Review: Deep in the Sahara

Title: Deep in the Sahara 

Author: Kelly Cunnane

Illustrator: Hoda Hadadi

Publisher: Schwarz & Wade Books

Pages: 40

Review Copy: Digital ARC from Edelweiss & a library copy

Availability: On shelves now

Summary: Lalla lives in the Muslim country of Mauritania, and more than anything, she wants to wear a malafa, the colorful cloth Mauritanian women, like her mama and big sister, wear to cover their heads and clothes in public. But it is not until Lalla realizes that a malafa is not just worn to show a woman's beauty and mystery or to honor tradition—a malafa for faith—that Lalla's mother agrees to slip a long cloth as blue as the ink in the Koran over Lalla's head, under her arm, and round and round her body. Then together, they pray. -- Cover image and summary via Goodreads

Review: Deep in the Sahara is a beautiful book in more ways than one. The text is lyrical and almost sings.  "Trees of red flowers bloom with heat. Acacia pods rattle, and fruit bats sleep." My fifteen year old picked it up and started reading silently, but then decided it needed to be read aloud. I loved that she read it to me. We agreed that it sounds like poetry even if it isn't labeled that way. The illustrations are fantastic too. The endpapers look like cloth and the rest of the book is filled with wonderful scenes created with collage. The colors are vibrant and the patterns are interesting, but not so busy that they are distracting. Each character in the story is unique and I loved seeing the individual women. The video below introduces the artist and shows a bit of her technique.

The story itself is also beautiful as we see a young girl yearning to be like the women around her with their lovely malafas. This is a coming of age story and it is a story of women. I loved that the entire book is showing how the women in the community support a young girl. Lalla is finding out about wearing the malafa from the many women in her life. In the author's note at the end, Cunnane explains that she lived in Mauritania for a time and the people there taught her about the Muslim faith and how they lived it. She wanted to write this book to share what she had learned especially since before she lived there, she had believed that the veil was repressive to women and after sharing in their lives, her opinion had changed.

Cunnane was writing as an outsider, but she has been traveling, teaching, and living among many cultures for years and writes carefully with much research and seems to have worked closely with the people she is representing. The book appears to be done very respectfully and in a spirit that celebrates the culture.

I am looking forward to sharing this with my students and will likely pair it with Time to Pray by Maha Addasi and/or The Swirling Hijab by Na'ima B. Robert, two books that also touch on the subject of Muslim prayer from a female perspective.

Today I'm Thankful

1. I have been waiting to post that video all month. I am thankful that I finished National Novel Writing Month this afternoon. Whew! I enjoy participating, but it is also a huge relief when it is over and I am thankful that I am still alive.

2. I am also thankful to have my son home from college so we could all be here for the holiday. I love having time with all of us sitting around talking and laughing together.

3. Of course, I am thankful for books. I have read and interacted with so many great new books this year. Here are some of my favorites:

4. I am also thankful for the many wonderful professionals that I work with at my school everyday and the many additional people in my online professional learning network who inspire me and help me become a better teacher and person every day.

I have many more things to be thankful for and would likely write more if I sat here longer, but after 50,000+ words this month, I am a bit tired of typing. Have a wonderful weekend!

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. Jen Vincent over at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye from Unleashing Readers decided to put a children's and YA spin on it and they invite anyone with an interest to join in. You can participate by creating your post then visit one of their sites to add your site. Finally, visit at least three participant blogs and comment to spread the love.

If you want to know more about what I am reading, visit me at my Goodreads shelf. Images via Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

I am still in the midst of #NaNoWriMo and that cuts into my reading time a lot. I didn't read much this week, but they were all five star books.

The Past Week

Picture Book

I loved the original Marisol McDonald book and this one was equally fun. I am looking forward to sharing both with my students and then having a Clash Bash of our own.

Non-fiction 

This is a fascinating story of how one person can make change happen in the world. Kate Sessions managed to changed the whole look of San Diego. The illustrations were great and since I have been to San Diego it was interesting to see how it came to be the way I know it now.

Middle Grade Novel

I was very excited to have the chance to read Seven Stories Up through NetGalley. I will write a review later, but it was a fantastic look at family interactions. Like Bigger than a Breadbox, this too has elements of the fantastical within everyday situations. Loved it.

The Coming Week:

I started reading a non-fiction digital ARC called Chitchat which is a book about languages, but my ARC won't let me back in. If it does, I will finish it. The other book I know I will be reading is Diverse Energies. That will be a re-read for me. I originally read it as an ARC, but did not review it at the time. Now I have purchased it and will review it for Rich in Color later this week. Otherwise, I am looking forward to finishing NaNoWriMo at the end of the week so I can have plenty of time to read the Nerdy Book Club Award Nominees next week. What will you be reading?

Review: If I Ever Get Out of Here

Title: If I Ever Get Out of Here
Author: Eric Gansworth
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Pages: 368
Available: On shelves now
Review Copy: Netgalley and Library Copy

Summary: Lewis "Shoe" Blake is used to the joys and difficulties of life on the Tuscarora Indian reservation in 1975: the joking, the Fireball games, the snow blowing through his roof. What he's not used to is white people being nice to him -- people like George Haddonfield, whose family recently moved to town with the Air Force. As the boys connect through their mutual passion for music, especially the Beatles, Lewis has to lie more and more to hide the reality of his family's poverty from George. He also has to deal with the vicious Evan Reininger, who makes Lewis the special target of his wrath. But when everyone else is on Evan's side, how can he be defeated? And if George finds out the truth about Lewis's home -- will he still be his friend? -- cover image and summary via Goodreads

My Thoughts: I had really been looking forward to reading this book after reading the review from Debbie Reese at American Indians in Children's Literature. Whenever she raves about a book, I know I will love it or at the very least find something that makes me think. I was not disappointed. It was everything I had hoped it would be and more. If I Ever Get Out of Here is a look into the life of a boy as he's coming of age. Like many young people, Lewis is searching for his identity. He thought he knew who he was, but as he comes into more contact and closer relationships with people outside his reservation, he questions himself. He straddles that line of embracing his home culture and feeling the need to distance himself from it so he can fit in with the mainstream culture of his classmates.

Gansworth has crafted an intriguing story that will appeal to a wide variety of young people with music, humor, fights, friendship, and romance. He wove the music of the Beatles and Paul McCartney throughout using songs as chapter titles and within the storyline too. Music is something that can connect people across age, gender, and even culture lines. We don't have to share the same background to share an enjoyment of music. 

I loved the subtle and not so subtle moments of humor in the story. Lewis and his friends and relatives hassle each other as part of their way of bonding with rather rude nicknames like Stinkpot. Often though, the humor is just his matter of fact rather deadpan style like the exchange with his mother after he had someone cut off his braid.
     "You look like a Welfare Indian."
     "I am a Welfare Indian," I said.
     "You don't need to look the part," she said.
Another example is way back in the acknowledgments. Even there Gansworth is still cracking jokes. He begins, "If you're reading this book for class, you can skip this page. There will surely not be a quiz on any of this information."

Along with humor, Gansworth has included quite a few heavy topics. Bullying and how to fight or not fight takes up a good deal of the book. More importantly, friendship is examined. Friendship across cultural lines can be an amazing thing, but it can also be difficult and Gansworth reveals this over and over again.

Another aspect of this book mentioned within the first five pages is the history of the Indian boarding schools and the long-term damage that they caused. The effect of the Indian boarding schools is far reaching and is being brought to light in more and more works of children's literature (there are a few titles for older readers in this list also).

The boys start navigating the waters of dating before too long. This brings up the complications of dating and marrying non-Indians. If a man married a non-Indian, their children wouldn't have legal status as an Indian. That is some heavy stuff to think about as a middle-schooler and being the kid that he is, Lewis is thinking about it.

I would highly recommend this book to any young adult. Lewis and George come alive in the book and there are so many fabulous personalities. Lewis's Uncle Albert and George's father add great voices to the story. I am going to be sharing this title with many people because these characters should not be missed. 

Extras: 
Discography - Gansworth provides a YouTube playlist that goes with the book
Excellent interview with Gansworth by Edi Campbell on her blog Crazy QuiltEdi

Tuesday Trailer and Review: Star Wars: Jedi Academy

Title: Star Wars: Jedi Academy

Author: Jeffery Brown
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 160
Available: On shelves now
Review Copy: Netgalley

Summary: Roan's one dream is to leave home and attend Pilot Academy like his older brother, father, and grandfather. But just as Roan is mysteriously denied entrance to Pilot School, he is invited to attend Jedi Academy--a school that he didn't apply to and only recruits children when they are just a few years old. That is, until now...

This inventive novel follows Roan's first year at Jedi Academy where, under the tutelage of Master Yoda, he learns that he possesses more strength and potential than he could have ever dreamed. Oh, and he learns other important things too--like how to make a baking soda volcano, fence with a lightsaber, slow dance with a girl, and lift boulders with the Force. -- summary and cover image via Goodreads

My Thoughts: Roan and his adventures at the Jedi Academy are adorable. Really. The book made me smile. He is an innocent youngster dreaming of being a pilot like other members of his family when he is whisked off to a strange school with a totally new way of looking at his future.

My teenage daughter was charmed and she pointed out how cool it was that someone got their fanfic published. She was right on target. This looks like a piece of fanfic. Yoda is in the book, but most of the other characters simply resemble other Star Wars figures. It is a different story in the world of Star Wars. My elementary students love it and I had a smile on my face throughout most of the book.

Jeffery uses humor liberally including a detailed drawing of Yoda's ear hair and descriptions of dinner - roasted tentacles. When Roan passes out he wakes up an hour later "in a bacta tank (pretty cool, except being in my underwear)" which also has a visual for the reader. Between the text and the great illustrations, readers will be laughing their way through. The book deals with middle school or actually upper grade elementary issues with a light hand so it is still very appropriate for elementary school readers while allowing them to enter the middle school world.

Finally, one of the best things is hiding at the back of the book. Roan provides tips on starting a journal. The tips include writing at least ten words a day, including pictures and items from newspapers, and having fun.

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. Jen Vincent over at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye from Unleashing Readers decided to put a children's and YA spin on it and they invite anyone with an interest to join in. You can participate by creating your post then visit one of their sites to add your site. Finally, visit at least three participant blogs and comment to spread the love.

If you want to know more about what I am reading, visit me at my Goodreads shelf. Images via Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

I am in the midst of #NaNoWriMo and have been at an educational conference for four straight days so my reading was minimal this week.

The Past Week

Picture Books

This was an interesting book because it is told from the perspective of a young girl and her family is transient. They are called travelers because in the summer they go from place to place as her father seeks work. The author shows that some family members value that and overall the book affirms this lifestyle.

Middle Grade

I bet that Jeffrey Brown was not going for the term "adorable" when he wrote this, but that is actually what he managed. This is essentially a published fanfic and it will be a winner with elementary students. I will post a more thorough review later this week.

Young Adult

I guess I should have read the blurb more carefully - or maybe I didn't even read it, but this was not what I expected. The book is narrated by a gay man or men who lived in times when AIDS was just beginning to gain national attention. The narration is bittersweet as he is unable to step in and do anything. The narrator is a spectator as two boys try to break the world's record for kissing, several other couples work through their relationship issues, and one young man flounders in depression. It was a powerful book. I just didn't realize it would be from an adult perspective.

Professional

For one of the conferences I attended this week, this was the text. I found many helpful bits of information here, but I also appreciated the reminders of classroom procedures and protocols that I have used in the past that are great for student responses and interactions within the classroom. The conference and book both got us thinking about culturally responsive practices and I am excited to do some re-decorating, try new things in the classroom, and begin to have more discussions about culture with our staff.

The Coming Week:

I really have no idea what I will be reading. I have two different piles of books from the library and several books as digital ARCs, but I am behind on my #NaNoWriMo and will have to kick it into gear to get caught up so I am not sure how much reading time I will have this week. What will you be reading?

Tuesday Trailer Failure

Hi all. I am so busy this week that I feel like my head is spinning. I didn't put a trailer on my page today, but I did read a great post over at Mitali's Fire Escape. She highlighted a book that I am eager to read: Razia's Ray of Hope. If you haven't had a chance to read her review, please head over there.

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. Jen Vincent over at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye from Unleashing Readers decided to put a children's and YA spin on it and they invite anyone with an interest to join in. You can participate by creating your post then visit one of their sites to add your site. Finally, visit at least three participant blogs and comment to spread the love.

If you want to know more about what I am reading, visit me at my Goodreads shelf. Images via Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

I am in the midst of #NaNoWriMo and am just going to post the covers without commentary this week. Hopefully I will have more time next week.

The Past Week

The Coming Week:

I just started Two Boys Kissing today and will be re-reading Diverse Energies to write a review for Rich in Color. I will also be reading Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning: Classroom Practices for Student Success. Other than that, my time will probably be taken up with #NaNoWriMo and a conference on Culturally Responsive Practices. Have a great week of reading!

Tuesday Trailer - Champion

I am usually sharing picture book and middle grade trailers, but Champion is released today and it looks pretty cool.

The trailer was originally posted here and there is more information and a giveaway there too.

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys. Jen Vincent over at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye from Unleashing Readers decided to put a children's and YA spin on it and they invite anyone with an interest to join in. You can participate by creating your post then visit one of their sites to add your site. Finally, visit at least three participant blogs and comment to spread the love.

If you want to know more about what I am reading, visit me at my Goodreads shelf. Images via Goodreads unless otherwise noted.

The Past Week

Early Chapter Book

I loved this second book in the Anna Hibiscus series. She and her family make me happy. They are so connected to each other.

Young Adult

Loved If I Ever Get Out of Here and will review it later. Lewis walks the line between two cultures trying hard to stay true to himself. Fangirl was a fun dip into fan fiction and romance.

Non-fiction

I got a copy of this book from Tamar Rydzinski (@trydzinski) in a giveaway for #NaNoWriMo. It was a quick read with many good tips for novel writing. It was helpful as I prepared to begin. Some of it was pretty funny too. 

The Coming Week:

I am listening to The Future of Us which is certainly an interesting concept. I am also reading Allegiant,  but I am not sure that I will get much reading done besides finishing those as #NaNoWriMo is pretty time consuming. What will you be reading this week?

#NaNoWriMo Begins!

NaNoWriMo begins today and my blog is likely to suffer as a result. Rich in Color posts will take priority like my review of Proxy today. I will try to always do my It's Monday! What are you reading? post, but beyond that, I am not entirely certain what will happen. NaNo tends to take over my free time. I am planning to aim for at least two posts a week, but maybe I will surprise us all and get three.

I will be working on a realistic fiction middle grade novel this month. Wish me luck! If you are doing NaNo where are you finding the time? Or the motivation?