This historical novel centers on young Steve, Grandfather, and a friend of the family, Uncle Fong. After the tragic death of his parents, Steve comes to live in Chinatown with his poor Grandfather, who seems emotionally distant. When Grandfather gives Steve a magic paintbrush, suddenly they can paint their desires into reality. Probably my favorite book by Yep. Characterization is particularly wonderful.
Continue Reading THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH by Laurence Yep (HarperCollins, 2000) »
A look at Liliana’s loving relationship with her white American grandmother, Mima, who lives in Liliana’s home town and her grandmother Mama Gabina, who lives in a Spanish-speaking country. Ages 4-up.
Continue Reading LILIANA’S GRANDMOTHERS by Leyla Torres (Farrar, 1998) »
When Will calls Tony “only half, or less than half Indian,” Tony tries to figure out what that means. With TaTda’s (Grandfather’s) help, Tony realizes that, like the Creator’s gift of multicolored corn, he is whole. Ages 5-up.
Jenna, a Muscogee (Creek)-Ojibwe girl, is enthusiastic about wanting to jingle dance at the upcoming powwow. With time running short, she seeks the assistance of women of her contemporary intertribal community in bringing together the remainder of her regalia. A story of reciprocity and respect. Ages 4-up.
An anthology collection of short stories by authors about their grandmothers. Contributing authors: Joan Abelove; Alma Flor Ada, Bonnie Christensen; Beverly Cleary; Pat Cummings; Jean Craighead George; Minfong Ho; Ji-li Jang;Gail Carson Levine; Beverly Naidoo; Cynthia Leitich Smith, and Diane Stanley. Ages 8-up.
Grandmother has caught a ride to Greenland on the back of a porpoise, and what’s more, a nest of birds has hatched in her bedroom. Where did they come from? Ages 4-up.
A story for pre-schoolers about how a deserving girl befriends a cat. Ages 4-up.
When Gong Gong (grandfather) first comes to live with Helen, she feels distanced by his inability to speak English and her inability to speak Chinese. Then, watching a train together, they begin to teach each other how to count the cars, Helen in English and Gong Gong in Chinese. In time, the two begin to bond as grandparent to child.
Continue Reading GRANDFATHER COUNTS by Andrea Cheng, illustrated by Ange Zhang (Lee & Low, 2000) »
When a competing superstore moves in, Lucy’s determination and community teamwork may be the best chance of survival for Grampa’s corner store. Ages 4-up.
Continue Reading GRAMPA’S CORNER STORE by Dyanne DiSalvo-Ryan (HarperCollins, 2000) »
A gentle story about the relationship of Jamie and her Granma Bowman and about Jamie’s acceptance of Granma’s death. A sweet story. Probably my favorite by Bruchac, who is no doubt the most published Native author of children’s books. Ages 4-up. Learn more about .
Continue Reading FOX SONG by Joseph Bruchac (Abenaki), illustrated by Paul Morin (Philomel, 1993) »