Stories are a great way to introduce different culture, tradition and people around us. It help students to understand how diverse the world is, the complexities of people's lives, and make connections to their experiences.
This inspiring children's book is based on a South American Indigenous story about a courageous hummingbird who defies fear and expectations in her attempt to save the forest from fire. The illustrated story is supplemented by a natural and cultural history of hummingbirds, as well as an inspiring message from Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.
The evocative artwork by internationally renowned Haida artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas complements the optimistic tale that encourages everyone to take responsibility for their home and the planet. |
by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas
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Activities:
* redesign the book cover and give it a new title. * write a different ending to the story * imagine what would you have done, if you were in the place of the little humming bird * retell any similar cultural stories from the student's home country Listen to the story online |
A young Ojibway boy sets out in a birchbark canoe early one spring morning in the company of Mishomis (grandfather). Together, they discover the peaceful beauty of the lake. Both of them claim morning, noon, and night as their favorite time of day. In the morning in a birchbark canoe, they see a family of loons; hiking up a cliff at noon, they see an eagle; and walking through the forest at night, they see a pack of wolves. The boy is initially frightened by each sight but he follows the example of his grandfather and stays perfectly quiet and still. After each animal has passed, Mishomis interprets cultural messages for the boy, thereby teaching him about his heritage.
In three episodes, “Morning,” “Noon,”, and “Night,” the Ojibway cultures' relationship with nature and animals is presented through the narrative of a |
Written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Illustrated by Karen Reczuch |
boy as he spends the day outdoors with his grandfather. The subtle story of strong inter generational relationship is illustrated with realistic watercolors that depict the beauty of the natural world. (Ages 6-9)
Activities: Students can talk about the story by looking at the book cover. Ask them to make connections to their own village/town/country on day like this. What would they encounter on such a trip on a lake? This book is a gentle story about the love between generations, traditional teaching methods, and First Nations' respect for the environment. |
A wonderful tale of a summer of learning and a good book for young picture book readers. From https://www.barnesandnoble.com, "Clover's mom says it isn't safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get around the grown-ups' rules by sitting on top of the fence together".
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Written by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrated by E. B. Lewis |
This story deals with the sensitive topic of racial issues.
"Even young children will understand the fence metaphor and they will enjoy the quiet friendship drama." -Booklist |
Laurel Croza and Matt James have beautifully captured the voice and intense feelings of a young child who, in the midst of upheaval, finds hope in her new surroundings.
A little girl and her family have just moved across the country by train. Their new neighborhood in the city of Toronto is very different from their home in the Saskatchewan bush, and at first everything about “there” seems better than “here.” The little girl’s dad has just finished building a dam across the Saskatchewan River, and his new project is to build a highway through Toronto. In Saskatchewan, he would come home for lunch every day, but now he doesn’t come until supper. |
Written by Laurel Croza
Illustrated by Matt James |
The family used to love to look at the stars, and the northern lights dancing in the night sky. But in the city, all they can see is the glare from the streetlights. All the kids used to run and play together, but now older brother Doug has his own friends.
Then one day there is a knock on the door. It is Anne, who lives kitty-corner and is also eight, going on nine, and suddenly living in Toronto takes on a whole new light. For junior grades, students can write a paragraph about their feelings when they moved and missed their loved ones. Or they can even draw a chart/picture and compare the places and people. |
"Little ones struggling to adjust to a new home or missing their old one will find comfort here." Booklist
Other recommended books:
by Phillis J. Pherry
39 fun and simple games from around the world |
by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
A remarkable true story about human inventiveness and its power to overcome crippling adversity. |
10 Beautiful Indigenous Children’s Books
By some of our favourite celebrated Indigenous authors from across Turtle Island. |
by Andrea Davis Pinkney ; illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Amira's days are tough at the camp, until the gift of a simple red pencil opens her mind. |
Resources used for this website :
- www.barnesandnoble.com/w/other-side-jacqueline-woodson/1100897426
- houseofanansi.com/products/from-there-to-here
- Lewis M.D., Lisa. Book Review: Sticks and Stones – 39 fun and simple games from around the world(2017). Retrieved from www.lisalewismd.com/book-review-sticks-and-stones-39-fun-and-simple-games-from-around-the-world/
- wpclipart.com/dl.php?img=/education/books/books_6/one_world_many_stories.png
- https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=24752
- Waboose, Jan Bourdeau. (1998). Morning on the Lake. Kids Can Press (Grades P-3).
- Mills, Selena. 10 Beautiful Indigenous Children’s Books To Add To Your Library. Feb 1, 2017. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/10-beautiful-indigenous-childrens-books-to-add-to-your-librarywww.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/10-beautiful-indigenous-childrens-books-to-add-to-your-library
- https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/andrea-davis-pinkney/the-red-pencil/9780316247801/