Author: Alexey

Asia

5 Ways to Celebrate the Chinese New Year!

The Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year is a 16-day celebration starting with New Year’s Eve on January 24, 2020, and ending with the Lantern Festival on February 8th, 2020. During this time, people celebrate by decorating their houses, buying new clothes, visiting family and lighting fireworks. January 25th starts the Year of the Rat! Here are some ideas on how you can celebrate the Chinese New Year in communities nationwide:

VISIT A CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 

New Year festivals are an interactive way to take part in Chinese culture. The dragon and lion dances are especially a beautiful piece of the culture. Dragons symbolize luck and in the traditional dances, many people hold up a dragon using poles, the longer the dragon, the greater the luck. The lions’ presence keeps away the evil spirit, Nian. Lion dancer styles differ around parts of China. Learn more here! 

The Atlanta Lunar New Year Festival takes place Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th at Atlanta Chinatown Mall. This year’s festival includes a “Taiwanese night market, a dragon & lion dance, and art & culture exhibits”.

LISTEN TO MUSIC FROM CHINESE MUSICIANS 

The New York Philharmonic hosts a Chinese New Year performance each year. On Tuesday, January 28th experience “Zhou Tian’s Gift and the New York Premiere of Texu Kim’s ping pong–inspired Spin-Flip. Witness rising superstar Haochen Zhang in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Gil Shaham in Chen Gang and He Zhanhao’s The Butterfly Lovers, Violin Concerto.” 

Every year, people look forward to the broadcasting of the Chinese New Year Gala on Chinese Central Television, The gala features a variety of performances including instrumentation and dance. 

GO TO A TEA CEREMONY 

The Parkway Central Library of Philadelphia is hosting its annual Chinese New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 1st. The celebration includes “A tea ceremony and flower arrangement show that will highlight the beauty and harmony of cultural exchanges and collaborations.” 

While tea is a staple in Chinese culture, some foods eaten during the New Year reunion dinner have certain hallmarks attributed to them. Families typically eat steamed dumplings which symbolize prosperity for the new year. Learn more here! 

SEE THE CHINESE PAPER LANTERNS 

Lanterns have different meanings in Chinese culture. Sky lanterns can represent making a wish while some lanterns have a more religious connotation and can represent saving a seat for a god.

The Louisville Zoo hosts the Wild Lights Asian Lantern Festival from March 5th- April 25th. You can take an hour-long walk through the lantern-lit zoo. Other activities include “viewing traditional Chinese performances and trying traditional cuisine”. 

GO TO A NEW YEAR PARADE 

Disneyland is celebrating the Year of the Mouse *ahem* Rat from January 17- February 9 with a Mulan themed Lunar New Year Parade. The park also celebrates with a water show, Asian cuisine, and Disney characters sporting festive red costumes. 

Red is a prominent color used in New Year decorations. The color symbolizes both good luck and fire. With a promise of good luck and fire to ward off evil spirits, it’s no wonder why red is a popular color for clothing, lanterns, and decorations during the New Year. Learn more here! 

The Chinese New Year is a time of allowing prosperity and good luck into your life. Take the time to talk to the people you’re most grateful for, reflect on the past year, and move forward without the negativity of the past. 

Happy New Year!/ xīn nián kuài lè! 

General

Must-Read Books on Martin Luther King, Jr., Activism and Equality for Atlas Readers

Share Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream with your kids through these picture books, novels, and biographies.

FOR HATCH READERS (PICTURE BOOKS)

Martin Luther King, Jr. by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Mai Ly Degnan (Illustrator)

Little Martin grew up in a family of preachers: his dad was a preacher, his uncle was a preacher, his grandfather was a preacher…so maybe he’d become a great preacher too. One day, a friend invited him to play at his house. Martin was shocked when his mother wouldn’t let him in because he was black. That day he realized there was something terribly unfair going on. Martin believed that no one should remain silent and accept something if it’s wrong. And he promised himself that—when he grew up—he’d fight injustice with the most powerful weapon of all: words.

This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the inspiring activist’s life. (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books)

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Hue Boy by Rita Phillips Phillips Mitchell, Caroline Binch (Illustrator)
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A is for Activist by Innosanto Nagara
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FOR NEST JR. READERS (7 – 9 YEARS OLD)

I Am Martin Luther King, Jr. by Brad Meltzer, Christopher Eliopoulos (Illustrator)

Even as a child, Martin Luther King, Jr. was shocked by the terrible and unfair way African-American people were treated. When he grew up, he decided to do something about it—peacefully, with powerful words. He helped gather people together for nonviolent protests and marches, and he always spoke up about loving other human beings and doing what’s right. He spoke about the dream of a kinder future, and bravely led the way toward racial equality in America. (Penguin Young Readers)

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The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Rafael Lopez (Illustrator)
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Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh
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FOR NEST READERS (9 – 11 YEARS OLD)

Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop: The Sanitation Strike of 1968 by Alice Faye Duncan, R. Gregory Christie (Illustrator)

In February 1968, two African American sanitation workers were killed by unsafe equipment in Memphis, Tennessee. Outraged at the city’s refusal to recognize a labor union that would fight for higher pay and safer working conditions, sanitation workers went on strike. The strike lasted two months, during which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was called to help with the protests. While his presence was greatly inspiring to the community, this unfortunately would be his last stand for justice.

He was assassinated in his Memphis hotel the day after delivering his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” sermon in Mason Temple Church. Inspired by the memories of a teacher who participated in the strike as a child, author Alice Faye Duncan reveals the story of the Memphis sanitation strike from the perspective of a young girl with a riveting combination of poetry and prose. (Highlights)

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Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome
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A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée
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FOR SOAR READERS (12+)

Dear Martin by Nic Stone

Justyce McAllister is a good kid, an honor student, and always there to help a friend—but none of that matters to the police officer who just put him in handcuffs. Despite leaving his rough neighborhood behind, he can’t escape the scorn of his former peers or the ridicule of his new classmates.

Justyce looks to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for answers. But do they hold up anymore? He starts a journal to Dr. King to find out.

Then comes the day Justyce goes driving with his best friend, Manny, windows rolled down, music turned up—way up, sparking the fury of a white off-duty cop beside them.

Words fly. Shots are fired. Justyce and Manny are caught in the crosshairs. In the media fallout, it’s Justyce who is under attack. (Random House Children’s Books)

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Just Mercy (Adapted for Young Adults): A True Story of the Fight for Justice by Bryan Stevenson
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March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell (Illustrator)
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Asia

Celebrating Rajasthani Puppetry

HERE AT ATLAS BOOK CLUB WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE DIFFERENT CULTURES ALL OVER THE WORLD!

One of my recent favorites is the art of Rajasthani string puppetry, also known as “Kathputli.” This is one of the most vibrant aspects of Indian culture and is over a thousand years old. This type of puppetry narrates events from the history of the region, folklore, legends and myths complete with music and dialogue.

Here is a great piece on the The Beauty of Rajasthani Puppets.

Our January Hatch Box features India! We have included a souvenir in the box to introduce your child to this beautiful celebration of Indian tradition. Order a Hatch Box to find out what it is!

In the meantime, enjoy this entertaining video celebrating Rajasthani puppetry.

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Asia

The First Filipino Settlers

ONE OF OUR GOALS HERE AT ATLAS BOOK CLUB IS TO IGNITE A LEVEL OF CURIOSITY IN OUR YOUNG ATLAS MIGRATORS!

We want to educate, yes, but we want to do so in a manner that increases interest and a yearning to know more about the culture of the countries we feature. 

While researching about the Philippines, I learned something that completely blew my mind! Did you know that the first settlers in the Philippines were the Aeta (pronounced as “eye-ta”) people and they were black?!

Certainly there is no scarcity of evidence of the Great Human Migration—prehistoric humans left their homeland of Africa to colonize the world. So why was I so surprised to discover that the first settlers in the Philippines were black? I think it may have to do with the way we as humans process information – intellectually I know this and it makes sense, but as a regular, everyday person it felt like a discovery. I told a few of my friends who are well educated and globally aware adults and it was news to them as well. I wonder why that is…

The Aeta people are an indigenous people who live in the mountainous parts of Luzon, and they are considered the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines. They have dark to very dark brown-skin, small stature, curly to kinky afro-like textured hair with some having naturally lighter hair color, small nose, and dark brown eyes. They belong to a group of people called Australo-Melanesians; also included in this group are the Aborigines in Australia.

There are a few theories about the history of the Aeta people. Some suggest that they migrated to the Philippines using land bridges that linked the country to other parts of Asia, land bridges that disappeared over the centuries via evolution. Some studies show that they are descendants of “an initial dispersal out of Africa by early anatomically modern humans,” while others show that Australo-Melanesians may be genetically related to Native Americans.

Native Filippino children playing. (Pixabay.com)

I started to go down the rabbit hole with this research for sure! After all fact chasing, I was led to this conclusion that we all know, or should know—we are all connected and are more similar than we are different.

Our January Nest Box features the Philippines! The book we selected is based on Filipino mythology and it is so captivating. Because the Aeta people are known for their musical heritage, we have included a souvenir that celebrates that. You have to get the January Nest Box to find out what it is!

To learn more about the Aeta people of the Philippines check out some of these sources:

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Asia

Girls on Quest!: 4 Children’s Books Featuring Girls on a Hero’s Journey

When I started researching books to select for our January Box, I had no specific theme in mind. I just knew that we would be exploring Asia and I knew I wanted the stories to be interesting and show the diversity in culture within the continent.

Even after I selected the books for the Nest Jr., Nest and Soar Boxes, it didn’t occur to me that a theme had emerged until I read the last book. Then it hit me—three books with three girls on a hero’s journey. These books tell three different stories of these girls as they go off on quests – one out of defiance, another out of obligation and the last in efforts to find herself and save her community. All three girls encounter challenges along the way, and despite the fear, self doubt, and the figurative and literal battles, they all emerge stronger and more sure of who they are.

I am so proud of this month’s selections. If you are already an ABC subscriber, your kids are in for a treat! If you are not, there is still a chance to get a January Box and get to know these three girls. While you wait for your box to arrive, here are some books featuring fierce girls on heroic quests! Enjoy!

Kaya’s Heart Song by Diwa Theran Sanders and Nerina Canzi (illustrator)

Kaya is looking for her heart song – the song that happy hearts sing. Her search takes her on a journey deep into the jungle where a broken down carousel waits for a very special song to make it turn again… Grounded in the principles of mindfulness, this joyful story set in the vibrant jungles of Malaysia will truly make your heart sing. (Lantana Publishing)

Great for Hatch readers.

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Daughters of Steel by Naomi Cyprus

Halan was once a powerless princess. Now she’s taken her rightful place as queen of the Magi Kingdom—but she wonders if she’ll ever be the ruler her people deserve. And Nalah used to be a powerful pauper. Now she’s the Queen’s Sword—but the more Nalah’s powers grow, the more unruly they become.

One vision changes everything. Nalah embarks on a quest across the desert to harness her powers, while Halan must travel through the Transcendent Mirror to help the Thaumas of New Hadar.

As a dark threat draws closer, can Nalah and Halan reunite to save both worlds—and the future of magic? (Harper Collins)

Perfect for Nest Jr. readers.

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The Distance Between Us: Young Reader’s Edition by Reyna Grande

When her parents make the dangerous and illegal trek across the Mexican border in pursuit of the American dream, Reyna and her siblings are forced to live with their stern grandmother, as they wait for their parents to build the foundation of a new life.

But when things don’t go quite as planned, Reyna finds herself preparing for her own journey to “El Otro Lado” to live with the man who has haunted her imagination for years: her long-absent father. Both funny and heartbreaking, The Distance Between Us sheds light on the immigrant experience beautifully capturing the struggle that Reyna and her siblings endured while trying to assimilate to a different culture, language, and family life in El Otro Lado (The Other Side). (Simon & Schuster)

Great for Nest readers.

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Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zélie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls.

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good.

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers and her growing feelings for an enemy. (Macmillan)

Excellent for more advanced Soar readers.

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General

Our Top 10 Books of 2019!

This was a hard list to put together because I read more children’s books this year than ever before in preparation for launching the Atlas Book Club Subscription Box! You can purchase all books from Amazon at the affiliate links. Great for gifts or to grow you collection of diverse children’s books. Enjoy! – Bunmi

10. Mira’s Curly Hair by Maryam Al Serkal and Rebeca Luciani

Lantana Publishing sure knows how to capture my heart. They did it with Sleep Well Siba and Saba and now with Mira’s Curly Hair. The first time I read this gorgeous picture book, it took my breath away. This simple story about a brown girl and her mom living in Dubai, and their relationship with their hair strikes an important chord – we are more alike than we are different. This story transcends and resonates – that a little brown girl living in Brooklyn can connect with another little brown girl across the world based on their beautiful curly hair made my heart smile! This book is a mirror and a window. This book is perfection.

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9. It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

In this Young Readers adaptation of his best-selling memoir, Trevor Noah narrates his childhood adventures and misadventures growing up in a changing South Africa still reeling from the impact of apartheid. Noah manages to make this more appropriate for a younger audience while keeping the authenticity and integrity of the stories within. What he does not do is dumb the state of affairs or the impact of racist policies; he does not underestimate the intellgience of his younger readers and that is a refreshing approach in such a memoir adaptation. Candid, funny and with historical context, this is a perfect read for kids age 12 and up. It is one that may require further discussion and research. If you are looking for something to read along with your teenager, this is a good one.

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8. You’re Snug With Me by Chitra Soundor and Poonam Mistry

Another one from Lantana Publishing, this picture book by the British-Indian duo author Chitra Soundor and illustrator Poonam Mistry is simply STUNNING. A timely story of a polar bear family as they adjust to the depleting ice and adapt to their changing home. The intricate illustrations in this picture book will take your breath away while this lyrical story reminds you of the importance and urgency for action in protecting the only planet we call home. An excellent story for the little ones in your life, perfect for reading out loud.

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7. If You Lived with The Iroquois by Ellen Levine

Published in 1998, If You lived with The Iroquois gives you a brief glance, back in time, into the lives of this great tribe long before there was a United States. Kids would love learning but everyday living with the Iroquois, I certainly did! A great way to introduce your child to Native American history and tribes.

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6. Listen, Slowly by Thanhha Lai

You may rememberInside Out and Back Again by Thanha Lai from my Top Ten Books of 2018. I loved it so much it claimed the Number 1 spot! While the follow up Listen, Slowly by the same author is different in style and substance, it is just as good! Where Inside Outwas sombre and intriguing, Listen, Slowly is witty, funny but still captivating. This book brings us along as 12 year old Mai accompanies her grandmother back to Vietnam in search of news of her missing grandfather – her grandmother fled Vietnam to America with Mai’s parents in Inside Out and Back Again. My favorite part of this book is the relationship between these two—an American born teenager and her immigrant grandmother. It is a deep rooted connection, one that I felt privileged to be reading about. Perfect for ages 9 and above.

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5. Mansa Musa and the Empire of Mali by P. James Oliver

This biography by P. James Oliver tells the tale of one of the wealthiest and most successful emperors and empires of pre-colonial Africa. Mansa Musa’s story is one of gold, bravery, adventure, dilemmas and triumphs. It includes details of his pilgrimage from Western Africa to Mecca and his findings along the way, and the way of life of the people of Mali and their interaction with the world around them. A necessary read that provides historical context of Western Africa prior to colonialism and the slave trade, this book is full of details, drawings, maps and facts that help the reader follow this epic empire. A perfect read for kids entering 6th grade as they will likely be studying this era then!

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4. Red Butterfly by A. L. Sonnichsen

Red Butterfly is a different type of adoption story. Written in free verse, author A. L. Sonnichsen tells this intriguing tale through the eyes of 11 year old Cara, a Chinese girl living in China with her adoptive mother, an elderly American woman. A story of family and hope, of belonging and home. Perfect for ages 9 and above.

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3. Under the Great Plum Tree by Sufiya Ahmed and Reza Dalvand

This folktale is one that has been told in many cultures around the world but this version is based on an ancient Indian fable about an unlikely friendship between a monkey and a crocodile. A gorgeous picture book that is sure to become a bedtime favorite!

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2. When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park

A story of a Korean family while Korea was under Japanese occupation during World War II. Follow along as the two young narrators, siblings, describe the impact of the occupation and the war on their family. This is a fantastic read about a period and place in history that is not widely discussed. I learned a lot from this book. Perfect for ages 9 and above.

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1. The Mystery of the Missing Lion by Alexander McCall Smith 

In our December Box, subscribers to our Nest Box discovered Precious Ramotswe, a young girl from Botswana with a curious mind and an eye for solving mysteries. Fans of The Great Cake Mystery can follow along with Precious as she solves her next two cases in The Mystery of the Missing Lion and The Mystery of Meerkat Hill. Perfect for ages 7 and above.

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General

Our Top 10 Books of 2018!

Here is our list from 2018! You can purchase all books from Amazon at the affiliate links. Great gifts for birthdays and special celebrations, or to grow you collection of diverse children’s books! – Bunmi

10. Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai is a delicious delight of a book. Based on the true story of Lai herself, Inside Out and Back Again uses verse to draw us into the family life of ten year old Ha during the Fall of Saigon towards the end of the Vietnam War. We follow Ha and her family as they escape the country and migrate to Alabama where an entirely different life awaits. Thanhha Lai masterfully weaves a captivating story that evokes all of the emotions – empathy, inspiration, laughter, admiration, heartbreak and so on. Her ability to use so little words to evoke such strong emotion is powerful. This is a book with language so simple yet impactful. It should be savored, slowly and intentionally. I LOVE THIS BOOK. Readers of The Red Pencil will love this book as the style of storytelling is similar. This book will be great for readers 8 and up to adults. A captivating immigration story lies ahead, one worth reading and sharing. Enjoy, truly!

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9. The Garbage King by Elizabeth Laird

If you follow Atlas Book Club, you may remember this selection from the summer. This tale of two boys, from very different backgrounds, and their unexpected friendship captured my heart and claimed it as its own. I LOVE THIS BOOK. It has been a while since I have read a book as captivating as The Garbage King by Elizabeth Laird. Based on true stories, this incredible tale of an unlikely friendship between two young boys growing up in Ethiopia is equally heart warming and heart wrenching. A story about difficult familial relationships and the formation of a brotherhood based on the circumstances that binds these boys makes for a true page turner. I would recommend this book for kids 12 years old and up, depending on the maturity level of the kid. This is one I would suggest parents read first to be prepared to discuss any sensitive questions that may arise. Sensitive topics include child kidnapping, modern day slave trade, suggestion of prostitution, and street begging. Despite these sensitive topics, this book is beautifully written and the resulting story of brotherhood is nothing short of triumphant.

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8. The Day You Begin by Jacquline Woodson

The Day You Begin by Jacquline Woodson is probably one of the most important books I have taken into a class yet. This simple yet poignant picture book tells the story of many kids who feel “othered” when in school whether it is by their accent, their packed lunch or even the way they spent their summer. I remember how quiet the kids in my 2nd grader’s class were when I was reading this book, and as I read it, I wondered how many of them felt “othered.”As a Nigerian-American mom whose kids sometimes take jollof rice to school for lunch, this book filled my heart. Get this book!

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7. Nadia Knox and the Eye of Zinnia by Jessica McDougle

Nadia Knox and the Eye of Zinnia is a fun, adventure book by Jessica McDougle. Follow Nadia and her brother Chris into the jungles of Uganda. When these siblings tag along with their archaeologist parents on a work trip, their curiosity leads to exploration, legends and magic! Kids 8 and up will love this action packed novel. Happy Reading! ?

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6. Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

Haroun and the Sea of Stories! Set in an exotic and magical Eastern landscape, author Salman Rushdie, weaves his Indian background into this enchanting tale of 12 year old Haroun as he journeys to magical lands to help his father regain his voice. The characters within are as colorful as they are magical. This book is chock full of symbolism, fantasy and imagery and the kids in your life will be fascinated from page one! Fans of Alice in Wonderland, Life of Pi and Wizard of Oz will LOVE this book. Perfect for ages 8 and up, depending on reading level. Happy reading! ❤

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5. A Chameleon, A Boy, and A Quest by J.A. Myhre

A Chameleon, A Boy, and A Quest by J.A. Myhre is a classic tale of adventure. Follow ten year old Mu and his companion a talking chameleon in this coming of age story through the enchanted forests of Africa as he navigates loss, faith and growing up. Some of my favorite books are ones where the character grows and are “becoming” in the course of a fun, magical adventure. This book is just that. Perfect for ages 8 and up

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4. Seven Spools of Thread by Angela Shelf Medearis

Seven Spools of Thread is an honorary pick. Although not a recent buy, I recently read it to my 2nd grader’s class and I was reminded how much I love this story. Perfect for this time of the year, this story of seven brothers, written by Angela Shelf Medearis, is a beautiful example of what we can achieve when we work together. Kids will learn that fighting and bickering solve nothing, and we are so much better when united towards a common goal. Happy reading!

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3. Sing To The Moon by Nansubuga Nagaddya Isdahl

If you follow Atlas Book Club, you’ll remember that one of my favorite books last year was Sleep Well, Siba and Saba. Here is another winner by the same duo. Sing To The Moon by Nansubuga Nagaddya Isdahl is a delightful picture book that beautifully illustrates the grandparent-grandchild relationship. Illustrator @sandravandoornillustrations captures this relationship perfectly with her trademark colorful choices. This book is perfect for bedtime stories and classroom readings. I recently took it in as a Surprise Guest Reader to 2nd graders and it was a hit! Happy reading.

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2. Kodi’s Big Idea by Adora Ndu

When this book arrived in the mail and my daughter devoured it in less than 10 minutes, I knew immediately I had to include it in my top ten. Kodi’s Big Idea by my friend Adora Ndu is a gorgeous picture book that tells the story of Kodi and her family life. Some of my favorite books are books that show children of color just being kids! This book is exactly that! The simplicity and relatability of the characters is my favorite thing about this book. Kodi’s Big Idea is a perfect gift for young readers K-4th grade but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages!

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1. The Jaden Toussaint Series by Marti Dumas and  Marie Muravski 

This is a cheat pick because it is a series, but I just had to include it in my top ten. My kids LOVE the Jaden Toussaint series! Jaden is a witty, intelligent 5year old kid who loves to use science to solve dilemmas and get his way. This series is hilarious, and chuck full of scientific theories and pop culture references. There is even a Hamilton reference! You are sure to find the littles in your life cuddled up in the corner with any one of these books, chuckling delightfully to themselves. Get the whole series! We had to wait for each episode/book to be published but you don’t have to.

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General

Happy (Multicultural) Holidays!: 6 Children’s Books to Celebrate With This Season

Celebrate the colorful, multicultural holiday season with these children’s books!

Christmas Eve

‘Twas Nochebuena by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and  Sara Palacios 

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Christmas

What’s Cooking, Jamela? by Niki Daly

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Kwanzaa

My First Kwanzaa by Karen Katz

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Hanukkah

Hanukkah Bear by Eric A. Kimmel and Mike Wohnoutka

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New Year’s Day

Sylvester and the New Year by Eduard Mörikeand Emmeline Pidgen

Photo Credit
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Chinese New Year

Dragon Dance by Joan Holub and Benrei Huang

Photo Credit
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General

Our Top 10 Books of 2017!

I put this list together a couple of years ago. You can purchase all books from Amazon at the affiliate links. Great gifts for birthdays and special celebrations, or to grow you collection of diverse children’s books! – Bunmi

10. A LONG WALK TO WATER BY LINDA SUE PARKER

A Long Walk To Water by Linda Sue Parker is a true story of courage, perseverance and triumph about a young boy during the Sudanese war. Recommend for ages 10 and up. Contains some violence and death.

While I loved this story, I didn’t select it for the book club because we had just read The Red Pencil and didn’t want the kids reading another book about another war torn African country. Nevertheless, still an excellent story and one worth reading.

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9. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema is a beautifully illustrated book. Folktales are an integral part of African culture and are one of my favorite types of storytelling. If you follow me, you know I have a soft spot for bright colorful illustrations and this picture book delivers! Recommended for all ages.

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8. The Wooden Camel by Wanuri Kahiu 

Another picture book from Lantana Publishing, a company doing great work in the publishing space! The Wooden Camel by Wanuri Kahiu is a simple Kenyan story of sibling love filled with childhood imagination and play.

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7. Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe

You can’t go wrong with the great Chinua Achebe! This was our January selection and it led to an interesting and insightful conversation with the kids. This story of a Nigerian boy pursuing his dream was relatable and inspiring.

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6. The Banana Leaf Ball by Katie Smith Milway and Shane W. Evans

I love this story of overcoming bullies, friendship and futbol!

The Banana Leaf Ball tells the story of a boy living in the Lukole refugee camp in Tanzania in a different way. You have to read it to understand!

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5. The Story Teller by Evan Turk

This Moroccan folktale is magical! Loved it! Check out The Story Teller by Evan Turk.

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4. Chicken in the Kitchen by Nnedi Okorafor and Mehrdokht Amini 

Colorful, delightful and fun! Chicken In The Kitchen reminds me of the festivals growing up in Nigeria. This is a hit at the school whenever I’m a guest reader.

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3. The Water Princess by Susan Verde, Georgie Badiel and Peter H. Reynolds

You have seen me post this book. I LOVE THIS BOOK! Based on the true story of Burkina Faso-born model Georgie Badel, this book is stunning. The earth tone illustrations are breathtaking and provide a wonderful medium to tell this simple story. 

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2. The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney

The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney is phenomenal. The use of poetry and prose as a medium to tell the story of a young Sudanese girl is captivating.
Recommended for ages 10 and up due to references to death and war.

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1. Sleep Well, Siba and Saba by Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl and Sandra van Doorn

And drumroll… my favorite book of 2017 is Sleep Well, Siba and Saba. If you follow this page, this should come as no surprise!? the love I have for this book is well documented.

The story is beautiful in its simplicity and the illustrations are just stunning! This story of two sisters growing up in Uganda will warm your heart and make you smile. Bravo Nansubuga Nagadya Isdahl and Sandra van Doorn. Bravo!!!

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General

Is the Atlas Book Club Box for your child? Yes! Here’s why.

THE ATLAS BOOK CLUB HAS THE GO-TO SUBSCRIPTION BOX

for culturally curious kids! Each month we’ll explore a new continent through our Hatch, Nest & Nest Jr., and Soar boxes. Each box comes with thoughtfully, lovingly selected books for your kids to enjoy but more importantly, to learn more about a new culture (or even their own!). The box will contain fun items—such as cards with fun facts about the month’s destination, souvenirs, and activities—to provide your reader with an immersive educational experience. So, are your kids ready to take flight? Check out what we have to offer below and subscribe today!

Hatch

For ages 5-7

The Hatch Box is for the youngest migrators among us but also for lovers of picture books ages 0-99. Our book selections for this box have simple storylines and are great for kids who love to read.

Perfect for readers who loved “Chicken in the Kitchen” and “Sulwe”

SUBSCRIBE TO THE HATCH BOX

Nest & Nest Jr.

Nest Jr.

For ages 7-9

Our latest addition to the ABC family, the Nest Jr. Box is just right for newly independent readers. The box will include picture books with more complex storylines or easy to read early chapter books.

Perfect for readers of the Jaiden Touissant series and The Great Cake Mystery

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEST JR. BOX

Nest

For ages 9-12

The Nest Box contains middle grade chapter books for advanced readers!

Just right for readers who enjoyed “Inside Out and Back Again” and “The Red Pencil”

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEST BOX

Soar

For ages 12+

The Soar Box is an exciting package that will contain YA-level graphic novel or a chapter book. Because some of the content may be a bit more mature, look out for a “note to parents” included in the box.

Perfect for readers who like “Shaka Rising” and “The Garbage King”

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SOAR BOX

Here’s what you’ll find in each box!