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Multicultural Children’s Book Day is nearly here!

MCCBD2016 Sponsor and multicultural publisher Lee and Low, since it’s inception, has been committed to multicultural and diverse literature for children. We are honored to have them as a Silver Sponsor of this year Multicultural Children’s Book Day

What if the objects we love most in our lives i.e. blankets, stuffed animals, dolls, toys etc could be creatively used, recycled, and treasured so that they’d never leave us?

Maya’s Blanket by Monica Brown and illustrated by Caldecott winning artist David Diaz is such a tale.

This is a bilingual book. The left hand page is in English with some key Spanish words, and the right hand page is in Spanish. David Diaz does a magnificent job in portraying the story in his artwork of vibrant colors and wonderful character drawings.

From the loving hands of her grandmother, Maya receives a magical blanket that keeps bad dreams away. As she loves and uses her blanket, it becomes frayed so Maya and her grandmother transform the blanket into a dress which she ends up spilling red juice on. From here Maya’s blanket is progresses through a series of other items such as a skirt, shawl, scarf, hair ribbon, and finally a bookmark. When at last even the magical bookmark is lost, all that is left are her memories of her magical blanket and all of it repurposed glory. So Maya wrote a book to capture and hold her treasures in.

Maya’s Blanket is a Junior Library Guild Selection. We’re honored to have the Junior Library Guild sponsor this year’s Multicultural Children’s Book Day Classroom Challenge. Teachers, we’re giving away a beautiful FREE hard-covered book to your classroom. Have a look here to find out how you can bring a Junior Library Guild Selection to your classroom.

Something To Do

Please join us on January 27th as we celebrate multicultural, diverse and inclusive books for kids for Multicultural Children’s Book Day. To help us with our mission to get diversity books into the hands of children, we are giving away a TON of books.

Please join us for our Twitter party where we will be discussing children’s books and giving away packages of diversity books for kids every 5 minutes!

Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party

Win Packages of Diversity Books for Kids

Wednesday, January 27th

9:00 pm -10 pm EST

Hashtag: #ReadYourWorld

We will be discussing:

Q1: What diverse, multicultural and inclusive books are you reading with your kids? #ReadYourWorld

Q2: What diversity/multicultural/inclusive topics are you having trouble finding? #ReadYourWorld

Q3: How do you feel about mixed race characters in books? Are there enough? #ReadYourWorld

Q4: Would you read a book about a race or culture that isn’t yours or your child’s? Would you buy this book? #ReadYourWorld

Q5: Are there certain diverse characters that you see too much of … say studious Asian Americans? #ReadYourWorld

Q6: What diverse characters would you like to see? (I’d love to see an Asian American in a dance picture book!) #ReadYourWorld

Q7: Do you follow KidLit awards that are specific to an ethnicity like the (Pura) Belpré Medal? #ReadYourWorld

Q8: With racist political rhetoric in the media, how do you teach your kids compassion and understanding towards Muslims (or any other group)? #ReadYourWorld

Q9: Who are your favorite authors of a diverse nature? #ReadYourWorld

Q10: What are your favorite diversity books? #ReadYourWorld

Q11: Do you have a new author discovery that you are excited about? #ReadYourWorld

Q12: If you were to buy one children’s book of a diverse nature, what would it be about? #ReadYourWorld

12 Diversity Book Bundle Prizes, 1 Prize handed Out Every 5 Minutes!

Multicultural Children’s Book Day Grand Prize Diversity Book Bundle

Thank you to all the authors and publishers who donated books! They are noted next to each book.

• Quickest Kid In Clarksville-Chronicle Books
• Mystery of the Thief in the Night-Pack-n-Go-Girls
• The Peace Tree-Lee and Low
• Sunbelievable-StoryQuest
• Hands Around the Library-Karen Leggett and Susan Roth
• Never Say a Mean Word Again– Wisdom Tales
• Just Like Me Climbing a Tree-Wisdom Tales
• Don’t Judge a Bird by it’s Feathers-Tori Nighthawk
• Poetry Friday Anthology-Pomelo Books
• Call Me Tree– Lee and Low
• Hoodie Hero– Shout Mouse Press
• In The Forbidden City-The China Institute

Q1 Prize: Diversity Picture Books, Ages 4-8

• I wonder, I wonder-Valerie Christopher
• Centipede Dragon-Alice Y Chen
• Kai and the Magic Jacket-Tricia Chinn Campbell
• Sade & the Golden Shoe-Shahara Ruth

Q2 Prize: Diversity Advanced Picture Books, Ages 6-9

• Papa Lemons Little Wanderers-Lehman Riley
• Indonesian Children’s Favorite Stories-Joan Suyenaga
• The Green Musician-Mahvash Shahegh
• The Remembering Day-Pat Mora
• Francisco’s Kites-Alicia Z Klepeis

Q3 Prize: Diversity Picture Books, Ages 4-8

Q7: Diversity Young Adult, Ages 12 and up

• Anahita’s Woven Riddle-Meghan Nutall Sayres
• Patalosh-Z. Altug
• Chronicles from the Chateau Moines-Evelyn Holingue

Q8: Diversity Advanced Picture Books, Ages 6-9

• Mystery of the Golden Temple-(Pack-n-Go Girls)
• Ellis and the Magic Mirror-Cerece Murphy
• Favorite Indonesian Stories-Tuttle Books
• The Legend of Robert Cofresi-Janet Balletta
• Once Upon a Time in Japan-Tuttle Books

Q9: Diversity Picture Books, Ages 4-8

SIGN UP TO WIN!
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The post Ready for the Multicultural Children’s Book Day Twitter Party? appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

I’ve long been a fan of author/illustrator Demi.

I personally appreciate the way she unfolds a story whether a classic folktale, religious figure, or cultural celebration has always greatly captivated my attention. Add on top of that her amazing and gorgeous illustrations and you have what I consider a treasure trove from book heaven.

While deciding on a book to use to celebrate Chinese New Year I was going through my stacks of great reads and that’s when I noticed Demi has written so much about China and probably our beautiful impression of that country stems from her. Through her eyes, we as a family, have happily embraced it’s stories, history, and traditions.

Today let’s go on a journey to China with one of our most cherished book friends, Demi.

More About Demi

Demi was born in Cambridge, Mass. She studied at the Instituto Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico, at Immaculate Heart College with Sisters Magdalen Mary and Sister Corita in Hollywood, California. She also studied at the M.S. University in Baroda, India, while on a Fulbright Scholarship, as well as the China Institute For Arts in New York City.

Her husband Tze-si Huang introduced her to the religion, folklore, ancient culture, and history of China.

Demi has illustrated and authored more than 300 children’s books including biographies of Jesus, Buddha, and the Dalai Lama, as well as folktales such as The Empty Pot and Liang and the Magic Paintbrush. Her work has received many awards and accolades, among them the Christopher Award, which recognizes individuals whose work makes a positive difference in the world, and the Middle East Book Award. Her titles have been designated American Library Association Notable Children’s Books, New York Times Best Illustrated Books, Notable Books for a Global Society, and American Bookseller Pick of the List Books.

Celebrating China with Demi : A Booklist

The Empty Pot

A Chinese boy with an green thumb wins the emperor’s competition; PW praised the “extraordinarily delicate Oriental landscapes.” Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Happy Happy Chinese New Year

“In a book that is itself a celebration, Demi explains the rituals and ideas behind the Chinese New Year festival. The last 15 days of the old year are spent cleaning and preparing (‘Wash your hair and get a new haircut. Pay the debts that you owe and collect what is owed to you!’). On the eve of the new moon, a special feast is prepared. . . . The first 15 days of the new year are spent celebrating with lion dances, firecrackers, and other activities. Demi’s characteristic tiny, lively figures illustrate each page, with several spreads devoted to small, labeled pictures identifying things associated with the holiday. Infused with joy and filled with information.”—Booklist

One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale

“Exotic, beautiful, and instructive, this “mathematical folktale” by author-illustrator Demi emerged from her love of India. The narrative and the evocative illustrations combine to create a real sense of the culture and atmosphere of this romantic land.” (Amazon)

Marco Polo

Many people say Marco Polo was the greatest explorer that ever lived, traveling 33, miles by land and sea from Venice, Italy, to modern-day Beijing, China. His famous book, The Travels of Marco Polo, indicates that he was a man of extraordinary bravery, brilliance, and strength. With his uncle and father, he traveled across Turkey, Armenia, the Middle East, the rugged mountains of Afghanistan, and the hot Taklimakan Desert before finally reaching China in 1275. Welcomed by the great emperor Kublai Khan, Marco Polo was amazed by the inventions, riches, and religious tolerance of the great Khan’s kingdom, where Marco remained for the next 2 years.

The Boy who Painted Dragons

Smoke, fire, dragons, wisdom, fear, and bravery…All of these elements are brought to life by award-winning author and artist Demi in a story of valor in the face of overwhelming fear.

Liang and the Magic Paintbrush (Reading Rainbow Books)

When a poor boy in China receives a magical paintbrush, everything he paints turns to life. But the wicked emperor wants to capture the boy when he hears the news. The story will excite readers as the ruler gets his just reward when the boy creates a masterpiece that spells his doom.

The Greatest Power

Emperor Ping, the boy emperor known for his love of harmony, sets a challenge to the children of his kingdom: show him the greatest power in the world. “To know the greatest power in the world is to know the greatest peace,” Emperor Ping announces. “Whoever knows this harmony will become the new prime minister.”

The Legend of Lao Tau and the Tao Te Ching

This thoughtful and thought-provoking book opens with a biography of Lao Tzu, the mysterious philosopher who is said to have been born at the age of eighty-one with snow-white hair, the ability to walk and talk, and unparalleled wisdom. Many credit him with creating the Tao Te Ching, which was written for the good of all humankind. Twenty of the eighty-one passages of the Tao Te Ching are included here, paired with stunning illustrations by the award-winning artist Demi.

The Pandas and their Chopsticks

Read my book review of this book with companion activities HERE.

Buddha Stories

Throughout the ages, moral tales have been passed down from one generation to the next. Centuries ago in China, hundreds of parables were told by the Buddha to his devoted followers. His messages became widespread through fables adapted by famous storytellers like Aesop and La Fontaine. In this collection, the author has chosen ten of the most engaging classic tales from the Buddha’s works. Compiled and illustrated by Demi, this wonderful collection of stories is sure to draw young readers into the ancient teachings of the Buddha, teachings that are as relevant today as they were over two thousand years ago.

Buddha

Many centuries ago, in a kingdom in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, a miraculous child was born to the king and queen. The young prince, Siddhartha, was raised in the greatest luxury, sheltered from all pain and ugliness. But one day Siddhartha left the palace and saw, for the first time, human suffering and death. He knew then that he must relinquish everything– his family, his wealth, his position– to discover the Truth of life and death.

The Girl who Drew a Phoenix

The Magic Pillow

Based on a famous Chinese folktale, The Magic Pillow tells the story of a poor boy named Ping who is given a magic pillow by a mysterious magician. Ping sees what a lifetime of wealth and power would be like, and discovers that the riches of family and freedom are much more valuable.

Happy New Year! Kung-Hsi-Fa-Ts-Ai

“In a book that is itself a celebration, Demi explains the rituals and ideas behind the Chinese New Year festival. The last 15 days of the old year are spent cleaning and preparing. On the eve of the new moon, a special feast is prepared.

The Greatest Treasure

Su Dongpo: Chinese Genius

Even as a young boy in eleventh-century China, Su Shih was clearly special. After finding a rare inkstone, he began to write stories and verses expressing his love of the natural world. His words flowed effortlessly. His brush danced across the paper.

Kites

The Great Voyages of Zheng He

Over 600 hundred years ago, Emperor Zhu Di of China decided to build the greatest naval fleet the world had ever seen to befriend and trade with countries throughout Asia and Africa. The admiral of this diplomatic and treasure-gathering fleet was a brilliant and peace-loving man named Zheng He.

The Emperor’s New Clothes: A Tale Set in China

“Long ago in a province in China there lived an emperor whose greatest pleasure in life was to dress in new clothes. ”

Which of these Demi books has your family enjoyed?

**Some of these links are affiliate links.

Homeschooling can be complicated and frustrating, especially if you are overloaded with information. The good news is that you don’t have to figure it out alone. Donna Ashton’s The Waldorf Home School Handbook is a simple and step-by-step guide to creating and understanding a Waldorf-inspired homeschool plan. Within the pages of this all-in-one homeschooling guide parents will find information, samples of lesson plans and curriculum, helpful hints and the secrets behind the three Areas for Optimum Learning. Join Donna as she guides you through the Waldorf method and reveals how to educate your children in a nurturing and creative environment. Visit the Waldorf Homeschool Handbook info page HERE.

The post 19 Books Celebrating China with Author Demi appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

Today we’re on a quest for the Spirit Bear with twins Gannon and Wyatt in the Great Bear Rainforest up in Alaska.

Have you ever imagined traveling the world ? Not only have we imagined it, we’ve done it. Can you imagine how happy we were to discover this wonderful book series Travels with Gannon & Wyatt by Patti Wheeler and Keith Hemstreet about twin brothers Gannon and Wyatt who tour the world with their flight attendant mom and their international businessman father.

In Great Bear Rainforest we go in search of the mythical spirit bear. Surviving in the unforgiving wilderness of British Columbia Canada can prove more challenging than both Gannon and Wyatt could ever have imagined. When members of the expedition go missing, the brother bravely set out on a search and rescue mission. Soon the find themselves lost in a forest teeming with grizzly bears, wolves, and mysterious gunmen. Guided by a very wise and smart Native American teen, Gannon and Wyatt uncover a sinister plot and must risk everything to save those who are missing and restore balance to the Great Bear Rainforest.

This book is well written and gave us insights to a region of the world we don’t know at all. The storyline was exciting and captivating. I greatly appreciate the layout of the book as it lends well to young advanced readers such as 8 year-olds with a middle school reading level.

The story also deals with real life conservation issues being done to preserve bears, salmon and the whole region from oil pipelines going thru this pristine and vast wilderness.

Written in the tradition and style of historic journals kept by explorers such as Lewis and Clark, Dr. David Livingstone, and Captain James Cook, Travels with Gannon & Wyatt holds great moments of adventure as well as beautiful photographs, maps, and nuances to keep it interesting. Other books in the series are Egypt, Greenland, Iceland, Tanzania, Ireland, The American West and Botswana. Filled with fun and adventure we love this series and are so glad to have discovered it.

Something To Do

This adventure planted seeds of inspiration to discover more about the Great Bear Rainforest. Let’s go exploring and see what we can discover.

Where is the Great Bear Rainforest?

The Great Bear Rainforest is a remote region of temperate rain forest in Canada, on the British Columbia Coast between Vancouver Island and Southeast Alaska.The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the largest remaining tracts of unspoiled temperate rainforest left in the world.

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Great Bear Rainforest Wildlife

The Great Bear Rainforest is home to some very impressive wildlife both on land and in the sea.The area is home to species such as cougars, wolves, salmon, grizzly bears, and the Kermode (“spirit”) bear, a unique subspecies of the black bear, in which one in ten cubs displays a recessive white colored coat.

Kermode or The Spirit Bear

Spirit bears are rare black bears with white or creamy fur, brown eyes, dark nose pads, and nearly white claws. They are not polar bears or albinos. Less than a thousand exist.

Legend of the Spirit Bear

“For many years, the Spirit Bear was considered a legend of the Gitg’at and Kitasoo Native Peoples. Their legends told of a time when the glaciers finally receded, and it was Raven who made everything green. Raven also decided to make one in ten black bears white, to remind him of the time when the world was white with snow and ice. Raven decided to set aside a special area of the world for these bears – now known as the Great Bear Rainforest. It was a remote paradise where the bears were to live in peace forever.” David Burrell

More facts about the Kermode Bear:

• Average litter size is 2, although 1 to 3 cubs is possible. Newborn cubs weigh up to a pound.
• Lifespan: 20 to 25 years in the wild.
• Weight: about 250 to 300 pounds for males. Females weigh about 125 to 175 pounds. Length is approximately 5 to 6 feet.
• The population of the Kermode bear is estimated to be under 1300.
• Due to the remote and unspoiled territories that these bears live in, they are neither accustomed nor fearful of man.
• The major threat to this species is loss of pristine habitat from ongoing logging operations. Global warming is a long term threat that alters their balanced ecosystem. Reduction of salmon supplies by man made activities (e.g.: over fishing, pollution, etc.) also threaten the Kermode spirit bear.

More about the Gitga’att Tribe

In Travels with Gannon and Wyatt Great Bear Rainforest, we are introduced to the Native American Gitga’tt Tribe. A teenage girl named Alu helps the boys on their long journey to find their parents.

History: The ancestors of the present Gitga’at people lived at their ancestral home Laxgal’tsap (Old Town) in Kitkiata Inlet, on the northwest side of the Douglas Channel.

Society: The Gitga’at are members of the Tsimshian cultural group which is a matrilineal society. Clans affiliation, crests, names, and resource gathering areas are inherited from the mother’s side of the family.

Resource Use: Each House Group had specific territories for harvesting resources. As well, they share communal gathering places such as salmon rivers at Lax Galtsap (Old Town) and seaweed sources near Kiel, the spring camp.
Language: The Gitga’at originally spoke Sguuks or Sguumxs (Southern Tsimshian), but adopted the more widely spoken Sm’algyax (Coast Tsimshian).
Governance: Gitga’at society is sophisticated and complex, with intricate rules and norms that guide social relations, governance and economic activity.

Let’s Learn A Little Gitga’tt

Gannon and Wyatt share a little Giga’tt in their book Great Bear Rainforest. Why don’t you give it a try ?

Here are some common phrases from Great Bear Rainforest.

How are you ? Nada will wall ?

I am Fine. Aam wila waalu.

What is your name? Nay di wan?

My name is… di away…

Where are you from ? Nadir di will waiting?

Thank you, sir/madam Tooyxsut nuun

I’m hungry Kwdiinu

I’m thirsty Luguungwaga’nu

I like Anoogi

I don’t like Akadi anoint/anoogu

I want Hasagu

I do not want Akadi hasagu

Where is….Ndaayut?

Let’s Meet Gannon & Wyatt

I’ve saved the best for last. Let’s actually meet Gannon & Wyatt in the Great Bear Rainforest. They share their actual adventures from their book in their own voices. Plus we get to meet singing whales, spirit bears, eagles and many more wonderful special moments. It’s really fun and the views are simply stunning.

Happy Reading and I hope you enjoyed our adventure today.

If you are in the mood for another and inactive story, check out the enhanced digital eBook for kids, The Ultimate Guide to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory!

The Ultimate Guide To Charlie And The Chocolate Factory is a step by step roadmap to this magical world.   Just some of the fun includes:

• A story filled with beautiful graphic illustrations including tantalizing Treasure Maps and vibrant tutorials.

• Over 20 Crafts and activities that not only entertain, but educate.
• You get to jump inside the book and enjoy creating the adventures yourself (Templates, maps, and more are included.)
• Ever wonder where chocolate comes from? Or how gum is made?  Wonder no more. Now you get to make your own.

• Conduct activities in the areas of crafting, cooking, and game-playing as well as exploring many facets of candy production.
• The option to take Charlie’s journey over the course of several days or take shorter journeys if you wish.
• The creation of a new ritual of reading time with your family and the opportunity to experience the reading of this imaginative tale as a group activity, not a solitary event.

Go HERE to learn more and grab your copy from iBooks!

The post Let’s Take an Adventure into the Great Bear Rainforest appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child.”

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss. I’ve always felt him to be a personal friend. Green Eggs and Ham was the first book I ever read, well recite. I probably could recite it before I could read it.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go when you read! March 2, 2015 is NEA’s Read Across America Day and this year, the book is the Seuss classic, Oh, The Places You’ll Go.

NEA’s Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.

A Look At Our Friend Dr. Seuss

Brilliant, playful, and always respectful of children, Dr. Seuss charmed his way into the consciousness of four generations of youngsters and parents. In the process, he helped millions of children learn to read.

Dr. Seuss was born Theodor Seuss Geisel in Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 2, 1904. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 1925, he went to Oxford University, intending to acquire a doctorate in literature. At Oxford, Geisel met Helen Palmer, whom he wed in 1927. Upon his return to America later that year, Geisel published cartoons and humorous articles for Judge, the leading humor magazine in America at the time. His cartoons also appeared in major magazines such as Life, Vanity Fair, and Liberty. Geisel gained national exposure when he won an advertising contract for an insecticide called Flit. He coined the phrase, “Quick, Henry, the Flit!” which became a popular expression.

Geisel developed the idea for his first children’s book in 1936 while on a vacation cruise. The rhythm of the ship’s engine drove the cadence to And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.

During World War II, Geisel joined the Army and was sent to Hollywood where he wrote documentaries for the military. During this time, he also created a cartoon called Gerald McBoing-Boing which won him an Oscar.

The Cat in the Hat Is Born

In May of 1954, Life published a report on illiteracy among schoolchildren, suggesting that children were having trouble reading because their books were boring. This problem inspired Geisel’s publisher, prompting him to send Geisel a list of 400 words he felt were important for children to learn. The publisher asked Geisel to cut the list to 250 words and use them to write an entertaining children’s book. Nine months later, Geisel, using 225 of the words given to him, published The Cat in the Hat, which brought instant success.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and three Academy Awards, Geisel authored and illustrated 44 children’s books. His enchanting stories are available as audio cassettes, animated television specials, and videos.

While Theodor Geisel died on September 24, 1991, Dr. Seuss lives on, inspiring generations of children of all ages to explore the joys of reading.

(Courtesy of Random House)

Oh,The Places We’ve Been

We do a whole lot of global reading around here as well as take some incredible reading adventures. To celebrate one of our favorite authors today we’re reading around the world and sharing all the places we’ve been. Here are some of our most popular book reviews and book jumps that have taken us all over the world.

China

Thailand

Scotland

Wales

Africa

Native American lands

Australia

Kenya

France

So read loud, read strong but mostly Read together Across America!!! Or a very special place of your choosing. Happy Read Across America Day

READY GO! ‪#‎readyourworld‬ ‪#‎readacrossamerica‬

Take the pledge http://www.nea.org/grants/ReadAcrossAmericaPledge.html

More info from NEA about Read Across America http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm

Read Aloud.org launches their big campaign too this month Join us! http://www.readaloud.org/

The post Happy Read Across America Day! Oh The Place’s We’ve Gone appeared first on Jump Into A Book.

We are just a few short days away from our second Multicultural Children’s Book Day. I’ve been matched with one of our Platinum Sponsors Daybreak Press and Global Bookstore and a really cleverly written book called Sophia’s Journey by Najiyah Diana Maxfield.

This book is for middle school and above readers.

Sophia’s Journal does a very fine job of weaving. Yes weaving. It takes a 21st century muslim teenager, Sophia, who has a bad fall in a river. This dramatic tumble sends her back to the year 1857 and all that means. This beautifully written book looks at the ideas of race, religion, and bigotry from a multi century view. It gives us a front row seat and a glimpse into pivotal moments in American history as well as what it’s like to be a practicing muslim in the 21st century.

Sophia has to get use to new food and some times the lack of food, new entertainment such as knitting, and a new family. Sophia gets a first hand view at slavery and Native Americans from the year 1857.  The characters in the story are well developed and the sense of adventure and self discovery are greatly inspiring.

One of the things that really struck me as I read this book is that it dispels the “over there” mentally that we can so easily become a participant in. For example: “Muslims are those people over there,…….” Often times being viewed as the enemy. This myth is dispelled as author Najiyah Diana Maxfield intersperses the daily rhythms and gentle practices of the world’s muslims into this thoughtful coming of age tale. This is later reflected when the slave William is also a muslim from Africa.

Often times we look at things from the past as truly history. In Sophia’s Journal we deal first hand with the ideas of slavery, slave owners and the abolition movement as well as the poor view and treatment of Native Americans, there is even a mention or two of the suffragette movement. We could so easily say, that happened then and doesn’t concern us now. Not so. These topics are still very much alive today and currently continue to unfold.

I greatly admire this book and recommend it. First because is gives a positive light to both teenagers and muslims. Secondly because it is a well written story that is so captivating that I couldn’t put it down.

 Something To Do

In the back of Sophia’s Journal are a couple of wonderful recipes as well as two glossaries. One for the 1850’s and the other of Arabic terms commonly used by Muslims around the world.

I our something to do we are going to create a Time Traveler’s Journal where we will write notes about our explorations into 1850’s Kansas as well as Islam.

Take a blank sheet journal, pens, photos that you have printed off the computer and some glue and create a beautiful Common Book Journal about your journey into the world of Sophia.

A Look into Slavery

Slavery in America began in 1607 and continued until 1865. These links tell you more about this controversial but, for a long time, legal practice.

Here are some great book resources as well.

A Look at the Native Americans of Kansas

Kansas, a word readily recognizable as derived from the Native American tribal name Kansa, or “Wind People,” is a state possessing a rich Native American heritage.

The land we now call Kansas had been home to many Native American tribes. The Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, Kansa, Kiowa, Osage, Pawnee, and Wichita are tribes that are considered native to present day Kansas.

To learn more about the traditions of the Kansas Plains Native Americans I find Big Orrin’s website to have many facts geared towards children.

To learn more about these tribes and the history of the region please have a look here.

A Look into Prairie Life in Kansas

Here’s a good look at life on the Kansas prairie in 1850.

Want to know more about Sod Houses and how to build them have a look here.

A fun reading history book list about the prairies.

A Look at Islam

Islam is a world religion practiced by 1.7 billion people.  PBS has put together this fact sheet about muslims and the religion of Islam and here’s another look from CNN.

Another way to meet your world is through literature. Multicultural Children’s Books Day is such a celebration which has created a vast resource of multicultural books and authors on our website.

My Gift to YOU!

Don’t forget to grab your FREE copy of my Read Your World Multicultural Booklists and Activities for Kids.

The post Love to Time Travel? Sophia’s Journal Book Review appeared first on Jump Into A Book.