Historical Reading Ladder
Phyllis Kinsey / Spring 2015
A Selection of Multicutural Historical Fiction
Dragonwings: Representing Diversity in Children's Literature
In each book feature below, the characters come from all walks of life but have one common goal and that is in search of a better life. Some of the characters must leave their homes due to a corrupt government or poverty, while others are in search of change right in their own neighborhood. Each character learns to embrace their own heritage and culture while taking on the challenges of adapting to a new way of life. The books have been selected to reflect the diversity of our students in the classroom as well as the diverse world in which we live in. America was made by people of all walks of life and it is important that students understand that World History is American History and we must learn about all cultures and embrace their differences and learn about their struggles.
Yep, L. (1975). Dragonwings. New York: Harper Collins.
Cervantes, J. (2010). Tortilla sun. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
Galbis, E., & Chaghatzbanian, S. (2010). 90 miles to Havana. New York: Roaring Brook Press.
90 Miles to Havana is based on the author's true experiences. Julian and his brothers are forced by their parents to leave Cuba to Miami via the Pedro Pan operation to escape the reign of Fidel Castro. Once in Miami, the boys live in a camp where they become scrutinized and bullied by other members of the camp. His two older brothers are sent to an orphanage, while Julian runs away. Julian becomes friends with a man who saves Cuban refugees and eventually decides to help him. Julian later is able to reunite with his family and save other people as well. 90 Miles to Havana is a great novel to read about the difficulties young Cuban refugees faced to escape Fidel Castro’s military schools. This book is recommended for ages 9-12 years.
Gonzalez, C. (2010). The red umbrella. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
Manzano, S., & Parsi, E. (2012). The revolution of Evelyn Serrano. New York: Scholastic.
Meyer, S. (2010). Black radishes. New York: Delacorte Press.
The author, writing from her father’s own WWII experiences, tells the story of an 11 year old Parisian Jewish boy named Gustave. As the German army gets closer to France, Gustave and his parents flee to a small country town. Gustave does not like his new home and is teased by the children of the town. While he waits for a visa to America, the French surrender to Germany and thousands of Jews are sent to concentration camps. Gustave soon meets Nicole, a Catholic girl who is part of the Resistance. They quickly become friends and think of a way to save his remaining family and friends in France before they are arrested and sent away. The book gives another child’s perspective of the events that occurred during WWII and the day to day struggles of a Jewish family. A great book to tell the story of the Holocaust. This book is recommended for ages 8-12 years.
Pinkney, A., & Evans, S. (2014). The red pencil. New York: Little Brown Books for Young Readers.
Preus, M. (2010). Heart of a samurai: Based on the true story of Nakahama Manjiro. New York: Amulet Books.
Senzai, N. (2010). Shooting Kabul. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Sheth, K. (2010). Boys without names. New York: Balzer Bray.
Eleven year old Gopal and his family are forced to leave their poor Indian village and escape to the city of Mumbai in search of a better life. Along the way, they faced many tragedies, including the lost of their Baba and not having enough money to travel all the way to Mumbai. Eager to help his family, Gopal agrees to work in a factory, but is drugged and force to work in a small sweatshop under cruel treatment and poor conditions. They are not allowed to speak or tell their real names. Gopal becomes friends with the other boys and plans a way to escape. This book sheds light on child labor and poverty in third world countries. This book is recommended for ages 8-12 years.