being forced to play his pipe for
the slaves. The truth of the harsh treatment of the slaves becomes real. Jessie is forced to
realize that slaves are people too.
3. African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ability, Age, Ethnicity,
Socioeconomic Status
Armstrong, William. (1972). Sounder. HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN
9780064400206 Grades 4 to 6. 128 pages.
A young African American boy is living in a small town during a period of harsh
prejudice. The main storyline is the injury of his dog, Sounder. The boy has to deal with
the injury and many other hardships. The boy's father is jailed and treated horribly. The
boy tries to find his father and find his own identity. His real goal, though, is to learn to
read. All of his searching teaches him about the closed-mindedness of the world.
Stories celebrating Cultural Diversity
4. African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Age, Gender, Ability
Hopkinson, Deborah. (1995). Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt.
Random House Children's Books, ISBN 9780679874720 Grades 3 to 5.
97 pages.
Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt is a wonderful book about a young slave girl who is
separated from her family and is taken to work in the fields of a plantation. She soon
discovers that fieldwork is not for her, and is permitted to work in the house, helping with
the sewing and mending. She begins to hear conversations about others who have
escaped their plight, and comes up with a brilliant idea: she uses the leftover scraps of
cloth from her sewing to begin to make her own quilt...a map that will lead her to her
family and then to freedom. From the conversations she hears about the layout of the
surrounding land, she meticulously creates her quilt. Upon its completion, she flees to
find her family and leads them all to freedom. Having memorized its every detail while
making it, she leaves the quilt behind for others to likewise memorize and reach safety.
5. African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Ability
Burleigh, Robert . (2004). Langston's Train Ride. Scholastic, Inc., ISBN
9780439352390 Grades 3 to 5. 32 pages.
Clackety clack clack clack. Can you hear the rhythm of the train? Langston Hughes did.
Traveling to see his father in 1920, as he listened to the sounds of the train -- metal on
metal, wheels on rails -- Hughes's imagination took flight. On that ride, he was inspired
to write his first famous poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers." This picture book tells the
story of Langston Hughes's rise to accomplishing his dream of being a writer. With bold,
striking illustrations by Leonard Jenkins, here is a book for any young person with a
dream.
6. Asian: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Age
Yep, Lawrence . (1996). Hiroshima: A Novella. Scholastic, Inc., ISBN
9780590208338 Grades 4 to 8. 56 pages.
Yep tells the story of 12-year old Sachi, who witnessed the arrival of the B-29 carrying
the atom-bomb. Seriously scarred and burned, Sachi's pain is felt in Yep's clipped, brittle
style. She is a composite of several children who survived the destruction that brought an
end to World War II. For better readers, the spellbinding account by an award-winning
writer, blends fact and fiction. It describes the dropping of the atomic bomb on
Hiroshima, Japan, particularly as it affects Sachi, who becomes one of the Hiroshima
Maidens.
7. European/White: Historical Fiction – Ethnicity, Religion
Hoestlandt, Jo. (1996). Star of Fear, Star of Hope. Walker & Company,
ISBN 9780802775887 Grades 3 to 5. 32 pages.
Nine-year-old Helen is confused by the disappearance of her Jewish friend during the
German occupation of Paris. Helen, now an old woman, was nine-years-old when she lost
her best friend, Lydia, during the Nazi occupation of France in 1942. Misunderstanding
Lydia's sudden return home when the girls were to have spent the night together
celebrating Helen's birthday, she burst out, "You're not my friend anymore!" But the
appearance of Madam Eleven O'Clock and Midnight Ghost, both wearing yellow stars
like Lydia's, had signaled the beginning of terrible times for Jews. Lydia was gone, and
Helen's guilt haunted her the rest of her life. By writing her story, she hopes that Lydia, if
she survived the Holocaust, will contact her again. The illustrations are done in primitive
style, and the book won a graphics prize at the 1994 Bologna Book Fair, 1994.
8. White: Historical Fiction – Age, Gender
Rinaldi, Ann. (2003). The Secret of Sarah Revere. Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt, ISBN 9780152046842 Grades 9 to 12. 336 pages.
The spunky daughter of the famed Paul Revere tells the story of her father‘s rides and the
intelligence network of the Patriot community prior to the American Revolution. Ann
Rinaldi‘s impeccable research and keen perception of adolescent angst create a look back
in time that remains powerfully relevant today. Thirteen-year-old Sarah Revere knows
her father is a hero, but she also knows that Paul Revere guards a secret about the start of
the Revolutionary War that he'll tell no one--not his new wife, not his best friend, not
even his trusted daughter. It seems "everyone" in her family has secrets. Sarah's even got
one of her own--and it's tearing her apart.
9. African: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Gender
McKissack, Patricia. (2000). Nzingha: Warrior Of Matamba, Angola,
1595. Scholastic, Inc., ISBN 9780439112109 Grades 6 to 8. 144 pages.
Nzingha was a queen who led her people for many years fighting against the Portuguese
colonizers. McKissack—as she says, "always interested in African and African American
history"—found a old biography of Nzingha written in Portuguese, and this started her
serious research to uncover whatever could be found about this unusual queen. Nzingha
herself was educated by a Portuguese priest, so the premise that she kept a diary as a
young girl is not so preposterous. Most details of Mbundu history, however, are
preserved in oral tradition, in art and rituals, and McKissack researched that as well as the
histories written by Portuguese or other Europeans. In the diary Nzingha tells of life in
the court of her father, of hunts, intrigue, marriage arrangements, and loving sisters.
Nzingha's mother was herself a slave, beloved of the king, Nzingha's father, but always
suspect as a foreigner. Nzingha had to bear that burden throughout her life, even when
she became queen in 1630.
10. White: Historical Fiction – Socioeconomic Status
Horvath, Polly. (1994). The Happy Yellow Car. Farrar, Straus and
Giroux, ISBN 9780374328450 Grades 5 to 12. 128 pages.
In the midst of the Great Depression, the whole Grunt family is floored when Pa pulls up
in a shiny yellow car. Where did he get the money? The family barely has enough to get
by. The answer doesn't make anyone happy! Meanwhile, 12-year-old Betty, the brightest
of the four Grunt children, has other things on her mind. She has been chosen Pork Fry
Queen, but she must come up with one dollar for flowers if she is to claim her title. Her
quest takes her on a series of hilarious adventures with quirky relatives, where she
uncovers family secrets. Polly Horvath's signature offbeat characters and funny dialogue
come to life in The Happy Yellow Car.
Annotated Genre Booklist
Cuban Folktale:
 Deedy, C. A. (2007). Martina the Beautiful Cockroach. Atlanta:
Peachtree Publishers. ISBN 978-1-56145399-3 Recommended Grade
level: K and above; 30 pages
This book is a tale about a beautiful cockroach named Martina that has
reached the 21day old mark. This means that she is now ready to be
married. Because she is so beautiful, her grandmother tells her that it will
be easy to find husbands to choose from, but picking the right one will be
tricky. Martina’s Cuban grandmother gave her some advice for selecting
the right mate. She was to spill coffee on the shoe of each suitor who
approached her. His response would confirm if he was the right one. After
several suitors approached and failed the coffee test, Martina found the
suitor that made her heart flutter…a mouse named Perez. Instead of
Martina being able to test the mouse with the coffee, he tried the test on
her! After passing the test, Martina was told by the mouse that he also has
a Cuban grandmother.
Nepalese Folktale:
 Young, E. (2004). I, Doko: the Tale of a Basket. New York: Philomel
Books. ISBN 0-399-23625-210 98754321 Recommended grade level:
2nd and above; 29 pages
This book is about a basket named Doko, which means basket in
Nepalese. He has a master named Yeh-Yeh who married a woman NeiNei. The two of them had a baby and Doko was used to carry the baby
and other heavy things while they worked the field. Nei-Nei, the mother,
died and the baby grew to become a man who later marries a woman
from a nearby village. They also had a child whom they named Wangal.
When Yeh-Yeh later breaks his hip and is unable to work the fields, he and
Doko care for the grandchild, Wangal. Wangal grows to become a tenyear old boy while Yeh-Yeh grows older and is less able to care for things
around the house. Yeh-Yeh’s son soon decides to carry his father to the
temple steps to leave him so that he may be given additional care. It is
then that Wangal asks his father if he might return the basket so that when
he grows old they will have something to carry him in as well. Wangal’s
love and respect for his grandfather inspired and transformed the whole
village in how to treat elders from that time on.
Hawaiian Trickster Tale:
 McDermott, G. (2009). Pig-Boy. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780-15-216590-1; Recommended grade level: K and above; 29 pages
This story is about a little pig named, Pig-Boy who seemed to always find
trouble. When he was young, his grandmother would always wrap him in
soft leaves and sing him to sleep. She always told him that if trouble came
his way he should "just slip away". Pig-Boy was always hungry and he
continued to eat. He stole chickens from a king's garden and ate them.
When pursued by the king, he turned into lots of little piglets and slipped
away. When he encountered the fire goddess and enraged her, she
threw fire towards him. Once again he found a way to get away by
turning into a fish. Finally, when Pig-Boy got out of the water, he was
captured by the net of the king. Once again he found a way to slip away
as his grandmother had instructed him to do.
African Folktale (Retold):
 Isadora, R. (2009). Hansel and Gretel. New York: The Penguin Group.
ISBN 978-0-399-25028-6; Recommended for grades 1 and above; 30
pages
In this story a young boy and girl named Hansel and Gretel lived with their
father and step-mother in a little hut in an African village. The family was
very poor so the step-mother convinced the father that they would all
starve if they didn’t take the children to the forest and leave them. When
the children were left deep in the forest, Hansel helped them find their
way back by following a trail of stones that he left. The step mother was so
angry that the next day she lead them further into the forest and their trail
of bread crumbs was of no avail for them. The children were lost, afraid,
and hungry for three days. Then they found a house made of bread,
cake, and sugar where an old lady lived. This woman pretended to help
them, but was out to hurt them instead. The children had to work hard to
trick the woman to keep her from eating them. In the end, Gretel was
able to get the woman into the oven where she burned to death. Hansel
and Gretel safely found their way to their now peaceful home where only
their father was because the step mother was dead.
African Folktale (Retold):

Isadora, R. (2007). The Princess and the Pea. New York: The Penguin
Group. ISBN 13: 9780399246111; Recommended for Pre-K thru 2nd
grade; 32 pages
This story is about a prince who was looking for a real princess to fall in
love with and marry. He went around the world trying to find the princess
for him. The prince proposed a test to all of the princesses he met to
determine if they were real or not. This test involved one small pea and 27
mattresses. This small pea was placed under all of the mattresses and the
princesses were to lie on the top of the mattresses. If the princess slept
comfortably, then she failed the test since a real princess should be
sensitive enough to feel even a small pea. The final princess that the
prince tested passed since she awakened with soreness and pain from
the discomfort of the pea. The prince married this princess and they lived
happily ever after.
Jewish Folktale:
BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Shulman, L. (2005). The Matzo Ball Boy. New York: Dutton Chidren's
Books. ISBN 0-525-47169-3; Recommended for grades Pre-K and
above; 30 pages
This was a story with a Jewish setting that mimics the story of the
gingerbread man. In this story, however, the old grandmother didn't want
to celebrate the Passover alone so she made a little Matzo Ball Boy. When
she opened the pot to see if he was done cooking, he jumped out and
ran. She chased him through the village and others joined in as he yelled,
"Run, run, as fast as you can. You can't catch me. I'm the matzo ball man!"
As the chase continued the boy came to a river where a hungry fox was
waiting. Instead of falling for the trick of riding the fox's back, he decided
to swim since he wasn't made of gingerbread. After a long day of running,
the matzo ball boy was tired and he met a nice guy at a cottage. The
guy welcomed him in to warm up and enjoy the Passover with him and his
wife. Little did the matzo ball boy know that he would become their
dinner!
Irish Tale:
BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Souhami, J. (2002). Mrs. McCool and the Giant Cuhullin. New York:
Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 0-8050-6852-X; Recommended for
grades Pre-K and above; 30 pages
This is a tale about two giants named Cuhullin and Finn. Cuhullin was very
strong because he had a magic finger. He was undefeated amongst the
giants. He had not yet faugh the giant, Finn, so he set out to find him. Finn
had a magic thumb and could see into the future. He saw that Cuhullin
was in route to fight him and knew that he would be no match for his
great strength. Finn decided to see if his wife had a plan for him since she
always had a way of getting him out of trouble. Finn knew that Cuhullin
was scheduled to arrive at 4:00 that afternoon which was around tea
time. The wife decided to dress Finn up as a baby and fixed loaves of
bread, one of which contained iron griddle. When Cuhullin arrived, the
wife said Finn was out working but in the mean time she put him to work.
After carrying out several tasks that were supposedly performed regularly
by Finn, Cuhullin joined the wife and baby for bread only to discover that
his magic finger would be bitten off!
Balinese Folktale:
BIBLIOGRAPHY
 MacDonald, M. R. (2006). Go to Sleep Gecko! August House
Publishers: Little Rock. ISBN 978-0-87483-780-3; Recommended for
grades K-1; 30 pages
This story is about a gecko that could not sleep because of the fireflies
that surrounded his house at night. They blinked their lights on and off and
disturbed the gecko's sleep. The gecko would beg the elephant to do
something about the fireflies since he was the village boss. When the
elephant spoke with the fireflies the next morning, he was given a logical
reason for their shining their lights at night so he allowed them to continue.
This continued each night with the gecko requesting that the elephant
speak to different animals that were connected to the story given by the
elephant. In the end, the gecko was helped to appreciate that he should
just put up with the lights from the fireflies since they were aiding in him
being able to eat.
Appalachian Folk Tale:
BIBLIOGRAPHY
 Johnson, P. B. (2002). Jack Outwits the Giants. New York: Margaret
K. McElderry Books. ISBN 0-689-83902-2; Recommended for 2nd
grade and above; 30 pages
This tale is about a boy named Jack who was off on a journey when a
bad storm came about. He met a giant woman who welcomed him in
her home and fed him. Jack was asked by the woman and her husband
to spend the night since the storm would continue through the night. Jack
overheard their plans to eat him so he made it appear that he was asleep
by placing a sack over some feed. He ran off and hid. When the boy was
awake the next morning, the giants devised a plan of three tasks to see if
he was witched. Jack figured out a way to turn the giants' plan against
them. He tricked them into a well, cut the rope, and that was the end of
that.
African Folk Tale:
 Isadora, R. (2008). The Fisherman and His Wife. New York : The
Penguin Group. ISBN 978-0-399-24771-2; Recommended for grades
K and above; 30 pages
In this tale, a fisherman caught a flounder who begged for his life. Since he was
surprised about the speaking fish, he let him go. The man told this to his wife and
she aksed him to make a wish. The man returned to the fish and made a wish
which was granted. Every other day the man would return to the fish with
another wish to request for his wife. Then the wife wished to be king and it was
granted, and she continued to wish for higher positions of authority which were
granted her. Finally when the woman asked for the flounder to make her God,
the man returned home only to find that his life was back to what it originally
was. He and his wife lived from that day on in their old stinky pigsty.
 Irish: Fantasy Tale (Fairy Tale) – Race, Ethnicity, Ability
 Garland, Michael. (2007). King Puck: Inspired by an Irish Festival.
Harper Collins Publishers, ISBN 0-06—084809-X Grades 3 & Up.
27 pages.
Seamus is an older gentleman who lives on one of Ireland‘s most beautiful mountains.
Seamus is a lonely man who only has his goat to talk to and the fairies who live nearby.
Every night Seamus would read stories of Finn MacCool to his goat Finny, but Seamus
wished for more books. The fairies cast a spell, which gives Finny the ability to talk.
The fairies do even more by delivering a handbill that invites the two, to the King Puck
festival, which is a competition among the country‘s goats to be named King Puck (the
only king in Ireland) for one day. The two travel to the town of Killorglin with great
confidence that Finny will take the title, but as they enter the square the competition
looks fierce. Finny is about to be turned away by the judges but in the last second he
showcases his ability which in turn changes the lives of both Finny and Seamus forever.
 African American: Fantasy Tale (Tall Tale)- Race, Ethnicity, Ability, Age

Pinkney, Andrea Davis. (2006). Peggony-Po: A whale of a tale.
Hyperion Books for Children, ISBN 0-7868-1958-8 Grades 5 and
Up. 24 Pages.
Galleon Keene is a black whaler who came close to catching one of the biggest whales
ever seen; Cetus. Galleon‘s last attempt in trying to catch the 60 ton whale cost him his
leg, which was eaten by the whale. Galleon‘s spirits were down because he would no
longer be able to go whaling since he lost his leg. A few days later, under the night sky
Galleon wishes for a son, so he carves the shape of a boy out of wood, and names him
Peggony –Po. Under the night sky Peggony-Po becomes a boy, who soon learns what
happened to his father‘s leg. After hearing the story Peggony-Po becomes confident that
he will catch Cetus. Peggony-Po swims through the roughest patch of water and waits
for Cetus, when he finally gets a hold of Cetus, that‘s when the adventure begins. Both
the whale and Peggony-Po have a long fight ahead of them.
 Middle Eastern: Fantasy Tale (Fable)- Race, Ethnicity, Age, Socioeconomic
Status
 Ritchie, Madonna. (2004). The adventure of Abdi. Callaway, ISBN
0-670-05889-0 Grades 5 and Up. 26 Pages.
Abdi is a young orphan whose guardian is an old family friend named Eli. Eli is an
exquisite jeweler whose ornament‘s gives anyone who wears them good fortune. Eli acts
as a teacher to Abdi who is an eager student. One day Eli is requested by the king of the
land to create a necklace fit for his queen. Once the necklace is complete Abdi is given
the significant job of delivering the necklace to the queen. Abdi journeys through the
desert with a caravan of Bedouins. In the caravan he meets two mischievous men by the
name of El Shaydi and Ratib, whom Abdi reveals his task to. The next day, Abdi arrives
at the palace with his bag in hand, which he presents to the king. To the King and Abdi‘s
surprise a snake comes out. Abdi is then tossed in jail but remembers the lessons taught
to him by Eli to overcome what he must face.
 European (Greek): Fantasy Tale (Myth)- Ability, (Social) Status
 Lattimore, Deborah Nourse. (2000). Medusa. Harper Collins
Publishers, ISBN 0-06-027904-4 Grades 5 and Up. 27 pages.
Medusa is the most beautiful mortal born to a horribly ugly sea witch. Medusa thinks of
herself even more beautiful than the goddess Athena. Athena hears of this and casts a
spell on the mere mortal, which turns Medusa into the ugliest creature that whosoever
looks at her will turn into stone. Athena also tells Medusa that a young boy shall come to
kill her one day. Meanwhile a fisherman finds a chest washed up on the shore that
contains Danae and Perseus (the son of Zeus). The fisherman‘s evil brother wants to
force Danae to marry but is told by Athena to have her son Perseus, bring them the head
of Medusa as a wedding gift. If he does not succeed both Perseus and his mother shall
die. Athena and the others know that no one has seen Medusa and survived. Perseus
desperate to save his mother and himself start out on his journey to find and kill Medusa.
 Latin American (Mexican): Fantasy Tale (Fables) – Race, Ethnicity, Religion,
Socioeconomic Status, Age
 Sawyer, Timothy Jr. and Torres, Eliseo. (2005). Stories of
Mexico‘s Independence Days and other bilingual children‘s fables.
University of New Mexico Press, ISBN 0-8263-3886-0 Grades 4
and Up. 60 pages.
The six Mexican fables in this book are all presented in both Spanish and English for the
reader. At the end of each fable are questions and activities for the reader to engage in.
The story of Cinco de Mayo starts with a little boy by the name of Manuel whose bravery
helped General Zaragoza defeat the French army. Mexico‘s Independence Day is also
told wherein the Spanish priest Father Miguel Hidalgo led poor Mexican farmers and
peasants against their Spanish oppressors. The remaining fables include stories of
animals. Whether it‘s about how Orlando the Circus Bear influenced the school to have a
bear as their mascot or how poor Tony Díaz got his miracle horse, thanks to his fathers
kindness to a stranger in need.
 Middle Eastern (Arabian): Fantasy Tale (Fairy Tale) – Ethnicity, Socioeconomic
status, Religion
 Kerven, Rosalind. (1998). Aladdin and other tales from the
Arabian nights. DK Publishing, Inc, ISBN 0-7894-2789-3 Grades
5 and Up. 63 pages.
This Fairy Tale book offers eight detailed stories of characters that we are very familiar
with and others we have not heard much about. A couple of familiar tales are those of
Aladdin, the peasant boy whose luck brings him to a magical lamp containing a genie that
grants all of his wishes until it is taken away. Also is the story of Ali Baba who spies on
a group of thieves, discovers their cave full of gold treasure and helps himself to some,
but trouble comes his way once the head thief finds out. Most interesting is the
unfamiliar tale of King Shahryar and his Queen, Shahrazad. King Shahryar discovers his
first wife in the arms of a servant, so he kills them both and vows to marry a woman each
day and have her killed the next morning. This happens until he meets Shahrazad who is
wiser than the other woman and tricks the King into keeping her alive. As each story is
told in this book, there are cultural facts on the borders of each tale to help the reader
better comprehend. There are also images of actual items; such as the silver drinking cup
that might have been used to poison the evil magician in the story of Aladdin or Baklava,
an Arabic sweet made from pasty and nuts which the King‘s pastry cook would have
made in The Garden of Enchantments.
 Native American: Fantasy Tale (Legend)- Race, Ethnicity, Ability
 Hausman, Gerald. (1998). The story of Blue Elk. Clarion Books,
ISBN 0-395-84512-2 Grades 4 and Up. 32 pages.
Blue Elk is a Native American boy who is named after a magic elk that came through his
village the day he was born. Blue Elk was born into the world without crying and without
being able to utter a sound. At the age of twelve Blue Elk falls in love with a girl named
Sunflower, but is unable to express this to her so all he does is watch and admire her.
Walking in the meadows one day, Blue Elk sees the elk he was named after. They
become good friends and are inseparable. One day the elk speaks to Blue Elk for the first
and last time and tells him that he will soon be gone. Once he leaves, plant his horns in
the earth and something good will happen. Soon Blue Elk hears a hunter talking about a
great elk he killed to feed his family. Blue Elk quickly races to find his friend but instead
discovers droplets of blood and the horns already planted by the hunter. Blue Elk sadly
walks away but unknown to him what the elk told him will come true; Blue Elk has a lot
to look forward to.
 African American: Fantasy Tale (Tall tale)- Race, Ethnicity
 Hurston, Zora Neale. (2005). Lies and other tall tales, ISBN 0-06000655-2 Grades 2 and Up. 36 pages.
The collection of ―lies‖ or humorous disses are short and simple for the young reader.
Starting with a man so ugly who was thrown into Dog River and people were able to
―skim ugly for six months.‖ Each tale is more exaggerated than the next; to a woman so
small she never got wet in the rain because she stepped between the drops and a man so
dark-skinned that lightning bugs followed him in the day time thinking it was night. The
collection of tall tales are partnered with pictures just as colorful as the lies being told.
Like the one in which the wind was so strong it blew a man‘s nose off his face to the back
of his neck. The book concludes with the artists‘ notes about Zora Neale Hurston who
collected these tales and the story of when she met herself walking along a street in Portau-Prince, Haiti.
 Native American: Fantasy Tale (Numbskull Tale) - Race, Ethnicity, Ability
 Goble, Paul. (1999). Iktomi loses his eyes, ISBN 0-531-30200-8
Grades 3 and Up. 27 pages.
Iktomi is fascinated by a man he sees one day who is performing a wonderful trick. The
man tells his eyes to fly from his head to the post and it does. Then the man tells his eyes
to come back which it does. Iktomi begs the man to show him the wonderful trick, which
the stranger does. But the man also warns to not do the trick more than four times a day
or else something very bad will happen. Well Iktomi does it once, for practice then three
more times until he meets up with some friends and does it once more, knowing he
cheated on counting. Iktomi tells his eyes to fly from his head to the top of a tree, then to
come back. Iktomi‘s eyes never come back, and are taken by a squirrel. Iktomi has to
now face the rest of his day, making his way home with no eyes.
 Chinese: Fantasy Tale (Legend) – Race, Ethnicity, Ability, Socioeconomic Status
 Young, Ed. (2004). The sons of the Dragon king, ISBN 0-68985184-7 Grades 5 and Up. 21 pages.
The Dragon King has nine sons who are each immortal, possess a different skill and live
in a different region of China. Each son is known to do nothing all day and do not seem
worthy to be the son of a King. The Dragon King visits each of his sons to see exactly
what it is that they are up to. The first son that he visits is Bei-She who challenges the
peasants in competitions to see who is stronger; he also visits Chi Wen who stands on his
roof and stares into the distance all day. Pu-Lao does nothing but make monstrous
noises, Bi-An resolves disputes between merchants, Tao-Tieh spends his days in the
kitchen, Ba-Sha frolics in the water all day and Ya Zi screams and yells all day. The
Dragon King‘s eighth son Sua Ni who has a kind heart tends to a flame while talking to
children and finally Tia Tu does nothing but guard the walls of his palace. As the Dragon
King visits each of his sons he is about to scold them but instead turns their
―worthlessness‖ into a great skill.

Annotated Bibliography
African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Gender, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic
Status
o Hopkinson, D. (1993). Sweet clara and the freedom quilt. Alfred A.
Knopf: New York. ISBN 0-679-82311-5, 36 pages. Recommended for
4th grade.
Clara is a slave on a plantation with her Aunt Rachel. Clara‘s mother is a slave on
another plantation and Clara dreams of escaping to get to her mother. Aunt Rachel
teaches Clara how to sew, so she can become a seamstress on the plantation to get
her out of working in the fields. When Clara becomes a seamstress, she begins to
listen to the talk going on around her and hears of the Underground Railroad and
Canada. Clara figures out that she needs to create a map so that she can get to her
mother and then to Canada. She begins to learn the land from what she hears from
other people‘s experiences. Clara begins to sew a quilt which was the map to the
Underground Railroad and then to Canada. But she left the quilt behind with Aunt
Rachel to hopefully help other slaves get their freedom.
 African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity
o Johnson, A. (2007). Wind flyers. Simon and Schuster Books for Young
Readers: New York. ISBN 978-0-689-84879-7, 32 pages.
Recommended for 4th and 5th grade.
A young boy describes the life and dreams of his great-great-uncle. His great-greatuncle always dreamed of flying. He would attempt to copy birds as a young boy. As
soon as his great-great-uncle had a chance, he took a ride in an airplane. It was the
most beautiful picture he had ever seen. From that moment he wanted to become a
pilot. His great-great-uncle got a chance to be a part of the Air Force as a Tuskegee
Airman in World War II. His great-great-uncle shared everything that was amazing
about being in the air and many other experiences. Once his great-great-uncle got
home from the war, flying was never the same, but he still flew.
 White: Historical Fiction – Gender
o Adler, D. A. (2003). Mama played baseball. Harcourt, Inc.: Orlando,
Florida. ISBN 978-0-15-202196-2, 32 pages. Recommended for 5th
grade.
Mamma needed a job while Dad was away in World War II. Mamma wanted to play
baseball for a job, I helped her practice. Mamma tried out for the Women‘s Baseball
League and she caught the ball every time the coaches to her. Once she got her
uniform I knew she had made the team and got the job. I went to all the home
games, but not the ones that were far away. One day I thought I was going to an
away game, but when we went to the station there were a bunch a soldiers getting off
buses; there he was, Dad was home from the war.
 African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Gender
o Bradby, M. (2000). Mamma, where are you from? Scholastic Inc.: New
York. ISBN 0-439-29144-5, 32 pages. Recommended for 5th grade.
A young girl asks where her mamma is from and Mamma describes the time and
neighborhood she grew up in. Mamma mentions washing clothes in the in the
wringer washer, not the washing machine. The Fish, Rag, and Ice Man that uses an
old wagon to sell his fish, rags, and ice in the neighborhood. How her brother and
sister rode the bus to school, but it was not the school down the street; it was the
school for the brown kids. A time when they listened to the radio instead of
watching television. And a time when two irons were used and they had to be heated
by the stove. A time where many things were different, but the young girl still wants
to visit where her Mamma comes from.
 African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Age
o Woodson, J. (2001). The other side. G. P. Putnam‘s Sons: New York.
ISBN 0-399-23116-1, 32 pages. Recommended for
One summer day, two young girls notice each other across the fence. One girl was
white and one girl was African American. Both mothers of the girls said they were
not to go on the other said of the fence, but they would always watch each other.
One day the finally spoke. They sat on the fence and talked every chance they could.
Even their mothers let them sit on the fence. And one day they both were invited to
jump rope. The two girls and their new friends hoped one day that someday
someone would tear down the fence that separates people.
 White: Historical Fiction – Age, Gender
o Bunting, E. (1996). Train to somewhere. Clarion Books: New York.
ISBN 0-395-71325-0, 32 pages. Recommended for
Marianne was an older orphan, which was left at St. Christopher‘s Orphanage by her
mother. Marianne and the other orphans set west out on a train with their best
clothes on. Marianne and Nora had a plan to claim to be sisters, but that did not
work. At the first stop Nora got chosen. Marianne traveled through all of the towns
on the train, looking and hoping that her mother would be at one of the stops to get
her. Again in the last stop in the town Somewhere, Marianne‘s mother was not
there, but another couple was. Even though they were hoping for a boy, it did not
matter once she saw Marianne. Finally at the last stop Marianne found a family.
 White: Historical Fiction – Religion, Gender, Socioeconomic Status
o Hest, A. (1997). When Jessie came across the sea. Candlewick Press:
Cambridge, Massachusetts. ISBN 0-7636-0094-6, 40 pages.
Recommended for
A rabbi in a small town received a ticket to America, but could not leave his village.
He chose Jessie to take his place and come to America to help his brother‘s widow
with her store. She was hesitant to leave Grandmother behind, but she left America
for a long journey. She sewed to pass time on the boat; her choice of material was
lace. The boat made it to America, where she helped the widow with her store by
putting lace on a clean white wedding gown. This made the widow‘s store very
successful. She saved her money and fell in love with a boy. She wouldn‘t marry
until Grandmother had arrived safely from Europe.
 Japanese American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity
o Mochizuki, K. (1993). Baseball saved us. Scholastic Inc.: New York.
ISBN 0-590-80805-2, 32 pages. Recommended for 5th grade.
A Japanese American family gets moved to a camp after Pearl Harbor during World
War II. The young boy watched his family become irritable. His dad decided that
the camp needed baseball. Everyone pitched in and built a baseball field to help
their stay at the camp. The young boy got better at baseball while he was at the
camp. But when they went back home things were different. People at school stared
and he did not have any friends anymore, but then it was baseball season. He made
the baseball team and finally had friends and a team to count on through the hard
times.
 White: Historical Fiction – Gender
o Corey, S. (2003). Players in pigtails. Scholastic Inc.: New York. ISBN0439-18306-5, 40 pages. Recommended for 5th grade.
Katie Casey only had one interest, baseball. Katie was always told that she could not
play baseball, because she was a girl. Until one day she had her chance. During
World War II the president decided that girls could play baseball since the men were
not here. Katie tried out and made the team. The girls did not get to play baseball
right away they had to attend charm school before the first game. The country was
wondering how girls were going to be good at baseball, but they were.
 White: Historical Fiction – Age
o Lyon, G. E. (1991). Cecil‘s story. Orchard Books: New York. ISBN 0531-08512-0, 32 pages. Recommended for 4th grade
A young boy that is living during the Civil War and is worried that his father being at
war. He thinks for what might happen if his father gets hurt. He would have to stay
with the neighbors while his mother goes to get his father. He would not hear from
his mother while she was away, because the mail would not make it through the
fighting. He would have to be brave while his parents were away. He wonders what
would happen if his father did not come home from the war. He wonders if his
father would have been hurt bad enough to lose an arm or a leg. He wonders how
the war will make his family life different.
American-Caucasian: Realistic Fiction – Ability, Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status
Marino, Jan, (5/93). HarperCollins. For the Love of Pete.
ISBN 0-316-54627-5, Grades 3-5, 197 pgs.
Phoebe, a twelve-year-old, from Georgia is forced to go live with the father she‘s never
known after her grandmother, who is her guardian, is institutionalized. Her father lives in
Maine where she travels from Georgia in the care of three members of her grandmothers
staff. These three people become her family and their journey to Maine is filled with
mishaps and adventure. After the car they are riding in breaks down the must work for
their keep while waiting to have the car repaired. As they travel, they stop to eat by the
side of the road and Phoebe discovers she really gets to know the people who have
become her family. She also learns the father she thought deserted her actually never
knew she was born. Her new found knowledge enables Phoebe to embrace the idea of
living with the father she‘s never known.
American-Caucasian: Realistic Fiction – Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status
Fitzhugh, Louise. (1964). Harper. Harriet the Spy
ISBN 0l-8068-2 29.98, Grades 3-5.
Harriet Welsch is a spoiled, eavesdropping, precocious young only child of wealthy
parents. Harriet considered herself a spy and carried a black notebook whereever she
went. She recorded her observations of people in her inner and outer life in her notebook.
She goes at great lenghts to gain access to people‘s lives and the secrets in their lives. Her
methods of obtaining secrets are considered unethical and her written accounts are not
always nice. Harriet is basically ignored by her parents and gains a nanny, Ole Golly,
who acts as a mother and seems to truly care for Harriet. When the little black notebook
is found it causes serious grief for Harriet and enrages many of the people whose lives
she has intruded. Harriet suffers the consequences of her poor judgement but learns
much about herself and other in the process.
Jewish/African-American: Realistic fiction – Race, Age, Socioeconomic
Status,Ethnicity, Religion
Kimmel, Eric. (2005). Random. A Horn for Louis
ISBN 0-375-83252-1. Grades 4-5. 96pp
This is one of several stories describing how the legendary Louis Armstrong got his first
horn. Louis is very poor and he sleeps with his mother and sister on the floor, on a pile of
quilts. Louis is a seven year old boy who is working for a jewish family, the Karnofskys.
The Karnofskys own a junkyard where her finds an old tin horn. When Louis‘ horn is
smashed the Karnofskys offer him a cleaned up cornet as a gift for Hanukkah. Because
his mother has taught him to never accept charity he declines the gift. Later he is able to
work off the cost of the horn with Mr. Karnofsky. There are several life lessons
presented in the story, and a depiction of the joy Louis felt when playing the music that
came from within him.
Mexican-American: Realistic Fiction – Race, Age, Socioeconomic Status, Ethnicity.
Ancona, George. (1998). Harcourt. Barrio: Joses Neighborhood
ISBN 978-0-152-01048-5. Grades 3-6. 48pp
Joses is a Mexican-American who lives in the FJ Barrio in the mission district of San
Francisco. His school is bilingual and Joses observes many sights in his neighborhood
filled with primarily Mexicans. The book follows Joses as he observes the makings of his
neighborhood. He observes the mural painters, he plays socces and celebrates Carnaval
and the Day of the Dead. Joses and is family maintain their Mexican customs and
traditions. He is aware of the positive in his barrio but he is aware of the issues prevalent
within urban communities.
Korean-American: Realistic Fiction – Race, Age, Ethnicity.
Wong, Janet S. (2008).Minn and Jake’s Almost Terrible Sulmmer.
ISBN 978-0-374-34977-6. Grade 2-5. 112pp
Jake, his mother, his little brother go visit his Korean grandmother in their old
neighborhood in Los Angeles. Jake decides to go to Los Angeles to take a break from his
scheduled summer of camps and lessons but soon regrets his decision. He has difficult
reconnecting with his old friends and has several embarrassing and humilating episodes.
His bery best friend is a girl named Minn, and even though his misses her he doesn‘t
contact her. She mistakenly takes this to mean he doesn‘t care but they reconnect on a fun
trip to Disneyland. All of their misconceptions are cleared up after Minn comes to Los
Angeles and the trip to Disneyland.
African: Realistic Fiction – Race, Age, Ethnicity,
Grant, Karima. (2006). Boyds Mills. Sofie and the City.
ISBN 978-1-590-782736. Grade k-3. 32p
Sofies has moved to New York City from Senegal, Africa. She is homesick and she
speaks to her grandmother every Sunday on the phone, who lives in Senegal, she laments
all the reasons she should return to Senegal. Her grandmother tells her she must try to
make the city pretty. Sophie meets a friend, Kenya, who helps her overcome her
homesickness. Kenya shows her how to draw chalk drawings together on the sidewalk.
They draw pictures together of their new home in New York and the old home in Africa
on the sidewalks making the city prettier.The book contains realistically drawn oil pastels
to illustrate Sofies neighborhood in the big city.
Costa Rican: Realistic Fiction – Race, Age, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic
Russell, Barbara Timberlake. (2004). Remembering Stone.
ISBN. 0-374-36242-4 Grade 1-4. 32p
The people in Ana‘s life are filled with dreams and desires. Sophia, her friend, would like
to become an actress. Her neighbor would like to buy the apartment they live in and
another wants to bring his family to America. A volcanic stone from Ana‘s ancestral
home helps her find her heart‘s desire. Because of the stone she dreams she and her
mother travel to Costa Rica to be with Ana‘s grandparents. The illustrations help bring
the story alive with warm golden hues and there are Spanish phrases embedded in the
story. A glossary is included for the Spanish phrases.
African-American/Taiwanese-American. Realistic Fiction – Race, Ethnicity,
Socioeconomic Status, Gender
Wahl, Jan. (2004) Charlesbridge. Candy Shop
ISBN (1-57091-508-3). Grade 1-3, 32p
Daniel is a young African American boy who dresses up and pretending to be a cowboy.
He also enjoys shopping with his Aunt Thelma in their ethnically diverse neighborhood
of small stores. Daniel believes he is a cowboy and thinks there are things a cowboy
doesn‘t do, such as get his hair cut. Daniel is looking forward his money in the Candy
Shop, owned by Miz Chu who is Taiwanese. As he and his Aunt Thelma approach there
is a large crowd reading ugly words written on the sidewalk in front of her store. Daniel
feels it is his responsibility as a cowboy to do something so he washes the ugly words
away. His aunt tells Miz Chu not to worry about the ugly because there are plenty of
people around who don‘t feel that way and invites her over for sweet potato pie. The
bright colors in the book are synonymous of the bright colors existing within their diverse
neighborhood
Bangali. Realistic Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status,
Religion.
Budhos, Marina. (2006). Simon & Schuster/Cinee Seo Ask me No Questions.
ISBN 978-141-6903512. Grade 7 & up, 176p
Nadira, is a 14 year old Muslim in American who lives in the shadow of her older,
brighter sister Aisha. Her family came from Bangladesh eight years ago, and they have
lived and worked in New York as illegal immigrants. Their life takes a dramatic turn after
9/11 and the establishment of the Patriot Act. Due to the mounting pressure her family
decides to apply for asylum in Canada. They head for Canada but are refused asylum in
Canada. After her father is detained at the U.S. border, Nadira finds ways to fight the
false accusations against her family and keep them together. She proves to her family she
has abilities and ingenuity and the story profiles the struggles of Muslims in America
after 9/ll.
African-American. Realistic Fiction – Race, Gender, Socioeconomic Status,
Ethnicity, Age
Wilson, Jacqueline (2001). Delacorte. The Story of Tracy Beaker
ISBN 0-385-72919-7 Grade 3-5. 137p
Tracy is ten year old girl who is constantly in and out of foster homes. She puts up a
strong veneer of not caring but she really does. The story is written in first person
narrative via a journal she writes in which she calls, ―My Own Story.‖ She despises being
told what to do but she writes in the journal because she dreams of being a writer. An
unlikely relationship develops between Tracy and a journalist that visits the home. As
their relationship develops the possibility arises of Tracy gaining a new foster parent.
Perhaps even more importantly Tracy gains some much needed self-esteem-boosting as a
result of her relationship with the journalist.
Title: Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes
Ethnic Group – African Americans
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)Author- Edited by David Roessel & Arnold Ramperstad
Publication Date - 1994
Publisher – Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN Number: 13: 978-1-4027-1845-8
Recommended Grade Level – 4th -8th
Number of Pages: 48
Short Summary – This is a great collection of Langston Hughes poems that
are easier for children to relate to. The editors selected pieces that can be
analyzed used for connections with the students, as well as reinforce other
content area information. “I Dream a World” on page 40 can easily be used
for relating the mood, and the struggles times of African Americans during
the period of segregation and the civil rights movement. They also offer
definitions for some of the content area that the students may not know.
“Merry Go Round-Colored Child at Carnival” references Jim Crow and
provides a brief definition for the term. However what -?? Also included are
brief introductions for Mr. Hughes reasons for writing the particular poem.
2. Title: Love to Mama: A Tribute to Mothers
Ethnic Group – Latino Hispanic
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)-Ethnicity, Race, Gender
Author- Edited by Pat Mora
Publisher – Lee and Low Books Inc.
ISBN Number: 1-58430-019-1
Recommended Grade Level – 2nd – 6th
Number of Pages: 29
Short Summary – This is a great collection of poems that celebrates
mothers and grandmothers (abuelas) in the Hispanic culture. The poets
represent a wide spectrum of Latino/Hispanic voices. The authors have
written pieces, about the influence of these women on their lives; speaks of
some of the many traditions they experienced, and the impact on their lives.
More interesting for the students is the youngest contributing author’s is
only fifteen. The illustrations are vivid and lend themselves to wonderful
visualizations, and connections. In addition, there is a great glossary in the
back that defines some of the cultural terms referenced in the book.
3. Title: Souls Look Back In Wonder
Ethnic Group – African/Black/African American
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)-Race, Ethnicity
Author- Tom Feelings
Publisher – Dial Books
ISBN Number: 0-8037-1001-1
Number of Pages: 29
Short Summary – Various poets, brief bios in the back, the flow of creativity
serves as a guide the pull African American young people through to the
future
4. Title: Hiawatha
Ethnic Group – Native American/First Indian/Indigenous
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)-Ethnicity, Race
Author- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Publisher – Dial Books For Young Readers
ISBN Number: 0-8037-0013-X
Number of Pages: unpaged (28)
Short Summary – The pictures of this poem are vivid, and detailed. This
poem tells the story of Hiawatha, and his journey through adulthood. The
poem quite honestly takes you to another world through, unique imagery and
detail. Children will love the poem about the Woodland Indian boy who talked
to birds and listened to the wind.
5. Title: Song of the Water Boatman & Other Pond Poems
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s) Author- Joyce Sidman
Publisher – Houghton Mifflin Company
ISBN Number: 13: 978-0618-13547-2
Recommended Grade Level – 3rd- 5th
Short Summary – This collection is awesome for science enthusiasts, and for
students who love nature. This poetry can be used to introduce or reinforce
science content. Food chains, habitats are all touched upon through poetry.
This is a great collection and should be in any science library.
introductions of Hughes purpose for writing the poems.
6. Title: L.I.V.E.S – Poems About Famous Americans
Ethnic Group – Multicultural
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)-Gender, Ethnicity, Race
Author- Selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Publisher – Harper Children’s
Number of Pages: 32
Short Summary – These collections of poetry features are biographies about
famous Americans, and are brief introductions in to their lives, character
traits etc. The author chose people who changed the course of history and
made a mark on the world.
7. Title: Opening Days (Sports Poems)
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s) – Ability
Publisher – Harcourt Brace & Company
ISBN Number: 0-15-200270-7
Number of Pages: 38
Short Summary –This book of poetry appeals to anyone who loves sports and
has a poem for almost any sport. It has lots of action words, the reader can
visualize what authors are trying to say through the vivid language that is
used.
8. Title: Color Me A Rhyme (Nature Poems for Young People)
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s) - Ability
Author- Edited by Jane Yolen
Publisher – Wordsong
Number of Pages: 48
Short Summary – This author focuses on various elements in nature and
finds beauty in the colors. It is visually appealing to the eye through
photography and
9. Title: technically, IT’S NOT MY FAULT
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)- Age
Author- John Grandits
Publisher – Clarion Books
Recommended Grade Level – 3rd-8th
Number of Pages: 44
Short Summary – The author has a hilarious view of the world, and he
expresses them through a series of complex poems that appeal to most
children. If there any boys that hate to read in your classroom or believes
that poetry is for girls; this is the book for them!
10. Title: Words With Wings (A Treasury of African American Poetry & Art)
Ethnic Group – African
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s): Race, Ethnicity
Author- Selected by Belinda Rochelle
Publication Date – 2001
Publisher – Harper Children’s
ISBN Number: 0-688-16415-3
Number of Pages: 48
Short Summary – This is an amazing collection of poetry that has vivid
illustrations that help to connect the reader. Students can travel into the
minds of a variety of poets and their depictions of the struggles of African
Americans. The collection inspires imagination, and through the use of words,
and pictures.
Genre Booklist
Books
1. African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Gender, Age
 McKissack, Patricia (2001). Goin’ Someplace Special.
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, ISBN 0-689-81885-8. Grades 2-4.
This story is takes place in the segregated South during the 1950’s. The main
character is a young African American girl named Tricia Ann. The story is about
the first time that Tricia Ann crosses her town on her own to go “Someplace
Special”. Along the way she encounters discrimination in the form of racial
comments and Jim Crow signs. She is ready to turn around and go home when
she encounters Blooming Mary in the walled garden of the Mission Church. Like
others friends who Tricia Ann talks to along the way, Blooming Mary encourages
her to forge ahead.
2. Italian American: Historical Fiction – Ethnicity, Age
 Bartone, Elisa (1993). Peppe the Lamplighter.
Lothrop, Lee and Sheppard Books, ISBN 0-688-10268-9. Grades 2-4
This story takes place in Little Italy in New York City during the late19th Century.
The main character is Peppe who is the young son of Italian immigrants. Peppe
want to help his family so he goes out to look for work. He lands as job as the
lamplighter who lights the street lights each night. Peppe’s family is very excited
about his new job, except for his father who is angry and disappointed. Peppe
endures his father’s criticism and begins his new job, and then one night all the
lights in Little Italy remained dark….
3. European Americans: Historical Fiction
 Fritz, Jean (2006). Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution.
Penguin Group, ISBN 9780698116245, grades 4-6, 64 pages.
This book takes readers behind the scenes to learn what it was like during the
Constitutional Convention of 1787. The representatives came together in
Philadelphia and suffered the heat and misery of working in a closed up room
listening to other delegates drone on for hours, and constantly cajoling
colleagues and soothing the concerns and fears of those who were against a
national or federal government. Finally, thanks to the efforts of many, a
Constitution was drafted and ratified by nine states forming the United States of
America. A copy of the Constitution and those who signed it are included as well
as additional notes supporting the text.
4. European American Women: Historical Fiction – Gender
 Ryan, Pam Munoz (1999). Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride.
Scholastic Press. ISBN 0-590-96075-X, Grades 2-4, 31 pages.
The main characters in this story are First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and
celebrated pilot Amelia Earhart. One brisk evening in 1933 Amelia Earhart was
having dinner at the White House with her friend, Eleanor Roosevelt. Ms.
Roosevelt had expressed an interest in learning to fly and had recently received
her student pilot’s license. During the dinner, the conversation turned to flying at
night and Amelia described night flight saying, “The stars glitter all about and
seem close enough to touch.” Well, before dessert could be served, and despite
protest from the Secret Service, the daring Amelia Earhart and the determined
First Lady were arranging a night flight to Baltimore! This story is based on an
actual incident and the illustrations are wonderful.
5. African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Age, Ability, SES
 McKissack, Patricia (2001). The Home-Run King.
Viking, ISBN 978-0-670-01085-1, Grades 3-5, 92 pages.
This book takes place in Nashville, Tennessee in 1937 and describes the
segregated South and baseball leagues of that era. The main characters are an
eleven-year old African American boy named Tank and his younger brother,
Jimbo. Tank and Jimbo love baseball and live only a few blocks from where the
Negro Leagues play. Tank is spontaneous and gregarious and always has a
plan…. This story takes the reader through their adventures including meeting
and becoming friends with baseball great, Josh Gibson.
6. European American: Historical Fiction – SES, Gender
 Bunting, Eve (1995). Dandelions. .
Harcourt Brace and Company, ISBN 0-15-200050-X, grades 2-4, 32
pages.
This story takes place in the Western United States around the late 1800’s. The
main characters are a family, the Boltons, who leave Illinois and move to the
Nebraska Territory. The story is told by one of the daughters, Zoe, who
describes the difficult journey and the rugged loneliness of the West. The
lifestyle was particularly difficult for Zoe’s mother because there were so few
women in the west at that time. This is a story of courage and perseverance.
7. Japanese American: Historical Fiction – Race, Age
 Mochizuki, Ken (1993). Baseball Saved Us,
Lee & Low Books, Inc ISBN 1-880000-01-6, grades 3-5, 30 pages.
This place takes place in 1942, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The story
is told through the eyes of a young Japanese American boy nicknamed “Shorty”.
Shorty describes his experience of being rounded up and sent to a Japanese
Internment Camp somewhere in the American desert. Life in the camp is hot,
dusty, and restricted in the camp until Shorty’s father comes up with the idea to
build a baseball field….
8. African American: Biography – Race, SES
 Golenbock, Peter (1990). Teammates,
Gulliver Books, ISBN 0-15-200603-6, grades 2-4, 36 pages.
This story takes place in 1947, the year that Jackie Robinson became the first
African American to play Major League Baseball. The story describes
Robinson’s first year in the major leagues and the discrimination he encountered
from baseball fans, opposing teams, and from his own teammates. This was a
difficult and lonely time for Robinson. Then, teammate Pee Wee Reese decided
to take a stand. Reese openly opposed a petition that was being circulated
among the Dodgers to throw Robinson off the team. And during a game in
Cincinnati, during which fans were particularly hostile to Robinson, Reese
supported him. This is a story of friendship and doing what is right.
9. Chinese American: Historical Fiction – Race, Age, Gender
 Lee, Milly (1997). Nim and the War Effort,
Frances Foster Books, ISBN , grades 2-4, 38 pages.
This story takes place during World War II in California. The main character is a
young Chinese American Girl named Nim. Nim’s school has a paper drive to
help the war effort and Nim is determined to collect more papers than anyone
else and win the contest. On the last day of the contest her paper stacks are
about equal with another boy. But Nim has little time because she must go to
Chinese school in the afternoon. How will she collect enough papers to win in
the little time left?
10. European American: Historical Fiction – Age, Ability
 Avi (). Iron Thunder
This book covers the battles between two ironclad boats, the Monitor (Union) and
Merrimac, during the Civil War. It is told from the perspective of a thirteen yearold boy, Tom, who helped construct the Monitor. Tom's thoughts, observations,
and actions are realistic for a character his age. The story itself moves along at a
pretty brisk pace. There are many additions to the text including historical photos
and diagrams of the people involved in the construction of the Monitor and the
subsequent battle, mock newspaper articles showing the progress of the war,
maps, and woodcut illustrations. Combined, these give the book a very strong
historical feel.
1. African-American: Historical Fiction- Race, Ethnicity
Nelson, Vaunda. (2003). Almost to Freedom. Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 0-439-61994-7
Grades 1 & Up. 40 pages.
This story is told by a young slave girl‘s ragdoll, Sally. She tells of her owner (Lindy)
and her owner‘s parents‘ escape from slavery on the Underground Railroad. The story
tells of where they eat, sleep, and picking cotton. It tells of those who worked on the
Underground Railroad and where they hid the escaped slaves. Slave catchers approach
the house where they are while they are hiding in the basement. They must make a quick
departure and Sally is left behind. She is found by the lady who owns the house and the
next group of escaped slaves has a little girl who finds her and names her Belinda.
2. Jewish: Historical Fiction- Race, Ethnicity
Deedy, Carmen. (2000). The Yellow Star: The legend of King Christian X of
Denmark. Peachtree Publishers, LTD. ISBN 1-56145-208-4 Grades 2 & Up. 32
pages.
This is supposed to be a legend about Denmark’s King Christian during WWII. In the
story after the Nazis say that all Jews must wear a yellow star, he wears one himself. This
inspired others to do the same. The star was meant to segregate the Jews for easy
identification. Although this legend is not authenticated, it acts as a way to inform students
of the Danish resistance to the Nazis. The Danes did help to smuggle Jews to freedom in
Sweden.
3. Jewish: Historical Fiction- Race, Ethnicity
Nivola, Claire. (1997). Elisabeth. Frances Foster Books. ISBN 0-374-32085-3
Grades & Up. Unpaged.
This is a story based on the author’s mother. The setting for this story is Germany. A little
Jewish girl has a beloved doll named Elisabeth. When a quick escape is required, the
family flees to Italy. Unfortunately Elisabeth is left behind. The loss of Elisabeth had
scarred her owner, and no other doll could ever fill its place. While searching for a doll for
her own daughter many years later, she finds Elisabeth in an antique shop with the dog’s
mark on its arm that signifies that it is indeed Elisabeth.
4. African- American: Historical Fiction- Race, Ethnicity
Hopkinson, Deborah. (1993). Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt. Alfred A.
Knopf, Inc. ISBN 0-679-82311-5 Grades K & Up. 32 pages.
This is based on a true story. This story is about Clara, a young slave girl who works in
the house of the plantation as a seamstress. She dreams of freedom. After she hears talk
of escaping to the North she is able to make a map to freedom out of her quilts. After
escaping, she leaves the quilt to guide others. The story does not make slavery what it
was, but is a step to educate young children on the subject.
Hopkinson, Deborah. (2001). Under the Quilt of Night. Atheneum Books for
Young Readers. ISBN0-689-82227-8 Grades K & Up. 40 pages.
This is a story about a slave girl’s journey to freedom. She had to wait until night fall and all
was quite. She uses the moon as her guide into the woods. She leads her loved ones away
from slavery. She heads north toward freedom. She sees a blue center square on a quilt
that signals welcome in the Underground Railroad. The story is one that keeps you on
edge until freedom is reached.
Raven, Margot. (2006). Night Boat to Freedom. Melanie Kroupa Books.
ISBN 0- 374-31266-4 Grades 2 & Up. 40 pages.
This book was written about 12 year old Christmas John. This story was written from an
account in a slave narrative collection. Christmas John lived with his Granny Judith and was
terrified at her request to take Molly to freedom on the river from Kentucky to Ohio.
Molly is the first of those he helps escape. Granny Judith asks him after each journey what
colors were worn, and she begins making a quilt of these “colors of freedom.” Christmas
John and Granny Judith reach Ohio after he must leave for fear of being caught and his
insistence that he will not go without her.
McKissack, Patricia. (2001). Goin’ Someplace Special. Atheneum Books for Young
Readers. ISBN 0-689-81885-8 Grades K & Up. 40 pages.
This is a story of growing up in the segregated South. It is a fictionalized version of the
author‘s own life. The character in the story, Tricia Ann is ready to be independent and
take a trip on the bus by herself to the place where all are welcome- the public library.
She must first endure the Jim Crow laws that make her sit at the back of the bus, and not
enter the front door of most buildings. She wonders why life is so unfair. She is reminded
that she is not alone and that she is important by her grandmother.
8. Korean: Historical Fiction- Race, Ethnicity
Park, Linda. (2004). The Firekeeper’s Son. Clarion Books. ISBN 0-618-13337-2
Grades & Up. 37 pages.
This story is set in Korea in the early 1800s. The main character Sang-hee is the son of
the village‘s firekeeper. The firekeeper is in charge of lighting a fire on their mountain
top to ensure that all is well in their area of the land. Each village has a firekeeper that
lights a fire on their mountain from the ocean to the last mountain where the king lives.
As long as all fires are lit, the king knows that all is well in the land. If the fires are unlit
the king knows to send soldiers to the area of unrest. One night when Sang-hee‘s father is
unable to light the fire he must take his place. He learns how important the fire is, and
although he had a desire to see the soldiers that the king would send, he makes the
important decision to do as he should.
Polacco, Patricia. (1994). Pink and Say. Philomel Books. ISBN 0-399-22671-0
Grades 3 & Up. Unpaged.
This book is based on a true story of two soldiers of the Union Army who meet after a
Civil War battle. One was a younger white man, Say, and the other was Pink, a black man.
Say becomes wounded and Pink carried him to a deserted plantation. Pink’s mother is at
the abandoned plantation. Pink wants to go back to his army unit, although his mother
protests. Pink’s mother is killed while Pink and Say hide in the cellar. When returning to
battle, they are captured by the Confederate Army and taken to Andersonville prison.
Pink is hung, but Say survives to become author's great-great grandfather.
10. Korean: Historical Fiction- Race, Ethnicity
Park, Frances & Park, Ginger. (1998). My Freedom Trip: A child’s escape from
North Korea. Boyds Mills Press, Inc. ISBN 1-56397-468-1 Grades 1 & Up.
Unpaged.
This is a story of courage and bravery of immigrants’ journeys to freedom just before the
Korean War after Korea has been split in two. This is based on a true story of the authors’
mother’s “freedom trip” to South Korea. The main character Soo, journeys to South
Korea with her guide to meet up with her father who has already escaped. The journey is
very dangerous. Soo’s mother stays behind and is unable to leave after the war breaks out.
The family is not reunited, and although Soo and her guide are found by a North Korean
guard, she makes it to freedom.
Annotated Booklist: Realistic Fiction
 African American: Realistic Fiction - Race, Ethnicity
o Bunting, Eve. (1999). Smoky Night. Harcourt Brace and Company,
ISBN 0-15-269954-6 Grades 1-4. 36 pages.
This story takes place in Los Angeles where a riots breaks out in the streets
of their neighborhood. Daniel and his mother are awakened by the smell of
smoke, and they flee from their apartment to a nearby shelter. While fleeing from
the apartment, Daniel loses track of his beloved cat, Jasmine. Later, a fireman
brings Jasmine to Daniel at the shelter. The fireman also brings another cat that
belongs to the shopkeeper Mrs. Kim. The firefighter explains to Daniel and Mrs.
Kim that the two cats were so scared they were holding paws. Daniel’s mom
thought the two cats didn’t like each other, but Daniel explained that they
probably didn’t know each other before. Inspired by Daniel’s comment, his mom
introduced herself to Mrs. Kim; a Korean-American women. Daniel and his mom
learned the value of getting along with others no matter what their background or
nationality.
 Chinese- American: Realistic Fiction - Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic
status
o Yep, Laurence (1991). The Star Fisher. Morrow Junior Books: New
York, ISBN 0-688-09365-5 Grades 5-6. 147 pages.
This story takes place in 1927, where fifteen-year old Joan Lee takes a long
train ride from Ohio to West Virginia with her family. Joan Lee and her family are
moving to West Virginia to open a new business and start a new life. When Joan
and her family arrive in West Virginia they hear people calling them “darn
monkeys.” Joan and her family are Chinese-American and are considered as
outsiders by the townspeople. Joan is filled with all kinds of emotions and this
book tells the story of her and her courageous family. Joan’s mom and dad
move her family into a converted schoolhouse and attempt to start a new laundry
business. However, the Joan’s family doesn’t receive any customers, just angry
people who paint warnings on their fence. During school, Joan battles kids who
are mean to her, until she finally meets a friend who makes a difference in her
life. The Joan’s family battles their family traditions against the American
traditions, but that all changes when they meet their landlord, Miss Lucy
Bradshaw. Miss Bradshaw helps to bring the family together with themselves
and the real world.
 Latino-Hispanic American: Realistic Fiction - Race, Ethnicity, Gender,
Ability
o Castaneda, Omar S. (1993). Abuela’s Weave. Lee and Low Books
Inc.: New York, ISBN 1-880000-008 Grades K-4. 32 pages.
This story is about a young Guatemalan girl named Esperanza and her
grandmother Abuela. Abuela is known for her skill in weaving traditional Mayan
tapestries and has shared her gift with Esperanza. They plan to sell their
handmade weavings at the market, but Esperanza is scared that the shoppers
will only want modern, machine goods. Esperanza also worries that the
birthmark on her face will scare the customers away. Esperanza learns to cope
with the city streets and find buyers on her own. Esperanza turns out to be a big
success with the shoppers and she also learns an important lesson about family
traditions, trust, wisdom, and beauty.
 Korean- American: Realistic Fiction - Race, Ethnicity, Gender
o Choi, Sook Nyul (1997). Yunmi and Halmoni’s Trip. Houghton
Mifflin Company: Boston, ISBN 0-395-81180-5 Grades K-3. 32
pages.
This story is about a young girl named Yunmi and her grandmother, Halmoni.
They are both going to Korea, where Halmoni use to live before moving to New
York City. When Yunmi arrives in Korea for the first time, she helps the family
prepare for the annual picnic feast to commemorate Grandfather’s birthday.
Yunmi’s cousins take her sightseeing in Seoul and afterwards they had a big
picnic. Yunmi starts to feel like an outsider, when she sees her grandmother,
Halmoni happy and busy with friends and family. Yunmi also fears that Halmoni
will want to stay in Seoul, Korea instead of returning to New York with her.
Halmoni reminds Yunmi that New York is her home, but her family in Korea was
her family too and they are lucky to have two families.
 Native- American: Realistic Fiction - Race, Ethnicity, Gender
o Creech, Sharon (1996). Walk Two Moons. Harper Collins
Publishers, ISBN 0-06-023337-0 Grades 3-7. 280 pages.
This story is about a thirteen-year old girl named Salamanca Tree Hiddle.
She was very proud of her country roots and her Indian culture. Salamanca
travels from Ohio to Idaho with her grandparents and tells them the story of
Phoebe Winterbottom. Phoebe Winterbottom’s story is that she received
mysterious messages, met a “potential lunatic,” and her mother disappeared.
Salamanca has a story of her own and her mother. Salamanca’s story is that
she left one April morning for Idaho, promising to return before the tulips
bloomed. However, Salamanca’s mom did not return, and Salamanca hopes to
return to Idaho in time for her mother’s birthday and bring her back.
 Middle- Eastern: Realistic Fiction - Race, Ethnicity, Ability, Socioeconomic
status
o Carmi, Daniella (1994). Samir and Yonatan. Arthur A. Levine
Books, ISBN 0-439-13504-4 Grades 4-8. 183 pages.
This story is about a Palestinian boy named Samir who is in an Israeli hospital
ward for surgery due to an accident in the war. Since his hospital is far away
from his hometown and his parents, Samir has to stay in the ward with five other
children. Samir feels trapped by the unfamiliar people and blames himself for the
death of his brother. One day, Samir is able to form friendships with the other
boys. Samir meets and Israeli boy named Yonatan, and this becomes his best
friend. Samir finally recovers from his family tragedy and emotional conflicts. He
does this through pretending to travel to Mars with Yonatan. Through Samir’s
friendship and experience with other cultures, he becomes stronger and is able
to find closure in his brother’s death.
 Japanese- American: Realistic Fiction - Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic
status
o Uchida, Yoshiko (1993). A Jar of Dreams. Aladdin, ISBN
0689716729 Grades 4-6. 144 pages.
Life is difficult for the Tsujimura family living in California during the Great
Depression. This story is about a Japanese family who is discriminated against,
ridiculed, and whose family business is threatened. Eleven-year old Rinko starts
to feel a sense of hopelessness about her future when her brother, Cal thinks
about giving up on his dream because he doesn’t think anyone would hire a
Japanese engineer. Their Aunt Waka, who came to visit from Japan, helped to
inspire each family member to find the strength and hope to move on. Rinko’s
dad has recaptured his pride and realizes he wants to start his own business.
Therefore, Rinko learns to like herself and gains the confidence to pursue her
own dreams.
 Native- American: Realistic Fiction - Race, Ethnicity
o Medearis, Angela Shelf (1991). Dancing With the Indians. Holiday
House: New York, ISBN 0-8234-0893-0 Grades K-3. 32 pages.
This story takes place in the 1930s and is about a young girl who joins her
family on a journey to visit the Seminole Indians. On the journey, she learns a
little about the Seminole Indians and their culture. Once their wagon nears the
camp, they start to hear drums pound and everyone is moving their feet. They
plan to dance with the Seminoles, whose ancestors rescued Grandpa from
slavery and accepted him as their brother. They join the Seminole Indians during
the Ribbon Dance, the Rattlesnake Dance, and the Indian Stomp Dance. They
danced all night and in the firelight, until the sun began to rise.
 Chinese- American: Realistic Fiction - Race, Ethnicity, Ability
o Cheng, Andrea. (2003). Grandfather Counts. Lee and Low Books
Inc.: New York, ISBN 1-58430-010-8 Grades K-4. 36 pages.
This story is about Helen’s grandfather, named Gong Gong who is coming
from China to live with Helen’s family. Helen is excited and anxious about her
grandfather coming to live with her, but she is not sure how she is going to be
able to communicate with him because he only speaks Chinese. When Gong
Gong arrived, he tended to keep to himself, by reading the Chinese newspapers
he brought with him. Then one day, Gong Gong joins Helen outside to watch the
train. Gong Gong then starts counting the train cars in Chinese and teaches
Helen some Chinese words. Helen then teaches Gong Gong to count in English.
A special bond is created as they start to teach each other more words.
 African American: Realistic Fiction - Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic
status, Gender
o Woodson, Jacqueline. (2004). Coming On Home Again. G.P.
Putnam’s Sons: New York, ISBN 0-399-23748-8 Grades K-3. 32
pages.
This story takes place in World War II, where women have to go to work
while the men are off fighting. Ada Ruth is left with her grandma, while her mom
searches for a job in Chicago. Ada Ruth knows that her mom loves her more
than rain, and more than snow, but she still misses her very much. Ada Ruth
waits everyday for the arrival of a letter from her mom. One morning, a kitten
appears at the door, and Ada Ruth puts milk down for the kitten. Ada Ruth, her
grandmother, and the kitten keep each other company while waiting on news
from Chicago. Finally, a letter arrives from Ada Ruth’s mom with money in it and
a promise to Ada Ruth that she will be coming on home soon.
 Middle Eastern: Traditional Fantasy Tales - Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic status, Gender
o Climo, Shirley. (1999). The Persian Cinderella. HarperCollins,
ISBN 0060267631. Pre-school – Grade 4, 32 pages.
This is a Persian version of Cinderella and is similar to the Arabian Nights
myth. The main character, Settareh and her stepsisters one day go look for
gowns to wear to the Royal Palace celebration. Instead of buying a gown,
Settareh instead gives some money to a beggar and buys a blue jug. Inside the
jug is a fairy who grants her wish for a new gown. At the ball, she captures the
attention of Prince Mehrdad and leaves behind a diamond bangle as a clue to
her whereabouts. On the day of Settareh‟s wedding to the prince, the jealous
stepsisters seek out to ruin it by fastening Settareh‟s hair with enchanted
hairpins that turned her into a turtle dove. Regardless, the prince‟s love for
Settareh still remained and he ends up breaking the spell.
 Asian: Traditional Fantasy Tales - Race, Ethnicity, Socio-economic
status, Gender
o Climo, Shirley. (1999). The Korean Cinderella. HarperCollins,
ISBN 0064433978. Kindergarten – Grade 3, 48 pages.
This is a Korean version of the Cinderella story. Pear Blossom is a young,
beautiful lady living in the land of Korea. Pear Blossom‟s mother dies and she
finds herself in a new family with stepsisters Omoni and Peony. One day the
village was having a festival and Pear Blossom‟s jealous step sisters told her
that she may be able to go after she weeds the rice paddies. To her dismay,
Pear Blossom realized the weeding could take weeks to finish, however once she
arrived at the fields, the ox began to munch on the fields very quickly. Pear
Blossom ended up making it to the festival where the young magistrate is
attending and instantly falls in love with her. Before he approaches her, Pear
Blossom runs away leaving her shoe behind. The magistrate takes her shoe
and eventually finds Pear Blossom where he asks her to be his wife.
 Asian: Traditional Fantasy Tales - Race, Ethnicity, Socio-economic
status , Gender
o Coburn, Jewell, Lee, Tzexa. (1996). Jouanah: A Hmong Cinderella.
Shens Books, ISBN 1885008015. Kindergarten – Grade 3, 32
pages.
A variant of the Cinderella story from the Hmong people of Southeast Asia takes
place in a peasant village. After Jouanah's mother is willingly transformed into
a cow to help the family prosper, her father takes another wife with a daughter
who is as ugly and mean-spirited as Jouanah is kind and selfless. The
stepmother lies and manipulates, the cow dies of grief, and the father soon
follows his first wife to the grave. Treated cruelly, Jouanah is left at home to
work during the New Year celebration. Dressed in finery bestowed by her
mother's spirit, the young woman belatedly joins the festivities, catching the eye
of the village elder's son. A lost slipper brings the lovers together, though the
stepmother schemes to keep them apart.
 Eastern European: Traditional Fantasy Tales – Religion, Ethnicity,
Socio-economic status, Gender
o Jaffe, Nina [1998]. The Way Meat Loves Salt: A Cinderella Tale
from the Jewish Tradition. Henry Holt and Co., ISBN
0805043845. Kindergarten – Grade 4, 32 pages.

This is a Jewish version of the Cinderella story. When a rabbi asks his three
daughters how much they love him, the first two name diamonds and gold and
silver and he is content. However, when Mireleh tells her father that she loves
him "the way meat loves salt," he is horrified and banishes her from his home.
Mireleh sets out on her own and meets a stranger who gives her a magic stick
which conjures up a pretty dress, shoes and transportation for her wedding to
marry the son of a rabbi. Mireleh invites her family to the wedding where the
food is served with no salt. It is then her father realizes how much she loves
him.
 African: Traditional Fantasy Tales – Race, Ethnicity, Socio-economic
status, Gender
o Climo, Shirley [1992]. The Egyptian Cinderella. HarperCollins,
ISBN 0064432793. Kindergarten – Grade 3, 32 pages.
The story of Rhodopis, a Greek slave girl in ancient Egypt, is an interesting
variant of the traditional Cinderella legend. Because of her rosy complexion and
fair hair, Rhodopis is scorned and teased by the Egyptian servant girls who
work for her kind but disinterested master. A majestic bird from the god Horus
deposits one of Rhodopis‟ slippers into the lap of Pharaoh Amasis. Amasis sets
out to find who the slipper belongs to. Eventually he learns it belongs to
Rhodopis and he falls in love with her and asks her to become his wife. The two
live happily ever after.
 African: Traditional Fantasy Tales – Race, Ethnicity, Gender
o Steptoe, John [1987]. Mufaro‟s Beautiful Daughters. Amistad,
ISBN 0688040454. Pre-school – Grade 3, 32 pages.
An African villager named Mufaro had two daughters whom everyone agreed
were beautiful. However, their dispositions were not alike: Manyara had a bad
temper and was selfish. Nyasha was always kind and considerate both to people
and to animals. When Mufaro receives word that the Great King is inviting all of
the most worthy and beautiful women to appear before him so that he might
choose a wife, Mufaro decides that both of his daughters should go. Manyara,
believing herself more worthy and beautiful than her sister, sets out alone so
that she can be presented to the king before her sister. On their journeys, both
sisters are put are tested by the King and chooses Nyasha to be his queen.
 Native American: Traditional Fantasy Tales – Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic status, Gender
o Martin, Rafe [1992]. The Rough-Face Girl. Putnam, ISBN
0698116267. Grades 3 and up, 32 pages.
In this Algonquin Indian version of the Cinderella story, two domineering sisters
set out to marry the Invisible Being, first having to prove that they can see him.
The two sisters have trouble seeing the Invisible Being, however, their sister,
Rough-Face Girl can. The sparks from the fire scars Rough-Face Girl‟s skin
because her two sisters force her to feed the fire and she ends up seeing the
Invisible Being all around her. In order to marry the Invisible Being, they must
answer his sister‟s questions correctly. The two sisters fail, but Rough-Face
Girl succeeds in doing so. The Invisible Being appears and shows Rough-Face
Girl her true beauty and marries her.
 Caribbean: Traditional Fantasy Tales – Race, Ethnicity, Socio-economic
status, Gender
o San Souci, Robert D. [1998]. Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella.
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, ISBN 068980668X.
Kindergarten – Grade 3, 40 pages.
A French Creole version of Cinderella based in the West Indies, it is told from
the godmother‟s point of view. A poor washwoman is left a wand by her mother
and discovers its magical powers to help her goddaughter. With the magical
wand, the godmother transforms the breadfruit into a carriage. Additionally
she creates bright pink slippers and a beautiful gown for Cendrillon to attend
the ball. She meets the young prince at the ball and escapes at midnight,
leaving one slipper behind. At the end she is united with her young prince
when he finds that she is the owner of the pink slipper.
 Mexican: Traditional Fantasy Tales – Race, Ethnicity, Socio-economic
status, Gender
o Coburn, Jewell. [2000]. Domitila: A Cinderella Tale from the
Mexican Tradition. Shens Books, ISBN 1885008139. Grades 2 -5,
32 pages.
This is the Mexican version of Cinderella about a talented young girl named
Domitila. When her mother becomes ill, young Domitila takes over her duties
at the governor‟s house. Timoteo, the governor‟s son, takes notice of Domitila‟s
talents buts she leaves after hearing about the death of her mother without
getting the chance to meet Timoteo. Timoteo decides to look for her traveling
around the state asking locals where he can find her. He ends up meeting an
evil woman named Malvina who has plans for her daughter to marry him.
Timoteo eventually finds Domitila and ends up marrying her.
 Asian: Traditional Fantasy Tales – Race, Ethnicity, Socio-economic
status, Gender
o Coburn, Jewell. [1998]. Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella.
Shens Books, ISBN 1885008090. Grades 1 -3, 32 pages.
This is the Cambodian version of Cinderella about a young girl named Angkat.
Angkat‟s father marries a woman who has a daughter named Kantok. The
stepmother arranges a fishing contest between the two daughters to determine
who will be Number One in the family. Kantok wins by cheating and Angkat
takes the servant‟s role. Angkat‟s only friend is a fish who Kantok kills. The
Spirit of Virtue appears and gives Angkat golden slippers which lead her to the
prince to be married. Angkat‟s jealous family lures her back home and kills her
but the Spirit of Virtue raises her from the dead and reunites her with her
prince to live happily ever after.
Annotated Book List : Poetry
 Japanese: Poetry: Race, Ethnicity, Custom
George, K. O. (2005). Fold me a poem. Orlando, Florida: Harcourt Books.
ISBN 0-15-202501-4 Grades K-5; 32 poems
Kristine O‘Connell George creates poetry through studying the Japanese art form of
origami. Her poems are written through the eyes of the animal she creates by folding
paper. The lengths of the poems are short and simplistic. The poems also come to life
through the vibrant illustrations. The illustrator, Laurent Stringer, compliments the poems
by illustrating their story in bright colors. At the end of the book, the reader can
investigate how Kristine O‘Connell George was inspired by Japanese art and make their
own paper creations.
 African American: Poetry: Race, Ethnicity, Culture
Swados, E. (2002). Hey you! C’mere a poetry slam. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
ISBN 0-439-09257-4 Grades K-8th; 45 pages
Hey You! C’mere A Poetry Slam is a collection of poems written in the voice of a young
African American. Swado‘s poems range in topics from family members and food to
storms and monsters. Her use of onomatopoeia within many of her poems gives her
poetry a distinct character. For example, she uses words like ―squish‖ to describe a
melted candy bar under your foot and ―tsss‖ to describe the summer heat. With the
illustrator, Joe Cepeda, her poems come to life with pictures illustrating the scenes of the
poem. The word placement on the pages also plays a key role in bringing the poems to
life.
 Hispanic/South Western: Poetry: Race, Ethnicity, Custom
Mora, P. (1998). This big sky. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
ISBN 0-590-37120-7 Grades K-5th ; 32 pages
Pat Mora and Steve Jenkins paint a picture of the southwest landscape through poetry and
illustrations. Mora‘s poem uses lyrical form and descriptive words to describe the land,
animals, and weather in poems like This Big Sky, Mountain Silhouette, and Joyful Jabber.
Other poems such as Halloween describe the influence of the Hispanic holiday on the
landscape. Using Spanish words, she relates the culture of the southwest into her poetry.
For example, in River-Moon, she interchanges the Spanish and
English words for river and night. In the back of the book, Mora includes a glossary of
Spanish terms.
 Multicultural: Poetry: Gender
Hollyer, B. (2006). She’s all that! Poems about girls. Boston, Mass: Houghton Miffler.
ISBN 07534-5852-7 Grades 4-8th; 127 pages
Belinda Hollyer selected poems about girls to put into one collection. With the
illustrations by Susan Hellard, Hollyer chose a variety of authors both men and women
from many different backgrounds to include in her book. There is a variety of poem
format including short stanzas and poems for two voices. Topics include growing up,
experiences of a daughter, love, and tributes to memories of inspirational women. Some
poems are about the cultural experience of a name as in When You Call My Name or
cultural identity as in Lisa. The focus of the selection of poems is to relate to topics of the
modern day girl from a variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences.
 United States: Poetry: Landmarks and viewpoints from around the U.S. Regions
Siebert, D. (2006).Tour america: A journey through poems and art. San Francisco,
California:
Chronicle Books.
ISBN 0-8118-5056-0 Grades 5 and higher, 28 poems included
Diane Siebert takes readers on a tour of the nation through her poetry on the national
landmarks and scenery of the United States. Her descriptive poetry highlights the culture
and unique features of each region of the United States. For example, her poem on the
Kentucky Derby describes the traditions of the horse races. Other poems such as the
Statues, Up North recall the legends like Paul Bunyun. Included with each poem is a box
that contains a map and factual information about the poem. In addition, the illustrator,
Stephen Johnson, uses watercolors to depict the scenes from around the U.S.
 African American: Poetry: Race & Ethnicity
Alexander, J., & Shore, D. (2006). This is the dream. Harper‘s Children.
ISBN 978-0-06-055520-7, Grades K-8th 34 pages
Diane Shore and Jessica Alexander write a story through the format of a rhyming poem.
The poem captures the before and after period of the Civil Rights Movement. In the
beginning, words and illustrations depict scenes of public places that are divided by
color. The poem highlights people who fought for equal rights such as Ella Baker and Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. The last part of the poem and book shows the changes that have
come to society since the days of segregation. It depicts people no longer divided by
races in public areas.
 African American: Poetry: Religion
Grimes, N. (1997). Come sunday. Grand Rapids, Michigan : Eerdmans Books for
Young Readers.
ISBN 0-8028-5108-8, Grades K-5, 23 pages
Come Sunday is a collection of poems that tells a story through the eyes of a little girl.
Written by Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Michael Bryant, she takes the readers through
the events on a Sunday in her Baptist church. The opening rhyming poems, such as BlueHaired Ladies and On the March, speak about the beginning of the service and people
you see at her church. Other poems like Esther and Baptism portray the message and
sacraments in the service. Towards the end, Grimes writes about the community of her
church on Sunday evenings and women preaching. Through the illustrations and end
rhyme poetry, the reader is taken through a little girl‘s experience of a Sunday at church.
 African American: Poetry: Gender
Richards, B. E. (2006). Keep climbing girls. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster
Children‘s Publish Division .
ISBN 978-1-4169-0264-0, Grade K-4, 29 pages
Keep Climbing Girls is a poem that tells a story through a picture book. The beginning of
the book begins with an introduction by Lisa Gay Hamilton who summarizes the message
of the book to encourage African American girls to succeed and love of self. This poem
is about a little girl who refuses to give up on climbing a tree. She surpasses her fear of
heights and a possible broken limb. She even meets the challenge of people like her aunt
who beg her to come down. However, in the end, the author encourages the little girl to
keep on climbing despite the challenges.
 Multicultural-Races: Poetry: Ethnicity
Gilchrist, J. S. (2007). My America. New York, NY: Harper‘s Collins Publishers
ISBN 978-0-06-079104-9, Grade K-4, 30 pages
My America is a poem that takes the reader through the many colorful scenes of America.
Its pictures and poem tell the reader of the many cultures that exist in America today. It
relates the many cultures of America to the many birds, animals, and waters that also
exist in America. The pictures illustrate people from all backgrounds of Asia, African
American, European American, Indian, and Hispanic. The many colors that blend
together to make a picture along with the words reminds the reader of the many parts of
America.
 Cuba: Poetry: Race, Ethnicity, Religion
Engle, M. (2006). The poet slave of cuba: A biography of Juan Francisco Manzano.
New York, NY:
Henry Holt, and Company.
ISBN978-0-8050-7706-3, middle or high school grades
Through the use of poetry, Margarita Engels writes the biography of Juan Francisco
Manzano. Her poetry covers his life as an uneducated, poor slave in Cuba.
Throughout the book, there are poems written through the viewpoint of Juan who is
striving to succeed. Other poems represent other character‘s viewpoints such as his
mother and friends. Many of his poems speak of the escape and freedom he finds
when he is writing poetry. The poems are in a variety of formats which help tell the
story of Juan Francisco Manzano. The illustrations are simple, but add character to
the biography.
Annotated Booklist: Folktales

Danish: Folktale- Race, Ethnicity.
o MacDonald, M. (2001). Fat Cat: A Danish Folktale. August House, ISBN
0874836166. Grades PK-3. 32 pages.
o This is a story about a greedy cat. He does not appreciate anyone calling
him fat. The story talks about all the different things that cat eats. From
pies to a wash lady to soldiers, the cat loves to eat. He finally eats the
mouse, with whom he lives with. The mouse has a sewing kit and cuts a
hole in cat‘s stomach and sets everyone free. The cat learns his lesson.

Korean: Folktale- Race, Ethnicity.
o So-Un, K. & Kyoung-Sim, J. (2005). The Deer and the Woodcutter: A
Korean Folktale. Tuttle Publishing, ISBN 0804836558. Grades 3+. 32
pages.
o This is a story that explains why the rooster crows. A woodcutter saves a
deer from hunters. In return, the deer helps the woodcutter to marry a
beautiful fairy. The woodcutter embarks on several different adventures.
He is eventually turned into a rooster. And it is his job to crow up to
heaven every morning.

African: Folktale- Race, Ethnicity.
o Bodden, M. (2004). Obara and the Merchants. Water Daughter Publishing
LLC, ISBN 0975308904. Grades 3+. 32 pages.
o This is an adaptation of a Yoruba story. After a long period of famine,
Obara, the hunter, is finally able to eat. Just when he is about to feast, a
group of hungry merchants approach. Obara is unsure of what to do to. He
decides to share his food with the merchants. He is rewarded for his
generosity and kindness.

Russian: Folktale- Ethnicity.
o Littledale, F. (1998). The Snow Child: A Russian Folktale. Scholastic,
ISBN 0590082736. Grades PK-3. 28 pages.
o Sweet story about an old couple who is sad because they don‘t have a
child. They make one out of snow instead. The snow child comes to life
and is very sweet and loving. The couple is beyond delighted. But then are
saddened when warm weather comes and the child has to find cold
weather to flee to. The couple is devastated, but the next winter, the snow
child comes back and everyone is happy again.

Indonesian: Folktale- Race, Ethnicity.
o Bunanta, M. (2003). Indonesian Folktales (World Folklore Series).
Libraries Unlimited, ISBN 1563089092. Grades 3+. 168 pages.
o Great background information on history, religion, and land of Indonesia.
Wonderful way to set the stage. It houses a fantastic number of stories!
Stories are very organized by themes. A fantastic source of information
and folktales. Would love to have in my classroom.

Mexican: Mythology- Ethnicity.
o Ober, H. & C. (1994). How Music Came to the World: An Ancient
Mexican Myth. Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 0395675235.
Grades 1-4. 32 pages.
o This story is based off an old Aztec manuscript. Two gods, sky and wind,
decide to bring music back to the world. The sun won‘t hear of it but wind
god stirs up a storm to carry the musicians back with him. The world
becomes a much happier place as a result of the music that is spread
around everywhere. The beautiful illustrations help make story more
inviting.

Greek (?): Fables- Ethnicity.
o Aesop. (1990). Aesop's Fables: A Classic Illustrated Edition. Chronicle
Books. ISBN 0877017808. Grades 3+. 96 pages.
o This well-illustrated book houses the wonderful works of Aesop. This
collection is priceless for children to become familiar with his works. The
pictures add a richness and dimension to the stories. From the Tortoise and
the Hare to the Lion and the Gnat, this book has all the classics. The
morals that these stories impart is a wonderful way to teach children
lessons in a fun and exciting way.

British: Fairytale- Socioeconomic status
o Kellogg, S. (1997). Jack and the Beanstalk. Harper Collins. ISBN
0688152813. Grades K-3. 48 pages.
o Nicely retold by Kellogg. Stays true to original language. Illustrations add
a lot of fun and depth to story. Young Jack disobeys his mother who
instructed him to buy a cow. Instead Jack bought magic beans. When
planted, a giant beanstalk grew. Story about Jacks‘ adventures and close
calls with the giant.

Indian and Pakistan: Folktale- Ethnicity, Race.
o Shepard, A. & San Souci D. (1995). The Gifts of Wali Dad: A Tale of
India and Pakistan. Atheneum. ISBN 0684194457. Grades 2-5. 32 pages.
o Comical folktale. It goes into detail about what happens when gifts from a
merchant keep the cycle of giving going. Illustrations add a lot to the story
and make it fun and light in nature.

Afghan: Folktale: Ethnicity
o Shah, I. (2002). The Old Woman and the Eagle. Hoopoe Books. ISBN
1883536286. Grades K-3. 32 pages.
o A story that teaches that you should not let anyone but you decide who
you are. A woman sees an eagle and thinks it looks like a pigeon. She
takes it home and tries to make it look more like what she ‗knows‘ it to be.
Another eagle comes by and shares the moral of the story. Beautifully
done illustrations.
Annotated Biography Booklist
 Asian: Biography – Race, Ethnicity
 Parker, Frances, & Parker, Ginger. (1998). My freedom trip: A child‘s
escape from
North Korea. Boyds Mill Press, ISBN 1563974681 Grades 3 and up. 32
pages.
A young girl escapes North Korea to South Korea right before the Korean War starts.
Soo‘s father leaves his North Korean home first to be joined later by her and her mother.
A guide takes Soo and her mother on a nighttime journey fraught with fear as they cross
mountains and woods on the way to a river that marks the 38th parallel. There, they
encounter a soldier and only Soo is allowed to continue the journey toward the river and
her father. Soo‘s mother exhorts her to ―Be brave, Soo!‖ and she runs toward the sound
of the river, splashes through and meets her father on the other side. Soo and her father
pay a high price for their freedom – they never again see the woman called both wife and
mother.
 White: Biography – Gender, Religion, Race, Socioeconomic Status
 Corey, Jane. (2006). Susan B. Anthony. Houghton Mifflin Company ISBN
0-618-67735-6 Grades 3-4. 30 pages.
This short biography gives the reader a good introduction to Susan B. Anthony. Born to
a Quaker family, Anthony grew up to be a tall, strong voiced, straight backed and sharp
minded woman. She began her career as a teacher, but quickly found out that men were
paid considerably more than women for comparable work. After ten years of teaching,
she returned to her parent‘s home in Rochester, New York to spend all of her time
fighting to end slavery. In 1848, she met her lifelong friend Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and
together, they spent the next 52 years working to win equal rights for women in the
United States. Anthony did not like to write, but she was a good organizer and speaker
and traveled to meetings and gave speeches all over New York and later the country.
After the Civil War she worked to win the vote for freed slaves and women, but the new
laws in 1870 only recognized the right of freed African American men to vote.
Unfortunately, Anthony did not see the law passed in 1920 that gave women the right to
vote, but her hard work paved the way and made it possible.
 African American: Biography – Race, Age, Socioeconomic Status, Ability
 Higginson, T. W. (2002). Army life in a Black Regiment. Dover Publication,
Inc. (a newly reset, unabridged republication of the work first published
by Fields, Osgood & Co., Boston, in 1870). ISBN 0-486-42482-0 Grades
4 and up. 203 pages.
This is a fascinating primary document detailing life not only in this particular black
regiment, but life as a soldier during the civil war. Higginson‘s descriptions of the
soldiers, routines of camp life, and southern landscapes are marvelous, as is his account
of his near escape from a cannon ball! This is an unusual historical document that is
invaluable to students in the study of Black History and the American Civil War.
Higginson documents such things as Negro Spirituals, and reading the Emancipation
Proclamation to the black regiment, historical acts and facts we rarely, if ever, even think
about. Higginson‘s story ends sadly as he is injured severely and becomes, as he puts it,
―invalided.‖ Many men of his regiment went on to be prosperous and influential, holding
such offices as State Treasurer of South Carolina and many were members of the
Continental Congress of the aforementioned state as well as Florida.
 African American: Biography – Race, Religion, Ability, Socioeconomic Status,
Gender
 Dunbar, A. M. (ed.). (2000). Masterpieces of Negro eloquence 18181913: 51 speeches. Dover Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-486-41142-7 Grades
3 (if read aloud) and up. 369 pages.
This contains 51 different speeches by African Americans. Many of the names are well
known, but some are more obscure. The book was first published in 1914. The editor,
Alice Moore Dunbar, was widely known among black Americans as a short-story writer,
poet, educator, and public speaker. The book is an important collection of ideas and
opinions of influential AfricanAmerican leaders. This is a wonderful resource for understanding the life of the mind of
black America, and the power of its oral tradition. This book defines a set of critical
issues that framed the context of the black experience in the 19th and early 20th centuries;
slavery, emigration to Africa, abolitionism, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow
segregation.
 White: Biography – Gender, Socioeconomic Status, Ability, Race
 Eisentark, Reyna. (2006). Eleanor Roosevelt. Houghton Mifflin Company ISBN
0-618-67738-0 Grades 3-4. 30 pages.
This is an in depth look at Eleanor Roosevelt‘s incredible contributions to Americans of
all genders, and races. Eleanor, though born wealthy, was incredibly shy as a child. She
attended boarding school in England and blossomed into a strong, intelligent, and headstrong young lady. She then spent the rest of her life tirelessly working for the benefit of
others - starting with immigrants rights in the early 1900‘s. She then, being a woman,
worked for women‘s rights while raising her family of six with noted personage Franklin
Delano Roosevelt. After Franklin Roosevelt contracted polio, Eleanor became his eyes
and ears and traveled ceaselessly in his name, first campaigning for Governor of New
York and then for President. In 1933, Eleanor became the First Lady and helped many
women, African Americans and poor people during the Great Depression through her
press conferences, daily newspaper columns and extensive letter writing campaigns.
After Franklin died, Eleanor went on to help found the United Nations especially working
to create the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She died in 1962 at the age of 78.
 African American: Biography – Race, Ability, Socioeconomic Status, Gender
 Jacobs, H. (2001 reprint of original 1861 publication). Incidents in the life of a
slave girl, unabridged. Dover Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-486-41931-2 Grades 4
and up. 167 pages.
This is the story of a woman born into slavery from her childhood to her eventual escape
to freedom. Her many trials and tribulations as well as observations of fellow slaves and
slave owners, serve to give us an accurate depiction of life as an enslaved woman.
Throughout the book numerous friends and sympathizers attempt to buy her ―freedom‖.
However, it‘s not until her master dies at the end of the book that she is finally ―bought‖,
and set free. Her feelings on this were mixed – on the one hand she felt the ―weight of
the world lifted from my shoulders,‖ but she also felt strongly that freedom was
something naturally inherent for human beings and should never be ―bought.‖ The
author also shows us the trials and tribulations specific to female slaves – namely sexual
abuse at the hand of their masters and overseers. The author bore two children by a white
man, but they were never claimed by him and thus became the property of her master.
She finally finds peace at the end of her life and dreams of a house of her own for herself
and two, now older, children.
 White: Biography – Ability, Socioeconomic Status, Age
 Clark, Don. (2003). What depression?: How America‘s kids beat the blahs of the
1930‘s. Press Porcepic Ltd. ISBN 0-88878 Grades 3 and up. 104 pages.
This is the story of the ―Lawton Wood Brats,‖ a group of young children growing up
during the great depression. They serve as a cross-section of America‘s children who
refused to bow down and be depressed when their parents found themselves with nothing.
Lawton Wood was home to several of Seattle, Washington‘s prominent pioneers and the
visiting place of others, including Eleanor Roosevelt. The first lady was on a first-name
basis with the Lawton Wood Brats and their dogs. Join them as they eat spinach and liver
– depression era staples, and pull pranks and tricks that are really quite funny. These
children ―could do anything because nobody told them they couldn‘t.‖
 European: Biography – Ability, Socioeconomic Status, Gender, Age

Grann, David. (2005). The lost city of Z. The Doubleday Publishing Group
ISBN 978-0-385-51353-1 Grades 4 (if read aloud) and up. 339 pages.
After coming across a collection of diaries written by the British explorer Percy Fawcett
and his quest for the Lost City of Z, author David Grann sets out to solve one of ―the
greatest exploration mysteries of the twentieth century.‖ He chronicles Fawcett as he
ventures into the Amazon to find an ancient civilization. Through Fawcett‘s discoveries
many anthropological and sociological views of the day were turned on their head as he
proved the viability of complex civilizations in the rainforest environment. Fawcett, who
spent his life in daring expeditions, helped inspire Conan Doyle‘s The Lost World with
his many vivid reports to the Royal Geographical Society in London. After much
research and determined fundraising, he embarked on his last major expedition with his
son Jack – the whole world enthralled and looking on – only to vanish, leaving no trace
behind. David Grann‘s search for the truth of what happened, and his incredible
discoveries about Fawcett‘s fate and ―Z‖, are what make this an exciting adventure to
read.
 Latino Hispanic: Biography – Race, Ability, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status
 Fitzwild, Abigail. (2006). Cesar Chavez. Houghton Mifflin Company ISBN
0-618-67741-0 Grades 3-4. 30 pages.
This book takes us on a journey with Cesar Chavez as he unites his people to create better
working and living conditions. We start with his early life of poverty and little school,
but a loving family that taught him the importance of hard work and diligence. When
Chavez was 17 he joined the Navy to leave behind the poor conditions in which he lived
and worked, but found Mexican Americans were treated just as badly in the service.
These experiences led Chavez to join the Community Service Organization in 1952, a
group that worked for justice for all people. He found that he was a good leader and
community organizer and in 1962 left the CSO to form the Farm Workers Association, a
labor union. He then helped lead one of the first strikes for better conditions and joined
with another labor union to form the United Farm Workers, a union still in existence
today. Cesar Chavez died in 1993, but because of his diligence, farm workers earn more
money and have better places to live all over the United States
 African American: Biography – Race, Religion, Ability, Socioeconomic Status
 Motil, Becca. (2006). Thurgood Marshall. Houghton Mifflin Company ISBN
0-618-67739-9 Grades 3-4. 30 pages.
After finishing high school in 1925, Marshall attended Lincoln University in Oxford,
Pennsylvania, the first university for African American students in the United States. At
the time, there were few African American lawyers, so Marshall pursued this career and
wanted to attend the University of Maryland Law School, but was not allowed because of
his race. Instead, he went to Howard University Law School in Washington, D.C. and
became the top student in his class. He joined the NAACP as a lawyer and began to fight
the civil rights battle to end segregation in the courts. He succeeded in desegregating
schools by winning his famous Supreme Court case ―Brown vs. Board of Education.‖
Marshall then fought against segregation wherever it took place – he won court cases that
ended segregated housing, parks, beaches, swimming pools, restaurants, buses, and
trains. In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson chose Marshall to serve as a judge on the
United States Supreme Court, where he served for the next 24 years.
Annotated Picture Book List
1. African American: Realistic Fiction- Race, Ethnicity, Religion
Burden-Patmon, Denise. (1992). Imani’s Gift at Kwanzaa. The Children’s
Museum, ISBN 0-8136-2244-1 Grades 1-up, 23 pages
Imani sits listening to stories about Kwanzaa as her grandmother beautifully
braids her hair. It is a special time of talking and listening between the two. As
they talk together, Imani confides in her grandmother bad feelings for a girl who
has just joined their family. After hearing her grandmother speak more about the
meaning of Kwanzaa, Imani decides to be a friend to the newcomer. She initiates
the friendship with a gift and the two girls share smiles and laughter that evening
during a Kwanzaa celebration. The illustrations are a beautiful blend of oil pastels
with people creating the foreground as well as the background. This depicts the
family unity of the holiday for the viewer.
2. Caucasian: Religious tale – Religion, Socioeconomic status
Hall, Donald. (1979). Ox-Cart Man. Scholastic, Inc., ISBN 0-590-42242-1 Grades 13, 37 pages
The Amish have a simple life of living off the earth. This is a tale of a family who
is happy doing exactly that and working hard for it as well. The family works
together year around, doing chores happily and cohesively. They use what they
make to live, and the extra is sold at the market by the father. He uses the all of
the money the family earned to buy new tools and materials to help the family
survive another year. The illustrations are flat and drawn in untraditional
perspective, using tones of red and brown, depicting their simplicity.
3. Hispanic: Beast tale – Ability, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status,
Avalos, Cecelia. (1993). The Goat Who Couldn’t Sneeze. Scott, Foresman and
Company, ISBN0-673-63954-1 Grades K-2, 24 pages
Set in the hills of Central America, this leader of the goats could not sneeze.
Though he consulted other animals of the hills, he could not do it. After his herd
abandoned him, he went down to the village below. All of the people were too
busy with daily work and worries to help him. Only after meeting a small, kind
bee was the goat successful. The illustrations are similarly displayed in South
American border design, with characters portraying Romanticism like quality faces showing great emotion among a landscape with symbolism far beyond its
geographical features.
4. Scandinavian: Myth-Ethnicity, Age
Loof, Jan. (1991). Trolls. Carlsen Forlag, ISBN 82-424-0291-4 Grades K-up, 32
pages
Scandanavian myths include trolls that trick humans, but in this story, they learn
from them. Set in Norway, a troll family prepares for the harsh winter the troll
father has predicted. He refers to humans several times in the story, giving
knowledge of human customs and practices. He was a wise old troll, and taught
the children life lessons of happiness and survival. He gives the growing children
hope and in turn the older, wiser children teach the same lessons of wisdom to
the younger ones. The illustrations are a combination of pen and ink with
watercolor, giving the viewer a feeling of rough, uncomfortable texture.
5. Diverse: Fairy tale-Race, Age, Gender
Minters, Frances. (1994). Cinder-Elly. Penguin Group, ISBN 0-670-84417-9 Grades
1-up, 30 pages
Another Cinderella story tale, this setting is in multicultural New York City. It
contrasts the original with its use of rhythm and poetry echoing the zaniness of
illustration that inconsistently intercepts the text. Along with the illustration text
interruptions, there are written ones as well, in smaller bolder print of lesser
characters that depict the hustle and bustle of city life. Ella is a teenager in the
city who lives with her materialistic sisters. The sisters depict society’s
materialism demand today. Ella wins the high school basketball star at the end
when her ‘godma’ once again transforms her “ugly clothes’” back to cool ones.
The illustrations are divided into geometric background shape patterns, which
seem to scream in dissonance at the viewer.
6. Ambiguous: Fable- Socioeconomic Status
DePaola, Tomie. (1973). “Charlie needs a cloak”. Scholastic,Inc., ISBN 0-59044188-4 Grades K-2, 28 pages
Charlie was loved by his sheep and was happy taking care of them. He was a
shepherd with a cozy house and a flock of fat sheep, but the townspeople didn’t
notice his contentment. They saw him only in rags. Though he did not mind this,
he satisfied the townsfolk. He sheared his sheep, washed the wool and spun it
into a beautiful coat. With each step, the sheep were beside him watching,
playing, and being loyal. They were his friends. When the next winter came,
Charlie wore his new cloak proudly with his sheep playfully biting it behind.
Interestingly, the illustrations so not to delineate a race .In some, characters
appear Hispanic; in others, white.
7. Caucasion: Religious tale-Religion, Age
Williamson, Marianne. (1996). Emma & Mommy talk to God. Harper Collins, ISBN
0-06-026464-0 Grades Pre K- up, 28 pages
Emma asks her mother where she came from and Emma’s mother answers in
religious context. As Emma’s mother answers her quietly in the security of her
room, Emma falls asleep and dreams of angels. Emma applies what her mother
has told her to real life situations in the days following. Emma’s mother hugs her
tight as she tells her how proud she is of her choices. Emma’s mother ends with “I
love you”. Emma happily ends with, “Thank you, God.” The illustrations have a
soft, surreal look to them and use dramatic lighting techniques that create a
feeling of warmth to the viewer.
8. Ambiguous: Fable-Age, Gender
Johnston, Tony. (1985). The Quilt Story. Scholastic, Inc., ISBN 0-590-43890-5
Grades K-up, 28 pages
This is a life parallel of two little girls’ feelings during different times. A little girl
from the pioneer days receives a handmade quilt from her mother. She loved the
quilt and played with it always. When her family relocated to a new home, it was
only the quilt that made her feel happy among the new smells of cedar and wood
chips. The story transforms to an illustration of modern times, with a girl finding
a quilt in the attic. Only through the illustrations does the reader/ viewer realize
that time has passed. Another girl has moved into the house and wraps the quilt
around her, making her feel comfortable among the fresh paint and new
surroundings, just as the girl in the pioneer days. In both situations, the mothers
are pictured mending the quilt for the security of their daughters. Again, as in
“Charlie needs a Cloak”, de Paola does not depict a particular race, allowing the
viewer to draw his own conclusions.
9. Brazilian: Beast tale - Ethnicity, Race, Age
Cherry, Lynne. (1993). The Great Kapok Tree. Scholastic, Inc., ISBN 0-590-980688 Grades 1-up, 30 pages
A man walks into the Amazon rain forest, instructed to chop down a large Kapok
tree. As he chops, he is lulled to sleep by the forest animals. They speak to him
and beg him to not cut down the tree. It is regarded as a home for them and
oxygen for the land. Even a small boy from a Yanamamo tribe speaks to him,
begging him to stop. When he awakes, he sees all of the animals and the boy
around him silent. He looks, thinks, and drops his ax. He decides to walk out of
the rainforest without destroying the tree home. The colorful illustrations depict
the beauty of the rainforest, helping persuade the viewer to think as the author,
by saving the awesome rainforest.
10. Caucasian: Fable -Socioeconomic Status, Gender, Age
Nedwidek, John. (2008). Ducks don’t wear socks. Penguin Group, ISBN 978-0670-01636-5 Grades Pre K- up, 28 pages
Having a city life of spending much time alone while her mom is doing grown up
things, Emily has modeled what she has seen: being quiet, serious and
purposeful. Her music lessons, fancy restaurants, and lonesome walks have left
her following all the rules but never smiling or laughing. Duck continues to try
persuading Emily to smile, laugh and join in his antics, and it is not until she is
asleep and dreaming does she realize that life does not have to be so serious and
purposeful. She wakes up and greets Duck wearing a duck suit, ready to join him
in all his silliness. And she finally laughs. The illustrations are a blend of conte
crayon and colored pencil with light washes among large, geometric shapes.
Annotated Booklist (Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales)
 Korean: Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales – Ethnicity, Race
o So-Un, Kim & Kyuong-Sim, Jeong. (2005). The deer and the woodcutter. Periplus
Editions, ISBN – 9780804836555. Grades 2-5, 32 pages.
The Deer and the Woodcutter is a Korean folktale that combines magic and love to tell
the story of why the rooster crows at dawn. A woodcutter receives advice from a deer
concerning how he should find a beautiful wife. The deer tells him to hide a feathered
robe of a heaven fairy and to never show the robe until after his wife has their four
children. The woodcutter does not listen to the deer and reveals the robe too soon to his
wife and she returns to heaven. After his lost, he slowly transforms into a rooster who
cried at damn for the lost of his wife and children.
 Mexican: Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales – Ethnicity, Race, Religion
o Phillip, Neail & Mair, Jacequeline. (2003). Horse hooves and chicken feet.
Houghton Mufflin Harcourt, ISBN – 9780618194636, Grades 2-3, 96 pages.
This book is a collection of fifteen traditional Mexican folktales that draws from the rich
story telling tradition of Mexico‘s people and culture. The folktales have classic themes
and incorporate magic and Roman Catholic imagery to create a unique Mexican flare.
The folktales include the traditional cats, dogs, and princesses that go on various
adventures. They also include religious figures such as the Virgin Mary who plays the
traditional role of a fairy godmother. The folktales are embedded with rich imagery and
vibrant, whimsical paintings.
 African: Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales – Race, Ethnicity
o Mandela, Nelson. (2007). Nelson Mandela‘s favorite African folktales.
Norton, W.W. & Company, Inc., ISBN-9780393329902, Grade 1 & up,
144 pages.
Nelson Mandela presents 32 traditional tales from numerous authors. While most of the
fables have their origins in South Africa, many of them are legends from all over the
continent from Botswana, Swaziland, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. Each fable commences
with an introduction revealing a shot provenance or a source note concerning the origins
of the tale. The fables vary from literary to contemporary in nature. The giant elephants,
mischievous children and colorful birds populating the collection each teach a lesson
about obedience, perseverance, cooperation and simply life in general.
 Native American: Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales – Race, Ethnicity, Age
o Krensky, Stephen & Mair, Jacqueline (2008). How coyote stole the
summer: A Native American folktale. Lerner Publishing Group, ISBN9780822575481, Grades 1-3, 48 pages
With the year round winter and its freezing weather, Coyote is always cold. Fortunately,
Old Woman has something amazing called Summer. Unfortunately for Coyote, she keeps
it tied up in a little bag in her tipi. Coyote gathers his friends Wolf, Moose, Elk, Stag and
Antelope and devices a plan to steal summer. When Coyote attempts to steal Old
Woman‘s bag he is chased by her children. Will Coyote‘s plan work or will they
experience winter forever? This tale tells the story of the seasons.
 Indian: Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales – Race, Ethnicity, Age, Socioeconomic
Status
o Cleveland, Rob (2006). The drum: A folktale from India. August House
Publishers, Inc., ISBN- 9780874838022, Grades K-3, 136 pages.
The Drum is a traditional tale from India that tells of a poor boys dream of having a
drum. His dream takes him on an unlikely path where the story teaches about love,
respect, compassion, charity, hope and good citizenship. While the little boy understands
that his family cannot afford the instrument, his mother is very sad that she cannot afford
to purchase the drum for her son. One day on her way home from the market, she meets a
strange fellow who gives her a piece of wood that, according to him, may have a little bit
of magic in it. The woman decides to give her son the wood and tells him the story of
how she received it. The little boy takes the wood and goes out to play with it which
ultimately begins an adventure which leads boy to receive his fondest wish.
 Nigerian: Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales – Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status
o Gerson, Mary-Joan (1995). Why the sky is far away. Little Brown Books
for Young Readers, ISBN – 9780316308748, Grades K-3, 32 pages.
This pourquoi tale was first told 500 years ago by the Nigerian Bini tribe. It tales the
story of why the sky is currently so far away from earth. In the beginning the sky was so
close to the earth that anyone who was hungry could just reach up and take a piece of it
and eat it. The sky always tasted delicious and the people started to take more of what
they needed to satisfy their hunger. Due to the continuous waste, the sky grew angry and
moved far away so the Bini people could no longer taste its great gifts. The Bini people
were then forced to plow the fields for food as the sky was now far, far away. This tale
tells an important story about greed and waste.
 Chinese: Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales – Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status
o Young, Ed & Adams, Tracey (2004). The lost horse: A Chinese folktale.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN – 9780152050238, Grades K-3, 32
pages.
A wise Chinese man named Sai loses his horse but is not sad about the lost. Sai tells the
people that arrive to comfort him that the lost of his horse may not be such a bad thing.
True enough, the horse eventually returns with a mare which is fortunate for Sai. When
his friends attempt to congratulate him on the mare, Sai rejects the congratulations for he
feels that this may actually be a bad thing. Again, Sai is correct, and unfortunately the
mare throws Sai‘s son. This pattern of fortunate and unfortunate events continues
throughout the story to teach the ever changing fortunes of life. The tale reveals that a
lost may really be a gain.
 Native American: Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales – Race, Ethnicity, Religion,
o Bruchac, James, Bruchac, Joseph & Vitale, Stefana (2008). The girl who
helped thunder. Sterling Publisher, ISBN – 9781402732638, Grades 3-5,
96 pages.
Native American folktales are told in a bold, clear voice in this book. The collection is
arranged geographically which allows it to reveal the diversity of the Native people. With
each region explored, the authors provide a description of the region that reveals the
historical and cultural context of the stories that follow. Every tale also begins with
background information about the Nation it is derived. Each story is concise and includes
a variety of animal personalities that range from being mischievous to being heroic. The
book also includes colorful and vibrant illustrations that help to reveal the spirit of each
tale.
 Mexican: Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales – Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status,
Age
o McAllister, Caroline (2007). Holy mole! August House Publishers, Inc.,
ISBN – 9780874837759, Grades K -3, 32 pages.
A signature dish in Mexican cuisine, the mole was created when a monk named Brother
Pascal tripped and accidently spilled the ingredients in a pot. The Spanish viceroy comes
for an unscheduled visit to the monastery. The cook goes into an absolute frenzy trying to
figure out what they will feed the important ambassador to the king. Carlos, an orphan
boy who works in the kitchen tries his best to stay out of the way until the lunch is
prepared but his curiosity gets in the way. Causing a moment of crisis, his eagerness gets
the best of him. After the crisis of numerous ingredients falling into a pot, the chief
realizes that it is actually a miracle as a delicious smell begins to rise from the pot.
 Chinese: Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales – Ethnicity, Race, Gender, Socioeconomic
Status
o Louie, Ai Ling (1996). Yen-Shen. Putman Juvenile, ISBN
9780698113886, Grades K-3, 32 Pages.
Yen Shen is the oldest known version of Cinderella and dates back to 9BC in China. The
tale contains many familiar details such as a poor, over worked girls, a wicked
stepmother and stepsisters, a magical helper, a king searching for a wife, and a lost shoe.
Unlike the European Cinderella tale where Cinderella simply asked for her wishes and
are handed them by her fairy godmother, Yen Shen earns her wishes through kindness to
a magic fish. The fact that Yen Shen has to earn her wishes makes the reader much more
sympathetic towards her than in the European tale. Yen Shen seems to deserve every
wish granted and the resulting good fortunes she receives because of her hard work and
kindness.
Realistic Fiction Book List
1. Realistic Historical Fiction – Age, Socioeconomic Status
-
DiCamillo, Kate (2009). Because of Winn-Dixie. Candlewick, ISBN-10:
0763644323. Grades 3 and up. 288 pages.
A young girl moves to a new town with her pastor dad. Several years
before, the girl’s mother left both her and her father because she did not want
to be a preacher’s wife. As a result, the girl is lonely and spends a great deal of
time by herself. The girl finds a dog in a super market and names it WinnDixie. The story tells of the girl’s adventure to find her way in a new town
with her pet companion.
2. Realistic Fiction – Age, Gender
-
Naylor, Phyllis (2000). Shiloh. Aladdin, ISBN-10: 0689835825. Grades
3 and up. 144 pages.
When a young boy named Marty finds a dog behind his home, he is
thrilled. However, he finds that the dog, a beagle, belongs to a local neighbor,
and his father makes him return it. Marty is crushed to know that the
neighbor abuses his dogs and is scared for Shiloh. When Shiloh runs away
from his owner and ends up with Marty again, he decides to hide the dog
rather than returning it to his abusive owner. Marty keeps the secret from his
family for awhile, but his family eventually finds out, as he continues to sneak
food to Shiloh. One day, Shiloh is attacked by a bigger dog, and the family
decides that they will take care of Shiloh until he recovers. Through this, the
entire family becomes involved in Marty’s secret, and trouble for the entire
family ensues.
3. Realistic Historical Fiction – Age, Race, Gender, Socioeconomic status,
Ethnicity
-
Taylor, Mildred (2002). Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Penguin Group
USA, IBSN – 13: 9780140384512, Grades 3 and up. 288 pages.
A black family, the Logan family, living in Mississippi during the 1930s has
to deal with prejudice and discrimination. Cassie and her brothers face
prejudice at school they do not understand, and they are whipped for refusing
to use a textbook that contained a word offensive to their family. The children
go through many more struggles as black children in a community filled with
prejudice, and eventually the hate to which they are exposed grows stronger
and stronger. The children learn of many sacrifices their family must make for
the safety of their family, and they learn they must protect one another.
4. Realistic Contemporary Fiction – Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status
-
Blume, Judy (2007). Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Penguin Group
USA, ISBN – 13: 9780142408810. Grades 3 and up. 128 pages.
Peter Hatcher, a fourth-grade student, is typically annoyed by his
rambunctious younger brother, nicknamed Fudge. Peter also has a pet turtle,
and his classmates Jimmy Fargo and Sheila Tubman are a part of his daily
adventures. When the Jimmy, Peter, and Sheila are grouped for a class project,
Fudge ruins part of their project by coloring on it. Fudge generally continues
to ruin Peter’s life, especially when he swallows his pet turtle. Although Fudge
is fine after going to the hospital, Peter’s turtle does not make it, and his
parents give him a dog to make him feel better.
5. Realistic Contemporary Fiction – Age, Gender, Ethnicity
- Pennypacker, Sara (2008). Clementine. Hyperion Book CH, ISBN – 10:
0786838833. Grades 2 and up. 160 Pages.
Clementine is a mischievous third-grade student who is constantly finding
herself in trouble. Her daily adventures are explained, beginning on Monday
when she is sent to the principal’s office for cutting off a classmate’s hair.
Even as Clementine tries to help, she continues to find herself in trouble and
receiving disapproving comments from teachers and family. When
Clementine misunderstands a conversation she overhears, she becomes
afraid that she has become too troublesome and her family does not love her
anymore. However, after recognizing the love of her family, Clementine
realizes she is truly valued for everything she is, and she is dearly loved.
6. Realistic Fiction – Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status, Ability
- Paterson, Katherine (1987). Bridge to Terabithia. HarperCollins
Publishers, ISBN – 13: 9780064401845. Grades 4 and up. 192 pages.
Jess is a boy who prides himself on running fast and being the fastest boy
in fifth grade. After he loses the first race of the school year to a new girl in
school, he unexpectedly becomes friends with the new girl, named Leslie. The
two continue to grow their friendship, and Jess helps Leslie become familiar
with her new town. Then Leslie introduces Jess to the mythical world of
Terabithia. In this place, Leslie and Jess rule in a safe place away from peer
pressure and bullies. Life is good for these two friends until tragedy comes
upon them, and Jess must learn hard lessons alone.
7. Realistic Fiction – Age, Gender, Ethnicity, Race, Socioeconomic Status
- Grimes, Nikki (2008). Road to Paris. Penguin Group (USA), ISBN – 13:
Paris, a young foster child, attempts to escape from her current foster
home. After a series of events, she finds herself at a new foster home with the
Lincoln family. Paris is distraught because she is separated from her brother
Marcus. Over time, Paris finds her place in the Lincoln family, although she
struggles with missing her brother and bonding with some of her new
siblings. Paris finds a close friend from school but racial tension follows her as
a biracial young girl, and her friendships are negatively impacted. Paris must
struggle to find trust in the Lincoln family and in herself, especially as she is
uprooted again and must make a choice as to where she will belong.
8. Realistic Fiction – Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status
- Cleary, Beverly (1992). Ramona Quimby, Age 8. HarperCollins
Publishers, ISBN – 13: 9780380709564. Grades 2 and up. 208 pages.
Ramona is a typical third-grade student, and as the youngest in her family,
she is fighting for independence. She is excited to ride the bus to school by
herself this year, since her older sister is now in junior high school. Ramona
has several embarrassing experiences at school, including one with a raw egg
she had assumed was hard-boiled. Having a misunderstanding about her
teacher’s feelings toward her makes Ramona’s school year very difficult and
one with which students can easily relate. Ramona is every student’s hero as
she makes her way through the daily struggle of a third-grader’s life and finds
herself triumphant at the end.
9. Realistic Fiction – Age, Gender, Ability
- Zipzer, Hank (2003). Niagara Falls, or Does It? Penguin Group (USA),
ISBN – 13: 9780448431628. Grades 3 and up. 144 pages.
Hank is a fourth grader struggling at the beginning of the school year. He
gets called to the principal’s office on the first day, and the fourth-grade
assignments, particularly in writing, are much too hard for him. When Hank
decides that instead of writing about what he did over the summer, he will
show what he did, trouble follows! As Hank amuses the whole class and
continues to cause some trouble, he begins to find his place in fourth grade.
10. Realistic Fiction – Age, Ability, Gender, Socioeconomic Status
- Cleary, Beverly (2000). Dr. Mr. Henshaw. HarperCollins Publishers,
ISBN-13:
Leigh is a sixth-grade student with a tough life. He has had a favorite
author, Boyd Henshaw, since second grade. When Leigh’s teacher assigns her
students a project to write letters, Leigh begins to write to his favorite author.
Through these letters, Leigh discusses his frustrations with his parents’
divorce and being a new boy in school. Leigh’s exciting adventures after
reading this book change his outlook and his life.
Annotated Book List
1. Ethnicity: Caucasian, Historical Fiction, Socioeconomics
Blackwood, G. (200). The Shakespeare Stealer, Puffin Books, ISBN 141305959, 216
pages, Grade Level 3-6.
A young orphan named Widge is ordered by his master to do the unthinkable.
Widge is ordered to work his way into the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare‘s troupe is
rehearsing to perform the play ―Hamlet.‖ His master wants him to develop a friendship
with the troupe in order to copy a coded shorthand version of the play Hamlet. Widge
becomes torn between honoring his master‘s orders or his new friendships with the
troupe.
2. Ethnicity: Israeli, Historical fiction, Religion
Speare, E. G. (1989). The Bronze Bow, Houghton Mifflin ISBN 395137195, 254
pages, Grade Level 3-6.
Daniel bar Jamin wants revenge against the Roman soldiers for killing his father.
He has witnessed his father being crucified by Roman soldiers. Daniel can only think of
one thing at this point, ―REVENGE.‖ He joins an outlaw band of men to plan his
revenge. Daniels plans change when he must care for his little sister after hit
grandmother dies. While caring for his sister he ends up in nearby Capernaum. In
Capernaum Daniel got a chance to hear the teachings of a Rabbi named Jesus of
Nazareth. Daniel is torn now between revenge or following the teachings of Jesus.
3. Ethnicity: Alaskan Indian, Historical Fiction, Religion
George, J. C. (1972). Julie of the Wolves, Harper Collins Publisher Inc., ISBN
060219432, 170 pages, Grade Level 3-6.
An thirteen year old girl known as Miyax to her Eskimo village, and Julie to her
friends in San Frisco. Julie was called back to the village for an arranged marriage. She
did not want to get married so she fled to the woods. While in the woods Julie got lost
without food. She is forced to find a way to survive. So Julie uses some survival skills
taught to her by her father. Julie runs into a pack of wolves and becomes accepted by the
wolves. She grows to love the wolves like they were her own family. There comes a
time when Julie must decide to whether to leave the wilderness and return to the village
or stay.
Wilder, L. I. (1935). Little House on the Prairie, Harper Collins Publisher INC.,
ISBN 060264454, 335 pages, Grade Level 3-6.
Laura Ingalls and her family leave their home in the woods in Wisconsin, and set
out for a journey to Kansas. When Laura and her family finally reach Kansas, they find
the perfect spot by a prairie to build a house. Laura‘s family starts their new life by
planting and growing crops. Also, they hunted wild ducks and turkey. Laura really
enjoys prairie life despite minor hardships she encounters. Overall this is a very good
book of an account of all the things Laura experiences on her and her family‘s journey
from Wisconsin to Kansas to start a new life.
5. Ethnicity: African American, Historical Fiction, Socioeconomics, Race
Curtis, C. P. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham-1963, Yearling/Random House,
INC., ISBN 440414121, 210 pages, Grade Level 3-6.
This story is told by a young man named Kenny, a ten year old. Kenny talks
about things that happened on he and his family‘s trip to Birmingham Alabama from
Flint, Michigan my original home town in the summer of 1963. The initial purpose of
this trip was to drop off Kenny‘s brother Byron thirteen years old to their grandmother.
Byron had been getting into too much trouble, and his parents felt the one person they
knew could shape Byron up was grandma. A lot of hilarious things happen along the
way to Birmingham. When Kenny and his family finally get to Birmingham the story
takes on a very serious tone. Birmingham, Alabama in 1963 was during the emergence
of the Civil Rights Movement. Kenny and his family experience things they were not
quite used to. This is truly a very moving story.
6. Ethnicity: African American, Historical Fiction, Socioeconomics, Race
Armstrong, W. (1972). Sounder, Harper Trophy, ISBN 9780064400206, 128 pages,
Grade Level 3-6.
This story takes place in the 19th century. A young African American boy and his
family are living in poverty in the South. The young boy's father Isa is a sharecropper
and the family is struggling through hard times. They have a family dog named
Sounder, a coon and bulldog mixed. Everyday Isa and sounder go out hunting into the
woods but has been coming back empty handed. One day Isa shows up with a hambone
for his family to eat well for a change, and they did eat well that day. A couple of day‘s
later three white men show at the front door. Before you know it the three white men
chain Isa up and take him off to prison. Sounder barks and chases after the men as they
haul Isa away. All of a sudden the sheriff takes out his gun and shoots Sounder. The
boy‘s mother believed Sounder to be dead and just let him lye outside on the ground. A
couple of days later the boy went to retrieve Sounders body, but his body was not there.
His mother shucks Walnuts and brings them to sell in town. Over a time period the boy
deals with feelings of resentment for his father for putting him and his mother in this
predicament. Throughout the story he must confront these feelings and deal with them.
Speare, E. (1958). The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Houghton Mifflin, ISBN
The Witch of Blackbird Pond takes place in a Wethersfield a small Puritan
community in the Colony of Connecticut during 1687. A 16 year old girl named
Katherine Tyler must move with aunt and uncle in Connecticut from Barbados after her
grandfather dies. While living with her aunt and uncle she meets a woman named
Hannah accused of being a witch, who is actually a Quaker banned from Massachusetts.
Katherine and Hannah develop a relationship which Katherine‘s aunt and uncle
disapprove of, and forbid Katherine to see her. Katherine continues to visit with Hannah,
when suddenly a mob comes to Hannah‘s house and burn it down. Katherine helps
Hannah escape the mob. When Katherine gets back to town her, she is now being
accused of being a witch.
8. Ethnicity: Caucasian and African American, Historical Fiction, Race,
Socioeconomics
Armstrong, J. (1992). Steal Away, Scholastic Inc., ISBN 9780606056236, 206 pages,
Grade Level 3-5.
In 1855 two 13 year old girls, Susannah an orphan girl sent to live on a plantation
in Virginia, and Bethlehem a slave girl assigned to Susannah decide to escape together.
They head north on their journey. Susannah and Bethlehem must work together to
survive the journey. The only thing that keeps the girls moving forward is the thoughts
of a new life. This story is told from both Bethlehem and Susannah‘s perspective to
Susannah‘s naïve granddaughter and an angry student from Bethlehem‘s class as she lay
on her death bed.
Avi, J. (2008). Hard Gold, The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859, Hyperion Books, ISBN
Early Whitcomb‘s family needs something magical to happen soon. Or their
going to lose the families Iowa farm, which has been in the family for generations. A
long drought has eaten away the Whitcomb‘s family savings. Which has left them in
terrible debt, and unable to pay their mortgage. Not to mention the Great Chicago and
Northwestern Railroad wants their land. If they can‘t pay their loan, then Judge Fuslin
will foreclose the Whitcomb farm and sell it as his own. Early‘s Uncle Jesse has a plan
to save the family farm. He wants to head west in search for gold in the Pikes Peak
region of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The problem with this plan is the boys don‘t
have any money to make the journey. Uncle Jesse flees during the night, after being
accused of a robbery; Early doesn‘t know what to believe. Uncle Jesse sends a message
that he has found gold. Early knows that he must find his uncle before the men that are
looking for him do. So Early decides to joins a Wagon Train with a strange family going
west to search for his uncle. The journey to the west is dangerous and full of hardships.
Early‘s journey doesn‘t really start until he reaches Pikes Peak, and discovers that his
Uncle Jesse is also accused of a much more serious crime.
10. Ethnicity: Native American, Historical Fiction
Bruchac, J. (1998). Children of the Longhouse, Penguin Group, ISBN
Children of Longhouse is told from two different points of view by
Ohkwa‘ri and his twin sister Otsi:stia who are Mohawk Indians. The story takes
place after the Great League of Peace is formed. Then eleven year old Ohkwa‘ri
had comflicts with a bully named Grabber. The conflicts started when Ohkwa‘ri
told the elders he heard Grabber and his friends talking about raiding a
neighboring village. Ohkwa‘ri feels he is danger during a game of
Tekwaarathon (Lacrosse). Ohkwa‘ri believes in peace but he is unable stay in
his peaceful ways when dealing with Grabber.
Annotated Poetry Book List
1. American: Poetry –
Archambault, John & Martin, Jr. Bill. (1989). Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.
Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN -13: 9780671679491.
Grades K-2. 40pp.
Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault's rhythmic chant and Lois Ehlert's exuberant
collage illustrations have made Chicka Chicka Boom Boom a read-aloud favorite for
twenty years.
In this bright and lively rhyme, the letters of the alphabet race each other to the top of
the coconut tree. When X, Y and Z finally scramble up the trunk, however, the weight is
too much, and down they all tumble in a colorful chaotic heap: ``Chicka Chicka . . .
BOOM! BOOM!'' All the family members race to help, as one by one the letters recover
in amusingly battered fashion. Poor stubbed toe E has a swollen appendage, while F
sports a jaunty Band-Aid and P is indeed black-eyed. As the tropic sun goes down and a
radiant full moon appears, indomitable A leaps out of bed, double-daring his colleagues
to another treetop race. This nonsense verse delights with its deceptively simple
narrative and with the repetition of such catchy phrases as ``skit skat skoodle doot.''
Ehlert's bold color scheme, complete with hot pink and orange borders, matches the
crazy mood perfectly. Children will revel in seeing the familiar alphabet transported into
this madcap adventure.
2. American: Poetry- Dakos, Kalli. (1995). If You’re Not Here, Please Raise Your
Hand: Poems about School. Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. ISBN-100689801165. Grades 4-6. 64 pp.
By turns wistful and funny, the 38 poems in this collection capture the ups and downs of
elementary school life with uncanny accuracy. For every student who's ever worried
about spending a lifetime in the third grade and for every teacher who's faced a class
where nobody remembered to bring milk money, these 38 poems capture the excitement,
challenge, heartbreak, and wonder of life in elementary school. There is repetition,
predictability and humor throughout the entire book. The poems are complemented by
lively black and white drawings. Through her fresh, lively word pictures, Dakos manages
to find surprises in every corner of the school. The poems demonstrate a keen eye for
classroom realism.
3. African-American: Poetry –
Giovanni, Nikki. (2008). Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A Celebration of Poetry
with A Beat. (A Poetry Speaks Experience Series). Sourcebooks
Jabbawocky. ISBN-13-9781402210488. Grades 1-6. 72pp.
Like its companion volume, Poetry Speaks to Children, this eclectic collection is
accompanied by a lively CD; the focus is on hip-hop, broadly defined as "poetry with a
beat." In practice, Giovanni's definition yields a diverse crop of poems chiefly by AfricanAmericans. Not all the works have a strong beat: the quiet lyricism of Hope Anita Smith
has little in common with the pronounced rhythms of the Sugarhill Gang. The volume
includes not only contemporary artists like Mos Def and Queen Latifah but poets from
the Harlem Renaissance, W.E.B. Du Bois, Paul Laurence Dunbar and Elizabeth Swados.
Even an edited version of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech is offered.
Altogether, there are 51 selections from 42 poets, with about 30 performances on the
CD, some original to the collection. The illustrations, by six different artists, compete for
attention in a crowded design; readers may be better off availing themselves of the CD,
which, with its archival recordings of poems read by the poets themselves, reminds
everyone that poetry springs from an oral tradition.
4. American: PoetryHesse, Karen. (1999). Out of the Dust. Scholastic, Inc. ISBN -13: 9780590371254.
Grades 4-6. 227pp.
When Billie Jo is just fourteen she must endure heart-wrenching ordeals that no child
should have to face. The quiet strength she displays while dealing with unspeakable loss
is as surprising as it is inspiring. Written in free verse, this award-winning story is set in
the heart of the Great Depression. It chronicles Oklahoma's staggering dust storms, and
the environmental—and emotional—turmoil they leave in their path. An unforgettable
tribute to hope and inner strength.
This intimate novel, written in stanza form, poetically conveys the heat, dust and wind
of Oklahoma along with the discontent of narrator Billy Jo, a talented pianist growing up
during the Depression. Unlike her father, who refuses to abandon his failing farm ("He
and the land have a hold on each other"), Billy Jo is eager to "walk my way West/ and
make myself to home in that distant place/ of green vines and promise." She wants to
become a professional musician and travel across the country. But those dreams end
with a tragic fire that takes her mother's life and reduces her own hands to useless,
"swollen lumps." Hesse's (The Music of Dolphins) spare prose adroitly traces Billy Jo's
journey in and out of darkness. Hesse organizes the book like entries in a diary,
chronologically by season. With each meticulously arranged entry she paints a vivid
picture of Billy Jo's emotions, ranging from desolation ("I look at Joe and know our
future is drying up/ and blowing away with the dust") to longing ("I have a hunger,/ for
more than food./ I have a hunger/ bigger than Joyce City") to hope (the farmers,
surveying their fields,/ nod their heads as/ the frail stalks revive,/ everyone, everything,
grateful for this moment,/ free of the/ weight of dust"). Readers may find their own
feelings swaying in beat with the heroine's shifting moods as she approaches her
coming-of-age and a state of self-acceptance.
5. African-American – PoetryHughes, Langston. (1996). The Dream Keeper and other Poems. Sterling
Publishing. ISBN-13: 9781402718458. Grades 3-6. 48pp.
Sterling proudly announces an exciting and vibrant addition to Poetry for Young People:
The first African-American themed book in the series, featuring the poems of the
extraordinary Langston Hughes. Edited by the two leading experts on Hughes’s work,
and illustrated by the brilliant Benny Andrews, this very special volume is one to
treasure forever.
A much-requested book that was years in the making…and well worth the wait. One of
the central figures in the Harlem Renaissance—the flowering of black culture that took
place in the 1920s and 30s—Langston Hughes captured the soul of his people, and gave
voice to their concerns about race and social justice. His magnificent and powerful
words still resonate today: that’s why it’s so important for young people to have access
to his poems. Now they do, in a splendid volume edited and illustrated by a top-caliber
team who are simply the best in their fields.
6. American: PoetryKnaus, Linda & Nesbitt, Kenn. (2006). Santa Got Stuck in the Chimney.
Meadowbrook Press. ISBN- 10-1416922016. Grades 1-6. 26 pp.
This book contains 20 funny poems full of Christmas cheer by Linda Knaus and Kenn
Nesbitt. The poems will light up your holiday celebration with cheerful Christmas poetry.
Knaus and Nesbitt's poems capture all the things that could go wrong during the
Christmas season-including the hunt for a parking spot at the mall on the Friday after
Thanksgiving, Santa getting stuck in the chimney, writing a list of the presents Santa
forgot to bring (better luck next year), and all the foods at Christmas dinner (how wise
you were to pass up the Brussels sprouts). It also includes Santa subbing at school,
hightailing it the mall after school and a comical verse that explains why the gent is
called St. Nick.
7. American: PoetryLansky, Bruce. (1991). Kids Pick the Funniest Poems. Meadowbrook Press.
ISBN10-067174769X. Grades 4-6. 115 pp.
A collection of humorous poems selected by a panel of children, featuring an all-star cast
of poets from Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein to Judith Viorst and Jack Prelutsky. Includes
new poems and humor pieces from relative unknowns that kids liked as well as--or better
than--the more famous entries. Poetry about everyday life; about parents, brothers and
sisters, friends, school days, disasters, monsters, strange stories and advice.
8. American: PoetryNesbitt, Kenn. (2005). When the Teacher isn’t Looking. Meadowbrook Press.
ISBN – 10-0684031280. Grades 4-6. 80 pp.
When the Teacher Isn't Looking and Other Funny School Poems is a collection of over
45 hilarious poems about school by Kenn Nesbitt, author of The Aliens Have Landed!
Topics range from food fights and cafeteria lunch to falling asleep in class and turning in
the wrong homework. In the tradition of No More Homework! No More Tests! and If
Kids Ruled the School, this paperback collection is lavishly illustrated by Mike Gordon
and edited by Bruce Lansky, author of My Dog Ate My Homework and If Pigs Could Fly
and Other Deep Thoughts.
9. American: Poetry –
Prelutsky, Jack. (1991). For Laughing Out Loud: Poems to Tickle Your
Funnybone. Knopf Books for Young Readers. 4th Ed. ISBN-100394821440. Grades 3-6. 96 pp.
Prelutsky introduces this volume of humorous poems with a verse of his own: "If you
have got a funnybone, / and I've no doubt you do, / then this completely silly book / is
sure to tickle you." The poems are silly, full of high jinksstet spelling per Web. and clever
nonsense. Although the author and title indexes at the end of the book are useful, a table
of contents would have clarified the book's loose organization. A verse about Bella's new
umbrella is followed by one about ghouls' ghoul-oshes. Poems about nuts, noodles and
bananas fill one double-page spread while verses about rattlesnake meat, jellyfish stew
and eating eels occupy another. Priceman's ( Friend or Frog ; Rachel Fister's Blister )
slapdash watercolor illustrations are full of energy and high spirits, perfectly suited to this
eclectic collection that includes work by such favorites as Nash, Lobel, Kennedy, Kuskin,
Yolen and Raskin.
10. African-American: Poetry-Race, Ethnicity, Ability.
Woodson, Jacqueline. (2004). Locomotion. Penguin Group (USA), ISBN-13:
9780142401491.Grades 4-6. 112 pp.
In a series of poems, eleven-year old Lonnie writes about his life, after the death of his
parents, separated from his younger sister, living in a foster home, and finding his poetic
voice at school. Lonnie‘s parents died in a fire when he was seven years old. Now, he is
eleven and still misses them terribly. He misses his little sister Lili, who was put into a
different foster home because ―not a lot of people want boys-not foster boys that ain‘t
babies.‖ But Lonnie hasn‘t given up. His foster mother, Miss Edna, is growing on him.
She‘s already raised two sons and she seems to know what makes them tick. And his
teacher, Ms. Marcus, is showing him ways to put his jumbled feelings on paper. Told
entirely through Lonnie‘s poetry, we see his heartbreak over his lost family, his
thoughtful perspective on the world around him, and most of all his love for Lili and his
determination to put at least half his family back together.
1) Inventors: Biographies - Age, Ability
Snow, Dorothea. (The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1962). Eli Whitney, Boy Mechanic.
ASIN: B0007E7NI6, Grades 3 & Up. 200 pages.
Eli Whitney grew up on a corn farm with his parents in New England. As a young boy,
he spent time chasing crows and building things. He also spent long hours in his
father‘s workshop making things out of wood or repairing tools. After college he went
south to Georgia to be a tutor. While tutoring for a family, he began to work on an
invention the would separate cotton from the seed. He invented the cotton gin.
Unfortunately, Whitney was not able to paten it soon enough to make a profit. Whitney
continued to work on inventions such as machine made gun parts.
Old, Wendie C. (Enslow Publishers, Inc., 2000). The Wright Brothers, Inventors of the
Airplane. ISBN 0-7660-1095-3, Grades 5 & Up. 128 pages.
Orville and Wilbur Wright developed an early interest in mechanical toys as boys from
their mother. As they grew up in Dayton, Ohio, the boys built helicopters, kites and
anything else they though would fly. As young men, they built a biplane kite and
worked on wing movement. In 1903, Orville completed his first flight in Kitty Hawk,
North Carolina and the men worked to get a patent on their plane. They finally got
their patent in May of 1906. Their 1903 Wright Flyer is now in the Smithsonian.
Fritz, Jean. (Coward, McCann, & Georghegan, Inc., 1976). What‘s the Big Idea, Ben
Franklin?. ISBN: 0-698-30617-1, Grades 3 & Up. 48 pages.
Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706, the 10th and youngest son
to his parents. After a few years in school, his dad decided that he should be an
apprentice for one of his brothers in the printing business. Franklin spent his spare time
reading, writing and studying arithmetic. When he was 17, he ran away to
Philadelphia, PA and got a job with a printer. He soon began inventing many tools
such as a stepladder stool, a rocking chair with a fan, a meat roaster, and many more.
Franklin's biggest invention was electricity which he discovered with a kite and wire.
Klingel, Cynthia and Noyed, Robert B. (The Child‘s World, 2003). Thomas Edison,
Inventor. ISBN: 1-56766-449-0, Grades 3 & Up. 32 pages.
Thomas Edison was the 7th child to Samuel and Nancy Edison. The family lived in
Milan, Ohio, but later moved to Port Huron, Michigan. Edison had difficulty in school
due to his hearing loss, so his mother decided to home school him. His mother set up a
laboratory at home in their basement, and Edison spent many hours working on
experiments there. Edison worked in Boston and New York City to improve inventions
like the stock ticker, the telegraph, and Bell‘s telephone. In 1877, he invented the
phonograph, and, in 1879, he invented the electric light bulb. He worked to improve
the light bulb and to make the first electric power plant in New York City.
Mitchell, Barbara. (Carolrhoda Books, Inc, 1986). We‘ll Race You, Henry: A Story
about Henry Ford. ISBN: 0-87614-291-9, Grades 4 & Up. 56 pages.
Despite Henry Ford‘s farm life style, he grew up with a love for mechanical toys and
parts. At age thirteen, Ford saw a steam roller and started dreaming of machines that
would not be pulled by horses. Starting at age sixteen, Ford worked with streetcars, fire
hydrants, and boat whistles. Ford worked on his gas engine and improved it into a gas
buggy. Ford worked to make the gas buggy into a racing car. In June of 1903, Ford
started the Ford Motor Company and began selling his family-sized Model T cars in
1908. Also, the Ford Motor Company started the first assembly line at the factory at
this time.
6) Inventors: Biographies - Age, Ability, Race
Sullivan, Otha R. (John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 1998). African American Inventors. ISBN:
0-471-14804-0, Grades 6 & Up. 164 pages.
Sullivan compiles a group of twenty five African American inventors over a period of
time. The inventors are from pre-Civil War days, Civil War and reconstruction, the
early twentieth century, and today. The author notes that African Americans were not
often given the chance to have an education, many rose to be great inventors. One of
the inventors included in the book is Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, who preformed the
first open-heart surgery. Another inventor listed is Garrett A. Morgan, who invented
the gas mask and the first traffic signal. Other inventors include J.A. Burr and the lawn
mower, John P. Moon and the floppy disk, and Dr. Michael Croslin and a computerized
blood pressure device.
MacLeod, Elizabeth. (Kids Can Press, 1999). Alexander Graham Bell, An Inventive
Life. ISBN: 1-55074-456-9, Grades 3 & Up. 32 pages.
Bell was born in Edinburg, Scotland on March 3, 1847. As a boy, he worked with his
brothers to experiment with sound. In 1870, Bell and his family moved to Canada and,
a year later, Bell moved to Boston to work with hearing-impaired children. Bell
worked with hearing impaired children such as Helen Keller and Mabel Hubbard, his
wife. Over the next several years, Bell worked with sound and vibrations to develop
the telephone in March of 1876. Bell also helped make the National Geographic
magazine and improved the phonograph.
8) Inventors: Biographies - Age, Ability, Race
McKissack Fredrick and Patricia. (The Millbrook Press, 1994). African American
Inventors, A Proud Heritage. ISBN: 1-56294-468-1, Grades 6 & Up. 96 pages.
In this book, the authors work to show African American inventors in a timeline of
American history. Even after an African Americans invented a new discovery, they
had a hard time getting a patent and credit for it. The book includes Thomas Jennings,
who invented a turpentine solution for cleaning. Another inventor mentioned is
William B. Purvis, who invented the fountain pen. Also, Benjamin T. Montgomery,
who invented the boat propeller, but he could not get a patent because he was a slave.
In more recent history, J. Ernest Wilkins, Jr. was an African American inventor who
helped in the creation of the atomic bomb.
9) Inventors: Biographies - Age, Ability, Gender
Thimmesh, Catherine. (Houghton Mifflin Company, 2000). Girls Think of Everything,
Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women. ISBN: 0-395-93744-2, Grades 3 & Up. 57
pages.
Women inventors have been around for generations, but have not always gotten as
much publicity. Women invented silk, mortar and pestle, spun cotton to make cloth,
computer software, cancer fighting drugs, coffeemakers, and many more. The author
notes that many of the inventions created by women were created out of necessity or
were fundamental to the household. Thimmesh also includes Dr. Virginia Apgar and
the invention of the Apgar Score which tests the health of newborn babies. Another
female inventor, whose name is unknown, is the woman that created the ice cream cone
at the World‘s Fair in 1904. Thimmesh notes that women were able to get their own
patent in their name in 1809.
Jeffrey, Laura S. (Enslow Publishers, Inc., 1996). American Inventors of the 20th
Century ISBN: 0-89490-632-1, Grades 6 & Up. 112 pages.
Jeffrey includes many of the inventors of modern times. She notes that when we think
of inventors, we think inventions we think of items like the light bulb, telephone, and
car. Some of the modern inventors created items like lasers, microchips, videotape
recorders, and many more. Jeffrey mentions inventors such as William Powell Lear
who invented radios and navigation systems for airplane. Other inventors included are
Lonnie Johnson, who invented the SuperSoaker water gun, Robert Shurney, who
designed the tires on the moon buggy, and Gordon Gould, who invented lasers. Like
many of the early inventors, these more recent inventors overcame personal struggles
and continued to work hard to achieve their goals.
 African American: Traditional Fantasy Tales—Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic
Status
o San Souci, R. (2000). The Secret of the Stones. Phyllis Fogelman Books,
ISBN 0-8037-1640-0 Grades K-3. 40 pages.
One day a husband and a wife, John and Clara who had no children, were on their
way home from the fields when they found two white stones. They took the stones home,
when they got home their chores had been done for them. This happened on several more
occasions and every time they got back no one was there. One day a woman named Aunt
Easter came by their house and told them that the stones were magic stones and they
turned into two children when they weren‘t there. The only way that the children could
stay and not turn back into the stones was for John and Clara to travel to a conjure-man‘s
house and get some things from him. This man had placed a spell on the children. The
man ended up turning into a little black bug. They took the items back to Aunt Easter.
The children appeared once more the same way they had appeared many times before but
they never turned back into stones and they all became a family.
 Chinese: Traditional Fantasy Tales—Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status
o Yep, L. (1997). The Dragon Prince: A Chinese Beauty and the Beast Tale.
Harper Collins Publisher, ISBN 0-06-024381-3 Grade K-3. 32 pages.
Once there lived a poor farmer with seven daughters. One day the farmer had
returned back home to find a dragon at his house, the dragon told him to give him one of
his daughters for a wife. The farmer could not think of doing such a thing so the dragon
said that he was going to kill him if he didn‘t. One by one each of his daughters came out
and said that they couldn‘t marry the dragon. Seven, the youngest daughter, finally said
that she would go with the dragon. After a while the dragon turned into a handsome
prince. Seven wanted for nothing, but she missed her family. The prince allowed her to
go home but she had to return in ten days. Seven went back to see her family and took
them many gifts. All of her family was happy except for her jealous sister, Three. Three
pushed Seven into the river and pretended to be Seven and went back to the prince, but
the prince sensed that she wasn‘t his beautiful and kind wife. He went to search for Seven
and finally found her and they lived happily ever after. He sent Three back home to her
family in shame.
 Caribbean: Traditional Fantasy Tales—Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status
o San Souci, R. (1998). Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella. Simon &
Schuster Books for Young Readers, ISBN 0-689-80668-X Grades K-5.
40 pages.
Once there lived a young girl who lived in Merdes Antilles, the Caribbean Sea. When
her mother died she left her a wand of mahogany. Her mother told her that three taps of
the wand would change one thing into another. When this little girl grew up, she became
a washerwoman. The woman that she worked for became sick and the woman made her,
her daughter‘s godmother. Her daughter‘s name was Cendrillon. Cendrillon‘s mother
died and her father remarried a cold and proud woman who treated Cendrillon badly and
worked her like a serving girl. The prince, Paul, was having a ball and Cendrillon really
wanted to go. Her stepmother and stepsister were going but Cendrillon couldn‘t go.
Cendrillon‘s godmother pulled out her wand of mahogany and begins to work magic and
they were finally off to the ball. When they arrived at the ball, Cendrillon amazed
everyone including the prince and they danced with each other all night. When the bell
stroked midnight, Cendrillon ran out leaving one embroidered slipper behind. The next
day, the prince went looking for the woman who would fit the slipper. It fit perfectly on
Cendrillon‘s foot and the prince and Cendrillon were married.
 Haitian: Traditional Fantasy Tales—Race, Ethnicity
o MacDonald, A. (2002). Please Malese! A Trickster Take from Haiti.
Farrar Straus Gioux, ISBN 0-374-36000-6 Grades K-3. 32 pages.
Malese one day noticed that he needed some more shoes but he had no money and
nothing to trade. So he went to the market and told a shoemaker to make him a left shoe
and bring it to his house. When he got there, Malese said that he didn‘t like the shoe and
the shoemaker threw it in the bushes. Then Malese went back to the market and told
another shoemaker to make him a right shoe but when he made the shoe Malese said he
didn‘t like it so the shoemaker threw it in the bushes. Now, Malese had a pair of new
shoes and hadn‘t paid a penny for them. Malese continued to trick people throughout the
village, so they decided that he should be punished. They said that they would lock him
in a mud hut for a month, but he wasn‘t upset at all. The people brought him his breakfast
and supper. The people decided that he had suffered enough and wanted him to go back
home. He tricked the people once again, tricking them into fixing his house.
 West Indian: Traditional Fantasy Tales—Race, Ethnicity, Ability
o San Souci, R. (1995). The Faithful Friend. Simon & Schuster Books for
Young Readers, ISBN 0-02-786131-7 Grades K-5. 40 pages.
Once there lived two close friends, Clement and Hippolyte, close as brothers. One
day Clement wanted to go to Macouba to ask a beautiful young woman, Pauline, to marry
him. Hippolyte felt that they might be danger but Clement‘s mind couldn‘t be changed.
On their way to Macouba they passed a dead old man lying underneath the trees, and
thought fit to give him a proper burial. The boys finally reached the house of Pauline and
her uncle. Clement asked Pauline to marry her and she said yes, her uncle then became
very angry and asked them to leave. They decided to travel back home, Hippolyte over
heard three zombies preparing to harm and kill Clement and Pauline. Hippolyte couldn‘t
tell them what was to happen because if he did he would turn to stone. He never told
them what he heard but he stopped it from happening three times. The last and most
deadly act would be on their wedding night. Pauline‘s uncle said that Hippolyte was
jealous, Hippolyte begin to tell what had happened and he began to turn to stone. A man
from the crowd, who was also the old man who they had buried, brought Hippolyte back
to life and turned Pauline‘s uncle into stone.
 Mexican American-Traditional Fantasy Tales—Ethnicity, Ability
o Kimmel, E. (2007). The Three Cabritos. Marshall Cavendish
Corporation, ISBN 978-0-7614-5343-7 Grades K-3. 32 pages.
Three cabritos (young goats) that were brothers; Reynaldo, Orlando and Augustin
was going to a fiesta in Mexico. Their mother didn‘t want them to go because they had to
cross over the bridge where Chupacabra, the goat sucker lived. But they went anyway
because they weren‘t scared of the goat sucker. The first two brothers Reynaldo and
Orlando went over the bridge one at a time. Each one ran in Chupacabra, he asked them
to play their instruments and then once he was tired of dancing, he let them go across.
When Augustin, the oldest and biggest of the three came to the bridge Chupacabra
jumped out but he wasn‘t scared like his brothers. He asked Chupacabra if he could play
his accordion. He played his accordion until Chupacabra became so tired of dancing that
he shriveled up like a punctured balloon. The brothers went to the fiesta in Mexico and
they never heard about Chupacabra ever again.
 Japanese-Traditional Fantasy Tales—Ethnicity, Race
o San Souci, R. (2002). The Silver Charm: A folktale from Japan.
Doubleday Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-385-32159-7 Grade K-3. 32
pages.
A fisherman, his wife, their son named Satsu, his puppy and fox cub lived on the
island of Hokkaido. Satsu‘s parents allowed him to do almost anything and only gave
him two rules to follow. He was never to go to the woods where an ogre catches and eats
children and was not to lose his good luck charm; if he did misfortune would come to
him. One day Satsu was playing near the edge of the woods and the ogre snatched him.
He threatened to eat Satsu but Satsu gave him his good luck charm and he ran. Satsu
became sick and the only way that he would become well was to get his good luck charm
back. The puppy and the fox cub decided to go back to the forest to get the charm from
the ogre. On the way, they ran into a mouse. The mouse helped the puppy and the fox cub
get the charm back to Satsu and he became well. They had a huge feast in honor of the
puppy, the fox cub and the mouse for saving Satsu.
 Middle Eastern-Traditional Tales—Race, Ethnicity
o Johnson-Daries, D. (2005). Goha the Wise Fool. Philomel Books,
ISBN 0-399-24222-8 Grades 4-7. 40 pages
The book is collection of folktales about a man named Goha. He is a wise man but
handles his situations in the book in an odd way or different way than others would. The
stories in the book are things that happen to Goha as he is walking down the street or on a
typical day for him. In some of the stories, he is tricked into doing something or the
people are teasing him. He always tries to find a unique way in tricking them or getting
them back. He doesn‘t worry about what the people say about him, he just does what he
think is best.
 African: Traditional Fantasy Tale—Race, Ethnicity, Ability, Age
o Mollel, T. (2000). Subira Subira. Clarion Books, ISBN 0-395-91809-X
Grades K-3. 32 pages.
Tatu had to look after her brother, Maulidi while her father went to work all day.
Maulidi would bite, fight, throw rocks and wouldn‘t listen to Tatu. Tatu went to a spirit
woman who granted wishes, she wanted to make her brother good. The woman told her
that she had to go on the anthill and pick three whiskers off a lion. She was afraid, but
remained patient and kept singing. By the third time she had build up enough courage and
plucked three whiskers off the lion. She took the whiskers back to the woman but the
woman threw them away. The woman told her that she is the only one that can make him
good. She told her to remember how she got the lion whiskers with patience and courage.
Tatu remained patient with her brother and just kept singing. Her brother wanted her to
teach him the song that she had been singing, but she told him that she would only teach
it to him if he acted better. He did and she taught him many songs.
 West Indian: Traditional Fantasy Tales—Race, Ethnicity, Ability,
o Hamilton, V. (2000) The Girl who Spun Gold. The Blue Sky Press,
ISBN 0-590-47378-6 Grades K-3. 40 pages.
One day the king was riding through the town and saw a beautiful girl named
Quashiba and her mother. The girl‘s mother said that Quashiba was spinning the finest
golden thread for him. The king wanted to marry her, although her mother wasn‘t telling
the truth. Quashiba could only spin plain thread. The king and Quashiba got married. The
king told Quashiba that after one year and a day, she would have to start spinning golden
threads to make golden things. That day finally came. A tiny man named Lit‘mahn
appeared and told the queen that he would help her spin golden thread but she had to
guess his name. She had three nights to guess his name if she didn‘t he would make her
tiny like him. The first night he filled the room with golden things. The king was very
pleased. The queen still had not guessed the tiny man‘s name. The tiny man kept his
promise but the queen still didn‘t know his name. By the third night, the tiny man was
very excited because he thought she wasn‘t going to guess it. To his surprise, she guessed
his name and the tiny man vanished.
Genre Booklist
1. African Tale: Folktale – race, ethnicity, ability
 Steptoe, J. (1987). Mufaro’s beautiful daughters. Lothrop, Lee, &
Shepard Books, ISBN 9-780788-040451 Grades: Pre-K and Up. 29
pages.
The book Murfaro’s beautiful daughters Nyasha and Manyara were two
sisters seeking to become queen. Nyasha was a kind and considerate, while her
sister Manyara was very selfish and tempered. When the king announced for
“The most worthy and beautiful daughters in the land” to appear before him”,
Mufaro stated that he was taking his daughters before the king. The girls
encountered many different challenges on their way to see the king. These tests
would help the king determine which sister he would choose. Finally, the story
ends with one sister becoming queen, while the other serves as a servant in the
palace.
2. Liberia Tale: Folktale – age, race, ethnicity
 Paye, W. & Lippert, M. (2002). Head, body, legs: A story from Liberia.
Henry Holt & Co. ISBN 3-1036-00019087-3 Grades: PreK – 2nd. 32 pages
A disembodied head is all alone and wants some cherries. Arms swing about
but attach to head above the ears. Body bounces by and almost squashes head
and arms. Legs stand alone and are used as an extension of arms. They are
unable to do much by themselves, so they join. Working together will make
everything perfect.
3. African American Tale: Folktale – age, ethnicity, socioeconomic, race, gender
 Ringgold, F. (1991). Tar beach. Random house children’s books. ISBN
9-780517-580301 Grades: PreK – 5th. 32 pages
Cassie Louis Lightfoot, an eight year old girl has a dream to be free to go
wherever she wants for the rest of her life. On Tar Beach, the rooftop of her
family’s home is where her dream comes true. The stars lift her up and she flies
over the city. While on her flight, she claims everything from the Washington
Bridge to the ice cream parlor. Cassie realizes anyone can fly. All you need is
somewhere to go.
4. West African Tale: Folktale – age, ethnicity, race, gender, ability
 Musgrove, M. & Cairns, J. (2001). The spider weaver. The blue sky
Press. ISBN 0-590-98787-9. Grade: PreK – 3rd. 32 pages
Long ago, in the Ashanti village lived two expert weavers. Everyone from
the king to the lowliest apprentice wore their cloth. One night while returning
home the weavers notice a small miracle. The weavers tried to bring the small
miracle home but ruined it. After returning to the forest, the master spider taught
the two Ashanti weavers from Ghana how to weave a beautiful pattern. This
unique pattern is known as the Kente’ cloth.
5. West African Tale: Folktale – ability
 Aardema, V. (1992). Why mosquitoes buzz in people’s ears. Penguin
Press. ISBN 0-14-054905-6 Grade: PreK – 3rd. 32 pages
Mosquito told Iguana that he saw a farmer dig up a yam that was bigger
than him. Iguana became annoyed by what he considers to be a stupid story, so
he plugs his ears with two sticks. Unfortunately, this sets a chain reaction of
misunderstanding because Iguana does not speak to Python. Python scares the
rabbit, who startles the crow that alarms the monkey, who breaks a branch,
which kills one of the owlets. Therefore, Mother Owl will not call for the sun to
rise. Finally, the animals of the jungle call for a meeting.
6. West African Tale: Folktale – age, race, ability, gender, socioeconomic
 Tchana, K. (2002). Sense pass king: A story from Cameroon. Hoilday
House, Inc. ISBN 0-8234-1577-5 Grade: K – 3rd. 32 pages
In the land of seven villages lived a little girl name Ma’antah. She was an
exceptional little girl with many gifts. The local villagers called her Sense Pass
because she had more sense than the king did. When the king heard the news
about Ma’antah, he ordered his soldiers to take her away. When the king found
out that she was still alive, he became furious and made Ma’antah a servant in
his palace. The villagers drove the king away from the seven villages and the
future of the kingdom was left in the hands of Ma’antah.
7. African Tale: Folktale - ability
 Martin, F. (2000). Clever tortoise. Candlewick press.
ISBN 0-7636-0506-9. Grade: K – 3rd . 32 pages
On the cool banks of Lake Nyasa in Africa lived Rabbit, Warthog, Lizard,
Hippopotamus, Snake, Elephant, and Chungu (the little black ant) and Clever
Tortoise. Everyone was happy until Elephant and Hippopotamus were boasting
about how huge and strong they are. The animals that lived near Lake Nyasa
grew frightened. All expect Clever Tortoise, who was small in size, but his brain
was big and strong. After just a little time, he developed the perfect trick.
8. Miao (Western China) Folktale: Folktale - ability, race, ethnicity,
socioeconomic status
 Poole, A. (1999). How the rooster got his crown. Holiday House.
ISBN 0-8234-1389-6. Grade: K – 4th. 36 pages.
Long ago, when the earth was new there were six blazing suns in the sky.
One year after the farmers planted their crops, the rain refused to come and the
heat of the six suns dried up all the tiny seedlings. The emperor asked the elders
to help save the crop. They summoned a skilled archer to come shoot the suns
out of the sky. He shot his arrow and five of the suns disappeared into the
shadows of the pool with a great hissing noise. The sixth sun became frightened
and fled from the sky into a cave. The sun peeked over the horizon when he
heard the sound “COCKLE DOODLE DO!”
9. Native American Tale: Folktale – ability
 Bruchac, J. & Bruchac, J. (2003). How chipmunk got his stripes. Penguin
Group. ISBN 0-8037-2404-7. Grade: K – 4th. 32 pages
One autumn day long ago, Bear was out walking and bragging that he
was the biggest, strongest and loudest of all animals. He proclaimed he could do
anything! Little squirrel did not believe Bear, so he challenged Bear to tell the
sun not to rise the next morning. All that night the two stayed up. The sun came
up. Everyone was happy except Bear. Brown squirrel began teasing Bear. The
teasing angered Bear, for this reason Brown squirrel got his strips.
10. German Folktale: Folktale – ability, gender
 Grimm, B. (2001). The rabbit’s bride. Marshall Cavendish.
ISBN 0-7614-5081-5. Grade: K – 5th. 32 pages.
There once was a woman who lived with her daughter in a beautiful
cabbage garden. There was a rabbit who came and ate up all the cabbages.
The women told her daughter to drive the rabbit away. The rabbit asked the girl
to go with him to his rabbit hutch. After the third time, the girl went with the rabbit
only to encounter a very surprising situation. The rabbit ordered her to do things
she did not want to do, so she took matters into her own hands.
1.
Asian: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Ability
o Mochizuki, Ken. (1993). Baseball saved us: Japanese
survival at a Japanese-American internment camp
during World War II. Lew and Low Books, Inc., ISBN 18800-0001-4 Grades 2 – 5. 32 pages
A young Japanese-American boy, Shorty, tells the story of his family’s
forced move to live in an internment camp with other Japanese-American
families during World War II. These Japanese-American families were
placed in a camp in the middle of a dry desert land, surrounded by a barbed
wire fence, with American soldiers standing guard at all times. Shorty
shares the experience of how their lives had changed while living in the
camp, and what they had to do to ease the tension of living under those
conditions; play baseball. Baseball became a catalyst of unity and strength,
as they worked together to construct a baseball field and form a league.
Before the camp Shorty was no good at baseball, but humiliation forced him
to not only hit a game winning home run for his team, but also to gain respect
from everyone. This is a documentation of a group of people who suffered
injustice at the hands of the United States, and a young boy’s determination
to succeed.
2.
Black or African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Age,
o Taylor, Mildred D. (1995). The well: A novel about a black
family in segregated Mississippi during the early 1900’s.
Puffin Books, ISBN 0-1403-8642-4 Grades 4 & up. 96
pages.
David Logan tells the story of his family’s good fortune, or lack thereof,
throughout a drought in Mississippi. All the wells and rivers were dry,
except the well belonging to the Logans. Papa Logan and his two eldest sons
were away for months cutting lumber, so David and his brother Hammer
were left to tend to the animals and help around the home. Mama Logan felt
that God has blessed her family with the sweet water in the well, and had no
problem sharing the well with her neighbors; black and white, but these
sentiments were not shared by Hammer and Big Ma Rachel. Many families
respectfully came by to pull water from the well, except the Simms family,
who felt the Logans thought too highly of themselves as blacks. Tension
escalated between both families as the Charlie and Ed-Rose Simms taunt
racial slurs at David and Hammer Logan, until one day it explodes.
3. Black or African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity
o Edwards, Pamela Duncan. (1997). Barefoot: Escape on
the
underground railroad: An escaped slave’s journey to the
underground railroad. HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN
0-0060-27137-X Grades K – 3. 32 pages.
In the wee hours of the night, a young barefoot slave escapes from a
plantation as he tries to make his way to a spot on the Underground Railroad.
He is terrified as he flees for his life with the slave catchers on his heels,
and uncertainty of what was ahead. As he runs there is not a single glimpse
of the Underground Railroad as the light from the moon is overshadowed by
the clouds. Known to the animals as Barefoot, they carefully guide him
through the forest and the swamp, and protect him from those pursuing him.
Barefoot had to rely heavily on the wisdom of these animals to aid him to
escape. They lead him to water when he is thirsty, food when he is hungry,
warn him when danger is near, and distract his chasers. Recognizing an
important sign for runaway slaves trying to get to the Underground Railroad,
Barefoot identifies a quilt hanging at the front of a house and finds his first
place of safety.
4.
Black or African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity,
Socioeconomic Status, Age
o Curtis, Christopher Paul. (2004). Bud not Buddy: A novel
about an African-American boy during the Great
Depression. Laurel Leaf, ISBN 0-5534-9410-4 Grades 4
& up. 272 pages.
Ten year old Bud, a motherless boy residing in Flint, Michigan during the
Great Depression, shares the story of his life in a foster home, and his
quest to find the man he believed to be his father. Bud’s mother had died
and he is placed in an orphanage and eventually a foster home. Bud decides
to run away from the dysfunctional foster home he was placed in, and
venture on a quest to find the father he never knew. Returning to the
orphanage was not an option, so he set off on his journey armed with his
suitcase filled with special things, and the only clue his mother had left;
some fliers advertising a jazz musician named Herman E. Calloway and the
Dusky Devastators of the Depression. Convinced that he’s Calloway’s son,
Bud sets off for Grand Rapids, Michigan to find this mystery man. His
determination and optimism leads him to adventures in the midst of the
Depression, where he experiences a sense of community, and ultimately,
someplace he could call home.
5. Italian: Historical Fiction – Ethnicity, Socioeconomic status
o Bartone, Elisa. (1997). Peppe the lamplighter: Italian
immigrants in New York at the turn of the century.
HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN 0-6881-5469-7 Grades
2-5. 32 pages.
Decades ago, a boy named Peppe lived with his family in a tenement on
Mulberry Street in Little Italy, New York. At that time, street lights had to
be lit by hand as there was no electricity. Peppe’s family was from Italy and
they were very poor. When Peppe’s father got ill, Peppe decided to get a job
to help out his family, and so he took a job lighting the street lamps every
evening. Peppe’s father was furious as he had taken his family to the United
States in order for them to have a better life, not for his son to take on
what he considered a menial job. Peppe’s constant struggle with his father
forced him to begin to resent his job, until one night his job as a lamplighter
was proven to be extremely important.
6.
Danish: Historical Fiction – Ethnicity, Religion, Gender, Ability
o Lowry, Louis. (1990). Number the stars: Danish people
during German invasion of Denmark during World War II.
Laurel Leaf, ISBN 0-4404-0327-8 Grades 4 & up. 137
pages.
Ten year old Annmarie Johansen and her family lives in Copenhagen,
Denmark during the Nazi’s invasion of her country. Food is scarce, soldiers
are everywhere, but life at home and school remain relatively the same. The
Nazi’s become more aggressive and the Jews in Denmark are being forced to
relocate. Annmarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen and her family are in danger, so
the family leaves their daughter with the Johansen’s in hope that she would
be identified as a member of the Johansen family, until they could get to
Sweden safely. A late night visit from the Nazi’s who were in search of the
Rosen’s causes Annmarie to reminisce on the mysterious death of her older
sister years before. Annmarie’s mother decides to take the girls to her
brother’s place in an effort to protect Ellen, and things become intense.
When asked to go on a dangerous mission, Annmarie demonstrates
tremendous courage and strength as she sets out to save her best friend’s
life.
7.
Black or African American & White: Historical Fiction Race,
Ethnicity, Religion, Socioeconomic Status, Gender,
Age
o Altman, Linda Jacobs. (2003). The legend of Freedom
Hill: An African-American and Jew during the California
Gold Rush during the 1850’s. Lee & Low Books, Inc., ISBN
1-5843-0169-4 Grades K – 4. 32 pages.
In California during the 1850’s, two girls, Rosabel and Sophie become close
friends. Both girls are outsiders and of different backgrounds; Rosabel was
black and the daughter of slaves, and Sophie was a Jew. At that time,
slavery was illegal in California, but capturing runaway slaves was not.
Although Rosabel had freedom papers, her mother was not as fortunate and
pretty soon was captured by slave-catchers. Together, the girls decide to
dig for gold to purchase Rosabel’s mother’s freedom before she was turned
over to her owner. Through teamwork and determination, Rosabel and Sophie
find enough gold to purchase not only Rosabe’ls mother’s freedom, but also
the freedom of all the other runaway slaves imprisoned by the slavecatchers.
8. Black or African American: Race, Ethnicity, Age, Gender
o Wait, Lee. (2003). Seaward born: Two young slave’s
escape from Charleston, South Carolina, in the early
1800’s. Margaret K. McElderry Books, ISBN 0-68984719-X Grades 3 & up. 160 pages.
Michael is a thirteen year old slave boy working on the docks and ships in
Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. He considers himself a fortunate slave;
to be doing something he actually enjoys, being close to the seas he longs to
sail. Suddenly, his world is turned upside down when his kind and protective
mistress dies. Michael is encouraged by his friend Jim to run away to the
north and escape slavery. Michael is torn between two decisions, whether to
stay in Charleston being a slave, or to take the chance of being free. His
parents were not alive so there was no one to run to for advice. Michael
remembered what both his parents would often say and decided that it was
not worth remaining a slave, so he and Jim stowed away on a ship heading
North in search of freedom.
9. Black or African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity,
Age, Gender
o Evans, Freddi Williams. (2003). A bus of our own: African
American children in Mississippi during segregation.
Albert Whitman & Co., ISBN 0-8075-0971-X Grades K –
4. 32 pages.
Mable Jean, a little African American girl living in Mississippi, longs to go to
school with her older brothers. When her parents finally allow her to go, she
is warned that she would have to keep up with all the other children. The
journey for her and the other African American children was five miles, and
they had to walk to and from school every school day. A school bus
transporting only white students would pass them each day, and these
students would always tease them and call them names. After injuring her
foot while walking home, the long journey threatens to keep Mabel Jean out
of school. Her determination to go to school to get a good education
encourages her to question why African American students did not have a
bus that transported them to school. Mable Jean’s question sparked the
Mississippi community to rally together, come up with a solution, and get a
school bus for their children.
10.
Indian or Native American: Historical Fiction – Race,
Ethnicity, Gender, Ability
o O’Dell, Scott. (1987). Island of the blue dolphins: An
Indian girl’s survival on an isolated island off the
California coast. Yearling Books, ISBN 0-4404-3988-4
Grades 4 & up. 184 pages.
A beautiful Indian girl known as Karana, lives alone on the Island of the Blue
Dolphins for eighteen years. Members of her tribe resided there years
before, but the Russians brought an enemy tribe to the island to hunt
wildlife surrounding the island, and a war broke out. Many members of
Karana’s tribe died, while the few that were remaining decide to leave the
island and head to an island in the east. Karana and her brother, Ramo were
left behind. They fended from the island’s natural resources to satisfy their
basic needs. Eventually Ramo dies and Karana is left on the island all alone.
Karana shows strength and courage against the wild animals on the island,
and finds great happiness through her solitary life.
Annotated Biography Booklist

White: Biography- Race, Ethnicity
*Frank, Anne, Mooyaart, B.M, and Roosevelt, Eleanor. (1993).Diary of a
Young Girl. Bantam Books, ISBN: 0-5532-9698-1 Grades 4 and up. 304
pages
Anne’s diary begins on her thirteenth birthday, June 12, 1942, and ends
shortly after her fifteenth. At the start of the diary, Anne talks about her
fairly typical girlhood experiences, writing about her friendships with
other girls, her crushes on boys, and her academic performance at
school. Because anti-Semitic laws forced Jews into separate schools,
Anne and her older sister, Margot, attended the Jewish Lyceum in
Amsterdam.
*
African-American: Biography- Race, Ethnicity
*Collier, Bryan, & Grimes, Nikki. (2008). Barack Obama, Son of Promise, Child
of Hope. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, ISBN: 1-4169-7144-0 Grades
1 and up. 48 pages

This awesome book is about our first Black president. Ever since Barack
Obama was a young boy, Hope has lived inside him. From the beaches of
Hawaii to the streets of Chicago, from the jungles of Indonesia to the
plains of Kenya, he has held on to Hope. Even as a boy, Barack knew he
wasn't quite like anybody else, but through his journeys he found the
ability to listen to Hope and become what he was meant to be: a bridge to
bring people together.
White: Biography-Ability
*Brallier, Jess, & Parker, Robert. (2002). Who Was Albert Einstein.
Penguin
Penguin Group, ISBN: 0-4484-2496-7 Grades 3-5. 112 pages
This biography describes Einstein's early struggle to harness and focus his
extraordinary abilities; his relationships with his family and first wife; and,
lending depth to the story, his most significant scientific discoveries. The
book also discusses Einstein's exile from Germany in the early 1930s and
his political views and activities, including the irony that the man who
strove for a world without war helped to create the atomic bomb.

White: Biography-Ability

Fradin, Dennis, & O‘Brien, John. (2002). Who Was Ben Franklin.
Penguin Group,
ISBN: 0-4484-2495-9 Grades 3-5. 112 pages
This wonderful book describes all of the important contributions and
inventions the man gave to the world: a national postal system, the first
public library, the first volunteer fire department, bifocals, the Franklin
stove, the lightning rod, and his revolutionary experiments with electricity.
His public service on behalf of the Continental Congress as a diplomat and
representative, and his contributions to the Articles of Confederation and
the Constitution also receive significant attention. The discussions of
Franklin's childhood growing up as one of 17 children and his relationship
with his son William who stayed loyal to England during the War for
Independence add an interesting personal dimension.
African-American: Biography- Race, Gender, Ethnicity

Editors of Time For Kids. (2005). Harriet Tubman, A Woman Of
Courage.
Harper Collins Publisher, ISBN: 0-0605-7607-3 Grades 1-4. 48 pages
As a teenage slave, Harriet Tubman stood up to a boss who was trying to
harm another slave. From then on Harriet Tubman fought against
unfairness and for what she believed was right. Harriet Tubman helped
hundreds of African Americans escape on the Underground Railroad.
Harriet Tubman and her work in leading over three hundred slaves to
freedom. This biography also explains the Underground Railroad, along
with descriptions of routes, hiding places, and ways slaves told each other
about when and how to go through quilt patterns.
African-American: Biography-Race, Ethnicity, socioeconomic status
Bull, Angela. Free At Last, Story of Martin Luther King Jr. (2000). DK
Publishing,
ISBN: 0-7894-5717-2 Grades 1-3. 48 pages
This book is about the slained civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.,
who encouraged non-violent protest to fulfill his dream of an America
where people would be judged by "the content of their character, not by
the color of their skin." This book teaches our young readers of the
struggle he went through and his opinion on violence. Although his life
was threatened he was still a peaceful man. At the age of 25 he helped
organize the Montgomery bus boycott. He also helped organize and lead
African-Americans across the country in the right to vote and other civil
rights.

Native American: Biography-Ability
Baviera, Rocco & Bruchac, Joseph. A Boy Called Slow: The True Story
Of A Sitting Bull. (1998). Penguin Group, ISBN: 0-6981-1616-X Grades
PK-2. 32 pages

Ready to be given a name as strong and brave as that of his father, a proud
Lakota Sioux grows into manhood, acting with careful deliberation,
determination, and bravery, which eventually earned him his proud new
name: Sitting Bull. Like most Lakota Sioux boys, Slow yearns for the
special vision or manly deed that will inspire his permanent, adult name.
Encouraged by splendid stories of his father's bravery, wisdom and
leadership, Slow focuses his energy on becoming a warrior. Friends
gradually begin to associate his name with careful deliberation. When the
moment of his manhood arrives, Slow rides heroically against Crow
warriors, earning the name Tatan'ka Iyota'ke
African-American: Biography- Ability,
Christopher, Matthew & Peters, Stephanie. On the Court with… Lebron
James. (2008). Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, ISBN: 0-31601630-6 Grades 2-5. 128 pages
This book is about the talents of LeBron James. He was a sensation in his
early days playing AAU ball in Akron, Ohio- and continued to amaze
through his four years as a high school phenomenon. Now a star of the
Cleveland Cavaliers, he is touted as the best player in basketball today. He
is that one-of-a-kind superstar whose main goal isn't to rack up the statsit's to make his team better. Lebron James is on his way to being
mentioned in the same sentence as Michael Jordan and that will leave his
legacy as a basketball player among the greats.

Native American-Biography: Race, Ethnicity
Krull, Kathleen & Morales Yuyi. Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar
Chavez. (2003). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN: 0-1520-1437-3 Grades
k-3. 48 pages
This book is about Cesar Chavez (1927-1993), founder of the National
Farm Workers Association and champion of migrant workers. Cesar
Chavez, from age ten when he and his family lived happily on their
Arizona ranch, to age thirty-eight when he led a peaceful protest against
California migrant workers' miserable working conditions. Cesar Chavez
was a brave man and stood up for what he believed was right. His peaceful
protest made sure that his people were treated fairly.

White-Biography: Race
Kramer, Sydelle. Who is Daniel Boone? (2006). Penguin Group, ISBN: 04484-3902-6 Grades 1-5. 112 pages
This book is about the great Daniel Boone. Boone is often called the
"Great Pathfinder," Daniel Boone is most famous for opening up the West
to settlers through Kentucky. A symbol of America's pioneering spirit,
Boone was a skilled outdoorsman and an avid reader, although he never
attended school. In this book Sydelle Kramer skillfully recounts Boone's
many adventures, such as the day he rescued his own daughter from
kidnappers.
 African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Age, Socioeconomic Status
Levine, Ellen. (2007). Henry‟s freedom box. Scholastic Press, ISBN
978-0-439-77733-9 Grades 2 & Up. 40 pages.
This is the story of a young boy born into slavery. Henry “Box” Brown and his
family work at a warehouse. Later they are sold elsewhere. Henry becomes a
man and has a family of his own. He still has the deep desire to be free. He
decides to pack himself in a box and mail himself to the North for freedom.
 African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ability, Socioeconomic
Status
Raven, Margot Theis. (2006). Night boat to freedom. Farrar, Straus
and Giroux, ISBN 978-0374312664. Grades 2 & Up. 40 pages.
This is the story of a 12-year old boy named Christmas John and his efforts to
help slaves become free. He lives with Granny Judith who makes a quilt based
on the colors the slaves wore as Christmas would row them across the river.
Each night is a different color. Danger and suspense are in the book as
Christmas takes the slaves from Kentucky to the free state of Ohio. They live on
a plantation but want to flee to freedom. After while, Christmas John and
Granny Judith have to row themselves to freedom as they are in danger of being
caught themselves.
 African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ability
Campbell, Bebe Moore. (2006). Stompin‟ at the savoy. Philomel,
ISBN 978-0399241970. Grades 1 & Up. 40 pages.
Mindy, a young female dance enthusiast, is nervous the night before her
important jazz recital. She is even considering not attending the dance recital
because she is so nervous. Family members that used to dance unsuccessfully
try to convince her otherwise. Mindy then finds herself transported back to the
famous Savoy Ballroom of the roaring 1920‟s Harlem. She sees all the
excitement in the music. She is inspired by all the dancers and all the fun.
She cannot help but join in and boost her confidence.
 African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ability, Socioeconomic
Status
McCully, Emily Arnold. (2007). The escape of oney judge: Martha
washington‟s slave finds freedom. Farrar, Straus and Giroux,
ISBN 978-0374322250. Grades 2 & Up. 32 pages.
Young Oney Judge, 10, learns to sew from the plantation owner‟s wife, Mrs.
Washington, in the estate house. She is later torn from her family when she
moves to New York City with the George Washington becomes President. They
treat Oney like a daughter but she is still not permitted to learn to read or
write. Later they all move to the new capital of the U.S., Philadelphia, where
Oney meets freed slaves. She does not want to be a slave any longer. Inspired,
Oney attempts run for freedom and leave everything behind.
 African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Socioeconomic Status
Rappaport, Dorren. (2006) Freedom ship. Hyperion Book, ISBN
978-0786806454. Grades 1 & Up. 40 pages.
Samuel and his father work on Confederate steamships in Charleston, SC
during the Civil War. Out in the harbor are the Confederate ships. But further
in the Atlantic Ocean are Union ships. These ships are the potential way to
freedom for Samuel and his family. Should the family take advantage of this
opportunity? They actually do escape for freedom.
 African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Socioeconomic Status
Woodson, Jacqueline. (2005) Show way. Putnam Juvenile, ISBN
978-0399237492. Grades 1 & Up. 48 pages.
A show way is a quilt with secret messages to slaves. Each patch on the quilt
told of a clue or fact to direct the viewer towards freedom. Soonie, 7, witnessed
her great-grandmother being sold way off the plantation. Living in Virginia, she
learned how to sew quilts. She was taught how to do this by Big Mama. The
tradition has been passed to down through women from generation to
generation.
 African American: Historical Fiction - Race, Socioeconomic Status
Lorbiecki, Meredith. (2006). Jackie‟s bat. Simon & Shuster
Children‟s Publishing, ISBN 978-0689841026. Grades 2-4. 40
pages.
This story is about a young boy‟s first year as the batboy for the Dodgers. This
is also the rookie year for their newest player, Jackie Robinson. The batboy,
Joey, is told by his father not to serve Robinson because he is black. So Joey
serves everyone else but him. However, overtime, Joey learns to appreciate
Robinson as a player and as a man. This is all in part by Joey‟s exposure to the
prejudice Robinson endures from players and fans alike.
Moses, Shelia B. (2005). I, dred scott: A fictional slave narrative
based on the life and legal precedent of dred scott. Margaret K.
McElderry, ISBN 978-0689859755. Grades 4 & Up. 112 pages.
This book has been written as a fictional account of the life of Dred Scott. His
11-year struggle for freedom is little-known. This book chronicles his court
case to win his freedom. Mentioning his treatment as a slave, he discusses how
wrong slavery is. The journal-style of writing does not show Dred Scott‟s
emotion. It is written in the dialect that Scott would have spoken at that time.
Hopkinson, Deborah. (2005). Under the quilt of night. Aladdin, ISBN
978-0689877001. Grades 2 & Up. 40 pages.
This is the story of a slave girl who is tired of living on a plantation. All she
does day in and day out is sew and mend clothes. She also works in the fields
hoeing and picking cotton. One day she sees a quilt hanging on the side of a
house. That is a sign that some slaves are getting ready to run to freedom. She
joins the group on the Underground Railroad.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. (2007). Elijah of buxton. Scholastic
Press, ISBN 978-0-439-02344-0 Grades 4 & Up. 288 pages
The story takes place in Buxton which is a slave settlement in Canada.
Elijah is a normal boy in that he gets in to mischief and executes pranks
with his friend, Cooter. Elijah‟s mother thinks he is a little sensitive and
needs to toughen up. A crooked preacher comes to town and easily
shows how much of a swindler he can be. Money for a slave family‟s
freedom comes up missing. And Elijah finds himself going to America to
get back some money that was stolen and learns of the hardships of
slavery.
 African-American: Biography- Race, Ethnicity
o Coles, Robert. (1995). The story of Ruby Bridges. Scholastic
Press, ISBN 0590572814-Grades K-3, 32 pages.
Ruby Bridges walked through screaming protesters every day to
become the first African-American student at a previously all-white
school in 1960 New Orleans. Only six years old, she showed
extraordinary heroism as the white parents withdrew their children and
she studied alone. The courageous Ruby stayed until the white families
gradually came to their senses and allowed their kids to return to school.
Amazingly, Ruby prayed for the forgiveness of her tormentors. She is a
fine model for students of all races. She is also a historical figure whose
story isn‟t as well known as other school desegregation pioneers.
 White/European: Biography- Gender, Ability
o Mara, Wil. (2003). Amelia Earhart. Children‟s Press (CT),
ISBN 0516273388-Grades K-3, 32 pages.
Amelia Earhart was a pioneering female aviator. She was
the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean at a time when there
were very few women pilots. She fought against the common perceptions
that most people had regarding the role of women in society during her
era. Earhart disappeared and was presumed drowned during an attempt
to circumnavigate the globe. She has remained a pioneer and role model
for generations of women pilots. Earhart was often referred to as the
„female Charles Lindbergh.‟
 Native American: Biography- Race, Ethnicity
o Brown, Tricia. (2006). Children of the midnight sun: Young
native voices of Alaska. Alaska Northwest Books, ISBN
0882406175-Grades 4-8, 47 pages.
Tricia Brown explores the lives of eight Native-American Alaskan
children in this book that ranges from the outer reaches of Alaska to the
modern city of Anchorage. The photos allow for an interesting
juxtaposition of the ancient and modern in Alaska. The book gives
insights into eight distinct personalities and gives „mainlanders‟ a look at
life in modern-day Alaska through the eyes of its children. The
importance of native traditions is explored, but with a modern slant.
Interesting aside: a portion of the author‟s proceeds benefit the Alaska
Native Heritage Center. This boos offers a rare glimpse into a culture
that few will ever see firsthand.
 White/European: Biography- Gender, Ability, Age
o Anholt, Laurence. (1999). Stone girl, bone girl. Scholastic,
Mary Anning was born in England in 1799. She became well
known after discovering a full skeleton of an ichthyosaur, which was a
prehistoric sea animal. Very few women were acknowledged as scientific
contributors during this era. Anning went on to become a lifelong
contributor to the then emerging field of Paleontology. Children will
enjoy the illustrations of dinosaurs and the glimpse inside of life of a
farm girl of the era. Of note: Anning was allegedly the inspiration for the
rhyme “she sells seashells by the seashore.”
 Asian-American: Biography- Race, Gender, Ability
o Yoo, Paula. (2009). Shining star: The Anna May Wong story.
Lee & Low Books, Inc., ISBN 1600602592-Grades 1-5, 32
pages.
Anna May Wong was a Chinese-American who toiled long hours in
here parents‟ laundry while dreaming of performing in movies. With the
small tips she earned, she would lose herself in the Hollywood
productions of the day. Being from Los Angeles also allowed her the
opportunity to witness several movies being filmed. She went on to
become the first Chinese-American movie star. The book details her rise
and also the tribulations she faced along the way. Typecasting and
outright discrimination are explored as Anna May Wong rises through
Hollywood.
 Latino/Hispanic: Biography- Race, Ethnicity, Socio-economic
Status
o Krull, Kathleen. (2003). Harvesting hope: The Cesar Chavez
story. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN 9780152014377Grades 1-4, 48 pages.
Cesar Chavez was the founder of the National Farm Workers
Association. He was a champion of migrant workers and a celebrated
Latino civil rights leader. The book details Chavez‟s struggles with
discrimination as a child and his triumphs as an adult. Chavez‟s story is
a classic American tale of rising above one‟s circumstances. He led nonviolent protests against the substandard treatment of migrant farm
workers. Chavez himself had come from a family that was forced into
migrant labor, which lends extra poignancy to his story.
 African-American: Biography- Race, Religion
o Rappaport, Doreen. (2007). Martin‟s big words: The life of
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hyperion Books for Children,
Dr. King was one of the world‟s most influential leaders. This story
uses his won words to tell the tale of his life, from his childhood in
Atlanta to his place on the world‟s stage. Dr. King used his religious
training as a basis for his strong convictions with regards to human
rights. He was one of the few people who it can be said actually changed
the future. This is a good introduction for K-3 aged children. This is
also a good way to lead them to more extensive reading on Dr. King.
 African-American, Bi/Multicultural: Biography- Race
o Grimes, Nikki. (2008). Barack Obama: Son of promise, child
of hope. Simon& Schuster Children‟s Publishing, ISBN
9781416971443-Grades K-5, 48 pages.
Famed children‟s author Nikki Grimes explores the life of President
Obama in this book. From Hawaii to Kenya, Indonesia to Chicago, we
see Obama as a boy who hopes to be president one day. Obama works
his way through the often-harsh local politics of Chicago to become the
first African-American president. Grimes shows the president as a
hopeful child who later gives hope to the entire world. This book is a
good way to introduce children to the president. The illustrations by
Bryan Collier are also evocative.
 African-American: Biography- Race, Gender, Ability
o Weatherford, Carol Boston. (2006). Moses: When Harriet
Tubman led her people to freedom. Hyperion Books for
Children, ISBN 9781615585939-Grades K-3, 48 pages.
This book depicts Harriet Tubman‟s escape from slavery and
her subsequent mission to lead others to freedom. Tubman achieved her
mission through faith and prayer, and this is present throughout the
book. Tubman earned the name “Moses” through her similarity to the
Old Testament figure in the Bible. The book features a foreword that
introduces the concept of slavery to children. This book is a good way to
introduce an important historical American to children. It is an effective
tribute to her strength.
 African: Biography- Race, Ability
o Nivola, Claire A. (2008). Planting the trees of Kenya: The
story of Wangari Maathai. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, ISBN
9780374399184-Grades K-3, 32 pages.
This is the story of 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari
Maathai. The Kenya of her youth was abundant with natural resources.
When she returns from college in America, however, she finds the
country the people malnourished, the trees gone, and gardens dry. She
founds the Green Belt Movement as a result. She makes it her mission
to bring back the resources that have been stripped by commercial
farming. She teaches people to care for their land. Thirty million trees
are planted in Kenya as a result of her campaign. This is a good way to
expose children to African culture as well as make them aware of
environmental concerns.
 World War II: Historical Fiction – Culture, Socio-economic Status
o Peck, R. (2007). On the wings of heroes. The Penguin Group, Inc.
ISBN 978-0-8037-3081-6 Grades 5 & Up.
A boy in Illinois remembers growing up during the period prior to WWII
and during WWII. Davy Bowman heroes were his brother in the Air
Force and his father who fought in WWI. Davy idolizes his heroes and
tried to follow their leads. Before the war, family, friends, and neighbors
were a close net and they would gather to tell neighborhood children
stories. But after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Davy‟s life changed and his
mother, neighbors had to enter the work force leaving the children to
fend for them-selves. To support the war effort Davy and his friends
collected rubber, metal scraps, and paper to help his heroes.
 Ethnic Group: Caucasian

Genre: Historical Fiction

Big Eight Identifier(s): Culture, and Socio-economic status

Author: Richard Peck

Publication Date: 2007

Publisher: The Penguin Group

ISBN Number: 978-0-8037-3081-6

Recommended Grade Level: Grades 5 & up

Number of Pages: 148
 The Roman Mysteries: Historical Fiction – Ethnicity, race, and Culture
o Lawrence, Caroline. (2002). the pirates of Pompeii. Roaring Brook
Press, ISBN 0-7613-1584-5 Grades 5 & Up.
The ash from the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius covered the land
of Pompeii that killed many people. Citizens of Vesuvius had difficulties
with coming to terms with this terrible disaster that destroyed their
homes. Many children began to disappear from the refugee camp. Flavia
Gemina and her friends Jonathan, Nubia, and Lupus found themselves
on a dangerous trail which led them to encounter pirates, slave dealers,
and even death. They found that a very powerful citizen was involved in
the kidnapping of the children. Together they outsmart the pirates and
expose the truth behind the children‟s disappearances.
 Ethnic Group: Romans


Big Eight Identifier(s): Ethnicity, Culture, and Race

Author: Caroline Lawrence


Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

ISBN Number: 0-7613-1584-5


 Revolution: Historical Fiction – Culture, Socio-economic Status
o Avi (1993). Captain Grey. Morrow Junior Books. ISBN 0-68812233-7 Grades 4-8.
American Pirates took advantaged of the War of Independence capturing
and killing people with supplies. Mr. Cartwright moved his son Kevin
and daughter Cathleen from Philadelphia to New Jersey to separate
himself from his memory of fighting in the war for the cause of liberty. In
1793 after the Revolution, eleven year old, Kevin Cartwright was
captured by a coldblooded pirate king called Captain Grey. Captain Grey
had a crew of nation who were pirates and they roamed the coast of New
Jersey. The captain forced Kevin to become a pirate and trained him to
be a part of his nation of pirates. Kevin wanted to be free but Captain
Grey told him to forget about his family and forget about freedom. In the
end, Kevin witnessed many deaths and Captain Grey‟s nation was
destroyed but no sign of his body in sight.
 Ethnic Group: Caucasian, Pirates



Author: Avi


Publisher: Morrow Junior Books

ISBN Number: 0-688-12233-7

Recommended Grade Level: Grades 4-8

 Slavery: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Socio-economic
Status
o McKissack, Patricia. (1997). Dear America: A picture of freedom;
the diary of Clotee a slave girl. Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0-590-259881 Grades 5 & Up.
Clotee was a 12 year old slave girl who lived on Belmont Plantation in
Virginia in 1859. She was a house slave who harbored a secret that can
never be revealed to anyone. Her secret was that she taught herself to
read and write and she dreamed to be free from slavery. She was glad
that her master could not read her thoughts and revealed her precious
secret. She documented in her journal her literate experiences and her
struggle to decide whether to escape to freedom. She developed a deep
understanding of freedom that freedom is about making choices and
learning from them. She made the choice to help runaway slaves to
freedom instead of freeing herself.
 Ethnic Group: African-Americans


Big Eight Identifier(s): Race, Ethnicity, Culture, and Socioeconomic status

Author: Patricia McKissack


Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

ISBN Number: 0-590-25988-1


 World War II: Historical Fiction – Gender, Culture, Socio-economic
Status
o Avi (2001). Don‟t‟ you know there‟s a war on? HarperCollins
Publishers. ISBN 0-06-029214-8 Grades 2 -6.
Howie Crispers was an eleven year old boy who lived in Brooklyn, New
York during WWII. His father was away fighting in the war in the Navy
and he missed him tremendously. To escape from missing his father, he
and his friends went to the movies to watch pinup girls on the big
screens. His favorite teacher was Miss Gossim who looked prettier than
all the pinup girls in the movie, but she was about to be fired. So Howie
and his friends set out to save Miss Gossim from being fired. However,
Howie is disappointed when Miss Gossim did not return to school and no
one knew what happened to her.


Big Eight Identifier(s): Gender, Culture, and Socio-economic
status

Author: Avi


Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN Number: 0-06-029214-8

Recommended Grade Level: Grades 2-6

 Segregation: Historical Fiction – Ethnic, Race, Religion, Culture, Socioeconomic Status
o McKissack, Patricia. (2000). Dear America: Color me dark.
Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0-590-51159-9 Grades 5 & Up.
Nellie Lee an African American young girl lived in Bradford Corners,
Tennessee with her mother, father and sister Emma Jean. They
experienced racism and segregation in 1919 even though slavery was
abolished. Nellie Lee and Emma Jean witnessed their uncle Pace
murdered by the Ku Klux Klan. This dramatic event caused Emma Jean
to lose her voice. Her father was concerned about her health and took
her to Chicago to see a doctor. The family moved to Chicago hoping for a
better life and to leave racism and hatred behind. In Chicago, the family
struggled to establish a business. The family found strength in their
religion after experiencing riots, lynching, and saw many their friends
killed by the Klan. A big riot broke out in Chicago causing the Defacto
segregation to be reinforced in Chicago.
 Ethnic Group: African American


Big Eight Identifier(s): Ethnic, Race, Religion, Culture, and Socioeconomic status

Author: Patricia McKissack



ISBN Number: 0-590-51159-9


 Queen of England: Historical Fiction – Religion, Culture, Socio-economic
Status
o Lasky, Kathryn (1999). The royal diaries: Red rose of the house of
Tudor. Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0-590-68484-1 Grades 5 & Up.
In a series of diary, the 11 year old Princess Elizabeth I of England wrote
about her life from 1544-1547. Her mother was executed because of her
involvement in the Court. Her father, King Henry VIII married several
women leaving Elizabeth I to feel all alone. She described her life in the
16th century where she celebrated holidays, birthdays, and witnessed
illnesses and many deaths. Her memory of her mother‟s execution
haunts her and caused her to live in fear of being in exile. Eventually,
her father died and her stepbrother Edward was crowned King of
England.


Big Eight Identifier(s): Religion, Culture, and Socio-economic
status

Author: Kathryn Lasky



ISBN Number: 0-590-68484-1


 Tsar of Russia: Historical Fiction – Religion, Culture, Socio-economic
Status
o Meyer, Carolyn. (2000). the royal diaries: Anastasia, the last grand
duchess. Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0-439-12908-7 Grades 5 & Up.
Twelve year old Anastasia Romanov is the youngest daughter of the Tsar
Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexander of Russia. Anastasia wrote in her
diary about the privileged life of her family until World War I and the
tragic events that destroyed their family. Anastasia described the power
struggle between Tsar Nicholas and other leaders who blamed her father
for the peasants‟ misfortune. The Archduke of Austria-Hungary was
assassinated and Germany declared war on Russia. To end the war
quickly, Tsar Nicholas led the military and put his wife Alexander in
charge of Russia. Alexander took bad advice from Rasputin which cause
Russia to fall and Rasputin to be executed. The family was arrested and
transported to Siberia where the family was place into exile and there
they experienced terrible treatment. Lenin and Bolsheviks took over
Russia and Anastasia remains hopeful that her family will survive.
 Ethnic Group: Caucasian, Russian


Big Eight Identifier(s): Religion, Culture, and Socio-economic
status

Author: Carolyn Meyer



ISBN Number: 0-439-12908-7


 The Colorado Gold Rush: Historical Fiction – Culture, Socio-economic
Status
o Avi (2008). Hard gold: The Colorado gold rush of 1859. Hyperion
Books for Children. ISBN 978-1-4231-0519-0 Grades 5 & Up.
The Wittcomb‟s family was about to lose their farm and they were unable
to pay their mortgage. Uncle Jesse had a plan to head west to find the
gold everyone had been talking about in the Pike‟s Peak region of the
Rocky Mountains. Early wants to go with Uncle Jesse but they didn‟t
have enough money for both of them to travel west. One night Uncle
Jesse disappeared and their community bank was also robbed that day.
Early set out to find Uncle Jesse and to clear Jesse‟s name of being a
bank robber. On his journey, Early found a job to work on a wagon
heading west and his adventure began at a place called Gold Hill.



Author: Avi


Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

ISBN Number: 978-1-4231-0519-0


 Emigration and Migration: Historical Fiction – Gender, Religion, Ability,
Culture, Socio-economic Status
o Lasky. Kathryn (1998). Dear America: Dreams in the golden
country. Scholastic Inc. ISBN 0-590-02973-8 Grades 3 & Up.
Zipporah Feldman a 12 year old Jewish girl and her family migrated from
Russia to America in 1903. She was excited to enter the country as she
waited on Ellis Island. She was disappointed because she was cramp
into a small apartment and even worse she was placed in first grade
because she didn‟t speak English. She and her friend vowed to go to
seventh grade with all the other twelve year old children. Zipporah
witnessed her sister‟s marriage ceremony and a family friend killed in the
Diamond Shirtwaist Factory fire. Her sister became the head of the
Union protecting immigrants who slave in Manhattan Sweatshops.

Ethnic Group: Jewish


Big Eight Identifier(s): Gender, Religion, Ability, Culture, and
Socio-economic status

Author: Kathryn Lasky



ISBN Number: 0-590-02973-8



African American and Caucasian: Historical Fiction- Race, Ethnicity, Ability
Polacco, Patricia. (1994). Pink and say. Penguin Group, ISBN
9780399226717 Grades 3 through 5. 48 pages.
Drawing from the rich store of Civil War reminiscences handed down in her family,
acclaimed author/illustrator Polacco tells the true story of a remarkable wartime
friendship between a young white Union soldier and a young black Union soldier. Pink
and Say highlights the brief but intimate friendship of two young boys, Pinkus Aylee
(Pink) and Sheldon Curtis (Say), during the Civil War. When wounded attempting to
escape his unit, Say is rescued by Pink, who carries him back to his Georgia home where
he and his family were slaves. While the frightened soldier is nursed back to health under
the care of Pink‘s mother, Moe Moe Bay, he begins to understand why his new found
friend is so adamant on returning to the war; to fight against "the sickness" that is slavery.
However it isn‘t until marauders take Moe Moe Bay‘s life, that Say is driven to fight.
Although ultimately, both boys are taken prisoners of the Confederate Army, fortunately
Say survives and was unable to pass along the story of Pink and Say to his daughter Rosa,
Patricia Polacco‘s great grandmother.

Native American: Historical Fiction- Race, Ethnicity, Ability, Gender
O‘Dell, Scott. (2008). Streams to the river, river to the sea: A novel of
Sacagawea. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, ISBN 9780547053165 Grades 4
through 6. 208 pages.
A young Indian woman, accompanied by her infant and cruel husband, experience joy
and heartbreak when she joins the Lewis and Clark Expedition seeking a way to the
Pacific. The Indian women is calm and practical but fiercely independent; these attributes
enable her to survive the succession of traumas that will prepare her for Lewis and Clark
This historical novel describes the Lewis and Clark expedition, as told by their Shoshone
guide Sacagawea. The resolve of Lewis and Clark to reach the Pacific is contingent upon
human skill and effort, rather than upon technological advancements. Thus, Sacagawea‘s
role as guide, interpreter, and emissary for peace has been documented more frequently
than that of any other woman in the first half of the nineteenth century. Readers recognize
the significant role played by the young Indian mother and speculate as to what life was
like for her during her sixteen-month journey.

Asian-American: Historical Fiction-Race, Ethnicity, Ability, Gender
Tsukiyama, Gail. (2008). Women of silk. St. Martin's Press, ISBN
9780312099435 Grade 5 and up. 288 pages.
In Women of the Silk Gail Tsukiyama takes her readers back to rural China in 1926. Born
into a traditional patriarchal family, young Pei enjoys what she can of her pastoral town
while being dominated at home by her difficult father. She is one of several daughters in
the family and, according to a fortuneteller in the nearby town, "non-marrying." Her
father, displeased to be lording over a family of all daughters, decides to sell her off to
Auntie Yee, a warm, nurturing woman who runs a home for the silk workers. In the silk
factory she begins a friendship or sisterly bond with some of the other young women. The
women displaying courage and strength decide to fulfill their dreams and ambitions and
lead the first strike the village has ever seen.

African-American: Historical Fiction-Race, Ethnicity, Ability
Anderson, Laurie. (2008). Chains. Simon & Schuster Children's
Publishing, ISBN 9781416905851 Grades Fourth through Sixth. 320
pages.
In the book Chains, the book is set in the beginning of the Revolutionary War. A
thirteen-year-old girl named Isabel wages her own fight, for freedom. Promised freedom
upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the
property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for
the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a
slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details
of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to
Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with
freedom.

Caucasian: Historical Fiction-Ability, Age. Anderson, Laurie. (2002).
Fever 1793. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing,
ISBN 9780689848919 Grades 5 and up. 272 pages.
In August 1793, a fourteen-year-old Mattie Cook is ambitious, adventurous, and sick to
death of listening to her mother. Mattie has plans of her own. She wants to turn the Cook
Coffeehouse into the finest business in Philadelphia, the capital of the new United States.
But the waterfront is abuzz with reports of disease. Yellow Fever spreads from the docks
and creeps toward Mattie's home, threatening everything she holds dear. As the
cemeteries fill with fever victims, fear turns to panic, and thousands flee the city. Then
tragedy strikes the coffeehouse, and Mattie is trapped in a living nightmare. Suddenly,
her struggle to build a better life must give way to something even more important, the
fight to stay alive.

Hispanic: Historical Fiction- Race, Ability, Socioeconomic Status
Munoz Ryan, Pam. (2002). Esperanza rising. Scholastic, Inc, ISBN
9780439120425 Grades Fourth through Sixth. 288 pages.
In Esperanza Rising, Esperanza and her mother are forced to leave their life of wealth and
privilege in Mexico to go work in the labor camps of Southern California, where they
must adapt to the harsh circumstances facing Mexican farm workers on the eve of the
Great Depression. Esperanza thought she'd always live with her family on their ranch in
Mexico she'd always have fancy dresses, a beautiful home, & servants. But a sudden
tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee to California during the Great Depression,
and to settle in a camp for Mexican farm workers. Esperanza isn't ready for the hard
labor, financial struggles, or lack of acceptance she now faces. When their new life is
threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances; Her life
as well as her mother depend on it.

Multiracial: Historical Fiction-Race, Ethnicity. Taylor, Mildred. (2003).
The land. Penguin Group (USA) ISBN 9780142501467 Grades
Fourth
and up. 400 pages.
After the Civil War Paul, the son of a white father and a black mother, finds himself
caught between the two worlds of colored folks and white folks as he pursues his dream
of owning land of his own. The son of a prosperous landowner and a former slave, PaulEdward Logan is unlike any other boy he knows. His white father has acknowledged him
and raised him openly-something unusual in post-Civil War Georgia. But as he grows
into a man he learns that life for someone like him is not easy. Black people distrust him
because he looks white. White people discriminate against him when they learn of his
black heritage. Even within his own family he faces betrayal and degradation. So at the
age of fourteen, he sets out toward the only dream he has ever had: to find land every bit
as good as his father's, and make it his own.

Multiracial: Historical Fiction-Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status.
Rinaldi, Ann (2008) An unlikely friendship: A novel of mary todd
Lincoln and elizabeth keckley. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN
9780152063986
Grade 5 and up. 256 pages.
In an Unlikely Friendship, the story opens as the Lincolns are preparing to depart for
Ford's Theater. After the assassination, Mary Todd Lincoln pleads to have her best friend
and confidante, Elizabeth Keckley, brought to her. Because of the confusion of the
moment and because Elizabeth is a black woman, she is denied admittance to her friend.
The author then launches the story of Mary Todd's sad childhood, during which her
mother died when she was very young. Her father quickly remarried, but Mary's
stepmother did not like her and sent her off to boarding school where she was considered
an "orphan." Upon graduation, she went to live with her sister in Springfield, Illinois,
where she met and married Abraham Lincoln after a tumultuous courtship. Mrs. Lincoln
was a woman of many moods, all of which she brought with her to the White House. She
was criticized for her unrestrained spending on remodeling her new home and on her own
clothing. Enter Lizzy Keckley the expert dressmaker, former slave, and the story of
Lizzie's childhood begins. As the mulatto daughter of the plantation master, she worked
as a house slave, caring for the master's legitimate children and learning how to sew. The
horrors of slavery that Lizzy endured are described in wrenching detail. Eventually
buying her own freedom, she became the dressmaker of many wealthy and influential
women in Washington and became the only one who could understand and calm Mary
Todd Lincoln. The assumption from the title is that these two women were friends from
their youth, but they came from two different worlds and never met until adulthood

African American: Historical Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Age, Gender, Ability
Hopkinson, Deborah. (1995). Sweet Clara and the freedom quilt.
Random House Children's Books, ISBN 9780679874720 Grades 3
to 5. 97 pages.
Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt is a wonderful book about a young slave girl who is
separated from her family and is taken to work in the fields of a plantation. She soon
discovers that fieldwork is not for her, and is permitted to work in the house, helping with
the sewing and mending. She begins to hear conversations about others who have
escaped their plight, and comes up with a brilliant idea: she uses the leftover scraps of
cloth from her sewing to begin to make her own quilt, a map that will lead her to her
family and then to freedom and that no master will ever expect it is a map to freedom.
From the conversations she hears about the layout of the surrounding land, she
meticulously creates her quilt. Upon its completion, she flees to find her family and leads
them all to freedom. Having memorized its every detail while making it, she leaves the
quilt behind for others to likewise memorize.

Asian – Historical Fiction: Race, Ethnicity,
Keller, Holly. (1994) Grandfather’s Dream. Harper Collins Publisher
ISBN 9780688123390 Grades Fourth And Fifth. 30 pages
After the end of the war in Vietnam, a young boy‘s grandfather dreams of restoring the
wetlands of the Mekong delta, hoping that the large cranes that once lived there will
return. The Sarus crane, the largest flying bird in the world was treasured by the
Vietnamese people as a symbol of long life and happy families. The young boy listened
to Grandfather tell stories about how canals were built during the war. These canals
were being built when the Sarus cranes were plenteous on the wetlands in the Plain of
Reeds. The canals destroyed the cranes‘ water source and caused many of them to die.
Grandfather tells the boy that he wants to restore the wetlands so that cranes could live
there again.
Annotated Historic Fiction Booklist
 1. Japanese/Historic/Realistic Fiction – Ethnic Group, Race, Age, Gender,
o Uchida,Yoshiko. (1981). A Jar of Dreams. Margaret K. McElderry
Books. ISBN 0-689-50210-9. Grades 4 & up. 131 pages.
This is a story about a little Japanese-American girl Rinko and her family
that live in San Francisco, California in the 1930`s. It is during the
Great Depression. Like many families during this time they are having
problems paying their bills. Papa‟s barber shop isn‟t doing well and
Momma resourcefully starts a home laundry business to help pay the
bills. This story reveals the threats and ridicule this family endures and
the struggles they overcome. Aunt Waka arrives from Japan for the
summer. Her visit transforms their lives. Rinko learns to become proud
of her Japanese Heritage. This is a great book about perseverance.
2. Chinese-American/Historic Fiction – Ethnicity, Race, Age,
Gender, Religion
o
Lord, Bette Bao. (1984). In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson.
Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 0-06-024004-0. Grades 3-5. 170
pages.
This is the story about a young girl who leaves China following World
War II and begins a new live with her family in America. She gives
herself the American name Shirley Temple Wong. The she starts school
in Brooklyn where she is the only one in her class that does not speak
English. The family holds on to their cultural traditions, but they also
adopt American customs to try to assimilate into the American culture.
Shirley has a difficult time fitting until she meets Mabel who introduces
her to roller skating and baseball. She gets to meet her American hero,
Jackie Robinson. Parallels are drawn about them finding their place and
peace in two different worlds. Shirley is able to find herself in American
culture without losing her ties to the past.
 3. Jewish-European/Historic Fiction – Ethnicity, Race, Age, Gender,
Religion
o Heese, Karen. (1992). Letters from Rifka. Henry Holt & Company,
Inc.. ISBN 0-8050-1964-2. Grades 4 & 5. 148 pages.
This book tells the story of Rifka, 12 year old Russian girl's struggle to
get to America from Russia. During the early 1900‟s, the Jews in
Russian were persecuted and forced to live in ghettos. Her family
decides to try to escape and come to America. On the journey, Rifka's is
left behind by her family. She is refused passage because she contracts
ringworm when she tries to help a refugee. They go to America without
her. This book is a collection of letters where she details her journey. It
reveals much about the human heart and perseverance. This story for
the post part tells the story of her great aunt‟s childhood and about her
family‟s migration from Russia to the United States.
 4. Native and African American/Historic Fiction – Ethnicity, Race, Age,
Gender
o McKissack, Patricia C. (1997). Run Away Home. Scholastic, Inc. ISBN
0-590-46752-2. Grade 5. 160 pages.
This story takes place in Alabama in 1888. This story is told from the
perspective of Sarah Jane, an eleven year old African-American girl. Her
family takes in a runaway Apache boy who is sick and they nurse him
back to health. They realize they will not be able to hide him for long. It
is a time in our American history when African & Native Americans were
treated unjustly and persecuted by White/European Americans. White
supremacist inflicted fear into the hearts of these people. This is a story
of their struggle for freedom.
 5. African American/ Historic Fiction – Ethnicity, Race, Age, Gender,
socio-economic status
o Taylor, Mildred D. (1987). The Gold Cadillac. Dial Books for Young
Readers. ISBN 0-8037-0343-0. Grade 3rd-5th. 43 pages.
It‟s the 1950s; post World War II in America, a time of growth and
prosperity. Many African-American families moved north to more
industrialized areas for work. This story is about a family trip that Lois
and Wilma take with their parents from Ohio to visit relatives down
South. Family members warn the father of the dangerous implication of
driving their shiny new gold Cadillac down South. In spite of the
warnings, they load up their car and begin their journey. This story
reveals their encounters of racism as their father is pulled over by police
and is accused of stealing the car. It is an eye opening experience for
Lois and Wilma.
 6. European American/Historic/Realistic Fiction – Ethnic Group, Race,
Ability, Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status
o Rawls, Wilson. (1961). Where the Red Fern Grows. Double Day
Books for Young Readers, ISBN 0-553-27429-5. Grades 5 & Up.
249 pages.
This is not your traditional love story. This is an adventure story about
10 year old Billy Coleman. It is set in the Oklahoma Ozark Mountains
during the Great Depression. Billy longed for some good hunting dogs so
he could hunt along the river bottoms of the Cherokee country. His
parents could not grant him that wish. So with strong will and
determination Billy works hard and saves his earnings for 2 years to
achieve his dream of buying two redbone coonhound pups. This is their
story of adventure and friendship.
 7. Japanese American/Historic Fiction – Ethnicity, Race, Age, Gender
o Mochizuki, Ken. (1993). Baseball Saved Us. Lee & Lowe Books, Inc.
ISBN 1-880000-19-9. Grade 2nd & 3rd. 27 pages.
This book gives us a brief glimpse into a wrongful time in our history.
Japanese Americans are being sent to internment camps after the
Japanese attach Pearl Harbor. The year is 1942. This is the story of
Shorty and his father and how they pull together resources to form a
baseball league at the camp. Shorty reveals his anger and humiliation at
having to be in the camp. He learns to focus his anger into not only
improving his game but his self-respect as well.
 8. African American/Historic Fiction – Ethnicity, Race, Gender
o Woodson, Jacqueline. (2005). Show Way. G.P. Putnam‟s Sons. ISBN
0-339-23749-6. Grade 5th – 7th. 40 pages.
This is the story of the under-ground railroad and how the quilts showed
the road to freedom for many slaves. It moves from slavery when a little
girl is sold from her family and covers the journey of each of her female
ancestors until the present day. It shows how the threads of time get
passed on from generation to generation. Quilting is a tradition deeply
rooted not only among women in our history but the story of African
American women and their contribution to the fight for freedom.
 9. Native American/Historic Fiction – Gender, Ethnicity, Ability, Age
o Erdrich, Louise. (1999) The Birchbark House. Hyperion. ISBN 0-7861454-3. Grades 4th – 6th. 244 pages.
Omakayas is an eight year old girl who was rescued by Old Tallow, an
Ojibwa woman. She was the only survivor of a smallpox outbreak. She
is placed with Migwan and Yellow Kettle and becomes their loving
daughter. The novel is organized into four sections. Each section
represents one on the four seasons. The story shares in detail how the
families prepare and anticipate each upcoming season. In the late
summer they hunt in the fall trapping food and harvesting corn. During
the fall, the family prepares for the long, cold winter ahead. This is the
story of their journey.
 10. Japanese American/Historic Fiction – Race, Ethnicity, Ability, Age
o Salisbury, Graham. (1994) Under the Blood-Red Sun. Random
House. ISBN 0-440-41139-4. Grades 5th – 7th. 246 pages.
It‟s December 7th, 1941 and Tomi Nakaji is a thirteen year old Japanese
American born and living in Hawaii. His world was forever changed as
today is the day Japan makes its surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Tomi
and his family are faced with racism. Their lives turned upside down as
his father is quickly arrested and taken to an internment camp and his
mother loses her job. The family tries not to draw attention to
themselves. They do whatever is required of them, even killing their
racer pigeons because they are a threat to national security. Tomi does
all he can to help his mother provide for the family. He is fortunate to
have friends who stand by him and support him during this difficult
time. This is Tomi‟s story.
Annotated Poetry Booklist
Title: Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)Author- Edited by David Roessel & Arnold Ramperstad
Publisher – Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.
ISBN Number: 13: 978-1-4027-1845-8
Number of Pages: 48
Short Summary – This is a great collection of Langston Hughes poems that
are easier for children to relate to. The editors selected pieces that can be
analyzed used for connections with the students, as well as reinforce other
content area information. “I Dream a World” on page 40 can easily be used
for relating the mood, and the struggles times of African Americans during
the period of segregation and the civil rights movement. They also offer
definitions for some of the content area that the students may not know.
“Merry Go Round-Colored Child at Carnival” references Jim Crow and
provides a brief definition for the term. However what -?? Also included are
brief introductions for Mr. Hughes reasons for writing the particular poem.
2.
Title: Love to Mama: A Tribute to Mothers
Ethnic Group – Latino Hispanic
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)-Ethnicity, Race, Gender
Author- Edited by Pat Mora
Publisher – Lee and Low Books Inc.
ISBN Number: 1-58430-019-1
Number of Pages: 29
Short Summary – This is a great collection of poems that celebrates
mothers and grandmothers (abuelas) in the Hispanic culture. The poets
represent a wide spectrum of Latino/Hispanic voices. The authors have
written pieces, about the influence of these women on their lives; speaks of
some of the many traditions they experienced, and the impact on their lives.
More interesting for the students is the youngest contributing author’s is
only fifteen. The illustrations are vivid and lend themselves to wonderful
visualizations, and connections. In addition, there is a great glossary in the
back that defines some of the cultural terms referenced in the book.
3.
Title: Souls Look Back In Wonder
Ethnic Group – African/Black/African American
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)-Race, Ethnicity
Author- Tom Feelings
Publisher – Dial Books
ISBN Number: 0-8037-1001-1
Number of Pages: 29
Short Summary – Various poets, brief bios in the back, the flow of creativity
serves as a guide the pull African American young people through to the
future
4.
Title: Hiwatha
Ethnic Group – Native American/First Indian/Indigenous
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)-Ethnicity, Race
Author- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Publisher – Dial Books For Young Readers
Short Summary – The pictures of this poem are vivid, and detailed. This
poem tells the story of Hiawatha, and his journey through adulthood. The
poem quite honestly takes you to another world through, unique imagery and
detail. Children will love the poem about the Woodland Indian boy who talked
to birds and listened to the wind.
5.
Title: Song of the Water Boatman & Other Pond Poems
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s) Author- Joyce Sidman
Publisher – Houghton Mifflin Company
ISBN Number: 13: 978-0618-13547-2
Recommended Grade Level – 3rd- 5th
Short Summary – This collection is awesome for science enthusiasts, and for
students who love nature. This poetry can be used to introduce or reinforce
science content. Food chains, habitats are all touched upon through poetry.
This is a great collection and should be in any science library.
introductions of Hughes purpose for writing the poems.
6.
Title: L.I.V.E.S – Poems About Famous Americans
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)-Gender, Ethnicity, Race
Publisher – Harper Childrens
Number of Pages: 32
Short Summary – These collections of poetry features are biographies about
famous Americans, and are brief introductions in to their lives, character
traits etc. The author chose people who changed the course of history and
made a mark on the world.
7.
Title: Opening Days (Sports Poems)
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s) – Ability
Publisher – Harcourt Brace & Company
ISBN Number: 0-15-200270-7
Number of Pages: 38
Short Summary –This book of poetry appeals to anyone who loves sports and
has a poem for almost any sport. It has lots of action words, the reader can
visualize what authors are trying to say through the vivid language that is
used.
8.
Title: Color Me A Rhyme (Nature Poems for Young People)
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s) - Ability
Author- Edited by Jane Yolen
Publisher – Wordsong
Number of Pages: 48
Short Summary – This author focuses on various elements in nature and
finds beauty in the colors. It is visually appealing to the eye through
photography and
9.
Title: technically, IT’S NOT MY FAULT
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s)- Age
Author- John Grandits
Publisher – Clarion Books
Number of Pages: 44
Short Summary – The author has a hilarious view of the world, and he
expresses them through a series of complex poems that appeal to most
children. If there any boys that hate to read in your classroom or believes
that poetry is for girls; this is the book for them!
10.
Title: Words With Wings (A Treasury of African American Poetry & Art)
Ethnic Group – African
Genre - Poetry
Big Eight Identifier(s): Race, Ethnicity
Author- Selected by Belinda Rochelle
Publication Date – 2001
Publisher – Harper Childrens
ISBN Number: 0-688-16415-3
Number of Pages: 48
Short Summary – This is an amazing collection of poetry that has vivid
illustrations that help to connect the reader. Students can travel into the
minds of a variety of poets and their depictions of the struggles of African
Americans. The collection inspires imagination, and through the use of words,
and pictures.
Annotated Historical Fiction Website List
*Asian
Overbooked: A Resource for Readers
Providing timely information about fiction (all genres) and readable nonfiction
http://www.overbooked.org/booklists/multicultural/asianamerican.html
This website provides resources for readers of different genres of books by and
about Asian Americans. The website lists the books and gives a brief synopsis of
the subject. This website is a great place to start if you are looking for a variety of
different types of books about Asian Americans or written by Asian American
authors.
Site Glow: The website offers a great amount of resources such as booklists,
book reviews, and literary themes.
Site Grow: The website needs to have more children‘s picture books.
*Multicultural/Multi-Themed (i.e. time periods)
Historical Fiction books for Children and Young Adults
http://bookgirl3.tripod.com/historicalfiction.html
This website was created by Kimberlin Hurson. She compiled a variety of
historical fiction picture books based on grade level. The list includes picture
books based on themes such as Ancient Civilizations, war times, and past
centuries. Each book that is categorized has a brief summary included.
Site Glow: This is a great website for searching for a variety of historical fiction
picture books. It is very easy to maneuver through this website due to the simple
categories. The website is very teacher - friendly and is a great resource for
teachers.
Site Grow: The website could be a bit more kid friendly. The addition of
graphics would make the webpage a bit more visibly pleasing.
*Native American
American Indians in Children‘s Literature:
Critical perspectives of indigenous peoples in children's books, the school
curriculum, popular culture, and society-at-large
This website was created by a former schoolteacher named Debbie Reese. She
put this site together as a resource for teachers. The website features a variety of
resources for and about American Indians.
Site Glow: This is a great resource for teachers, parents and higher grade level
students (with monitoring from parents of course).
Site Grow: The site should feature more information about picture books
for children and reviews.
*Mexican American
Tomas‘ Rivera: Mexican American Children‘s Book Award
http://riverabookaward.info/}
This website features the Mexican American author Tomas‘ Rivera. This
website focuses on his awards and the books he has written. He has
included links related to teachers, students, and librarians. The links for
teachers and students will (once they are completed) feature helpful lesson
plans and activities related to his books. The link related to librarians
features his books (most of which are picture books) he has written that
relates to his heritage.
Site Glow: This site is one of a few sites that list books written by and
about Mexican Americans. The many of the books featured on this site
are picture books.
Site Grow: The sites for teachers and students need to be completed.
These sites could be extremely helpful resources.
*Multicultural
Celebrating Cultural Diversity through Children‘s Literature
http://www.multiculturalchildrenslit.com/
This website offers links to other sites that feature children‘s books from
different cultures and genres. The list of cultures include: Japanese,
Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, Mexican and Jewish American. The creator
of this site is Dr. Robert F. Smith, Professor Emeritus, Towson University,
Towson, MD.
Site Glow: The site is great because it includes a few cultures in which it
is very difficult to find children‘s literature sites. This site lists several
other resources dealing with the cultures. For instance, you can get
information about things such as holidays celebrated in these cultures.
Site Grow: The site still has not been completed – there are some updates
in progress.
*African American
African American Voices in Children‘s Literature
http://als.lib.wi.us/AACList.html
This site features authors of African American children‘s books. There is
a brief summary included with each listing. The site was created by the
Arrowhead Library System.
Site Glow: The site offers a great list of books for younger children
(picture books) as well as middle and older level children.
Site Grow: This site could offer a bit more information about the author
of the books.
*Multicultural
Historical Fiction for Children: Site of Mary Moffat
http://www.marysmoffat.co.uk/
This site was created by author Mary Moffat. She writes historical fiction
and adventure books for older children. This site features booklists
compiled mainly by her, including many of her own books.
Site Glow: This site features a large list of books that relate to historical
events. The site also includes adventure books that are of interest to all
ages.
Site Grow: The site isn‘t very user friendly due to the basic text and links
that have vague titles.
*Japanese/Black (interracial)
Children‘s and YA Literature Resources: Interracial Family Themes in
Picture Books
http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/diversity/multiracial/mu
lti_race_picbooks.html
This website features picture books dealing with interracial themes. The
author of the website is Cynthia Leitich-Smith. She compiled an array of
children‘s books that focus on children of interracial heritage, mainly
black and Japanese. The website also has links to information regarding
other multi-cultural themed books and about the authors and illustrators of
these books.
Glow: This website is a great resource for links to Asian American books
and authors. This site has won awards for being a great website for kids.
Grow: n/a
*Multicultural
Amy‘s Guide to Historical Fiction for Children and Young Adults
http://www.geocities.com/hifiguide/childya.htm
This site is a great resource for historical fiction books for children and
young adults. The site features many well known books such as the Little
House series. The site also features links to other sites that offer lists of
children‘s books.
Glow: The site is very colorful and user friendly due to the easy to
understand link titles.
Grow: The site features mainly links and information regarding books
geared toward the interest of girls (i.e. diaries). There needs to be more
variety of books for boys as well.
*Multicultural
Historical Fiction for Children and Young Adults
http://www.windowsill.net/hf.html
This site lists a great collection of historical fiction picture books and
chapter books. The site is created by a partner site called Powell Books
(www.powells.com).
Glow: The site not only lists the books but gives a brief summary of the
book.
Grow: The site doesn‘t list a large selection of picture books.
Annotated Genre Website List
1. Multicultural: Aaron’s World of Storieshttp://www.aaronshep.com/stories/folk.html
This is author Aaron Shepard’s website and it provides folktales, retold by
Aaron, from a wide variety of cultures. There are tales from Sweden, Germany,
Indonesia, Japan, China, Iran and more. As you click on a particular story, the
text is provided along with some extra information. Some stories include a song,
a clip of the author reading the story, as well as information regarding which age
group this site targets.
Site Glow: The summary page of the stories tells you the specific genre (fairy
tale, legend, myth, etc.), culture, theme (kindness, humility, etc.), age group and
length in number of words.
Site Grow: Perhaps the author could include a component that is kid-friendly,
that students could navigate. This site serves more as a resource for parents
and teachers to use.
2. Multicultural: Pitara kidshttp://www.pitara.com/talespin/folktales.asp
This site gives examples of folktales collected from around the world. This
site is best used as a teacher resource of stories they can share with their
students. As you click on the title of the story, you are directed to the text of the
story and a picture accompanying it.
Site Glow: This site provides a wide variety of stories for use. The language is
understandable and readable for my first grade students.
Site Grow: Only certain stories include the culture or country that the story
comes from, some have a bit of cultural context explained before the story. The
site would be improved if all stories had the same information posted.
3. Mayan: Folk Art- http://www.folkart.com/folktale/
This site takes stories that were told to sociologist, Fernando Penalosa,
and prints them in English. The site also gives information about the sociologist
and the storyteller he got the stories from. The information can be read in
English or Spanish.
Site Glow: The information printed in Spanish can be helpful to Spanish reading
students in the classroom.
Site Grow: I think that the Spanish version of the stories should have also been
included.
4. Multicultural: Scholastic Myths, Folktales and Fairy Taleshttp://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/
This site is the Myths, Folktales, and Fairy Tales internet project. The
project gathered several authors and each author’s page gives help for students
in writing their own myth, folktale or fairy tale. The stories can even be published
online. There are also guides to selected reading and lesson plans for teachers
to utilize.
Site Glow: The site gives students lots of instruction in writing the stories.
Site Grow: The site could offer snippets of the authors’ work as examples for
students.
5. Multicultural: Starfall, I’m Reading-Folk Taleshttp://www.starfall.com/n/level-c/folk-tales/load.htm?f
Starfall is a phonics site that also includes stories for young readers. The
I’m Reading section has several sections including Multicultural Folk Tales,
Greek Myths, and Chinese Fables. As students click on each story, they can
read the story independently and if they need help on specific words, clicking on
the word will allow students to hear the word.
Site Glow: The stories are written in language that is appropriate for beginning
readers.
Site Grow: The site could include some background knowledge about what folk
tales, myths and fables are.
6. Multicultural: 40 to 40http://www.4to40.com/folktales/default.asp?category=English
This site allows you to view and print several different folktales and fables
from several cultures. It can be most useful as a tool for teachers to use to find
stories to share with students. Teachers can select from tabs that distinguish a
specific cultural folktale or fable, and then the site lists stories to choose from.
After choosing a story, it can be printed for further use.
Site Glow: There is a wide variety of stories to choose from.
Site Grow: The site may not be easy to navigate for students.
7. Multicultural: Web English Teacherhttp://www.webenglishteacher.com/fairytales.html
This site is a source for teachers to use to link to familiar fairy tales and
folktales. Each link goes to a specific story or author and also gives lesson plans
or activities to accompany the story. Some links include audio files of the stories.
Site Glow: This site links to a wide variety of language arts activities, with
focuses on reading and writing.
Site Grow: The site could include details of what grade levels the listed activities
are targeted for.
8. American: American Folklore- http://www.americanfolklore.net/
This site gives links to familiar American folk tales, many of which are
included in the Georgia Performance Standards. The site includes lesson plans
and a resource list of books and websites that can be helpful to teachers. There
are also podcasts of stories that can be heard on the website as well.
Site Glow: The site is well-organized and easy to navigate. Native American
and Latin American texts are also highlighted on the site.
Site Grow: Some of the stories are inappropriate or too “scary” for younger
readers. The site could acknowledge this in some way.
9. American: American Folklife Centerhttp://www.loc.gov/folklife/teachers/index.html
This is a Library of Congress site is a Teacher’s Guide to Folklife
Resources. It is meant to aid teachers in bringing a community’s cultural
heritage into the classroom. Teachers can search by geographical locations
around the world to find information from a particular place of study. It leads to
publications that can help teachers.
Site Glow: The site can access materials based upon the state or country that is
input.
Site Grow: The resources listed are not very helpful. Some have nothing to do
with the topic of folk tales at all.
10. American: Animated Tall Taleshttp://www.animatedtalltales.com/flash/story/
This site allows students to read or listen to familiar tall tales. The stories
also have cartoon animation that accompanies them. In order to access teacher
resources, you must register with the home site, kidoons.
Site Glow: The animations are probably well received by younger students.
Site Grow: The advertisements and other commercial illustrations can be
distracting to younger students.
Annotated Genre Website List: Poetry
 American
o
o
Different Types of Poetry for Students.
http://www.kathimitchell.com/poemtypes.html
This site is good for beginners of poetry writing. The site provides a list
and an example of different types of poetry. This site also gives a short
description of the poetry mentioned.
Site Glow: This site is excellent because it gives young poetry writers an
example of the different types of poetry. This site is very aesthetically
appeasing.
Site Grow: The site could have done a better job of dividing up the
poems. They are confusing when looking at them on the site.
 American
o
Funny Poems and Children‟s Poetry
http://www.robertpottle.com/poems/links.php
This site is an introductory to children‟s poems. The site provides short,
kid and funny poems. The poems are also categorized by children‟s ages.
Site Glow: This site is good because it gives children a different view of
poetry. It shows them that poetry does not have to be serious; it can
make us laugh as well.
Site Grow: The site could have done a better job of clearing out all of the
ads. Majority of the site is ads and not enough links to poems.
 American
o
Giggle Poetry
http://www.gigglepoetry.com/poetryfun/siteswelike.html
This poetry site is intended for students and teachers. The site is
comprehensive and gives the audience a variety of ways to explore
poetry. The site also gives students ideas on how to write their own
poetry.
Site Glow: This site gives students the confidence to read and go
through it without having an adult go through every step of the site.
Site Grow: The site could have done a better job of creating more
resources outside of the classroom for students and resources they could
use at home as well.
 American
o
Barking Spider Poetry
www.barkingspiderpoetry.com
This poetry site includes a host of imagery and creative ideas for
students. Students are given an option of choosing from a host of poems.
In addition to the links of children‟s poetry, the author of this site uses
children literature to teach about poetry.
Site Glow: This site is well-organized and planned for students. It is easy
to navigate through with a host of poems that are developmentally
appropriate.
Site Grow: The site could have done a better job of including more
poems. Poems and literature were on the site, but there was definitely
not enough to teach or guide students who are just learning about
poetry.
 American
o
Poems for Children
http://www.storyit.com/Classics/JustPoems/classicpoems.htm
This is a comprehensive site for both teachers and students. The site
includes resources and games for students. For teachers there are
materials and activities for students to use as remediation or
enrichment.
Site Glow: This site is a good resource for teachers who want to reintroduce students to poetry.
Site Grow: The site is not intended for a younger audience to work on
alone. They will need to be guided because of it‟s lack of independent
skill lessons provided.
 American
o
Poetry Poems
www.poetrypoems.com
This is a comprehensive site made to engage young readers. The site
includes poems from people all over the world who submitted their work.
Students are able to see that you do not have to be world-renowned to be
respected for your work.
Site Glow: This site is a good resource for students or teachers who
would just like to see an example of some works of poetry.
Site Grow: The site did not do a good job of providing resources for
students. There were no extra links and there were no categories of
poetry to follow.
 American
o
Poetry for Kids
http://www.poetry4kids.com/modules.php?name=Web_Links&l_o
p=viewlink&cid=18
This is a blog created to discuss poetry and children‟s literature. The site
includes book reviews and a lot of resources. Teachers and parents can
use this site to reinforce students‟ poetry skills.
Site Glow: This site is a good resource for students or teachers who
would just like to see an example of some works of poetry.
Site Grow: The site did not do a good job of providing resources for
students. There were no extra links and there were no categories of
poetry to follow.
 American
o
Kids Bibs
http://www.kidbibs.com/learningtips/lt43.htm
This comprehensive site presents resources for teachers who are
teaching the concept of poetry. The site gives instructional strategies and
other helpful resources to teachers and parents. This site is very
interactive for teachers and parents looking for resources.
Site Glow: This site is a good resource for parents or teachers who would
like to get more strategies on how to teach poetry.
Site Grow: The site is also supposed to be kid-friendly but the text is
very small and not appeasing to students.
 American
o
Kids Poetry
www.poetry.net
This comprehensive site presents links for teachers who are teaching
students about poetry. The site gives links and strategies for finding
appropriate children‟s sites. This site can be used as a resource for
students, teachers and parents.
like to get more strategies on how to teach poetry.
Site Grow: The site is very plain and the resources will probably not be
looked at by the audience because the site is so minimally appeasing.
 American
o
Children‟s Literature Poetry
http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/child_lit/poetry/
This comprehensive site presents resources for teachers who may need
help finding instructional resources for students. This site can also be
good for parents who need help in finding developmentally appropriate
poetry for their student. The site also lists resources for other sites about
poetry.
like to get more strategies on how to teach poetry. This site is also good
for parents who are not familiar with different poetry genres.
Site Grow: This site consists of many ads that do not concern poetry nor
literature. This site should put up a lot more resources.
Annotated Historical Fiction Website List
African
o AFRICAN KINGDOMS - A history of nobility and splendor
http://www.africankingdoms.com/
This site is dedicated toward educating people about African history and culture:
past, present and future. It is a great source of information that includes several
articles, list of 100 greatest African History Books, and links to movies like
‗Black Candle. This is a great site that unapologetically calls for African unity,
self-determination and the African rebirth.
Site Glow: Has links that are easy to navigate and user friendly. Visuals are very
attractive that portray African Culture and catches users‘ attention.
Site Grow: Seems to be authentic, however, has limited access to serve as a
multicultural dialogue to share the African cultural/historical experience with the
wider world community.
Native American
o Native Americans Facts for Kids: An American Indian website for
children and teachers
http://www.native-languages.org/kids.htm
This site has all kinds of fun facts about the Native American culture. From tribe
facts to Native American hairstyles; this site has it all. You can also find
information about state names, since most of them are derived from Native
American tribal languages. This site is the ultimate resource to learn about Native
American culture.
Site Glow: This site provides simple online information in an easy-to-read
question and answer format. Kids would definitely get the best feel for the
cultures they study through this site.
Site Grow: Site looks boring at first glance. There are no animations, no games,
and only few illustrations.
Jewish
o My Jewish Learning
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/index.shtml
The name says it all. The site offers a comprehensive look into Jewish culture.
There are several topics that this site covers; topics like Kosher, Jewish weddings,
The Holocaust, and many more. This site is a starting point for people who want
to learn about the Jewish religion and its heritage. In addition to its valuable
information, the site also offers free newsletters and it also has its own blog.
Site Glow: Site is up to date with slideshows of current events and blog provides a
collaborative space enabling millions of people to express their voice and connect
with others.
Site Grow: Networks and people might need parental control.
White/American
o The American Revolution
http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/
This site is dedicated toward the American Revolution. This website outlines the
battles, the people, and the events that make up the Revolution. There is also a
link to recommended books. This site has a timeline and it also has a message
board and a chat room.
Site Glow: very attractive and to the point site.
Site Grow: Online Degrees link is irrelevant to the subject of the site.
African American
o The Black Past: Remembered and Reclaimed
http://www.blackpast.org/
This site is dedicated to providing information on African American history in the
United States and on the history of the more than one billion people of African
ancestry around the world. It includes an online encyclopedia of hundreds of
famous and lesser known figures in African American history. The site also has
featured speeches and articles which were written by famous African Americans.
Site Glow: It brings resources of African American history into every classroom
in the world. It also makes every computer, regardless of its location, a classroom
in African American history.
Site Grow: This site is directed toward multiple audiences ranging from scholars
and researchers to the general public, however, it is not kid friendly.
Japanese
o Japan-101.com - Japan Information Resource
http://www.japan-101.com/
Japan 101 is an informational tourism website that has everything that one needs
to know about Japan and its heritage. The site offers information about the
railway system, the food, the dressing, and the history of Japan. If one ever wants
to go to Japan, a visit to this site is a must.
Site Glow: Rich in information and an all in one website.
Site Grow: Site is not updated since January 2007. Since it is a tourism website, it
is challenging for teachers to draw activities related to classroom application.
Some pictures are inappropriate for the kids.
White/American
o The Great Depression
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/depression.htm
An important period in American history that everyone should know about is the
Great Depression. This site has comprehensive information about this historic
time.
Site Glow: Photo essay is the highlight of the site. Links to various people
involved in The Great Depression, their biographies/autobiographies give wealth
of information for better understanding of life during this time.
Site Grow: Compiled and prepared by one man leading to biased opinions and
single perspective. No animations.
Asian/Indian
o Cultural Heritage of India
http://www.culturalindia.net/
There is hardly any culture in the world that is as varied and unique as India. This
site brings us in contact with this home of ancient civilizations, including four
major world religions- Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
Site Glow: Links to the history and significance of different types of Indian
jewelry, crafts, religions, monuments and wedding interest kids.
Site Grow: No information is provided about Indian Literature or books that
reader might be interested to read other than a link to Indian folk tales. Site could
be more interactive with animations.
Middle East
o Explore the culture and civilization of Middle East
http://www.shira.net/culture.htm
This site explores the culture of the Middle East, both ancient and modern. Today,
the Middle East continues to offer the world a rich cultural contribution, as home
to three major world religions, a vibrant entertainment industry, a fascinating
tradition of folkloric music and dance, and a growing economic power base. The
articles on this page are slanted toward the needs and interests of non-Middle
Eastern people, particularly those interested in music and dance from the region.
Site Glow: There is a map on this website that lists everything there is to find on it
that might ease the navigation.
Site Grow: No graphics. Information is inclined more towards music, dance and
art.
Multicultural
o
This site is a great resource for teachers and students who are interested in reading
multicultural books. It has a compilation of historical fiction books related
Ancient civilizations, Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Canada, Europe, South America,
Mexico, United States and West Indies. It gives description of the book such as
title, author, summary, year of publication, pages with cover picture which makes
it easy for the kids to choose.
Site Glow: Very organized and easy to pick by country, age or grade level. It has
books ranging from picture books, beginning to read books and for children 3rd
grade and up.
Site Grow: Some of the links offered are still under construction.

Folktale Genre Websites
http://www.pitara.com/talespin/folktales.asp - Pitara Kids Network
(Folktales)

http://www.4to40.com/folktales/default.asp?article=folktales_index – Best
10 English Fairy Tales for Kids

http://www.ferrum.edu/applit/bibs/folkbib.htm - Appalachian Folktales in
Children's Literature and Collections for All Ages

http://www.askkids.com/web?q=Folktales+for+Children&qsrc=6&o=0&l=di
r - Folktales for Children

http://folktales.suite101.com/article.cfm/recommended_leprechaun_folkt
ale_picture_books - Recommended Leprechaun Folktale Picture books

http://www.geocities.com/kesumawijaya/ - Children Stories & Folktales
from Indonesia

http://www.adoptvietnam.org/books/books-vn-fairytales.htm Vietnamese Folktale and Vietnamese Fairy Tale Books

http://www.bpl.org/kids/booklists/world.htm - Folktales around the world;
booklist for kids

http://www.bongwe.com/bongwe-books/ - African Stories for Children

http://www2.hawaii.edu/~mdhanson/school/asianfolktales.pdf - Asian
Folktales for kids
 European American/ Native American/ Spanish American/Latin American/
Caribbean
o American Folklore
http://www.americanfolklore.net
This website is filled with dozens and dozens of stories, ranging from American
tall tales, to Native American legends and Caribbean folk tales. It has a great variety and
quantity of such stories, along with suggested books. The site has tongue twisters to
making reading more fun for children and also has a link called State Folklore. This link
allows the child to choose any US state of which dozens of folklores of the particular
state will upload for the reader.
Site Glow: Most impressive is the list of ESL short stories offered in which the child has
the option to read, read & listen or just simply listen to.
Site Grow: The website lacks design to visually engage the reader and does not provide
opportunity to be interactive.
 African
o Can Teach: African Folktales
http://www.canteach.ca
This website was found when specifically looking for fantasy tales of the African
culture. The site on a whole offers many resources on different elementary subjects
ranging from poetry to songs to physical education lesson plans. The African Folktales
section can be found under Society & Culture, listing a several folktales as well as lesson
plans and African songs, chants and games.
Site Glow: The list of lesson plans is very detailed in that each contains methods to
additional resources and has suggested ages of children, in which it will be most
effective.
Site Grow: Under Society & Culture, African folktales and games is the only culture
offered, the site can build on adding more diverse cultures to its Society & Culture
section.
 Diverse Ethnic Groups (Asian, European, Native American, Hispanic, etc…)
o Sacred Texts: Internet Sacred Text Archive
http://www.sacred-texts.com
This website offers tons of information ideal for the educator. It suggests ways to
search for hard to find literature of different cultures, background information on
cultures, provides resources, articles, book lists and actual stories/ tales of specific
cultures as well. Sacred Texts also provides detailed information on a variety of different
religions ranging from Islam to Mormonism.
Site Glow: This site provides information above and beyond just listing stories of
different cultures; additional resources and background information provided for
unfamiliar cultures provide a great deal of help.
Site Grow: If possible the website design can be more user friendly, as a lot of the
information is provided in strict list form.
 African
o Teacher Vision: lesson plans, printables and more
http://www.teachervisiton.fen.com
A variety of subjects and grade levels K-12 are covered on this site. Lesson plans
are made available, to printable books for youngsters, slide shows and puzzles. I found
this site specifically for African tales, in which many lesson activities are described
relating to different African tales for the K-5 grade levels.
Site Glow: This teacher friendly site offers a variety of materials, a load of activities to
engage student learning and even classroom management tips so that learning can be
organized and continuous.
Site Grow: Again the multicultural literature section is very limited and can be
expanded to include more ethnic groups.
 Native American
o Native Language: Native Languages of the Americas: Preserving and
Promoting American Indian Languages
http://www.native-languages.org/
This site provides an abundance of information on the language of the Native
American people. The different tribes and its people are covered as well as visual aids to
show where they inhabited. Books, vocabulary list and of course myths and legends are
made available for the mature reader on this site.
Site Glow: There is a specific section called Kids Menu where literature is presented
especially for the young reader; including links for homework help, Q & A, crafts and
information on the different tribes and culture.
Site Grow: The site is not aesthetically pleasing (as it mentioned on the homepage), it is
just a small non-profit site whose sole purpose is the survival of Native American
languages.
 Asian American, Jewish American, African American, European American,
Australian
o Learning To Give: Curriculum Division of the League
http://learningtogive.org
This is a great site for educators, as it provides lesson plans on teaching Asian
American, Jewish, African and European fantasy tales to students. Activities including
Venn Diagrams, writing practices, etc… are infused within the lesson so that characters
and themes within these stories can be better understood. The site is a great tool for the
teacher to introduce cultural tales into the classroom.
Site Glow: The site covers a variety of fantasy tales for different ethnic groups in
detailed lesson plans, and provides additional resources and materials.
Site Grow: The site engages student participation through other subjects but can add
activities that can be done on their site regarding the cultural fantasy tales.
 Caribbean American
o Macmillan Caribbean
http://www.macmillan-caribbean.com
Caribbean fantasy tales sites are rare, so this site is helpful for the parent or
teacher to find Caribbean literature whether its fantasy tales or educational books. The
site has wide variety of books about the Caribbean, books written by authors from the
Caribbean and stories of the Caribbean for all age levels of classic literature, new authors
and established authors. Its online bookstore makes getting the book(s) of choice easier
for the Caribbean literature seeker.
Site Glow: The site has a Teacher Resource center which provides lesson plans,
worksheets and materials in assisting Caribbean literature lessons taught in class, it also
provides book listings by specific Caribbean countries.
Site Grow: Although the site is extremely informational it would be beneficial if some
Caribbean literary (text) work were to be displayed on the site.
 Diverse Ethnic Groups (African, Australian, Asian, European/Russian)
o Spirit of Trees
http://www.spiritoftrees.org
This site contains a load of resources and folktales and myths from a number of
cultures. Most interesting is that each text is subject specific in that it highlights the
significance of trees hence the name of the site. Some specific countries included on this
site are Australia, Brazil, Czechoslovakia, Denmark and Egypt just to name a few.
Site Glow: The presentation is visually appealing, the theme of the site (surrounding
trees) is unique, and curricular resources are provided as well.
Site Grow: Each folktale or myth could be accompanied by activities to engage the
student and or reader further promoting learning.
 European American
o SurLaLune Fairy Tales: Introduction to Fairy Tales and Folklore
http://www.surlalunefairytales.com
This is a wonderful site with not only actual text of European tales but includes
books, resources, articles about woman and fairy tales, children and fairy tales, graduate
studies in folklore and on and on. The site has different versions of the same fairy tales
written by authors from different parts of Europe. The interactive site also includes a
discussion board and blog.
Site Glow: The site has an annotated fairy tale list of the same fairy tales from Germany,
France, etc… written by different authors.
Site Grow: Books can be displayed in a more visually appealing matter.
 Italian American
o Italians R Us: Fairy Tales
http://www.italiansrus.com
This site offers the reader information about Italian cuisine, to culture, to Italian
fairy tales. The fairy tales section has lists of stories that bring you to other links,
displaying children's fairy tales. Some are written in the English language while others
are written in Italian. The site is the middle ground for finding these tales that would
otherwise be a challenge.
Site Glow: Offers varied collection of Italian fairy tales in English and Italian.
Site Grow: The site can be more aesthetically appealing and organized in displaying
what it has to offer.

African American
o National Geographic Online presents The Underground Railroad http://www.nationalgeographic.com/railroad/
This website takes you through an interactive short story of the readers being a slave.
The story starts in Maryland on a plantation where you decide to run or not by
clicking the yes or no button. By clicking yes, Harriet Tubman is your guide. Along
the way you will meet some of the other famous faces that helped slaves travel on
the Underground Railroad.
Site Glow – There are a couple points in the story where you get to click to make a
choice. You can choose to knock on the white families door or sleep in the woods.
Site Grow – I liked that they showed a map of the route that we took in the short
story, but I wish the map could have been bigger and clearer.
 African American
o The History Makers - http://www.thehistorymakers.com/
This site has lists of African Americans that have made history. Each person‘s
photograph and biography is included. You can also click on a year and find out all
of the history making events that occurred in that certain year.
Site Glow – On the home page, there is a box that gives some events that happened
on the current day in history.
Site Grow – Under some of the history maker‘s pictures there was a video camera
icon. I believe that there is some sort of video on that individual history maker, but it
was not a link to the video.
 African American
o Kulture Kidz . . . Learn about African American Culture http://www.aakulturezone.com/kidz/index.html
This site gives the A – Z of African American history. It includes time lines for
inventors and women‘s first. Even games in the Kool Korner. This site can be for
kids and teachers. There is a section on teacher information.
Site Glow – When the A – Z was created, they did not just use famous names in
African American history. They included objects and holidays in their list.
Site Grow – I would have liked to have had more of timelines or more broad of
timelines so that more people and things would have been included.
 Native American
o Mr. Donn Native Americans in Olden Times http://nativeamericans.mrdonn.org/index.html
This site gives a summary of Native Americans in very early times. It also allows
you to browse for Native Americans by regions in North and South America. Then
from there you can browse the different tribes that are inside that selected region.
Once you read about a selected tribe, you will be taken to daily life description of the
tribe.
Site Glow – The question and answer type set up. It seems more kid friendly for the
younger grades.
Site Grow – There was not any actual pictures of the different tribes that you could
browse.
 Native American
o Native Americans in North Georgia http://ngeorgia.com/history/findex.html
This site gives you information about the different tribes that have lived in Georgia
throughout history. You can browse through the different tribes and read the
informational text. The site has the history of the Cherokee Indians really broken
down and more detailed that they other tribes that you can browse through.
Site Glow – The timeline on the home page shows the different tribes through the
time periods.
Site Grow – This is not a student friendly site, even though it is very easy to
navigate through the site. It has great information for teachers to use, though.
 Native American
o Manakata American Indian Council http://www.manataka.org/Contents%20Page.html
This site has so much information about the Native American culture and history for
teachers and students. The students will be able to read stories, myths, legends, and
poems. The links from the index that students need to use are the Children‘s Corner,
Legends and Stories, and Fun Pages. There are a few other links that could be
beneficial as informational text.
Site Glow – The Children‘s Corner has a list of stories that are from the Native
American culture.
Site Grow – Other parts besides the Children‘s Corner would be appropriate and
beneficial for students, which would make it hard to monitor and managing the
students‘ navigation on this site. There‘s trading and store pages that the students
would need to stay away off of.
 Native American and American
o National Geographic Kids Go West Across America with Lewis and Clark
- http://www.nationalgeographic.com/west/index.html
This site allows you to enter your name and then it plugs in your name to the story.
A story is created that takes you along with Lewis and Clark west. It is an
interactive story and asks you questions about the trip. You make the decisions for
the crew and continue to move west.
Site Glow – As you click through the story, there is a journal link to the side.
Another small window comes up as a journal of something that happened on the
west move with Lewis and Clark.
Site Grow – One the meeting the crew link, I wish there would have been
information on Lewis and Clark and the other crew members.

Native American
o Cherokee Moons - http://www.telliquah.com/Moons.htm
This site lists the moons for each month of the year. It explains the name of the
moon and gives the Native American name. Teacher could use this as preparation
and shorten the stories for the students.
Site Glow – The stories are short enough for students to read and be able to
comprehend the story.
Site Grow – The pronunciation of the Native American words would be helpful.
 Ancient Greek
o Story Tymes Aesop‘s Fables - http://www.childclassics.com/
This site has a list of Aesop‘s fables. The links take you to Windows Mediaplayer to
view the fables in animation. Along with the fables the site has another links to
folktales.
Site Glow – I love that the fables are animated. They could be watched after the
students read the fable.
Site Grow – I wish the site had a separate link for the fables. One the same page is
links to famous cartoons. If they were separate I could set the homepage to the
fables link and it would be easier to monitor.
 Ancient Greek
o Aesop‘s Fables - http://www.umass.edu/aesop/index.php
This site has a list of Aesop‘s fables. They are written along with illustrations, some
are just illustrations and some are animated. Another link on the site has information
on Aesop and his fables. At the end of the fable to moral is at the bottom of the
page.
Site Glow – There are different versions of the same fable listed. They have for
most fables in a traditional version and a modern version.
Site Grow – The ones that are animated would be nice to have sound. Students who
might be slower at reading would have a hard time keeping up with the words on the
screen.
American-Caucasian
http://www.avi-writer.com/
Site Glow: Site is easy to navigate and obtains information on all types of books written
by Avi. There is information for teachers to use in the classroom. A Hyperlink is on the
site that gives information and instructions on how to get an Avi book.
Site Grow: Even though the site is easy to navigate it lacks visual appeal to younger
readers. It would have been beneficial to learn more about his motivation for writing. His
Q & A section is informational but very brief; it would be difficult for a student to use
this information for research.
American Caucasian
http://www.katedicamillo.com/
Site Glow: This site contains information on the author and her books. Her site is very
user friendly with links to helpful information. The site is interactive and would be easy
and resourceful to use for research. This would be an excellent source to include in a
webquest for classroom use.
Site Grow: The information on the front page appears to be hyperlinked and it is not.
There are few icons on the page to link to useful information. If you want to use the site it
is necessary to click on the links at the bottom of the page.
Mexican American
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmr/mtai/ancona.html
Site Glow: The text is very informational. The site is easy to navigate and find useful
information. There are links to other information to additional authors if needed.
Site Grow: The site offers basically an encyclopedia type format of information on the
author. It would be helpful to have information on the specific books he wrote. The
menu on the left would be a great area to expand and possibly offer hyperlinks to other
sites or information.
American-All
http://www.booknutsreadingclub.com/genrelist.html
Site Glow: The site has an appealing layout and is easy to navigate. There are links to
different types of realistic fiction and other genre as well. There is a teacher link which
provides useful information. The site does a good job describing the different genre.
Site Grow: There is a lot of information packed onto one page. Some of the information
could have been linked to other pages within the site.
American-Caucasian
http://www.nancykeane.com/
Site Glow: This website holds a wealth of knowledge about children‘s literature in
general. It is easy to obtain information on realistic fiction and books in that genre. This
would be a good site to use for research and is classroom –friendly.
Site Grow: The layout of the text makes it difficult to read easily. Even though students
could use the site easily it would be easier to read the text if placed in columns. The name
of the website sounds like it is designed specifically for students but it aims for the
college student or teacher population.
African American
http://www.walterdeanmyers.net
Site Glow: The site layout is easy to navigate and find information. I like the author‘s
picture on the front page which helps connect the reader to the writer. The hyperlinks are
easy to use and lead to great information.
Site Grow: It would be helpful to know the age groups his books are designed. Each
book icon does a good job of describing the book but it is discern what would be
appropriate for a specific age group. A link to activities or ways to incorporate his books
into the classroom setting would be useful.
South African
http://www.childlit.org.za/SAChildLit.html
Site Glow: It is wonderful to have a site in Africa that can be easily navigated. There are
links to several South African authors and illustrators. The information contained in the
links can be used for research or inclusion during a unit study in Reading or Social
Studies.
Site Grow: The site is not visually appearing and the links are very basic. It does not
specifically designate the site as a specific genre. It would be useful to have the books
grouped by grade level and genre.
American-Caucasian
http://www.wimpykid.com/
Site Glow: This site is extremely easy to navigate with an appealing layout. The website
is packed with useful information on the author, an interview, his books and how to buy
his books online. The site is very interactive and interesting, it is definitely classroom
friendly.
Site Grow: Actually it is difficult to find anything wrong with the site. The site
resembles his book covers which are somewhat whimsical. Perhaps the site could use
more color.
African American
http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/
Site Glow: This is a beautiful website, it is colorful and the layout makes it easy to
navigate. The author has included a wealth of information about her books, her life, and
how and why she writes. Primarily the majority of the icons are hyperlinks that lead to
useful information. This would be a wonderful site to include in a webcast, or to create a
unit of instruction around. It can appeal to children, university students and educators.
Site Grow: There is a lot of information packed on one page. I absolutely love this site
and can‘t find anything that needs improving.
Caribbean
http://core.ecu.edu/engl/deenas/Caribbean/RosaGuy.htm
Site Glow: The site is accessible and has pertinent information regarding the author. The
page contains a photo of the author on the front page which helps connect readers to the
writer. The information layout is spaced out and easy to read.
Site Grow: The site should be expanded in order to be really useful. The information is
basic and the write up on the author is minimal. The page itself is very simplistic and it
doesn‘t appear much effort was used to make it appealing. Considering the need to
include more ethnically diverse authors in the classroom it would be useful to have
complete and accurate information on the site. The links do not work.
Genre Websites
1. Immigrants – many cultures
Ellis Island History - http://www.history.com/content/ellis-island
This website has a comprehensive history of Ellis Island and the millions of
immigrants passed through this federal immigration station upon arrival in
America. This site has videos, games, photographs as well as comprehensive
timeline, which chronicle the history of Ellis Island. There’s also an online
citizenship test.
Site Glow: There is a lot of detailed information for anyone who wants to know
the history of Ellis Island
Site Grow: The site is really designed for older students, 5th grade and above. It
would be nice if they had a “kids” section for earlier grades.
2. African American
History of the Negro Baseball League
http://www.negroleaguebaseball.com/index.html
A couple of my books were about baseball history, including segregated baseball
leagues. This is an interesting website that describes the history of the Negro
leagues and includes a lot of good historical information about the league, teams,
and players. There is also a “history 101” link which summarizes the history of
the Negro league.
Site Glow: The information is well organized and indexed so it’s easy to look up
a specific team or player.
Site Grow: Appeals more to upper grades.
3, Civil Rights
LBJ for kids - http://www.lbjlib.utexas.edu/Johnson/lbjforkids/main.htm
This website is designed for kids and has great information. For example, the
civil rights section has pictures, civil rights timeline, and also a voting rights
timeline. There are also sections about the impact LBJ had on education, foreign
policy, poverty, and the environment. There are even some online quizzes
Site Glow: This information is really kid-friendly and well organized. The
graphics are appealing also
Site Grow: I really can’t think of anything. This is a really good site.
4. Learning Disabilities
Avi - http://www.avi-writer.com/
Avi is a well-known children’s author who writes in a variety of genres including
historical fiction, mysteries, fantasies, and his very popular animal tales. Avi’s
biography is interesting in that it describes his struggles to overcome dysgraphia,
a dysfunction in writing abilities. Here’s an excerpt:
I always ask to speak to the learning-disabled kids. They come in slowly,
waiting for yet another pep talk, more instructions. Eyes cast down; they
won't even look at me. Their anger glows. I don't say a thing. I lay out
pages of my copy-edited manuscripts, which are covered with red marks.
“Look here,” I say, “see that spelling mistake. There, another spelling
mistake. Looks like I forgot to put a capital letter there. Oops! Letter
reversal.” Their eyes lift. They are listening. And I am among friends. Avi
Site Glow: This site has a comprehensive list of Avi’s books and many of the
books have comments from Avi about the book and why he wrote it.
Site Grow: The graphics are pretty bland.
5.
Eleanor Roosevelt - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/eleanor/sfeature/index.html.
This website has a lot of information about Eleanor Roosevelt. Included are
photographs, timeline, and Roosevelt family tree. Also, there is a section called
“My Day” which was a syndicated newspaper column that Eleanor Roosevelt
wrote from 1935 to 1962. This section includes a directory of subjects that
Eleanor Roosevelt wrote about with links to the actual articles.
Site Glow – This website is easy to navigate and the “My Day” section is really
interesting.
Site Grow – The graphics are pretty bland.
6.
Constitution for Kids http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids4.html
This website ties into “Shh! We’re writing the constitution” by Jean Fritz. The
website is leveled into different age groups and information within the levels is
geared to those age groups. There are also descriptions of the history of the
Constitution and Amendments made to the Constitution, also written in language
appropriate for different grade levels. And there are primary documents of the
original Constitutions and a few photographs of leaders in the Suffragette
movement.
Site Glow – This site is easy to navigate and very kid friendly.
Site Grow – The site should include more historical photographs because kids
really like pictures.
7.
Japanese American Internment http://www.asianamericanmedia.org/jainternment/
This website describes the Japanese American Internment following the bombing
of Pearl Harbor. This website is well organized and designed for upper
elementary and middle school students. There are also some original
photographs and quotes from Japanese Americans who endured this
experience.
Site Glow – This site is well designed and easy to navigate.
Site Grow – This site would benefit from adding a historical timeline.
9. Jackie Robinson - http://www.jackierobinson.com/
This website is has a lot of information and pictures about Jackie Robinson.
Included are Jackie Robinson’s biography, stats, pictures, and a list of quotes.
Site Glow – The quotes and pictures are great
Site Grow – The graphics are kind of bland
10. Civil Rights for kids - http://www.shmoop.com/intro/history/us/civil-rightsmovement-struggle-for-integration.html
This is a website about the civil rights movement that is geared for kids. Included
are quotes, photos, trivia, and primary sources.
Site Glow – Very kid friendly
Site Grow – Could benefit from a timeline and better graphics.
1. Historical Fiction
Notes from the Windowsill- http://www.windowsill.net/hf.html
This site offers an annotated bibliography of historical fiction books. It is sorted by theme
and content. Only one picture book is listed, while there are many chapter books.
Glow: This site offers a sort by theme and content that include subjects such as storytelling,
bedtime stories, and garden and plant lovers in addition to the historical fiction.
Grow: The site only offers chapter books under historical fiction, with the exception of one
picture book, and many pictures of the books are not included.
Oyate- http://www.oyate.org
This is a website that is run by groups of Native Americans. It has a list of books that are
not historically accurate that “should” be avoided. It also has a variety of books that are
recommended listed in a catalog that that can be ordered through the website that supports
the group.
Glow: The website gives important information about why not to use certain books for
teaching purposes.
Grow: There could be more pictures and colors added to the website to make it more
appealing.
Database of Award-Winning Children’s Literature- http://www.dawcl.com/search.asp
This is an excellent database of Children’s Literature that can be searched in many ways.
Historical fiction is just one of the many genres that can be searched for. It can be searched
by age of reader, setting, historical period, ethnicity, nationality, languages, awards, genre,
multicultural specifications, publication year, author, etc.
Glow: This website offers many search possibilities.
Grow: The website is a little overwhelming with all of the search possibilities at first. It
would help to have color coding.
Historical Fiction Resourceshttp://www.vinton-shellsburg.k12.ia.us/tms/seventh/rdg7/hf/hftoc.html
This site offers lists of books in the genre of Historical fiction. It also provides links to
related websites. It offers search through era.
Glow: The site offered links to related websites to help with the teaching of historical
fiction.
Grow: The site has not been updated since 2006 and some links are outdated.
Carol Hurst’s Children’s Literature Site: US History and Children’s Literature
http://www.carolhurst.com/subjects/ushistory/ushistory.html
This site offers book lists for children’s literature in general, but can be specified to just
historical fiction. It offers activities and lesson plans to use with some of the books. It also is
able to be searched by subjects, themes, and has related titles listed for featured books.
Glow: The site offers a table of contents that helps in navigating the site, and also offers
professional resources and newsletters.
Grow: The site could be more appealing by using a different font size or font and
incorporating more color.
This site offers information on a lot of historical fiction on many levels. It is separated into
region, topic, and then grade level. It gives books specified for many areas.
Glow: The site is separated by region (continents), then time period (00s) or significant
events, and then into grade level, which is very helpful when looking for specific topics.
Grow: The site could be more aesthetically pleasing, and it seems to a work in progress.
Historical Fiction: An annotated list of historical novels for children and teens
http://www.anchoragelibrary.org/guides/kids/booklists/historicalfiction/
This is a part of the Anchorage Library. It is a great booklist that offers many books of
historical fiction. It is separated by time period.
Glow: This site offers many historical fiction titles and short introductions to the books.
Grow: The site is mostly white backgrounds with words. It could be more aesthetically
appearling.
Why & How I Teach with Historical Fiction
http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/lessonplans/instructor/social1.htm
This is a website that is written for teachers about what to look for in historical fiction. It
offers suggestions on how to use historical fiction. It also lists historical fiction books that
are good resources.
Glow: This is by a teacher and for teachers.
Grow: The site could offer more books, even though it is more of an article than a site.
American Historical Fiction in Picture Book Format
http://www.education.uiowa.edu/crl/bibliographies/pdf/amhistfict_print.pdf
This is a link to a PDF file. It offers many books separated into time periods and significant
events. It is from a curriculum resource laboratory.
Glow: The site offers many great books that are separated into significant events and time
periods.
Grow: Because it links to a PDF file, you have to open a new window to get to the original
resource laboratory.
Weber County Library: Recommended picture books portraying historical events.
http://www.weberpl.lib.ut.us/content/booklists/sort/t/36
This is a link to the historical fiction section of Weber County Library. It offers books,
short descriptions, and where to locate in that library. The site is easy to navigate.
Glow: The site is colorful and has pictures of the recommended books.
Grow: The site is not well organized into a specific theme.
 Multi-Cultural and Multi-Genre
o Vandergrift’s Children’s Literature Page
http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professional-development/childlit/ChildrenLit/
This comprehensive site presents tons of resources for children and
teachers. This site has so much to offer including informational resources,
books, types of genres, links to different cultures, links for children’s writing and
publishing and a list of children’s books publishers. This site is a great place to
start your research on multi-cultural children’s literature and a great resource to
find books to include in your classroom.
Site Glow: Wealth of information for those interested in learning about the
different types of genres or cultures that can be included in your classroom. This
site is a great resource tool to use in your classroom.
Site Grow: This site has a wealth of information, but the site can get a bit
confusing because there are so many links to click on. There is also a lot of
information to read through on each link and can get kind of overwhelming.
o Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through Children’s Literature
This comprehensive site contains links to annotated bibliographies of
children’s multicultural books. This site contains a variety of all the different
cultures and books that include that culture. This site also contains a variety of
books for each genre. Each book listing has the grade level, author, and a short
summary of each book. This site is a great resource with lots of helpful
information for teachers and students.
Site Glow: This site contains a wealth of information for teachers to create their
own annotated genre database that they can use in their own classroom. This
site also contains a wealth of information for students. Students can go to the
site to find a book they can read on a particular culture or on a particular genre.
Site Grow: Although this site contains very useful information for both teachers
and students, I feel the site creators could make the site a little bit more
appealing to students. I would have liked the site to include a picture of the book
for children to look at. Children sometimes get an idea of what a book might be
about by looking at the cover of the book.
 Native-American
o Native American Facts for Kids: Resources on American Indians for
Children and Teachers
This comprehensive site contains a wealth of information and resources
for children and teachers. This site contains links on Native American facts for
children, general American Indian facts such as the clothing they wear and food
they eat, facts sheets for the different types of American Indian tribes, and links
to the culture of Native Americans. This site also contains many links for children
where they can learn all about the Native American culture.
Site Glow: This site is a great resource for both students and teachers. This
site contains a wealth of information for those interested in learning about the
Native American culture, tribes, and general facts.
Site Grow: This site wasn’t very appealing and appeared boring for both
students and teachers. There were no pictures, animations, or illustrations that
would keep students engaged. The site could have done a little more work to
include pictures, animations, and illustrations to make it more kid and teacher
friendly.
 Latino-Hispanic
o Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/hispanic/index.htm
This comprehensive site is a great resource tool for students and
teachers. This site includes links on Hispanic history, famous Hispanics,
Hispanics in history, and a link for Hispanic heritage. This site also includes a
link to the television show Maya and Miguel where students can learn about a
Hispanic television show. This site contains lots of resources for students and
teachers and has an online activity teacher’s guide. This site is very interactive
and kid-friendly.
Site Glow: This site contains lots of information for students who would like to
learn more about the Latino-Hispanic culture. This site is a great tool for
students to expand their knowledge on different cultures. This site is very hands
on and interactive and kids will like it.
Site Grow: I feel that this site could have had more resources for both students
and teachers. I think it could have included more culture facts and links
throughout the website.
 Japanese-American
o Kids Web Japan: Explore Japan
http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/index.html
This comprehensive site is a great way for students and teachers to
explore Japan. This website offers extensive information about Japan’s culture,
facts, history, geography and climate, sports, and life in Japan. This site is very
interactive, colorful and even includes games and folk legends about the
Japanese culture.
Site Glow: This site is very helpful and serves as a great resource tool for
students and teachers. Students can go to this sight when they want to learn
more information about the Japanese-American culture. This site is definitely
made for kids and is easy to use.
Site Grow: This site is pretty well layout and kid friendly. The only thing I would
have like to seen on this site is maybe some more illustrations and pictures
throughout the site.
 African-American
o The Children’s Literature Nook: A Teacher’s Guide to AfroAmerican Children’s Literature and History in the Classroom
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Estates/4967/afroamer.html
This comprehensive site presents tremendous resources for teachers and
how they can bring the African-American culture into their classrooms. This site
includes a list of African-American books, lesson ideas, links to black history,
links about Africa, and links for kids. This site is a great place for teachers and
students to learn about the African-American culture, as well as a great place to
start research for information about the African-American culture.
Site Glow: This site gives a great insight into the African-American culture for
teachers. This site is very helpful in learning about the African-American culture
so that teachers can bring this into their classroom. This site is also helpful in
listing books that relate to the African-American culture.
Site Grow: This site could be a little more interactive and colorful. I also think
the site creators or managers could do a bit more to make sure their links work. I
had problems opening up some of the links.
 Korean-American
o Welcome to Korea
http://www.geocities.com/maitravel/
This comprehensive site is a great way for students and teachers to start
their
research on the Korean-American culture. This site includes information on the
history of Korea, culture of Korea, and facts about Korea. This site is geared
towards students, but can also be used as a resource for teachers.
Site Glow: This site was colorful and easy to read and navigate through. This
site would be a great starting point to learn more about Korea.
Site Grow: This site is more geared towards students, but doesn’t have any
pictures of illustrations. I would have liked to see a more interactive site. I also
think this site could have included more information about Korea.
 Native-American
o Native Americans: The American West
http://www.americanwest.com/pages/indians.htm
This comprehensive site includes a vast array of resources for teachers to
learn more about the Native American culture. This site contains informational
websites for resources, information on Native American culture, biographies of
Native Americans, and resources of the Native American tribes. This site is a
great way for teachers to start their research on the Native American culture.
Site Glow: This site contained a vast array of resources, information and links
about Native Americans.
Site Grow: This site is not very interactive and doesn’t have illustrations or
pictures. This site is designed for teachers only and isn’t very kid friendly. This
site has a lot of information and requires you to navigate through a lot of links to
view the information.
o Literature Resources
http://www.literatureplace.com/bookfolios/bookfolio_title.asp
This comprehensive site includes a tremendous amount of resources for
students and teachers. This site includes list of books that are multi-cultural and
multi-genre. The site lists books by genre and reading level. This site also gives
summaries of each book and lesson ideas and activities for teachers.
Site Glow: This site is a great resource for teachers to use to look up books
based on genre and reading level. This site would be a great tool to use in the
classroom.
Site Grow: This site isn’t very interactive and has so much information that it
can be hard to read at times. This site would be more geared towards teachers,
rather than students.
 African-American
o African-American History
http://www.lib.washington.edu/subject/History/tm/black.html
This comprehensive site is a valuable tool for resources from the AfricanAmerican culture and history. This site includes sources from general history,
civil war and slavery, civil rights, and biographies of African Americans. This site
would be a great to do some research on the history of African Americans.
Site Glow: This site contains a wealth of information for those interested in
learning about African American history and allows you to have a feel of what it
was like living during the civil war and slavery.
Site Grow: The site creators or managers could do a bit more to make the sight
more visually appealing. This site contains a lot of links and reading and can be
hard to navigate through at times. This site could only be a resource for a
teacher because it’s not kid friendly.
 Mexican
o
Mexican Folklore
http://www.americanfolklore.net/mexican-folklore.html
This website features tales from all over Mexico and is divided into three
categories. The first category features Mexican ghost stories with stories
like The Girl in White and The Bells. The second category features
Mexican Myths and Legends with stories like Poinsetta and Badger
Names the Sun. The third category features Mexican fairytales with
stories like The Bear Prince and The Gypsy Queen.
Site Glow: Great information for recommending different stories from the
Mexican culture with links to the various stories.
Site Grow: Not visual appealing. Website managers could include
pictures to go along with text.
 Multi-Cultural/Bilingual
o Language Lizard: Inspiring Kids Through Language
http://www.languagelizard.com/Folk_Stories_Fables_s/21.htm
This website displays a variety of bilingual folktale books for sale. The folktales
include Aesop‟s Fables, Brothers Grimm stories and classic tales from around
the world. The different languages include African, Asian, Spanish, Arabic,
Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Irish, Russian, German, French, Hindi and many
more.
Site Glow: Great site for recommending bilingual folktales in a variety of
languages.
Site Grow: Mainly a site for selling books.
 China
o Folktales from China
http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/china.html
This website contains various folktales from the Chinese culture. There are a
total of eleven folktales listed that can be read. Some of the folktales included
in the website are: The Wooden Horse, The Magic Moneybag and The Golden
Reed Pipe.
Site Glow: This site is great for discovering folktales from China.
Site Grow: Site looks dated, not user-friendly.
 Native American
o Living Myths: Native American Myths
http://www.livingmyths.com/Native.htm
This website discusses the topic of Native American myths. The background of
Native American myths is documented on the website as well as Native
American spirituality and narrative myths. Also include is an example of a
Native American myth named White Buffalo Woman.
Site Glow: This site is very attractive with pictures to accompany the
text. Material is interesting and engaging for the reader.
Site Grow: Could include more examples of Native American myths.
 Africa
o Ancient African Stories
http://africa.mrdonn.org/fables.html
This website lists a variety of links to African fantasy tales. There are 17 total
links that connect the user to various stories. Some of the stories listed are
Gullah Tales and stories about Anansi.
Site Glow: This site contains many links to many stories that user can
discover.
Site Grow: Nothing much to it but the links and a picture of an African
sunset.
 Jewish
o Eve Tal: Jewish Folktales and Double Crossing
http://www.eve-tal.com/JewishFolktales.html
This website lists information regarding Jewish Folktales. The information is
divided into four sections. The first section talks about characteristics, the
second section discusses sources, the third section discusses humor and the
fourth section talks about the tales of chelm.
Site Glow: This site contains a wealth of information surrounding Jewish
folktales.
Site Grow: Although it included excerpts from Jewish folktales, I would
have liked to see the entire stories.
 Multi-Cultural
o Aaron‟s Folktales
http://www.aaronshep.com/stories/folk.html
This website contains examples of a variety of folktales around the world. Each
story has a link you can click on to read the text of the folktale. Additionally,
there is a section containing information about the story under the text.
Site Glow: Variety of stories from different cultures. User can read the
text of the stories as well as additional information about the stories.
Site Grow: Could update the site to make it more attractive and modern.
 Russian
o Tradestone Gallery: Russian Fairy Tales
http://www.tradestonegallery.com/index.php?content=fairytales
This website contains of Russian fairy tales the user can discover. With a total
of twenty one stories to read, the user may chose to read a short or long version
of the fairy tale. Some of the stories included are: Scarlett Flower, The Frog
Princess and The Stone Flower.
Site Glow: I liked the idea of including a long and a short version for
each story.
Site Grow: Could include background information about Russian fairy
tales.
 Indian
o Indian Fables
http://oaks.nvg.org/indian-fables.html
This website lists over 100 fables from India. Users can click on the title to
bring them to the fable to read. The Owl and His School, The Fox in the Well and
The Lion and the Goat are a few examples of fables listed on the website.
Site Glow: Provides plenty of fables to choose from.
Site Grow: Could include more information about the fables or pictures
to accompany the stories.
 Egyptian
o Ancient Egypt: The Mythology
http://www.egyptianmyths.net/
This website contains information surrounding Egyptian mythology. This
information is divided into five sections: The Gods, The Myths, The Symbols,
The Land and The Resources. Each section has a link to click that brings the
user to more information about that subject.
Site Glow: Provides a wealth of information about Egyptian mythology
including a variety of myths for the user to read.
Site Grow: Some sections are a little too wordy and could contain a
pictures to balance it out.
Annotated Websites: Poetry
 African American, Hispanic, Asian, Religious Holidays, Holidays Around the World
Poetry and Songs: http://kids.nypl.org/holidays/index.cfm
This website includes a variety of activities, literature, songs, and informational text
about customs and literature from around the world and the cultures represented in
the United States. The site offers a variety of links to community events and forums for
discussion of culture events. Perhaps, the most useful component of this webpage is
the suggestions for reading including poetry and songs for each section. This website
was created by the New York City public library system.
Glow
There is a lot of helpful information for literature and resources. This website is a great
resource for teachers wanting to build their collection of culturally diverse stories. It
also provides great links to other websites for more information.
Grow
The website has some limited resources for poetry especially in the women’s and some
of the holidays.
 Mama Lisa’s Resources for Mexican Songs
Songs in English and Spanish: http://www.mamalisa.com/?p=285&t=ec&c=50
Mama Lisa’s website gives information about Mexican culture and songs. There is a link
to songs, a form of poetry, with the lyrics printed in English and Spanish. Music teachers
even have a link to the music sheets to go along with the song. The topics of the songs
include traditional Mexican songs as well as teaching concepts such as even and odd
numbers.
Glow
The songs in English and Spanish provide an opportunity to complete the “Two Voices”
activity and other comparison activities.
Grow
While the website states the songs are from the Mexican culture, it would be beneficial
to tell the reader the history or context of which these songs are sung in the home or
school.
 Poetry Archive for Children- A variety of cultures represented including Indian, African
American, British, and Caucasian
http://www.poetryarchive.org/childrensarchive/themes.do
Visitors to this website have the option of searching for poems through theme, poet, or
poetic form. Each poem is written along with information about the author of the
poem. There is also a link to “meet the author” as well as to gain more information
about their writing of poetry.
Glow
This website is a great resource for learning about the authors of poems and a variety
of poets are represented.
Grow
The words on some of the links did not fully appear. It requires you to download a
special media player (for free) to hear the poems, but teachers may run into problems
downloading it due to server issues.
 Haiku Poetry- Japan
http://www.kidzone.ws/poetry/haiku.htm
This website gives reader’s information on how to create the Haiku poem. It includes
information on the structure of a haiku in regards to each line and syllable
requirements. The website includes example haiku’s and printable pages for teachers.
Glow
This website offers very clear information on the structure of a haiku poem.
Grow
While it does state haiku’s are from Japan, it does not provide much cultural
information on it’s origin for Japan.
 Africa-Exploring Zimbabwe
http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/students/curriculum/m11/activity1.php
This website is a list of three poems and activities from the country of Zimbabwe by
Charles Mugoshi. These poems are included in a series entitled “Reading African
Literature.” The content and suggested activities are geared towards the high school
age group. The website also includes links to information about Zimbabwe and Africa.
Glow
This website offers examples and information about the culture it represents.
Grow
There is a limited selection of poems to choose from which limits the ability to reach all
age groups or ability levels.
 Academy of American Poets-Features poems and poets from different cultures including
African American, British, Caucasian
http://www.poets.org/search.php/fs/1/prmAuthor/+/prmMediaTitle/culture/prmKeyw
ord/+/prmFormID/0/prmMovementID/0/prmThemeID/0
The Academy of American Poets has created a resource for teachers who wish to use
poetry in the classroom and celebrate national poetry month. Highlights include a
forum for students to submit poems as well as receiving a poem a day via e-mail.
Another great feature is the category of “Great Poems to Teach” which divides poetry
by authors such as Maya Angelou and Robert Frost.
Glow
Poets.org is a great resource for teachers who teach all grade levels. The resources
listed are very beneficial and useful to a classroom teacher.
Grow
The wealth of information could be re-organized for visitors to find information quickly.
There were a lot of links to click to find information.
 Famous Poets and Poems- Features poems from around the world
http://famouspoetsandpoems.com/poets_by_nationality.html
Famous Poets and Poems is a website dedicated to poems and a variety of poems.
There are links that feature poems by theme, popular researched poems, and poems of
the month. To research poems from a particular culture, there is a link to a page with
resources from around the world. The links often take you to other websites for
information.
Glow
There is a variety of information given on this website through a lot of topics and
formats. Perhaps, this is a better resource for teachers or high school age group.
Grow
Teachers will need to check into all of the possible links that the website can take a
person. There is also a large amount of advertisements that could be distracting to
students or inappropriate for school computers.
 Poetry for Children-French
http://www.learn-french-help.com/french-poems-for-children.html
French Poems for Children includes several poems that are written in French and
translated into English. There is also a link to French nursery rhymes for shorter poems
in the classroom. The website also includes information about the French culture and
living in France.
Glow
The website offers a variety of French poems and resources of food, maps, language,
and customs.
Grow
The links on the page require visitors to click on links to other websites. This would not
be user friendly for students, but a resource for teachers.
 Poetry from Ireland
http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/Poetry/1Home.html
This website is an index of poems and poets from Ireland. Included in this website is
information on Irish culture as well as Gaelic translations. For the students, there is a
link to stories and information that is geared towards kids. There is also a resource links
for books on Irish poetry and ballads which is a popular format of Irish poetry.
Glow
Irish culture and customs offers a variety of information from recipes, stories, music,
and culture.
Grow
The children’s page is limited in information about Ireland and children friendly links
and vocabulary.
 African American-Maya Angelou
http://www.mayaangelou.com/
Maya Angelou’s homepage offers a biography and information about her life and
writing. Included on the website is a list of books including poetry books written by
Maya Angelou. There is also a link to video and other forms of media about this
author’s life.
Glow:
This website offers great information for an author study of Maya Angelou.
Grow:
There are no samples of her poetry or books, but there are links to where they can be
purchased.
Websites:

African
o African Folktales
o http://ccs.clarityconnect.com/NRiggs/AfricanFolktales.html
o This website shares a variety of folktales from several African nations.
There are a number of additional teaching resources included on this site.
Parts of the website are very colorful and interactive.
o Site Glow- This website has a comprehensive number of folktales. The
stories are entertaining and have fun pictures that would certainly capture
the attention of a young student.
o Site Grow- The organization of the website leaves a little something to be
desired. While not difficult to navigate, it is set up in a rather convoluted
manner.

Native American
o Native American Folktales, tall tales etc.
o http://www.americanfolklore.net/ee.html
o This website does contain folktales from the Native American culture as
well as several others. The stories that it shares vary in length and origin.
Overall, the website seems to have a decent library of stories.
o Site Glow- Seems to be a good starting off point for a website on Native
American folktales.
o Site Grow- Not exclusive to Native American stories, which is fine, but it
is not a very esthetically pleasing or overly engaging website. It needs an
overhaul in the organization department.

Greek
o Greek mythology
o http://www.greekmythology.com/index.html
o This website includes information on the myths, various creatures, and
figures of Greek mythology. It is chock full of information about the gods
and the ‗main‘ stories that they star in. It also has several relevant links to
other resources that would add depth to a unit on Greek mythology.
o Site Glow- This site contains lots and lots of information about the overall
realm of Greek mythology.
o Site Grow- It is not esthetically pleasing at all. There are next to no
pictures, and the site is cluttered with unrelated advertisements.

Mexican
o Mexican Folktales/Magictales
o http://www.g-world.org/magictales/
o This website is a personal account of how one person recalls his
grandfather telling him folktales. Also this website discusses how the
Mexico/U.S. border lent itself to be the rich source in folklore. Stories are
both in Spanish and English.
o Site Glow- I love the personal touch that this site has as the stories have
been passed down from grandparent to grandchild. Also, I think the use of
both Spanish and English is an awesome way to help Spanish speaking
students feel a strong connection to the stories. Really liked this site.
o Site Grow- I wish that there were maybe some more pictures and stories,
but because it is from one‘s personal oral library, I can overlook that fairly
easily.

Chinese
o Chinese Folktales and Myths
o http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/01397/folkt.htm
o This website is very colorful and interactive. It gives nice background
information of characters that makes the reading of the stories more
meaningful. It also has both Chinese and English language options, which
is too cool!! I think that this is an EXCELLENT source for teaching
Chinese folktales.
o Site Glow- This site is extremely user friendly, both as an adult and for
children alike. It is bright, engaging, inviting, and informative. The
pictures are wonderful, the descriptions of characters great, and the
information is fantastically written and presented!! And it has all of this in
Chinese too!
o Site Grow- I really have nothing bad to say about this site, as I think it is
simply wonderful!

Indian
o Indian Folktales
o http://www.culturalindia.net/indian-folktales/index.html
o This website contains numerous Indian folktales. It defines folktales into
three different groups, which greatly aids in the organization and
understanding of Indian folktales. This site is an excellent resource for
obtaining stories that include the moral at the end of each one. Nice site!
o Site Glow- I think that this website does an incredible job of sharing a
number of stories that are divided up into three categories. I think that this
makes it user friendly to both teachers and students. Also this site would
be great for students to do an adapted reader‘s theater from since it has
abundant stories.
o Site Grow- I wish there may have been some graphics or illustrations to
go along with all the different stories. It could also have been a little more
interactive. But overall, a great site!

Irish
o Fairy and Folktales of the Irish Peasantry
o http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/yeats/fip/
o This website provides a wide variety of Irish folktales and links to other
resourceful sites. There is a mix of poetry and short story forms of the
folktales. I do think that this website is definitely more suited for teachers
or high school aged students.
o Site Glow- I do like how this site has poetry and songs that are indicative
of folk and fairy tales. It‘s nice to see that kind of variety.
o Site Grow- This site is not very student friendly, as navigating it is quite a
messy process. I think that it may be best used as a jumping off point for
teachers than to teach students Irish folklore.

European?
o Aesop‘s Fables
o http://www.umass.edu/aesop/index.php
o This is a really neat interactive website. Both traditional and modern
versions of these famed stories are shown. This could really help students
to connect to these stories, since they are re-told in a modern capacity. It
also provides a nice introduction to Aesop and his fable.
o Site Glow- I think that this site would get students really excited since it is
so interactive, user friendly, and has the option of a modern day version. I
think that this would be a really neat way to tie technology and fables into
a lesson. Highly recommend.
o Site Grow- I think that adding sound to the interactive stories would
enhance the experience for the students. But other than that, I think this is
a wonderful website.

Mayan
o Maya Culture- Traditional Storyteller's Tales, Maya Village Life Now,
Sounds, phrases, numbers
o http://www.kstrom.net/isk/maya/mayastor.html#rabbit
o This is a wonderful website that has a great catalog of stories. Great way
to expose students to another facet of the Mayan culture. Helpful links to
related information.
o Site Glow- Nice overview of where the stories came from. Different
sections are helpful in seeing the different types of Mayan tales.
o Site Grow- Wish that there were some illustrations to accompany the
stories. Once you click on a story, it can be a little confusing trying to
navigate back to the original homepage. But all in all, a good resource.

Japanese
o Kid‘s Web: Japan- Folk Lessons
o http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/folk/yomeiri/index.html
o This very interactive website has a number of different Japanese folk
lessons. It also houses different resources that could be useful to both
students and teachers. The addition of music and animation make this a
nice site to use.
o Site Glow- Loved the interactivity of this website. Really engaging and
aesthetically pleasing for a young student. I also really enjoyed the
folktales themselves. I thought that the extra links helped to give a full
picture of Japanese culture, great for upper elementary and middle grade
students.
o Site Grow- I wish that they had more folktales, but simply because I
enjoyed the ones that they had so much. Perhaps if they had had an option
to hear someone read the folktales out loud, that may have added
something extra special.
Annotated Biography Website List
 Asian
 Korean American Readings: Reviews of fiction and memoir by and about
Koreans/Korean Americans, and related writings http://bookoblate.blogspot.com/search/label/Peace%20Under%20Heaven
This interesting site provides feedback, critique, synopsis, and cultural context
information about numerous books written about Koreans and/or Korean Americans.
The books are reviewed by fellow readers and writers, and some may have more than one
review. This is a great place to start if you want to learn more about Korean culture
through literature and the accuracy as portrayed in various books.
Site Glow: Each entry includes a picture of the book as well as possible purchasing
opportunities.
Site Grow: Most books are not for children, so care should be taken to limit access to
children without parental supervision.
 White
 Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site Hyde Park, New York: Teaching
Eleanor Roosevelt - http://www.nps.gov/archive/elro/teaching.htm
This site is sponsored by the National Park Service and gives great information on
Eleanor‘s home, Val-Kill, on the grounds of the Roosevelt estate in Hyde Park, New
York. It also talks about who Eleanor Roosevelt was, how she used Val-Kill and what it
meant to her. There are many pictures that help bring Eleanor and her surroundings to
life.
Site Glow: There is a great ―Question and Answer‖ section as well as a glossary for
terms that may not be familiar.
Site Grow: A lot of the language is written on a higher level than will be understood by
some third grade students, so parental help would be best.
 All races of Americans affected by The Great Depression
 New Deal Network - http://newdeal.feri.org/classrm/classdmr.htm
This is an incredible site that gives huge amounts of background knowledge about the
Great Depression and the New Deal projects started by Franklin Roosevelt and supported
by his wife Eleanor. There are sections on art during the time, letters from children
written to Mrs. Roosevelt, primary documents, photographs, lessons/projects, and many
others. This site is invaluable in the study of Eleanor Roosevelt‘s life and times.
Site Glow: Very easy to navigate and includes a moderated discussion list for those
interested in participating.
Site Grow: The site contains so much information that it may be overwhelming. Some
of the historical documents are hard to understand without some prior knowledge.
 Unknown Race
 Bee Angel‘s favorite family Recipes: Great Depression Recipes http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/1918/great.html?
This site contains great recipes used during the Great Depression that were handed
down from the author‘s mother. There are various categories including: meats, breads,
cookies and candies, pastries, preserves and jams, casseroles, desserts, salads, pastas, and
seafood. All recipes are well written with easy to follow directions.
Site Glow: Some of the recipes have short memories or other personal comments that
give insight into the author‘s childhood.
Site Grow: There is no way to authenticate the recipes and their actual time period of
use.
 African American
 Underground Railroad Quilt Code http://educ.queensu.ca/~fmc/may2004/Underground.html
This is a site about Ozella Williams, an African American woman who
lives in South Carolina who makes and sells quilts. She was told the
story of the Underground Railroad Quilt Code by her mother and
continues to tell the story to others. There are many quilt square
illustrations with explanations of their meanings. There is also a link
to a site with more extensive historical background on the
Underground Railroad and its use of quilts for direction.
Site Glow: There are awesome how-to instructions on creating some
of the actual quilt squares using paper or cloth.
Site Grow: The site is a little stark and could be more visually
appealing
 Frederick Douglass National Historic Site; Virtual Museum Exhibit http://www.nps.gov/history/museum/exhibits/douglass/
This site showcases Frederick Douglass' life at Cedar Hill, Anacostia, Southeast
Washington, D.C., his last home. His personal belongings, home furnishings, books,
photographs of family and friends can be seen where Douglass and his family used them.
They provide a unique insight into his personal and public life, family, home, and
interests.
Site Glow: A wealth of pictures helps give a vivid look at life during Frederick‘s time
Site Grow: Some of the language is above the comprehension of some third grade
students and should be visited and interpreted with the help of a parent. Some of the
pictures are repetitive and seem to have little to do with the subject.
 The National Archives: Teaching with Documents: The Fight for Equal Rights:
Black Soldiers in the Civil War http://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/blacks-civil-war/
This is a great site to learn about African American involvement in the Civil War as
soldiers and support personnel. There are primary documents, activities and lesson plans,
as well as numerous links to further information. Numbers of people that served, specific
pay, problems peculiar to African American troops and other topics are fully
documented.
Site Glow: Great pictures of primary documents as well as detailed analysis and
descriptions of the time.
Site Grow: The articles are sometimes written in a dry historical manner that needs to be
waded through with some effort.
 All Races of American Women
 Women‘s Suffrage Movement - http://www.42explore2.com/suffrage.htm
Phenomenal site designed specifically for students to better explore and learn about
the history of women‘s rights in America. It contains hundreds of links to specific topics
within the movement including: pictures, biographies of participants, sites designed by
kids and more. There are some great activities to complete that help cement the various
pieces of the puzzle together.
Site Glow: Written in various degrees of difficulty, thus allowing for differentiation.
Well organized and easy to navigate.
Site Grow: The site itself contains very little information, but serves as a compendium
of sites that together provide the different pieces of the puzzle that represented the
women‘s suffrage movement.
 Latino Hispanic and other Races of Farm Workers
 UFW: The Official Website - http://www.ufw.org/
This is the official site of the United Farm Workers Union founded by Cesar Chavez
and still active today. It details what the union does, did, and wants to accomplish.
There are sections on research, Cesar Chavez, Current Issues, Creating Change, and
Organizing. Each article gives detailed information about problems farm workers face
and the solutions they suggest.
Site Glow: Current up-to-date information that directly relates to the past, especially
Cesar Chavez.
Site Grow: Some of the writing is inflammatory and possibly inappropriate for young
children – parental oversight should be used.
 Latino Hispanic
 CBS Sunday Morning: Stirring the Nations Melting Pot: Assimilating And
Americanizing Latinos In The United States http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/30/sunday/main1847500.shtml
This site provides a specific article from the Los Angeles Times about current
concerns for Hispanic immigrants. It also provides links to interactive activities about
Immigration and Naturalization and The Nation We Live In. This is a great way to learn
about the processes Hispanics must go through to become citizens as well as current
issues they are dealing with in the United States.
Site Glow: The interactive sites give great charts, graphs, details, and statistics not only
about the Hispanic population in America, but all populations of immigrants and nonimmigrants.
Site Grow: The primary site contains links to many other subjects, some of which may
be inappropriate for children. Parental oversight is necessary.
Annotated Picture Book Website List
 Native American
o Native American authors of children’s picture books: Cynthia Leitich
Smith http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/CLS/about_cyn.html
This young adult‘s author‘s website includes her books as well as resources related to
the entire body of children's literature. She is a Native American writer, with
embedded as well as distinct, authentic cultural plots woven into her literary works.
This site contains interviews with illustrators, original articles and words of
encouragement for young writers. It includes her strong stand on censorship and the
right to read for all young readers, no matter the age and ethnicity. It has been chosen a
great website for kids because of its words of advice for young readers and writers by
the American Library Association.
Site Glow: Along with promoting her own Native American books, she promotes
other diverse cultures as well, giving them equal attention and space on her site.
Site Grow: It is aesthetically pleasing, comprehensive for adults and young adults, and
easy to navigate. Adding space for younger aspiring writers would be the only grow to
improve this site. However, it is powerful as is to her intended audience.
 Caucasian
o Writing Children's Picture Books: The Purple Crayon
http://www.underdown.org/
This adult intended site grants advice and how –tos for aspiring authors and illustrators of
children‘s books. Compiled by a book editor himself, he includes articles contributed by
other people covering writing, illustrating, marketing, and editing. Also included are
workshops and seminars available for such aspirations.
Site Glow: For adults with hidden aspirations of entering this competitive field, the
information listed is appropriate, authentic, and useful.
Site Grow: The need for creating diverse literature was not argued, stressed, or even
mentioned. Since exposure to diversity is in the best interest of our students, he misses an
important piece of advice for newcomers and wanna- bees.
 Diverse
o Children’s picture books: Celebrating Cultural Diversity Through
Children's Literature
This site contains annotated bibliographies for several cultural groups: African American,
Chinese American, Latino/Hispanic American, Japanese American, Jewish
American, Native American, and Korean American. Books are sorted by genre: realistic
fiction, information (non-fiction), traditional literature, biography, historical fiction,
poetry, and fantasy. Links on the site contain usable, related information for elementary
school teachers. Colorful photographs represent the various landscape of multicultural
literature available.
Site Glow: Photographs of collected, different groups of books provide the reader with a
visual stimulus.
Site Grow: Links to purchase listed books can be on the site, but I feel it sends an
inappropriate message to young readers when these links are centered and foremost under
the hand collected, captivating photographs. The child- friendly links are subordinate
below them.
 European – Scandinavian American
o Scandinavian children’s picture books and teaching: Home Schooling and
Frugal Living on One Income
http://happyheartsathome.blogspot.com/2008/03/printablescandinavian-childrens.html
This site is compiled by a homeschooling mom who lists many Scandinavian fairy tales
in English. Some of her links are entire books available to download, and some contain
lesson plans written by the authors of combined texts. Most are from anthology type
readers with direct teaching techniques. The site also includes frugal recipe links, bargain
store links, and remodeling yourself links.
Site Glow: This site provides homeschooling moms with material that creates awareness
and individuality among children.
Site Grow: This site fails to give the viewer a feeling of the importance of diverse
literature to children and homeschooling moms, as it is displayed along with subjects of
saving money and doing things yourself.
 Asian American
o Asian American picture books: Powerful Asian –American Images
Revealed in Picture Books
http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professionaldevelopment/childlit/ChildrenLit/asian.html
This colorful 1-image website includes books chosen because of their realistic images of
Asian and Asian- American children in picture books. With a stereotyped cartoon image
at the top, it follows with an argument for cultural realism. It contains a lengthy,
alphabetized list of books that gives the reader many options, complete with the publisher
and date published. Most of the books have a publishing date of 10-20 years prior.
Site Glow: Seeing all of the books listed at a glance, using only 1 line each, gives the
reader or viewer a quick peek into recommendations when the author or the title is
already known.
Site Grow: The contrast between image and text contradict each other visually as well as
conceptually. One does not support the other. More though should have been put into the
visual aid, if indeed the aim is to persuade. No links are provided.
 African American and Native American
o African American and Native American children’s literature: The Fun*
Zone
http://www.jervislibrary.org/KidsCorner/FamilyFun.html
Sprinkled with links that entertain children that have no relevance to the subject of
diversity, this site‘s intention is to provide students with a multicultural list of trade books
found in the children‘s section of the library. Its home page is titled the Info Zone, with
homework tip links and links to cross curricular subject help and multicultural literature.
Site Glow: This site has quick links that students can use with ease: reference links for
facts, international language dictionaries and ethnic almanacs, along with trade books
students can find in the public library.
Site Grow: Although meant to entertain, the site needs to keep only the applicable links.
There are many that entice kids to stay online, but do not add to any knowledge or
interest of multicultural books. Some completely take children off focus of the reason
they came to the site.
 Jewish American
o Using Jewish picture books to teach children: Using Picture Books to
Introduce Children to the Holocaust
http://www.fiveowls.com/holocaust.htm
This website is an introduction and promotion of The Five Owls, a quarterly publication
devoted to the field of children's literature. The publicized periodical is a mixture of book
reviews, articles about books and reading, and interviews with leading authors,
illustrators, and other people whose outstanding contributions shape the future of
children's books. Specifically noted in the website and in the periodical are picture books
about the Holocaust that have an impact on all, adults as well as children, and should be
used to inform all. It is the stance taken that children can handle the portraits and
information from picture books about the Holocaust, and for many reasons, they need to
know.
Site Glow: The in-depth documentation of specific reading themes provides the reader
with accurate portrayals of chosen subjects.
Site Grow: The text is written without any graphics to give the reader time and aid to
absorb the information. It is exhaustive and unattractive. Use of graphic elements needs
to be implemented.
 Hispanic American
o Children’s Picture Books and Hispanic Americans: Annotated Bibliography
of Children's Literature focusing on Latino people, history, and culture
http://clnet.ucla.edu/Latino_Bibliography.html
This bibliography website includes resources for adults as well as children, set up into 2
distinct sections. It begins with an introduction stating several reasons why authentic and
sensitive diverse literature should be available for children. The site then follows with an
annotated list of supporting literature for each. Latinos are specific after a more general
ethnic introduction.
Site Glow: The readings cited and annotated for adults and teachers highlight several
writings stating that too many stereotypes and misconceptions are being written about
Mexican- Americans, and that some literature specifically listed in the journal article or
book should not be allowed to perpetuate children. This is usable, concrete information
for educators.
Site Grow: This bibliography is by no means comprehensive. It seems to date literature
that is not current. After such a meaningful introduction, the site falls short by listing
dated recommendations of annotated books. This does not seem to support the
argument stated earlier.
 Native American
o Native Americans and Children’s Literature: American Indians in Today’s
Literature
http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/
This informative site provides a unique picture of American Indians from a
knowledgeable Native parent and former schoolteacher. It is an entourage of children‘s
books reviews, sources for practitioners, and cited announcements and news pertaining to
Native Americans. Its purpose is to educate about the Native American culture.
Site Glow: This website contains full length copy of applicable journal articles relating to
the Native Americans and their contributions to language arts to all adults who would not
normally have access to such articles.
Site Grow: This is an adult or secondary education tool containing vast text with no or
little graphic interest. I would like to see children‘s interests incorporated into the site to
better authentically educate our students, rather than only hearing this information from
teachers and parents.
 African American
o African American Children’s Books: Kids Know-It-All
http://www.hcpl.net/booklists/AfricanAmericanChildrens.htm
This comprehensive website presents links to all aspects of literary resources. It includes
links for students – school tips, curriculum references, games and jokes, as well as links
for teachers and parents. Awards for (African American) authors, booklists, and web
quests are major components of the site. Although written for one local library, its
contents contain no geographic boundaries.
Site Glow: This site has vast usable lists for children including 75 authors and illustrators
every student should know, and 100 picture books everyone should know, putting dozens
of award winning literature titles (grouped into ethnic groups is desired) at a glance.
Site Grow: With every click to a new website, the library has written a disclaimer for the
reader. Unfortunately, the site‘s safety cannot be controlled with so many links to other
websites.
Annotated (Traditional/Fantasy/Folktales) Website List
 African – Afro: Myths & Fables
o www.afro.com/children/myths/myths.html
This site provides a variety of African fables from around the continent. It also features a
vast array of games, brain teasers and fun facts about Africa. This site is free of outside
links and is a great resource for students to use to actually read a various African myths
and fables.
Site Glow: Site provides colorful illustrations for each fable. The folktales are not
presented in long paragraphs but in short sentences as if you were actually reading a
physical book which will definitely appeal to young readers.
Site Grow: Site required specific downloads (Adobe Shockwave Player) for the games
that students may not be able to download due to restrictions on school computers.
 Native American – Planet Oz Kids
o http://www.planetozkids.com/oban/legends.htm
Planet Oz Kids presents a vibrant interactive site for kids to learn about the traditional
myths and folktales present in the Native American culture. It also provides important
background information concerning the difference between myths, legends, and fables
that would definitely help students. The site also offers a section that provides more
information (animal habitats, basic facts, endangered animals, etc) about the different
animals that are commonly seen in Native American folktales.
Site Glow: Site also offers educational crossword puzzles and games that can be used to
help build students‘ vocabulary.
Site Grow: Site has several outside links (Google Ads) that students may be tempted to
click on and can be potentially be directed to an inappropriate link. Teachers must
definitely check links before allowing students to freely roam on site.
 Multicultural: Cinderella Stories WebQuest
o www2.visalia.k12.ca.us/teachers/kcoulter/docs/Cinderella.htm
This Cinderella Stories website is an actual WebQuest that explains that there are many
versions of the traditional Cinderella story. The WebQuest provides numerous activities
for students to explore independently or in groups concerning the tale of Cinderella. The
site also provides several links to additional sites were more information can be gathered
to complete the webquest.
Site Glow: It is a completed webquest with diverse activities that will truly engage a
variety of students.
Site Grow: Tons of information is presented and is not visually appealing for elementary
students. Also the site definitely requires teacher to thoroughly investigate all links on the
site and all assignments to ensure that they are appropriate for his/her class.
 Multicultural: Folktales Writer‘s Workshop
o http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/folktalewshop_index.htm
Scholastic offers students a website that will guide through each stage of the writing
process. On this site students are able to first learn background information about the
genre then they are invited to write their own folktales. Students are also able to read
various folktales online to aid them in the writing process.
Site Glow: Site guides students through each step of the writing process. Students are
also able to publish their writing online and read other students‘ writing that has been
published.
Site Grow: Site has several additional links and pages that many students may be
tempted to explore instead of focusing on the writing task.
 Multicultural: International Children‘s Library
o www.childrenslibrary.org
Website is an online library system that allows you to search for books by genre, subject
or title. The books are presented as if you were reading an actual physical copy of the
book. The site also gives the origin of each folktale and allows the user to change the
language of the information presented.
Site Glow: Great resource for both teachers and students with limited library resources.
The site also offers you the option of signing up for a virtual library card.
Site Grow: May require significant guidance from an adult for the lower elementary
student as site is not completely kid friendly.
 European: A Europe of Tales
o www.europeoftales.net
Europe of Tales is a website that offers interactive stories from six regions in Ancient
Europe. Students are able to read about wealth, power, and love in each of the legends.
The site had great illustrations and sound that accompany each tale.
Site Glow: Each folktale is accompanied with a dictionary, map, additional information
and even tasks for students to use and complete as they read the tales.
Site Grow: The download of the tales can be rather slow (depending on the computer)
and the download requires a specific software program to be installed on the computer.
Both issues might arise on school computers more frequently than other computers.
 Filipino: Philippines Corner
o www.ncca.gov.ph/pambata/childrenscorner.htm
Site provides substantial background information about the Philippines in a kid friendly
manner. Students can learn about national symbols, hear music, tour landmarks and even
read a plethora of Filipino folktales. The site is very vibrant and easy to navigate.
Site Glow: All links on the site are kid friendly and go back to the original site. Site is
very aesthetically appealing for young children.
Site Grow: The children characters on the site appear as if they are actually talking (their
mouths move) but they do not talk. All information is presented in text boxes. It would be
a great improvement is the characters also talked in addition to the text boxes. This will
definitely help struggling readers to be able to follow along with the text.
 Multicultural: Storybook of Kids, by Kids, for Kids
o www.kids-space.org/story/story.html
The site contains a collection of original folktales (and even other genres of literature)
written by children from around the world. The folktales are characterized by location of
origin. The site also provides additional background information that helps to define what
exactly a folktale is.
Site Glow: Very easy to navigate and is visually appealing to children. Students can also
submit their own tale for publishing. Site also provides the young authors email addresses
which could open the door for the creation of class pen pals.
Site Grow: Limited number of folktales provided from South America and Africa in
comparison to the other locations on the site.
 African American: Gullah Net
o www.knowitall.org/gullahnet/
On this website students can explore information about the Gullah culture, history,
language, traditions and also listen to Gullah music and folktales. The website is beautiful
and well organized. It provides an abundance of background information about the
culture.
Site Glow: Folktales are narrated by a lively character Aunt Pearly Sue. Students can
choose to listen to the stories in English or Gullah while reading the English text on
screen.
Site Grow: Site does not allow for readers to pause the story while reading/listening to
the folktales. Being able to pause the story would be especially helpful to young readers.
 American: American Folklore
o www.americanfolklore.net
The folklore site contains retellings of American folktales, Native American myths and
legends, as well as tall tales. Site is organized into a variety of categories including
Canadian folklore and Mexican folklore that provide additional folktales from the
specified culture. Site is a great resource for both teachers and students interested in
learning more about different types of folktales.
Glow: For each category of folktales there are at least twenty stories on the site. Offers a
great variety of literature!
Grow: Site is very text heavy which may not appeal to elementary aged students. Also
has links to other sites that may not be age appropriate for students.
Website Database
Children’s Realistic Fiction
1. Children’s Realistic Fiction Books:
www.mapsofworld.com/referrals/books/non-fiction-books.childrensrealistic-fiction-books.html
Summary: The site explains characteristics of the genre of realistic fiction for
children and explains details representative of this genre. Some examples of
books in this genre are given. Important issues usually brought up in the plots
of realistic fiction books are described.
Glow: The website does a very good job of explaining the genre of realistic
fiction for children and listing important characteristics.
Grow: Though the website gives some examples of realistic fiction, few are
provided. Additional titles might give readers of the site additional resources
for realistic fiction texts.
2. Agate Books: www.agatebooks.com/children-books/realistic-fiction.html
Summary: This site gives examples and summaries of several realistic fiction
children’s books. The books are explained with themes, giving the reader a
reference of what issues are addressed within each book. Information about
the genre of realistic fiction is not provided.
Glow: The site provides excellent summaries of some realistic fiction books
that would be a great addition to any teacher’s classroom library.
Grow: The site gives no information about the genre itself other than the
explanation of the plot of individual novels.
3. Realistic/Contemporary Fiction Grades 6-8:
http://haworth.org/realistic.html
Summary: The site gives a short explanation of the meaning of realistic fiction
and explains it is also known as contemporary fiction. The site divides
realistic fiction into several types based on issues addressed within books,
and examples of books are listed under each type. The format of the site
makes it easy for a reader to search for books under a particular topic.
Glow: The site gives a synopsis of a large number of realistic fiction texts,
particularly aimed toward grades 6 through 8. This site would be particularly
helpful for a middle school educator.
Grow: The site could provide a more comprehensive definition of realistic
fiction that may be more helpful to some readers and teachers. In addition,
the way in which realistic fiction is divided into types on the site seems to
insinuate that these are the only issues found in realistic fiction, but this is not
the case.
4. Contemporary Fiction Audiobooks for Children and Young Adults:
www.surfnetkids.com/audiobooks/contemporary_fiction/
Summary: This site has links to realistic fiction audio books to which students
can listen. Audio books must be bought in order to be listened to, but free
samples are provided so that the reader may listen to a portion of the text
before buying. A list of more than twenty-five books are available to purchase.
Glow: Audio books are an excellent resource for auditory learners, and a
teacher may choose to buy one of the audio books for use within the
classroom.
Grow: More audio books provided on a younger level would be extremely
beneficial to elementary teachers. (Most provided now are on a middle-school
content and reading level.)
5. Vandergrift’s Children’s Literature Page:
http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professionaldevelopment/childlit/ChildrenLit/
Summary: This site gives an explanation of the importance of literature in a
child’s life, and it also explains various types of literature. One of these types
is Modern Realistic Fiction, and several questions are asked to explore the
characteristics and current use of Realistic Fiction. Links are provided to
sources of possible answers to these questions.
Glow: The site, written from an education student’s point of view, makes a
fairly solid case for the importance of literature in a student’s learning
experience.
Grow: Although the site opens a variety of interesting issues by questions it
asks about each genre, including realistic fiction, it really does not do
anything to resolve these questions and provide a great deal of further
information about these issues.
6. A Quick Guide to Contemporary and Historical Realistic Fiction:
www.mindspring.com/~stct42/edu/cont_hist.html
Summary: This site gives a thorough explanation of the meaning of realistic
fiction. It also explains the particular characteristics of Contemporary and
Historical realistic fiction. Examples of both historical realistic fiction and
contemporary realistic fiction are provided.
Glow: This site gives an excellent list of realistic fiction texts! The list is
extensive and will be useful to teachers for reference as they build their
classroom library and plan instruction.
Grow: The site provides good information but is not visually stimulating; no
colors or pictures are used, and the design is quite simple.
7. National Center for the Study of Children’s Literature:
http://childlit.sdsu.edu/index.html
Summary: This site is created and maintained by San Diego State University’s
Department of English and Comparative Literature. The site includes
information on the programs about Children’s literature, but it also describes
some categories of children’s literature, including realistic fiction.
Glow: Book reviews are provided on hundreds of texts! Information provided
in each review includes books synopsis, author biographical information, and
purchasing information.
Grow: The site could provide a visual image of the book jacket on the reviews
that would make it easier for teachers to identify.
8. Children’s Literature Association: www.childlitassn.org
Summary: This site gives information about conferences, publications, and
awards in the field of children’s literature. Professional opportunities are
presented, and announcements about current Children’s Literature
Association news are provided as well. The scholarly resources section has
information on genres of children’s literature and links to book lists.
Glow: The site provides links to many other sites to get a range of views of
different types of children’s literature, including realistic fiction.
Grow: The site is not visually pleasing, particularly considering its content of
children’s literature. Making the site more viewer friendly to readers might
encourage more visitors to the site.
9. Library Thing: Realistic Fiction:
www.librarything.com/tag/realistic+fiction
Summary: The site provides a list of often used realistic fiction for children.
Examples of book jackets of texts are provided. Site readers can follow the
link for each book or author to find more information.
Glow: The site is set up as one in which tags can be made for each text. This
will appeal to many readers and is a modern set up for a site.
Grow: The site contains book reviews by various members, which site readers
may or may not find reliable.
10. The Baldwin Online Children’s Project: The Best Online Classic
Children’s Books: www.mainlesson.com/displaybooksbytitle.php
Summary: The site gives a list of 538 books in various children’s literature
genres. A genre for each book is specified. The goal of this site is stated as
“Bringing Yesterday’s Classics to Today’s Children”. Each title link has a full
length text attached to it, so students can read the entirety of the story.
Glow: This site makes available children’s literature that would likely
otherwise not be available to students. Students can read the text for
themselves in a font that is easy to read.
Grow: Some texts on the page are listed as “in progress” and are yet to be
completed.
Websites:
1. Ethnicity: All ethnic groups
www.bibliocat.org/authors.htm The website consists of several Historical Fiction
book authors. Each author has his/her own website icon you can click on and go
right to that particular website.
Glow: This is a great website for kids to research authors. Also, some of the author‘s
websites feature resources for teachers. They also mention the many books the author‘s
wrote
Grow: The graphics and set up are not that exciting at all. Everything looks very plain
on this particular website.
www.histfiction.net Is a website geared specifically to Historical Fiction.
Broken down into subtitles you have Most Viewed Authors, Most Viewed Books,
Top 10 Current Best Seller Books of Historical Fiction, Editors Choice, and a
direct link to purchase these books right off of amizon.com. The website even
has a top ten Historical Fiction DVD list.
Glow: The website has everything you would want geared toward Historical
Fiction
Grow: The only drawback I see with this website is that it has nothing for kids.
This website is geared for your very serious reader.
teacher.scholastic.com/lessonrepro/lessonplans/instructor/social1.htm I
particularly like this website. It has something for everyone; teachers, parents,
administrators, kids, librarians, and even new teachers. The website is very easy
to navigate through. Even younger children could navigate through this website
on their own.
Glow: The website is wonderful, what more can I say. The Scholastic website
even has something for Leadership for Administrators. Also, the website is very
kid friendly.
Grow: I don‘t have any complaints with this website.
4. Ethnicity: African American
www.historicaltextarcheive.com A website that has an extensive number of
books and articles about African American History. This website also lists how
many times each article or book has been read or looked at. Their topic list is
also very strong.
Glow: I feel this website‘s books and articles touch on almost every area of
African American History. The website also offers historical books and articles
for other ethnic groups as well, ethnic groups such as Latin Americans, Indians,
Chinese, and Mexican‘s.
Grow: The designer of the website needs to improve the graphics of the site.
www.gilderlehrman.org The Gilder Lehrman website deals with American
History. The website touches on The Founding Era, Slavery and Abolition, The
Civil War Era, Abraham Lincoln, Westward Expansion, Immigration, Early 20th
Century, Great Depression and WWII. The Gilder Lehrman website also has
podcast of lectures by different Historians. It offers resources for teachers,
schools, and students. The website has documents and exhibitions, posters,
books, journals etc.
Glow: The Gilder Lehrman website is a very well put together website. It is for
the most part easy to navigate through. The graphics of the site are impeccable.
The podcast stream for the different lectures is excellent as well.
Grow: The Gilder Lehrman website would only be beneficial to high school
students and above. The websites teacher resources are also only geared to high
school teachers.
www.timeforkids.com TIME Magazine‘s website for kids is a fun website for
kids to visit. Kids can play games; look through the latest issue of TIME For
Kids magazine online. The website is geared to kids from Kindergarten to Sixth
grade. If you type Historical Fiction Books in the search box a couple of books
come up. The website also offers mini-lessons for students to take along with
resources for teachers.
Glow: timeforkids.com is good website for kids to explore and challenge
themselves.
Grow: The website needs to offer more things geared toward reading since it is a
magazines website.
www.eduplace.com is Houghton Mifflin Harcourt‘s website for children.
Children go into the site and choose the state they live in. Next student‘s choose
the subject area and grade level they want. Different activities come up for
children to do. The graphics of the site are very kid friendly. This site even has
things for ESOL student‘s as well.
Glow: Eduplace.com is a wonderful website for students‘ in grades k-6. The
website will really keep students engaged.
Grow: The site needs to improve on how many different icons you need to click
on before you finally get to where you want to go.
8. Ethnicity: Hispanic
www.42explore2.com is a website is specifically geared to Hispanic Americans.
The website is comprised of many different websites all geared to Hispanic
Americans. 42explore2.com has websites that have web quest, books,
bibliographies, and site for kids as well. Anything you want to know about
Hispanic Americans is at this site.
Glow: 42explore2.com covers all areas of Hispanic culture.
Grow: The site needs to shorten their other websites list a bit.
9. Ethnicity: Chinese
www.chsa.org/learning CHSA stands for Chinese Historical Society of America.
CHSA is also a museum and learning center. Their website offers books, films,
articles, and journals all related to the Chinese culture. The website even offers
information for Curriculum Development for teachers.
Glow: The Chinese Historical Society of America website is an informative
website. CHSA offers a wide variety of resources.
Grow: A lot of information stated on this website, you can‘t get unless you visit
the museum.
10. Ethnicity: Native American
www.native-languages.org/kids The website is designed by a nonprofit
organization called, ―Native Languages of the Americas.‖ The website offers
many facts about American Indians in general, but in the question and answer
format for kids, which makes them easy to read. The website also gives you
information about every Indian Tribe, and I do mean every Tribe. There are
other website links you can click on and get books, posters, articles, movies, read
folk and Traditional stories etc.
Glow: What can I say this is a ―very‖ informative website with many resources
for you to use.
Grow: They really need some illustrations, animations, and games or something
for kids. The website gives an explanation of why they don‘t have these things
but they really need. Kids get bored very quickly.
Annotated Poetry Website List
1. Poetry for Kids: “Kenn Nesbitt's Funny Poetry Playground” –
http://www.poetry4kids.com
This website is a ―kid friendly‖ site that introduces children to poetry through
humor, games, activities, contests and other cool things for kids. It also provides children
with rhyming dictionary to help them to create their own poems. This website is very
interactive in that it provides its viewers access to surveys, blogging sites as well as a
subscription to poetry4kids newsletters. This website would be appropriate for early
elementary grades, K-2
Site Glow: It is a great introductory website for children in that it is ―kid friendly‖ with
all its color and illustrations. The poems are easy to read and humorous. The website also
provides students with many avenues to explore poetry. It introduces them to a poet,
allows them to blog with others about poetry and provides resources for them to create
their own poetry.
Site Grow: The website would have more beneficial to children if they provided poetry
of not just humor i.e. more serious or realistic topics. This would give them an
understanding as poetry as a means of expressing thoughts and feelings.
Ethnic Group: All
2. Native American Culture: Poems and Essay http://www.ewebtribe.com/NACulture/poetry.htm
This website is composed of poems and essays on Native American culture. It
also gives us access to learn more about their art, foods, various tribes, famous people,
issues and concerns and much more. This website would be appropriate for higher
elementary grades up until high school.
Site Glow: This site is great in that not only does it use poetry to teach about Native
American Culture; it provides much more inside into their lives from their perspective.
It‘s also loaded with information. The illustrations are also beautiful and insightful.
Site Grow: The font size and color can be difficult to read and the words are bunched
together.
Ethnic Group: Native Americans
3. Paul Laurence Dunbar: Life, Contributions and Poemshttp://www.dunbarsite.org//default.asp
This website is a biography on the life of a famous, historical, African American Poet. It
provides a list of all his poems, the poet‘s biography, pictures and links to website for
lesson plans and other relevant sites.
Site Glow: The site is wonderful insight to an African American‘s life during and after
slavery. In some of the poetry, Dunbar uses the language of African American of this
historical time. The pictures also help to paint pictures for the poems.
Site Grow: The language of some of the poems as well as the site may be difficult for
some students to understand. Teachers must make sure to provide the appropriate
guidance for students to be able to grasp the information and language used. They should
read by fourth grade students and up.
Ethnic Group: African American
4. Joanne Griffin: Poetry for Subjectshttp://www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/JGriffin/gazillion.cfm
This website is composed of different ideas for teachers to use in the classroom. It‘s full
of creative materials and resources to help teachers be creative in delivering lessons
across all subjects. The website includes poetry to incorporate into teaching all subjects.
There are poems about the solar system, dinosaurs, butterfly‘s life cycle, goods and
services, shapes, mathematical terminology and much more.
Site Glow: The site not only offers poetry and resources to teach poetry, it has creative
resources for teaching all subjects in the classroom. If also allows the viewers to
communicate with the creator via blogging and email.
Site Grow: The sites resources are only available on the third grade level.
Ethnic: American
5. Janet Wong- Children’s Poet and Authorhttp://www.janetwong.com/index.cfm
This website is about Janet Wong‘s own website including her biography, her
contributions and a list of her poems and audio of her reading them. The website informs
us about her scheduled appearances and how we can contact her. There is also a form
where you can order books.
Site Glow: The wonderful part about this website is that it allows students to listen to
poetry actually being read. This is beneficial in that it demonstrates how poetry can be
and should be read. Also, her poetry is infused with Chinese culture from the language to
the stories she tells. This is great for introducing students to new culture.
Site Grow: There can be some difficulty reading the site because of the size of the font
and the background color.
Ethnic: Chinese-American
6. Poetry Teachers: How to teach poetry, poetry theatres and poetry activitieshttp://www.poetryteachers.com/index.html
This website is a ―kid friendly‖ website that provides students and teachers with
resources that introduces students to poetry in a fun way. It is full of colorful illustrations
that are appealing to kids. It also has links to other websites that would be helpful to
teachers.
Site Glow: The topics of the poems, I thought would be very beneficial because a lot of
them were related to teachers, and classroom topics. Because of this, it would be easy for
the teacher to incorporate them into a daily routine. It doesn‘t necessarily have to be a
lesson taught.
Site Grow: Although the site was very ―kid friendly‖, it still should explain to students
the purpose of poetry and provide a more realistic view of poetry as well.
Ethnic: American
7. The Children’s Poetry Archive: Poets and Poemshttp://www.poetryarchive.org/childrensarchive/poemsHome.do
The website is also a ―kid friendly‖ website that students can maneuver through to find
out about different poets and their poetry. It provides poems and audio so that students
can hear the poem being read. It provides Question and Answer for the poets and a search
engine for students to find poetry.
Site Glow: The site is great in that it introduces students to different poets and their
poetry. It allows students to ask questions and get to know the author‘ purpose.
Site Grow: The information about the authors is a little wordy and may be difficult for
students on lower reading levels.
Ethnic: American
8. Young Poets: Poetry written by childrenhttp://www.loriswebs.com/youngpoets/
This website is a full of poetry written by children all over the world. There are young
poets for England, USA, Hong Kong, India and more. It provides children with literary
resources to help them with their writing and it also provides links to fun games for
students.
Site Glow: This site is great in that it provides students access to poetry from all around
the world. This could be used to introduce students to different countries and cultures.
Site Grow: The site is wonderful for kids however; it does not provide resources that
would be useful to an educator beyond the site itself.
Ethnic: All
9. Mary Ann Hoberman: Poet’s Websitehttp://www.maryannhoberman.com/index.html
This website is all about the famous children‘s poet, Mary Ann Hoberman. It includes a
biography, her contributions to the field and a list of her poems. The website is ―kid
friendly‖ and great for teaching kids about poets as well as poetry. The website
introduces students to literary terminology such as haiku, alliteration and repetition and
provides examples of them in her poetry.
Site Glow: It is great to introduce students to poets as well as poetry. Also, I think it‘s
great that she includes literary terminology pertaining to poetry and provides examples in
her poetry.
Site Grow: The site is very short and does not include enough information.
Ethnic: American
10. Shel Silverstein- Children’s Poethttp://www.shelsilverstein.com/html/home.html
This website is a ―kid-friendly website that provides students with information about the
poet as well as his poetry. It has a biography on Silverstein and information on his
contributions to children‘s literature. It also provides activities for students and resources
for teachers to use.
Site Glow: It‘s not only a great site in its ―kid friendly words and illustrations, it also
includes fun animation. I also like that there are resources included for the teacher.
Site Grow: The only difficulty with this site is that it may be difficult to maneuver
through due to it having so many icons to click on and some of the writings are in very
small font.
Ethnic: American
1) Inventors: Biographies- The Black Inventor Online Museum
http://www.blackinventor.com/
This website recognizes many of the African American inventors. The African
American inventors that are included worked in fields of science, education,
agriculture, technology, and many more. The site lists the inventors in alphabetical
order by last name.
Site Glow: provides a great, detailed list of African American inventors, provides
details on the inventors life and invention
Site Grow: minimal advertisements, but it does have a few in the middle of each
biography
2) Inventors: Biographies- American Inventors
http://www.american-inventor.com/
The website boast great American inventors and a brief biography on each inventor. It
lists 12 inventors on the first page with links to their biographies. There is also a link at
the top called ―Inventor Links‖, which provides more web sites and information.
Site Glow: very aesthetically pleasing and user friendly, great reference for basic list of
inventors
Site Grow: it could list more inventors
3) Inventors: Biographies- Famous Black Inventors- A Rich Heritage Gives Way to
Modern Ingenuity
http://www.black-inventor.com/
The website provides a great introduction to famous African American inventors. Also
provided on the first page is a list of 19 African American inventors. The website also
provides other websites as resources for more AFrican American inventors, women
inventors, and other resources.
Site Glow- very informative website on African American inventors, great links to
other inventor websites
Site Grow- could provide more inventors, could have a list of the inventions then the
inventors
4) Inventors: Biographies- Inventor Biographies, The Great Idea Finder
http://www.ideafinder.com/history/of_inventors.htm
This website categorizes their lengthy list of inventors in alphabetical order by the
inventor‘s last name. You are able to click on the letter of the inventor‘s last name to
find that inventor. Also, it lists the invention on that first inventor list.
Site Glow- long list of inventors, provides a biography and timeline of each inventor,
provides a list of historic and recent inventions, such as the iPod
Site Grow- lots of ads, could look more professional on the first page
5) Inventors: Biographies- The Lemelson Center, Simthsonian
http://invention.smithsonian.org/home/
The Lemelson Center is at the Smithsonian Museum of American History and opened
in 1995. The center highlights inventors, inventions, and wants to inspire other young
people to follow their creativity. The website includes lists of inventors and inventions,
as well as events at the center and video/audio resources.
Site Glow- very informative website, extensive list of inventors/ inventions, includes
modern inventions, has website short cuts for students, teachers, historians, and
inventors
Site Grow- almost too much information, can be overwhelming if just looking for facts
6) Inventors: Biographies- Invent Now, National Invention Hall of Fame Foundation
http://www.invent.org/
The website connects historical inventors with modern day inventors. The ―Hall of
Fame‖ section inducts inventors that are nominated by the public and their peers.
Viewers can search the database of inventors by their name, invention, induction date,
or decade.
Site Glow- aesthetically complete, user friendly, also includes information about an
invention camp
Site Grow- it takes a little while to find your way around the website, could be more
user friendly
7) Inventors: Biographies- Fact Monster: Science, A Guide to Inventions and
Discoveries
http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0004637.html
This website is a very kids friendly guide to inventors and inventions. The main page
has a list of inventors and inventions in alphabetical order. Many inventions are easy
for students to identify.
Site Glow- very informative site and user friendly, great graphics and facts
Site Grow- when you click on an invention- it gives you the definition and maybe the
inventor, it could do a better job linking the inventions and inventors
8) Inventors: Biographies- Famous Women Inventors
http://www.women-inventors.com/
This website explains a history of women as inventors. It recognizes the fact that
women had to break out of the stereotypes and follow their imagination. The website
lists 19 women inventors on the left hand side of the main page.
Site Glow- highlights 19 important women and their inventions, also includes a link to
InventHelp, where other people can get help on creating inventions
Site Grow- the site could list a few more women inventors, it could also include more
on how women struggled to get patents
9) Inventors: Biographies- Greatest Inventions, The Evolution of Man Through History
http://library.thinkquest.org/C002942/home.shtml
This website encourages people to look at American inventions through history to see
how people have become more industrialized. It lists inventors and inventions from the
printing press to DVDs. One of the links on the ―wheel‖ takes viewers to biographies
of the inventors.
Site Glow- the website provides short biographies on the inventors as well as links to
other resources on the inventor
Site Grow- the first page could have words with the links on the ―wheel‖
10) Inventors: Biographies- Kids Info, Inventors and Inventions
http://www.kidinfo.com/American_History/Inventors_Inventions.html
The web site includes databases and searches for famous inventors. This is a good
general place to start when looking up biographies on inventors. I wanted to include
many of the links from this web site, but decided to include the website itself because
of the wealth of information. Some of the links include Inventors by Kids, Forgotten
Inventors, Have Fun With History, and How Stuff Works.
Site Glow- great links to other web sites on inventors and their biographies
Site Grow- the site have lots of words and it could be overwhelming with the number of
other links
 African American
o African Folktales and Fableshttp://webinstituteforteachers.org/~phudson/webquesthome.html
The website is set up like a web quest. The website allows the student to engage
in the activities on the site. It also allows the students to learn about African and different
folktales and fables from African. The website is also interactive. The students are able to
use the links to go to other websites and resources.
Site Glow-I like that the website is very colorful and draws you in. I also like that the
website has a teacher guide to go along with it, that way teachers can actually use it in the
classroom and have something for the teacher to go back to and study to make it fit for
their classroom.
Site Grow- I think that the website might be too much on one page, it seems somewhat
cluttered. The information could have been on more than one page.
 Covers a variety of ethnic groups
o American Myths and Legends at American Folklore
http://www.americanfolklore.net/myths-legends.html
The website lists different types of tall tales, myths, legends and other stories. It
also has Mexican, Native American, Latin American and Canadian folklore. The website
also has lesson plans and a section for ESL students. The website can be used for
students, parents and teachers.
Site Glow-I like that the website covers a variety of different cultures not only one. I also
like that you can find many stories within this one website.
Site Grow-I think that the website could have added a little more animation or made the
website more appealing.
o Myths, Folktales, and Fairy Tales
http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/
The website includes a variety of student activities on myths, folktales, and fairy
tales. The website includes instructions or steps on writing traditional tales. The students
can create their own stories. The website also has a writer workshop with a well known
author that the students can follow along with.
Site Glow- I like that the website had a writer‘s workshop with each of the traditional
tales and each had an author guiding the workshop. I also liked that students could go
along with the website to create their own work and also brainstorm their ideas by not
only writing but actually drawing a picture on the screen.
Site Grow- I think the website could have listed a variety of activities relating to myths,
folktales and fairy tales.
 Chinese
o Collection of Chinese Folktales
http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_artqa/2005-08/17/content_65099.htm
The website gives an overview of Chinese folktales, myths, and folk legends. It
not only gives overviews but also actual stories. The website would also be a
great resource for teachers, parents and students to learn the Chinese culture. The
pictures on the website also give a great preview to how beautiful and interesting
the Chinese culture is.
Site Glow- I like the fact that you cannot only view the folktales but also that you can
find various types of information on the Chinese cultures. I love the pictures; they really
draw you into the website.
Site Grow- The website could have looked more appealing. Also some of the
terminology might be overwhelming for some students based on the grade level.
Teachers will need to thoroughly go through the website to make sure students will
understand.
 European American
o Aesop’s Fables
http://www.umass.edu/aesop/
This website is about the classic Aesop fables. The website tells the history of
who Aesop was; it also lists some of the classic fables that were written. The stories can
be viewed and animation is shown while the story is being told on the screen.
Site Glow- I like that you are able to watch the stories. I like that they have animation as
you are reading the story.
Site Grow- Even though I like the fact that they have animation, I think that they could
have had better animations and pictures. I think some of the illustrations weren‘t
appropriate for the story or for some younger children.
 African American
o AFRO-Americ@: Kids Zone –
http://www.afro.com/children/children.html
The website focuses on Africa. It has games, a variety of brain teasers about
Africa, myths and fables from different parts of Africa. On this website you can also find
out information about different countries in African. The website also has illustrations for
the myth and fable stories on the site. I think the students would enjoy this site because it
has a variety of activities that they can participate in.
Site Glow- I like that the site is so child friendly and appealing. It makes you want to
explore everything on the website. It has a lot of important and interesting information on
the website. I really enjoyed and was amazed by this website because of the information
on it and how it is presented.
Site Grow- I think that when you are viewing the Discovering African section of the
website, I think that all of the countries should be accessible all of the time so that the
information can be seen for all the countries all the time.
 Mexican American
o Mexicohttp://www.brainpopjr.com/socialstudies/cultures/mexico/grownups.weml
The website includes background information on Mexico. This website could be
very useful for the parents and students to use at home. The website provides family
activities for the parents and the students to do at home. It also provides activities that the
teacher can use at school.
Site Glow- I like that the website provide activities that families can do together at home.
Site Grow- The website could have had free access to the entire website instead of
having parents or teachers have to subscribe in order to proceed to other activities or
resources.
 Russian
o Russian folktales –
http://russian-crafts.com/tales.html
The website includes information about Russian folktales, traditions, and Russian
foods. The website could be used for teachers to get an overview of information about the
country. They can also view some of the folktales to see what can be shared with their
students.
Site Glow- I like that the website has some information on Russian culture and also the
folktales are available so that they can be read. Russian folktales are rarely read to
children and I think that it would be interesting to hear folktales from a variety of
different cultures.
Site Grow- I think the website could have included some more information about
Russian culture and it could have also been more visually appealing.
o Types of folktaleshttp://www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/GNPS/EMB/Lizhome/typesoffolktales.htm
The website lists the different types of folktales and gives a description of each of
them. The website also lists examples of each. This website would be a good website for
teachers and students to go on before they begin to talk about traditional fantasy tales.
Site Glow- I liked that the website gave a description of each of the types of folktales. I
also liked that the website had links that lead to other helpful information.
Site Grow- The website could have included the actual stories of the different folktales
that were listed.
 Native American
o Native American Lore Indexhttp://www.ilhawaii.net/~stony/loreindx.htmlhttp://www.ilhawaii.net/~sto
ny/loreindx.html
The website lists different types of Native American folktales. It also includes brief
information about the culture of Native Americans. The website could be used as a
resource for the teacher to get examples of Native American folktales.
Site Glow-I like the abundant amount of Native American folktales that were available
on the website.
Site Grow-The website could have included more information on Native American
culture.
Genre Website
1. Puerto Rican Folktale
 Marisa Montes Children’s Books
http://www.marisamontes.com/
This website gives an overview of Marisa Montes life as an author, lists
her books, and allows future writers to submit their work for publication. The site
also highlights her poems, favorite recipes, and a children’s book database. The
author promotes buying her book on her website.
Site Glow: The site offers lots of information about the author but focuses on
ways other authors can be published.
Site Grow: The site should have been bilingual instead of having hyperlinks to
online children resources in Spanish and sites for and about Hispanics.
2. Thailand Folktale
 Margaret Read MacDonald
http://www.margaretreadmacdonald.com/index.cfm
This website is very basic to say the least. The site provides resources
about the author’s conferences, performances and festivals. This website is all
about the author who is a storyteller, folklorist, and children’s librarian. Like any
good librarian, the author has a book and media search on her website.
Site Glow: The site offers a wealth of knowledge about Margaret Read
MacDonald, the author better known as MRM.
Site Grow: The site is not interactive, nor is it visually appealing.
3. African American Folktale
 Zora Neale Hurston
http://www.zoranealehurston.com
This comprehensive site highlights the life and legacy of the GREAT Zora
Neale Hurston. This site gives an overview of her children’s books, which are
based on oral storytelling of men, women, and children from Alabama to Georgia.
Featured on the site are links about Zora Neale Hurston, and a reading guide for
her famous book Their Eyes Were Watching God.
Site Glow: The site does an awesome job outlining the life and legacy of the
GREAT Zora Neale Hurston. The site also spotlights her book “Their Eyes Were
Watching God”.
Site Grow: The site creators should give more information on her children’s book
collection by making this link more interactive.
4. Native American Folktale
 Rafe Martin and David Shannon
http://www.rafemartin.com/books.htm
This is a very simple website which offers a general overview of Martin’s
children books, adult books, a photo gallery, and contact information. The site
allows individuals to buy autograph books. The web site also has articles by the
author which tells the meaning of his books.
Site Glow: The site offers readers a brief summary about each of Martin’s books.
It also gives commentary about the books from different magazines and journals.
Site Grow: The site is difficult to navigate. The creators should have added
hyperlinks on the site that would take the individual to each summary of Martin’s
books.
5. American South (Louisiana Creole) Folktale
 Robert D. San Souci
http://www.rsansouci.com/index.htm
AWESOME!!! This resourceful site is very interactive all the way down to
the mouse. It features a book parade, fun for students, a photo albums, and
F.A.Qs. The site offers teachers lesson ideas and forms for booking the author.
Site Glow: Easy to navigate: very appealing to the eye…offers individuals links
to other folktales.
Site Grow: I found that the mouse was a little over the top of me. The flying
balls began to drive me CRAZY after being on the site for a while.
6. African Folktale
 Baba Wague’ Diakite’
http://www.babawague.com
This site gives wonderful over of the award winning artist, musician, and
storytelling author. The site gives the reader a look into the life of the author
Diakite’ as an event sponsor and his vivid artwork. The link on this website offers
information about other writers and artist.
Site Glow: I found that the site gave a great look into the life of Diakite’.
Site Grow: The news link…I really did not understand the purpose of this link.
The creators of the site put more information about other events that do not
pertain to the author.
7. African Folktale (kids zone)
http://www.afro.com/children/myths/myths.html
This is a comprehensive website, which has links that will keep the
teacher, as well as the student’s interested. This site features things from African
discovery to tales and fables. This would be a great site to introduce tales and
fables about the continent of Africa.
Site Glow: I love this site….it would be a great way for teachers to teach across
curriculum. It introduces the students to the continent of Africa as well as allows
them to be able to read many of the tales and fables.
Site Grow: The web creator should have made the countries work on the
discovery Africa. I was really bombed that not all the countries’ links worked. I
was really expecting more from this link.
8. American Folktale
http://www.americanfolklore.net
This website is a one stop shop site. It offers everything from American
tall tales to Latin American folktales. This site even offers spooky camp tales. It
also has lesson plans on the Spooky Tales Series.
Site Glow: I liked this site because it featured American Tales like Paul Bunyan.
The tall tale of Paul Bunyan can be taught cross curriculum with social studies.
Site Grow: I did not understand why the creator of the site put nursery rhymes
and tongue twisters on the website. The creators should take the time to make
the site more interactive.
9. Chinese Folktale
http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/01397/folkt.htm
This very resourceful site provides information about trickster tales, myths,
fables and fairy tales of the Chinese culture. The site explains how many
folktales and myths are depicted via the Chinese Opera. It also explains how
many of the folktales and myths are passed down via word of mouth better know
as the oral tradition.
Site Glow: The site was created by a group of boys from Jurong Primary School
in China. The site is also in Chinese and English. This is a wonderful site for
students.
Site Grow: The creators of the site should add more interactive links.
10. Swahili Folktale
http://pbskids.org/africa/tale/index.html
The resourceful site offers information about the continent of Africa from a
kid point of view. The site featured information about the thumb piano, how to
make African masks, and a Swahili Folktale. The site also offers teacher lesson
plans and a teacher guide.
Site Glow: This is a very kid friendly site. The site was created with the intent of
student use.
Site Grow: The site requires the computer to have real player.
1. Whites and Native Americans
o American West: Development of the Western states
www.americanwest.com
A site providing information about the development of the twenty two states
that formed the west, and the activities and methods used that contributed
to their success. It focuses on various ethnic groups that lived in those
states in the early years, and the expedition that paved the way for many
people to head towards the west. This is an informative site that gives
details of the rich history of the west, and the culture and customs of its
people.
Site Glow: A wealth of information about the Westward Expansion, Native
Americans, Immigrants, the Wild West, and modern western living. A great
tool which provides links to various resources that will aid readers in their
understanding of different facets of the development of the western
states.
Site Grow: Although the site specifies that it is being updated continuously,
the section entitled “Upcoming Events” has outdated information, which is
misleading. There is also a need for more pictures and graphics.
2. Blacks or African Americans
o The Underground Railroad: Runaway slaves fleeing the South
www.42explore2.com/undergrd.htm
A site providing links to designated information about the Underground
Railroad and the journey runaway slaves took as they traveled from the
South to the North and Canada. Details of important features of the
Underground Railroad are provided, along with the integral role Harriet
Tubman played. The work of students is also featured, as well as activities
that will inform and engage students, parents, and teachers in the operation
of the Underground Railroad.
Site Glow: The site provides a wealth of resources to learn from and keep
users active. Many of the activities are student friendly and appealing.
Site Grow: The homepage is bland and unattractive. Users no longer have
access to some of the links to sites provided.
3. Whites and Blacks or African American
o The Civil War: Northern and southern states at war
www.sonofthesouth.net
A resourceful tool providing tremendous amount of information about the
civil war, its impact on the country, and some of the people who played an
integral role. Readers are able to watch the stories unfold from the pages of
a weekly newspaper during the civil war. It gives great detail on the
numerous wars that took place through text and illustrations, and offers
interviews with eyewitnesses or participants of the war.
Site Glow: An overwhelming amount of information including firsthand
accounts of the war. The illustrations offered enhanced individual events,
and the method of delivery is unique. Resources can be used across
curriculums.
Site Grow: Section labeled “Introduction” should have entailed a synopsis of
how the war began. Everything offered was from the point of view of the
newspaper and persons they chose to interview, which eliminated Blacks.
Since the newspaper may have opted not to publish statements from Blacks
during that time, the site could have offered some account from their
perspective to cater to diverse audiences.
4. Blacks, Whites, and Asians
o The Holocaust: Nazi Germany’s target, torture, and
exploitation of lives
http://www.history1900s.about.com/od/holocaust/tp/holocaust.htm
A site providing a wealth of information regarding the Nazi’s territorial
conquest and treatment of the Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, the disabled, and
other classification of people whom they deemed “inferior.” It provides
dates, testimonies, documentation of concentration camps, laws, maps,
pictures, and other illustrations during the period.
Site Glow: A great deal of information provided of different events during
the Holocaust. Pictures, maps, and charts greatly enhance the site and are
good visuals for the information provided.
Site Grow: There are far too many external advertisements on some of the
pages. I think an introduction to the Holocaust including the beginning and
ending dates, those responsible, and those affected should be mentioned on
the homepage.
5. Blacks or African Americans:
o The Underground Railroad: Escape on the freedom trail.
http://pathways.thinkport.org/flash_home.cfm
A site providing details of the Underground Railroad; its creation, purpose,
signs and symbols, and accounts of slaves who used it as an escape route to
the North. A highly interactive tool with activities for teachers and
students; using questioning, maps, pictures, and definitions of key
vocabulary. It also gives information about the role the state of Maryland
played in the Underground Railroad.
Site Glow: The site is very interactive and engaging. Activities, tips and
resources suitable for teachers, parents, and students are available, and
what is not suitable for younger children is specifically stated. Maps, songs,
symbols, video clips, and listening to personal accounts, make the journey for
participants of the activities seem real.
Site Grow: I think pictures of slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad
would have enhanced the site and respective characteristics of the
Underground Railroad.
6. Asian - Japanese:
o Japanese-American Internment Camps: An account of the
United States’ treatment to Japanese-Americans during World
War II.
http://www.asianamericanmedia.org/jainternment/
This site provides information about the incarceration of the JapaneseAmericans in internment camps during World War II in the 1940’s. It
details events from discrimination to Asians prior to the war, to life for the
Japanese-Americans inside the camps, and life after their release. It
consists of video clips, pictures, and individual accounts of the impact this
treatment.
Site Glow: The site has information relating to many facets of the
Japanese-American experience during World War II. Each page included a
related video clip bearing personal accounts, laws, or scenes from the events
at that time. The site also has links to other sites providing more
information to viewers, and activities for educators to use in lessons.
Site Grow: The site could have had more pictures and illustrations and I
would have loved to have more accounts of younger children’s experience
during their stay at the internment camps. Links to videos of AmericanJapanese issues do not work.
7. Blacks or African-American
o African-American Migration: How blacks migrated to the
United States whether involuntarily or voluntarily.
http://www.inmotionaame.org/home.cfm
The site gives details of migration of Blacks to the United States. It
provides information of the transatlantic and domestic slave trade, slaves
who sought to escape the horrors of slavery, and accounts of those who
came voluntarily to the country. Maps, pictures, illustrations, audio, and
documents are used to bring different perspectives of the migration
experience to site users.
Site Glow: Audio, pictures, maps, illustrations, and other visuals greatly
enhance the site. The provision of Black’s migration that not only focused on
migration for slavery was a great benefit. Events and eras were well
organized, and accounts of successful Blacks during the 1800’s and early
1900’s have been highlighted. Resources for educators, and links to other
sources are also provided.
Site Grow: Personal accounts, interviews, and stories passed down through
generations would add to the viewing and learning experience.
8. All races (Blacks, Whites, Hispanic, Asian, and Mixed)
o The White House: Historical features of the White House
http://www.whitehousehistory.org
This interactive site provides information about the White House, the
presidents and first ladies, the terms in which the presidents served, the
staff, ornament, and publications. Resources are available for use in the
classroom and users of the site are able to assume a role and take a virtual
tour of the White House. Many different characteristics of the White
House, both past and present, are explained, and pictures are used
throughout to enhance each page. Some critical events affecting decisions
made by the Presidents and Congress are also explained.
Site Glow: Illustrations, pictures, color, detailed characteristics, and the
virtual tour are quite intriguing. Timelines of service by presidents, typical
day for the staff, and resources for the classroom are beneficial.
Site Grow: Personal accounts from White House Staff and Presidents could
have added a special touch.
9. Whites and Blacks or African Americans
o The Great Depression: The economic slump in the United
States
http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/depression.ht
m
Information regarding the Great Depression which affected the United
States beginning in 1929 is provided on this site. Users are able to read
about the industries that were affected, the rise in unemployment, the “New
Deals” decided by then President Roosevelt, and a synopsis of the 2nd World
War. The effects of the Great Depression on international markets are also
explained; where trading of goods and services were greatly affected. It
also provides an explanation of the Dust Bowl and the states that were
severely affected.
Site Glow: The use of maps to demonstrate areas affected by the Great
Depression both in the United States and across the world provided a clear
visual for the site’s users. The photo gallery and timeline are beneficial to
aid users understanding. The warning message regarding graphic
illustrations, before users commence viewing of the photo and art galleries is
a good precautionary measure.
Site Grow: More pictures should have been used along with specific text.
Some sections seemed too wordy. Interaction and personal accounts of
Great Depression survivors are lacking.
10. Blacks or African Americans
o Jim Crow Laws: Enforcing segregation which led to inferior
treatment of Blacks, and how these laws were abolished.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/index.html
This interactive website provides information regarding the enforcement of
Jim Crow Laws after the abolition of slavery and the treatment of Blacks
for almost a century. It documents segregation on a time line, which stems
from the Emancipation Proclamation to decisions for Civil Rights. Details of
stakeholders’ responsibilities, Ku Klux Klan, amendment of the Constitution,
march to Washington, and legal cases, are some events being presented both
in text and video form.
Site Glow: The timeline makes research more efficient where users can see
the progression of segregation to desegregation overtime. Teacher
resources, personal narratives, specific events, and organizations seen in
film and text emphasize the experiences of Blacks during that era.
Site Grow: The use of primary documents which affected segregation and
desegregation were missing.
White; White American Web
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/7109/
This site is incredible and filled with information on Daniel Boone. This
site has all the information needed on those who want to know more
Boone and his contributions to the Midwest. It has resources and booking
information of those who want to see one of the original Spanish Forts.
Site Glow- Significant amount of information for those seeking to get
more of an understanding on who Daniel Boone was and his contributions.
Site Grow- Needs to add more facts to the website.
African American; African American Web
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/President_Obama/
This site is loaded with information on the first Black president of the
United States of America. It contains information about his time in
Chicago and the groups he helped and lead. It also talks about his
academic career at Harvard Law School.
Site Glow-Large amount of facts and information on our president.
Site Grow- Needs more pictures to capture the attention of young readers.
http://www.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/library/aaitsa.htm
This site contains information on African American athletes from all
sports and from all time frames. Each athlete listed is known to the public
and has contributed to African American athletes and their growth in a
positive manner.
Site Glow- Contain information on athletes whom we did not get to see
play. Gives us history on how we got to this point.
Site Grow-Lacks creativity and graphics to enhance the page.
Native American; Native American Web
http://www.jammed.com/~mlb/nawbt.html
Incredible site that covers many areas containing information on the
Native Americans. It covers everything from the Native Americans
general language to their art. This site has it all and will surely contain
information needed on them as a people.
Site Glow- This site has everything one needs as far information is
concerned.
Site Grow- This site needs more pictures and more color to be attractive
to the young students.
Native Americans; Native American Web
http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Thanksgiving/Native.html
Has websites with lots of information. Each website has information about
a certain topic on native Americans. Sites such as Pocahontas, resources
for teachers, and native stories and poems. This will give insight on their
culture as a whole.
Site Glow-Terrific site for those who seek knowledge about the Native
American Culture.
Site Grow-Lacks attractiveness and pictures to be a complete site.
http://afroamhistory.about.com/library/blbiographies.htm
This site is for those who seek to gain information on our trailblazers of
the past such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and others. This site has
information on activists and entertainers. This is site is complete with fact
and photos of those who made and continue to make history.
Site Glow-This is a great site and it has everything a site needs with
photos and factual information.
Site Grow- This site simply needs to add more graphics to be kid friendly.
White American; White American Web
http://www.aip.org/history/einstein/}
This site has everything one will need about inventors of the past.
Inventors Albert Einstein and others. The site discusses the world through
the eyes and words of Albert Einstein. In here he discusses his thoughts
and theories.
Site Glow-Excellent for kids doing research on our inventors of the past.
Site Grow-Needs more color and more pictures to be a great site.
 African American
o
African-American History
http://afroamhistory.about.com/
This website gives short bios of famous African Americans and
their contributions to society. Included are blogs on famous Blacks and
photos from certain eras in Black History. The entire site is set up as a
blog for others to discuss.
Site Glow: This is a great way to express an opinion on the several blogs
about a particular individual and glean information from other bloggers.
Site Grow: The webpage is not very well organized and has several
sponsored advertisement links that can be confusing.
o
University of Washington University Libraries
http://www.lib.washington.edu/subject/History/tm/black.html
This website is the online resource for the University of Washington in
Seattle. Their African American History archives are separated by era and
include links for further information. Everything is listed and a brief caption is
provided for each subject.
Site Glow: The webpage provides a plethora of information and links to
eras and biographies that shaped African American history.
Site Grow: The webpage needs to update some of its web links for
certain topics and make the webpage more appealing.
o
Smithsonian
http://www.si.edu/encyclopedia_si/History_and_Culture/African
American_History.htm
This website is the online resource for the Smithsonian network of
museums. Under the African American History and Culture section there are
numerous sections of links and information about Black History. Links to
archives and other resources are also included on the page.
Site Glow: The webpage provides a lot of information on Black History
in the perspective of art and culture. There are great references to the
African Diaspora as well.
Site Grow: The webpage needs nothing to add.
o
African American Web Connection
http://aawc.com/aah.html
This website is takes a different perspective on Black History. Instead of
looking at history from the U.S viewpoint it looks at the journey and how it
started in Africa. Pictures are posted to give a better perspective as well.
Site Glow: The webpage has different subtopics for little known Black
History websites.
Site Grow: The webpage needs to have a more current and modern look.
o
Library of Congress: African American History Month
http://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/
This website is the online resource from the Library of Congress. It
includes all necessary references for Black History Month. It particular shows
links to other museum and art galleries concerning Black History as well.
with an emphasis on organization and teacher resources.
Site Grow: The webpage needs nothing to add.
o
Museum of African American History Boston
http://www.afroammuseum.org/
This website is the online resource from the African American Museum
in Boston. It provides information on African Americans from the New England
colonial time all the way through the 19th Century. It also highlights historical
sites in the Boston area as it pertains to African American history.
with the city of Boston and the colonial era.
Site Grow: The webpage needs to be updated with a better look and
layout of the format.
o
The History Makers
http://www.thehistorymakers.com/
This website is the online resource the majority of African Americans that
have made history in the United States. The categories include everything from
education to art to science. The site provides multiple links for further
resources and background information.
Site Glow: The webpage gives a “this day in Black History” section that
is very interesting.
Site Grow: The webpage would be a little better if it had some
student/parent/teacher resources.
o
African American History Timeline
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bhmtimeline.html
This website is a long timeline of the major achievements of African
Americans. It includes some corresponding pictures that aid in the references.
The timeline starts in 1619 to 2009.
Site Glow: The webpage is very good with giving a topical timeline of
Black History with teacher and student resources.
Site Grow: The webpage should infuse overlapping events and some
cause and effect references with the corresponding era.
o
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History
http://www.asalh.org/
This website highlights the achievements of Barack Obama. It mentions
their collaborative efforts to highlight history at each annual convention. It also
provides the administrative leadership and contributors to the Association.
Site Glow: The webpage is helpful with current news and events with
regards to Black history topics.
Site Grow: The webpage is very unorganized and difficult to find specific
information.
o
Black – African American History Facts
http://www.yenoba.com/
This website provides thousands of daily Black history updates and
entries. There is a calendar of Black achievements and inventions. The site has
multiple entries for various aspects of history as well.
Site Glow: The webpage has a calendar for “this day in Black History”
with several facts for the day.
Site Grow: The webpage has too many advertisements and misleading
website links.
 Native American/First Nation/Indigenous
o Native American Facts for Kids
This is an exhaustive website that focuses not only on Native
languages, but on various facets of native culture as well. This is a good
place for kids to start learning about Native Americans. It covers
everything from native foods and homes to native hairstyles.
Site Glow: Tons of information of Native American languages and
culture and a great “FAQ” section for kids.
Site Grow: There are no „bells and whistles‟ on the site to make it more
visually appealing to children (the authors actually mention this).
 African/Black/African-American
o African American World for Kids
http://pbskids.org/aaworld/
This is a site from PBS that allows kids interactive access to a
variety of facts. Kids can play games and send e-cards. They can also
meet other children.
Site Glow: The site is user-friendly and has lots of interactive activities
with an African-American theme.
Site Grow: There is a limited amount of information on the page, and it
is meant mainly for fun, although there are some good educational
games.
 Latino/Hispanic
o Celebrate Hispanic Heritage
http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/hispanic/index.htm
This is a site from Scholastic that has a variety of activities to
teach children about Hispanic people and culture. They can „meet‟
famous Latinos and learn about Latinos from a historical perspective.
There is also a fun Piñata matching game.
Site Glow: The site is easily navigated and features interesting basic
facts on Hispanic culture and people.
Site Grow: There could be more in-depth exploration of Hispanic culture
than there is.
 Asian/Pacific Islander
o WWW Hmong Homepage
http://www.hmongnet.org/
This is a very interesting site catering to the Hmong population in
the U.S. There are a variety of services offered to the community. Of
particular note is an annotated bibliography of Hmong-related works.
Site Glow: The site has an incredible amount of information about
Hmong culture, from scholarly journal articles to native cookbooks.
Site Grow: This is probably the least kid-friendly of the sites on this list,
but I included it because of our reading this semester and because of the
sheer wealth of information provided. A parent would need to help a
child navigate this site.
 African/Black/African-American
o The Kennedy Center African Odyssey Interactive
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/aoi/artsedge.html
This website is an initiative of the Kennedy Center and is aimed
towards students, teachers, and artists of African arts and culture. It is
essentially the portal to a webquest of African themed pages within the
site. This is a great way to discover a variety of facts about African
dance, literature, music, history, and theater.
Site Glow: There is seemingly no end to the amount of information you
can find on this site. Spending hours browsing through it is easy.
Site Grow: The sheer volume of knowledge found in these pages can be
frightening. They should perhaps whittle it down just a bit so as not to
intimidate children.
 Bi/Multiracial
o Multiethnic Education Program
http://www.multiethniceducation.org/index.html
This website is designed to encourage pride in Bi/Multiracial
children. It is run by iPride, which is a multiracial family organization in
Berkeley, CA. There are a host of resources for parents and teachers on
both the iPride site and this one.
Site Glow: The website does a great job of providing resources for
parents and teachers of bi/multiracial children.
Site Grow: There could be more activities for children on this site, as it is
geared mainly toward adults.
 Middle Eastern
o MidEastWeb GateWay
http://www.mideastweb.org/index.html
This is a website that acts as a portal to numerous other pages.
There is a wealth of knowledge about the Middle East. There are also
links to culture, art, and recipes.
Site Glow: There is a ton of information about Middle Eastern culture,
including the prerequisite politics.
Site Grow: There could be more activities for children on this site, as it is
geared mainly toward adults.
 Asian/Pacific Islander
o children‟s book press
http://www.childrensbookpress.org/our-books/asianpacificislander
This is a website that will appeal to parents and children alike.
Parents will be able to choose books for their kids, and kids will be able
to pick out books that „look like them.‟ There are a variety of bilingual
editions of books in Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Tagalong, and
Vietnamese.
Site Glow: It is very interesting to see books like these that are geared
toward these specific ethnic groups. Parents and kids will be thrilled to
find them.
Site Grow: There are only a dozen books to choose from, which means
that kids are kind of stuck with a limited amount of material.
 African/Black/African-American, Middle Eastern
o Color Me Egypt
http://interoz.com/egypt/kids/
This website is very kid-friendly and offers lots of activities.
Children can learn about the history of Egypt and tour antiquities. There
is also a fun coloring book activity.
Site Glow: This site is very easily navigated and has lots of kid-friendly
activities.
Site Grow: The graphics are sort of amateurish, but that is a minor flaw
in an otherwise good site.
 White/European
o Caleb Johnson‟s MayflowerHistory.com
http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/
Mayflowerhistory.com offers a glimpse into life aboard the famous
ship. Children can read the ship‟s passenger list and genealogy of its
passengers. There is also a Pilgrim history and various links to other
sites.
Site Glow: The passenger list and genealogy of the passengers were
interesting and would be good jumping-off points for a variety of projects
in the classroom.
Site Grow: While the facts were interesting, there are not any activities
to engage children otherwise.
1. Annotated Genre Website List
 Manas Indian
o
Manas Culture
http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/index.html
This site has hyperlinks to a research site which allows users to view
primary documents about the Manas Indian‟s history. The Manas link
takes you to social issues that the Manas encounters. This is a site for
students to learn about the Manas Indian culture and their history.
Site Glow: This site has extensive information about the Manas Indian
culture that teachers can use in the classroom.
Site Grow: This site doesn‟t have a link for students to explore the
Manas culture.
 Hispanic
o Hispanic-Culture- Online
http://www.hispanic-culture-online.com/index.html
This site has many resources to help teachers and students learn about
the Hispanic culture. It also presents a link that help teachers and
students to learn Hispanic songs as well as to learn the language. It
provides resources about the Hispanic food, religion and holidays and is
a great site to teach and learn about the culture.
Site Glow: This site has excellent graphics and links that students can
read biography of important Hispanic individuals.
Site Grow: This site will take you to a different link that maybe
inappropriate for students. Teachers must view the links on the site
prior to allowing students to view the site.
o African – America History & Culture
http://www.loc.gov/rr/mss/guide/african.html
This site provides life histories and bibliography about African-American
culture and it has several primary documents that students can view. It
has the preliminary draft of the Emancipation proclamation and is an
excellent site for teachers to use to teach about African- American
culture. This site along with an historical fiction is an excellent tool to
help students to understand about the past.
Site Glow: This is a great website to show students the primary
documents that were used in past and to connect them with African
American culture.
Site Grow: This site lacks appealing graphics; most of the pictures are
old original pictures from the past that probably won‟t appeal to the
students.
 Asian
o Asian Society
http://www.asiasociety.org/policy-politics
This site presents extensive information about Asian culture. The
graphics are appealing for both adults and children and its resources are
for both adults and children. This is a great site that will expand
students‟ knowledge and teachers can use the information to teach about
the Asian culture.
Site Glow: This is an excellent site for students to read online
information about Asia. It provides information about the country‟s
profiles and history. It has a vast amount of information that teachers
can use to teach about history. There are also historical fiction stories
that kids can use so they can explore Asia and they can also play games.
Site Grow: This site takes you to other links that maybe inappropriate
for students. Teachers must view these sites prior to allowing students
to view them to determine whether they are appropriate.
 Caucasian
o
Edhelper
http://www.edhelper.com/books/On_the_Wings_of_Heroes.htm
This site provides teachers with resources to teach a variety of subjects.
Its resources are compromised of historical fiction books and lessons
related to the book. This is a great site that teachers can use to get ideas
of how to teach history using historical fiction. This site also has
activities, vocabulary, games that are related to the historical fiction
books.
Site Glow: Teachers can create their own literature review using the
website.
Site Grow: In order to have full access to all of the activities you have to
be a member.
 Canadian
o
Our Canadian Girl
http://www.ourcanadiangirl.ca/
This site has a series of historical books for young readers. There are
twelve different girls on the site from Canada that talks about historical
tales about the history of Canada. There are also some fun activities for
the students to inspire them to learn about the Canadian culture using
historical fiction.
Site Glow: There are many activities based on specific books and also
links to other web resources about the history of Canada.
Site Grow: This site would be more effective if it has more interactive
games so students can work on the site.
 Asian, African American, and Hispanic
o
Lynette Vandekieft‟s: Historical Fiction in the Elementary
Classroom
http://www.msu.edu/~vandeki3/
This site defines historical fiction and gives a listing of good historical
fiction books that teachers can choose from. It discusses benefits of
using historical fiction and how it can be used in the classroom. This is
a great site that can be used to teach students history through literature.
Site Glow: This site has materials and methods for teachers to teach
history through literature. This helps teachers to find books quickly and
to use in the classroom based on specific topics.
Site Grow: This site could improve if it has more pictures so it can
appeal to students and so that parents can access it at home.

African-Americans
o The Stacks: Dear America
http://www.scholastic.com//////dearamerica/books/dearamerica/freedomfs.ht
m
This site is great for teachers to teach history through the use of
literature. Its resources present teachers with writer‟s workshop and
historical fiction books, and videos that students and teachers can use.
This is a great site for teachers, parents and students to learn about
history.
Site Glow: This interactive site has many resources for teachers,
parents, and students to learn about history.
Site Grow: This site has a vast amount of information that may easily
distract students.
 Caucasian
o
Little House: Big Adventure
http://www.littlehousebooks.com/
This comprehensive site has a listing of books about historical fictions for
students and teachers. It presents resources for Liberians, teachers and
also a listing of the best sellers of historical fiction books. It has
classroom activities and questions and discussions that teachers can
use. It has fun and games for students to do arts and crafts.
Site Glow: This user-friendly site provides video where viewers can
listen to the books. Teachers can sign up to get updated information
about the author. Students can take online quizzes related to specific
historical fiction books.
Site Grow: This site only has books that the author wrote no mention of
other related historical fiction books.

Caucasian
o William Durbin
http://www.williamdurbin.com/resources.htm
This site presents resources for teachers to teach students using
historical fiction books. The historical fictions are geared towards 3rd,
4th, and 5th grade students. The author is also available to visit the
school by contacting him through the website.
Site Glow: This site provides activities so students can use to reflect on
reading of the historical fictions.
Site Grow: This website is not user-friendly, it takes a long time to
upload then it goes to other websites that is unavailable.
Annotated Websites: Historical Fiction

Asian American
Asian Nation: Asian American history demographics and issueshttp://www.asian-nation.org/
This site presents information concerning the Asian American culture. The
website I a one-stop resource for the sociological exploration of the historical,
demographic, political, and cultural issues that make up today's diverse Asian American
community. This website is very interactive containing blogs, current and past issues of
the Asian American community, media attention and stereotypes that affect the ethnic
group.
Site Glow: The website contains a large amount of information of the culture. User
friendly webpage with plenty of material that is easy to access. The site even has a page
in which you can contact the creator of the page with questions.
Site Grow: The site has a lot of information of current and little about past struggles of
the culture. Though the site does contain history of the cultural, I would love to see more
of the historical fiction aspect on the site

Multicultural
Historical Fiction for Children. Site of Mary Moffat
http://www.marysmoffat.co.uk/
This site was created by Mary Moffat. The site consist of historical fiction books
four young adults. It gives a complete description of the books written by her as well as
others. The site also has links to other great sites and contact information for Mary
Moffat.
Site Glow: The Website contains a large amount of information on some great historical
fiction books. This site could be used for valuable to use to find information about a
book you are looking to read or for information on past historical events.
Site Grow: I feel like the site could have included more information and could be a bit
more user friendly.

Multicultural
Zuckerman's Barn – The Kids Book Exchange
http://www.zbarn.net/kidspage.php
The Zuckerman's Barn website posts book reviews and comments written by
students for other students. These postings appear under a screen name, with no link
to the student's real identity. All the reviews and comments about a book appear side
by side on one page, along with basic information like the book's title, author, length,
and the Library of Congress synopsis. There is also a personal message system to
allow direct contact between teachers and students and among the students
themselves. The goal of this site is to create a community of readers across
classrooms and schools, including both students and supportive adults. By posting
book reviews, students help others to choose books to read and at the same time
clarify their own responses. The message boards allow interactions among students
with a common interest in a book, even if they are in different physical locations.
Site Glow: User friendly, Students can easily access this page and communicate with
students about books they are reading. I think it is a great concept for a website.
Site Grow: Sight could be more aesthetically pleasing. There is not much color or
anything that makes the website interesting

African American
Powerful African American images Revealed in Picture Books.
http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/professionaldevelopment/childlit/ChildrenLit/afro.html
This website is a list of books that are great for integrating powerful African
American figures into your study of historical fiction. All children deserve to see
positive images of children like themselves in the books they read. For the youngest
children who "read" pictures as adults share text, illustrations can have a powerful
influence on their perceptions of the world.
Site Glow: The site list an extensive list of children books that could be great to use in
the classroom when teaching the genre of historical fiction. The site could also be
used as a list to give to students if interested in reading further about historical fiction in
free time.
Site Grow: The website could have put picture of the cover of the books listed.
Sometimes a cover can draw a reader into the book.

Hispanic
Hispanic Heritage Site
http://www.skokielibrary.info/s_kids/kd_read/kd_displays/hispanic_heritage.asp
This website is a great source to locate information about the Hispanic culture.
The website gives information of the contributions of people of Hispanic heritage. There
are links on the site in which you can explore other websites to find Hispanic history and
culture. There are links to books, music, games, activities, and information about
Hispanic heritage. The website has links for children as well as adults.
Site Glow: The website is user friendly and also caters to a large age range from children
to adults. It also includes lots of great websites to learn more about the Hispanic culture
and history.
Site Grow: This site has a vast amount of information that may easily distract students.

African American
African-American History and Culture
http://www.loc.gov/rr/mss/guide/african.html
This website has a great deal of information on the history of African-Americans.
The Library's holdings include information about slavery and the slave trade as well as
other aspects of plantation life. The website has primary documents that the student can
view. It has the preliminary draft of the Emancipation proclamation. The Website could
be used by teachers and students as a resource.
Site Glow: The primary documents and drafts of the Emancipation Proclamation are
great sources for students and teachers.
Site Grow: The site is not very aesthetically pleasing. It could use a few more graphic
and pictures to be a little more eye catching.

African American
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
http://www2.lhric.org/POCANTICO/tubman/tubman.html
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad is a website made by teachers and
students. This is a great interactive website that has tons of information and activities for
students to complete. The website is very kid friendly, and user friendly. It includes a
timeline of Harriet Tubman‘s life as well as quizzes, Character Sketches, poems about
Harriet Tubman, crossword puzzles and many more activities for your students to
complete. The site also includes a map of her Underground Railroad Route.
Site Glow: The site is kid friendly, it‘s a site you can have your students get on and
navigate on their own throughout the website. It is also a great site for teachers who are
looking for information and activities to add to a lesson on Harriet Tubman.
Site Grow: The site has not been updated in a while.

Multicultural
Historical Fiction for Children
www.chriseboch.com/files/Historical_fict.doc
This website includes an extensive list of historical fiction books for children. The
book list is broken into sub-groups to make finding a type and topic of book to read very
easdy. The book list includes title of book, author and the time period the book takes
place. This website is a great source for parents‘ teachers and students.
Site Glow: The site is very easy to use. The books are broken into subcaegoies which
makes finding a book of choice very easy.
Site Grow: The website could have looked more appealing, there were no pictures or
graphics at all on the website.

Multicultural
You Be the Historian
http://americanhistory.si.edu/kids/springer/
This is an interactive website that students can use in order to discover how to be
a historian. Students use this interactive website to go in-depth in the process that
historians take to find out information about people and historical figures from the past.
This website teaches the students to look through documents and picture to find
information and clues about what the lives of the people may have entailed. The students
get the chance to feel what it is like to be an actual historian.
Site Glow: I think that the website is a great idea. I‘m sure we have all had the student
who want to know how we know all the information we do about past historical figures.
This gives them the chance to see how we investigate people from the past.
Site Grow: It may be a bit difficult and confusing to navigate through this website.
Students may need support, depending upon the age group.

Multicultural
Readers Corner: Morton Grove‘s Public Library
http://www.webrary.org/rs/bibhistfict.html
The website lists the different types of historical fiction for young adults and gives a
description of each of them. The website also lists examples of each. This website would
be a good website for teachers and students to go on before they begin to talk about
Historical Fiction.
Site Glow: The books are placed in categories according to time period which makes it
easy fro students or teachers to find a book that fits what they are looking for.
Site Grow: I think that the website might be too much on one page.
Historic Fiction & Multicultural: Website List
 1. World Cultures/History
o
Historic fiction books for children
This site has historic fiction from all over the globe. It covers
ancient civilizations, Africa, Asia, Europe, Mexico and the United stated
to name a few. If you go to the U.S. heading and click on the Slavery tab,
you will see many books. They are organized from picture books all the
way up the 5th grade. This is very helpful when trying to research
content relative books to your age group.
Site Glow: This site can benefit Teachers and older students (3rd &
up) as a research tool.
Site Grow: The site is very basic. There are no directions and
prompts to tell you what to do to navigate through the web page. This
would be helpful if you were having students doing research in this area.
o
o
Historic fiction books for children
http://librarybooklists.org/fiction/children/jhistorical.htm
This site is an extensive listing of historical fiction for children
(along with other genres). It features different time periods in history,
books titles and summaries. The book listing is comprehensive
Site Glow: You can get a comprehensive listing by age groups and
subject area.
Site Grow: This website is not child friendly.
o
o
Historical Fiction Audiobooks for Children and Young Adults
http://www.surfnetkids.com/audiobooks/historical_fiction/catalo
g.php
This site is an extensive listing of historic fiction audio for children
(along with other genres). Although this is a buying site, it can be a good
resource for teachers to want to expand their listening/audio library.
Site Glow: Great teacher resource for English language learners
and auditory learners.
Site Grow: Don‟t click on the green words. They hyperlink to
advertisements.
 4. Historic Fiction/North American & South America
o
o
Scott Dell Historic Fiction Award
http://www.scottodell.com/odellaward.html
This site is about the Scott Dell Historic Fiction Award. The award was
established in 1982 to encourage authors to focus on historic fiction
particularly for children and young adults. The purpose of this award is
to promote historic fiction that will interest young readers and increase
their historical background.
Site Glow: This site lists the winners from 1982 to the present. It
lists the year, recipient, book title and Publisher. If you click on the book
title it will link you to an Amazon where you can order the book. This is
a great resource to find authors, etc.
Site Grow: To be eligible for this award, the books must be set in
the New World (Canada, Central or South America or the United States)
and must be published by a publisher in the United States and must be
written by a U.S. Citizen.
 5. Historic Fiction/Native American
o
o
Lesson Plans and activities for a book study on The Sign of the
Beaver (Scott O‟Dell Aware Winner, 1984) about Native Americans
in Maine
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000537.shtml
This is a wonderful web site for getting ideas for lesson plans and
activities for students. This site includes book reviews, author
information and you get to learn about Native Americans living in Maine.
There are also games and quizzes. The focus is on students from 3-5th
grades.
Site Glow: This is a great way to find resources to tie into your
social studies themes. They have wonderful ideas and activities to help
teachers plan centers and or group discussions.
Site Grow: This side is limited to American History. The themes
cover colonialism, westward expansion and the civil war.
 6. Asian Americans – History, Culture, Demographics and Issues
o
o
Asian American Culture in the United States
http://www.asian-nation.org/
This website is rich with information about all aspects of Asian
culture, Asian American History and the various ethnic groups within
the Asian community. It talks about the immigration of Asians to North
America starting in 1848; this website has different links to expository
books, articles and videos as well as blogs about Asian American Culture
and its influence on America.
Site Glow: This is a great website for young adults and college
students who want to learn about the Asian-American community, its
history, culture, and issues. The Topics & Articles tab can start you on
your journey.
Site Grow: This site is not meant for young children. Although
this site is rich in history it does not list any historical fiction for young
readers. A search listed So Far From the Bamboo Grove about an 11 year
old girl fleeing Japanese occupied Korea during WWII. The book sparked
controversy in a Massachusetts middle school because of the way the
Koreans were depicted.
 7. World Cultures/American History
o
o
Find out about different cultures at the National Museum of
American History
http://americanhistory.si.edu/
The National Museum of American History as everything you need
to learn about our nation‟s social and cultural history. There is an entire
section devoted to culture and community. There is a section called
Mexican American which has a sampling of objects that reflect the
history of the Mexican presence in America
Site Glow: This is a great resource for teaching social studies.
There are wonderful educational resources for teachers where you can
find primary documents and artifacts. There is an amazing lesson on the
March on Washington that has links to protest songs you can listen to.
Site Grow: Not very interactive for students.
 8. World Cultures & Literature
o
o
Celebrating cultural diversity through children‟s literature
This website has an extensive list of multicultural literature. They
have different genres of literature which combined present a multifaceted
perspective about how the different cultural groups enrich and bring
something to the American experience.
Site Glow: The books are grouped by culture and are categorized
by genre: realistic fiction, informational, biography, history fiction and
poetry. Each annotation has an approximate grade level designation.
Site Grow: This book does not review or rate the literary quality. It
is left to the teacher to determine appropriateness to the curriculum.
 9. Diverse Cultures & Literature
o
o
Celebrating diversity through children‟s literature
http://frankrogers.home.mindspring.com/multi.html
This side has several links that not only deal with cultural diversity
but also has listings for children‟s books dealing with themes of
adoption, feminism, gays and lesbians and peoples with disabilities.
Site Glow: This website has great resources that go beyond the
cultural experience.
Site Grow: Aesthetically minimal. The website is not visually
appealing.
 10.
Diverse Cultures & Literature
o Celebrating diversity through children‟s literature
o http://www.weberpl.lib.ut.us/content/booklists/sort/t/21
This is a website of the Weber County Library in Utah. It has a list
of 29 picture books that represent a myriad of cultures. This is a great
resource for elementary grade students and their teachers.
Site Glow: Click on the book cover and get summary and different
reviews on the book.
Site Grow: I wish this resource was available at the Gwinnett
Public Library.
 11. Diverse Cultures & Literature
o
o
How to choose multicultural books
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3757
This website instructs teachers on how to find literature that
transcends cultural stereotypes. Five authors give advice on selecting
books that are related to Native American, Latino, African-Americans,
Jews and Asian-Americans. The books covered are suitable from grades
K-8
Site Glow: The authors cited give great information about what to
look for when purchasing quality literature that represents different
cultural backgrounds
Site Grow: The books cited should be hyper linked to where you
can look at a cover of the book and get more information.
Annotated Poetry Website List

www.dunbarsite.org (African American )
Maintained by the Black Alumni Chronicle of the University of Dayton (Ohio),
this site celebrates the work of Paul Laurence Dunbar, the first AfricanAmerican to gain national distinction as a poet.
Site Glow: Provides a detailed biography of the poet’s life and work. In
addition it also has audio clips of some of his poetry.
Site Grow: There is a lack of detail, and does not appeal to children in terms
of presentation.

www.jpatricklewis.com (White/European)
The colors and presentation on this website are appealing to children. It is
fun, and entertaining. There are lots of photos from the author’s life and
childhood. There is a section “just for kids”, that answers questions they
might have.
Site Glow: There are riddles that the kids can guess answers to , and then
the answers are provided.
Site Grow: There is no audio to allow students to hear the poetry.

www.joycecarolthomas.com
(African/Black/African-American)
This website has information about the author Joyce Carol Thomas and lists
her work titles. There is a link to a poem Listen to "Let the Children Sing" by
Tina Fabrique that is a cool poem for children.
Site Glow: Great source for her book titles.
Site Grow: The website does not focus as much on her work, as much as it
lists her events and speaking engagements. The website can be slow at times.
Generally speaking, it is not a great website and would not be appealing to
children.

www.kristinegeorge.com
(White/European)
This author is loves nature, and as soon as you enter her website. She speaks
of the hummingbirds, dogs, and elm trees (that speak). This is a great
website for introducing or reinforcing nature themes, or for connecting
poetry to the “Naturalists”. It has a variety of links to her awards, press
materials, and research information.
Site Glow: I love “Fold me a Poem”, and she has a link that speaks of poetry
and has origami projects to go along with it. Lots of resources for teachers.
Site Grow: Could not find one!

www.poetryarchive.org/poetryarchive/si
nglePoet.do?poetId=117 (African/Black/AfricanAmerican/Caribbean)
The author James Berry is of Jamaican descent and he writes poems about
his childhood memories. He writes about everything from the fruit trees,
and the tasty food of the culture, to racism. The site also has audio
recordings of his work.
Site Glow: The audio recordings are awesome in his voice and native tongue.
Site Grow: The website leaves you wanted to know more about him, it does
not give an in depth biography.

www.fizzyfunnyfuzzy.com
(White/European)
This site is not by a famous poet, he is a regular guy who has a love for
poetry and wants children to love it as well. His work is humorous and
connects with kids on their interest; hating school, having a bad day, etc.
Site Glow: This website is hilarious for all kids. It is a website created in
the UK but the content relates across the globe.
Site Grow: There aren’t any sound recordings and it would be great if the
children can hear the poetry with the accent.

www.flocabulary.com
This site is awesome for incorporating hip-hop into poetry and engaging the
hip-hop generation into poetry and poetry writing. They break down various
hip hop songs and present it in poetic prose. You can also listen to some of
the songs.
Site Glow: There are lesson plans to help you, if you are not familiar with
where to start with using rap to introduce or poetry. There are social
studies, language arts, science, and math content. I love the section similes
and metaphors in rap.
Site Grow: It is still hip-hop rap so preview everything and be sure to build
the background knowledge before you begin to teach it. If they do not feel
you know what you are talking about, it could be a rough toad.

www.nikkigrimes.com
This website is cool and colorful. The poet Nikki Grimes has audio readings
you can listen to and a biography for students. She has a photo gallery with
pictures of her life and people she has met. “Something on my mind” is an
awesome connection for your people to understand that they are not alone in
the world with regards to dealing with life’s difficulties.
Site Glow: She has a section called an author’s life that gives a description
of the life of an author is like, and is great for students that may be
prospective authors.
Site Grow: To be honest. I can’t say there were any.

www.janetwong.com (Asian/Pacific
Islander)
Whimsical, would be a great word for this website. Ms. Wong writes sweet
and endearing poems for children of all ages. Her family is from China and
her culture and the stories of her grandparents are a great source for her
works.
Site Glow: Audio clips are available and she has a cool biography. She also
describes how the poems she presents on the website came to be. A great
tool, for discussing author’s purpose.
Site Grow: I would have liked a link to some of the cultural things she
discusses for further research.

www.poetry4kids.com} (White/European)
This is a child’s poetry playground; there is lots of exciting poetry related
things to do here. The author Kenn Nesbitt makes poetry entertaining for
children. The site has games, poem writing contests, and surveys.
Site Glow: There is a cool rhyming dictionary on the site. The website is also
easy for children to explore and b=navigate on their own.
Site Grow: You have to log-in to get some of the resources.

Annotated BookWeb List

Transcription

Similar documents

New Fiction Titles for K-5

Sw eetBA BYPete! - MerryMakers, Inc.

Weather Series Learning Resource Guide

ACT-PRE-1207 10YearsACT - Reynolds

New books January 2011 Needlework Christophorus Verlag GmbH

Katawa Shoujo, Tomorrow/Today

New Authentic Spanish Titles for Teens

Emerging African News

mrs kim kardashian west

LIT CAFÉ IX – “ROAD STORIES: TALES OF TRAVEL AND