Passport to Multicultural Literature

Resources

Programs

What is it?

Asian Literature

NA Literature

Why Diverse Books?

Diversity in the Library

Why is it important?

Programs

A Boy Named Beckoning

The full title of the book is "A Boy Named Beckoning: The True Story of Dr. Carlos Montezuma, Native American Hero" adapted and illustrated by Gina Capalu. The book is a true story about a young boy sold into slavery but eventually becomes a doctor and activist for Native rights.

Teaching Resources and Activities from Margaret Gallina

Watercress by Andrea Wang and Jason Chin

A young girl stops by the side of the road with her family to gather watercress for dinner. She is ashamed and only wants to eat food from the grocery store. This story is about learning about one's heritage and being grateful.

Teacher Guide

The Firekeeper's Son

"The Firekeeper's Son by Linda Sue Park and ilustrated by Julie Downing, is about a young boy named Sang-Hee whose fateher climbs a mountain each evening to light a fire. The fire is lit to let the king know that all is well in the land. One night, Sang-Hee gets to see firsthand what it takes to light the fire and hold such an important position.

Lesson Ideas

Read Aloud

"We are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom & Michaela Goade

"Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all." This book focuses on a young girl who is determined to save the earth's water from a black snake who wants to poison all of it. This is a great resource for Native American representation and environmentalism.

Activity Kit

NEA Guide

We Are Still Here! Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell with illustrations by Frane Lessac

Twelve students deliver informative presentations about terms related to Native American history in this nonfiction book. Cleverly constructed, readers will learn about Native American history through terms such as assimilation, relocation, allotment, and more.

Teaching Ideas

Lesson Kit

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story

Written by Kevin Noble Maillard and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, this book delightfully explains how one food, fry bread, connects many no matter the ancestry or location.

Author Read Aloud

Reading Guide

Drawn Together

"Drawn Together" is written by Minh Le and Dan Santat. A young boy goes to visit his grandfather and they struggle to talk due to a language barrier. However, they overcome this issue through the power of drawing.

Literature Guide

Teachingbooks

A Different Pond

"A Different Pond" is written by Bao Phi and illustrated by Thi Bui. The book focuses on a young boy and his dad's early fishing trip to a local pond to catch fish for dinner. This story is about family, gratitude, and heritage.

Literature Guide

History Guide

Snow Bear by Jean Craighead George Paintings by Wendell Minor

Bessie is a young Inuit girl who meets a new friend- a baby polar bear. They play and explore as the adults in their lives worry about them and make sure that their little ones stay safe.

Teachingbooks

Read Aloud

Mooncakes

"Mooncakes" is written by Loretta Seto and illustrated by Renne Benoit. As they prepare for the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, they make lanterns, mooncakes, and tell stories. The story explores the beauty of family tradition.

Read aloud

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival

Possible Programs

• Native American Literature: Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month with displays and activities for the entire month.
• Daily announcements featuring famous/notable people
• Book Displays and bulletin boards
• Make fry bread or challenge students to make thei own at home

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Celebrate the month with displays and activities for the month.
• Read traditional folktales from AAPI cultures and create your own folktales
• Bring in guest speakers and performers