Books in this category reflect the people of the world's nations, religions, and cultures, sometimes as a central feature of the story and other times as part of the story's background.
This is whichCatvalue: 2
All Books in the Cultural & Religious Groups Category
Cooper's Lesson Sun Yung Shin (Author), Kim Cogan (Illustrator) This is a story about identity and intergenerational friendship, featuring a young biracial boy, written in both English and Korean. Cooper, who has a Korean mother and a white, American father, is called "half and half" by his cousin. With his mixed heritage, the boy doesn't know where he fits in. When he goes to the Korean grocery, he is overwhelmed by a language of which he knows very little. He concludes that Mr. Lee, the owner, is laughing at him. In retaliation, Cooper shoplifts a brush for his mother. Caught in the act, he must work off his debt and learns that Mr. Lee's life in the United States has been difficult because of the language barrier. The man also listens to Cooper's frustrations. Eventually, the two come to a better understanding of their own and one another's problems.
[Grade Level: 3 - 6]
A Country Far Away Nigel Gray (Author), Philippe Dupasquier (Illustrator) This book portrays the similarities in the life experiences of a boy in a rural African village and one in a Western country. [Grade Level: Pre-K - 3]
Crazy Horse's Vision Joseph Bruchac (Author), S. D. Nelson (Illustrator) A story based on the life of the young Lakota boy who grew up to be one of the bravest defenders of his people. [Grade Level: K - 6]
The Creation of Israel Written by Jim Whiting This book offers a balanced look at the events leading up to the creation of the modern state of Israel. Chapters include the Birth of Zionism, The Balfour Declaration, The Vote for Partition, The End of the Mandate and The New Nation. Side bars with added information, maps, illustrations, a timeline, glossary and list of further reading make this an accessible history for upper elementary students. [Grade Level: 4 - 7]
