During Women’s History month let’s
share some of the best of literature for young people with the children in our
lives. These outstanding picture books offer examples of strength,
determination, integrity and insight to supply us all with images and patterns
of accomplishment and bravery to reflect on in our own lives. Cheers!
Write to Me:
Letters
from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind
by Cynthia
Grady
illustrated by Amiko Hirao
When Katherine Tasaki returns her books to
the San Diego library, she tells Miss Breed, the librarian that she and her
family are moving. Miss Breed already knew of the relocation of Japanese
Americans as part of a wartime law, and hands this girl and other Japanese
children a self-addressed, stamped post card, asking them to write to her. At
the train station, she hugs the children and gives away more postcards and
books.
The children do write. And Miss Breed writes back; mailing not just letters,
also sending more books, and other supplies like seeds, thread, soap, and even craft-making
materials. She also becomes something of an activist; writing magazine articles
and letters, sending them across the country, in which she tells about the
treatment of the Japanese Americans, and asks for help to give the children in
the camps a library and school.
The book is illustrated with soft
color pencils, and has the sepia tones of another era. Although gently told,
the author does not avoid direct terms, and readers are told of “imprisoned
children.” Many pages in this book include postcard quotes from the notes the
children sent her. There are also photos on the endpapers.
The strength of Miss Breed’s relationship with the children is the
driving force of this personal and important story of a young woman, who did
what she could on behalf of the Japanese American families whose suffering she
saw and wanted to relieve. When the war is over, Miss Breed welcomes back those
who return, like Katherine Tasaki. This carefully illustrated and thoughtful
story can be used to open up conversations about civil liberties during WW2. An
Author’s Note, Timelines, Source Notes, Bibliography, Further Reading and
Credits are included at the end.
Charlesbridge, $16.99
Interest Level: Grade
1-4
Before She Was Harriet
by Lesa Cline-Ransome,
illustrated by James Ransome
In this memorable
award-winning picture book biography, the husband and wife team of author and
illustrator honor Harriet Tubman, a conductor who lead slaves to freedom on the
Underground Railroad. Cline-Ransome’s lyrical free verse begins this story at
the end of Tubman’s long life, showing her readers the importance of each of
Tubman’s roles as she looks back across the years.
As suffragist, Tubman recalls, she
spoke against injustice, using her voice for those who had none. As a union spy
during the Civil War, she carried secrets. As a nurse, she cared for the
wounded in the war against slavery. As Moses, she led many people to freedom. As
slave girl Minty, she worked in the fields. And as daughter Araminta, she
dreamed of freedom. She served those who were in need, and dreamed of change.
Whether escaping slavery, carrying secrets, caring for the injured, or dreaming
of freedom, each period of Harriet’s dynamic life is captured in exquisite
language and vibrant watercolor illustrations.
Expressive faces and body language are
detailed in Ransome’s large lustrous double-page paintings. Together, art and
text skillfully convey the strength, determination, bravery and hopefulness of
this “wisp of a woman with the courage of a lion.”
Holiday House, $17.95
Interest Level: Grade
3-6
Firebird:
Ballerina
Misty Copeland Shows a Young Girl How to Dance Like the Firebird
by Misty
Copeland,
illustrated by Christopher Myers
The poetic
language of this stunning picture book is a conversation between an aspiring
young dancer and ballerina Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theater’s soloist.
Copeland offers encouragement to a doubtful African American girl who dreams of
becoming a ballerina. “I was a dancer just like you/ a dreaming shooting star
of a girl,” who worked very hard, “sweating at the barre. . . soon with the
same practice/you’ll join me/in this dancing dream.”
Copeland,
who performs the title role in Stravinsky’s The
Firebird, is also African American, and passionate about mentoring young
people. Award winner Myer’s paint and collage illustrations explode across
double page spreads in bursts of color and movement. Brilliant golds, fiery oranges
and reds contrast with cooler blues, and purples with white splashes, following
the theme of the ballet. In similar ways, quieter moments oppose more dramatic
action, keeping the narrative moving and infusing the book with a sense of
hopefulness for the future of the young dancer.
A letter to the Reader, from the
author, at the end, shares a bit of her own story and the power of dance to
build confidence, especially as Copeland empowers others to follow their passions
and work hard to make their dreams real. This is a gorgeous book and a
beautiful story.
Putnam, $17.99
Interest Level: Grade 2-6
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