Resnik, 1

Heidi Resnik
Dr. Maria Pacino
Library 510
December 12, 2015
A Treasure Trove of Bejeweled Stories & Illustrations:
An Annotated Bibliography of Childrens Literature
To examine 20in this case 21(I looked over my list and realized I left off one book
with a theme I intended to include: stuttering; this year I have two high school students who
stutter severely, so I wanted to honor them by including this story), childrens books and
organize an annotated bibliography, I considered many facets of book selection, including
diversity (culture, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, geography, language, politics,
beliefs, economic status, abilities, skills, and interests), global awareness, and EL students. In
addition, I attempted to align the choices in the structure of picture books, lower elementary (first
grade), intermediate (third grade), and upper elementary (fifth grade). I say attempted because,
other than being a mom, an auntie, and incorporating childrens books into my secondary
curriculum as an English teacher, I have relatively little experience in aligning books to students
developmental stages with precision. Plus, I like childrens books, and how old am I?!
In each evaluation of the books I chose and did not choose, I felt like the genres, themes,
plots, characters, settings, syntax, illustrations, readability, style, conflicts, narration, dialogue,
symbolic references, allusions, and high interest topics were applicable to all ages. I found each
of these books to foster critical thinking with the building blocks of Blooms Taxonomy
(Anderson & Krathwohl, 2001) built into the individual constructs of the aforementioned list of
literary elements. With the proper questions and interactive guidance from an adult, each of these

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books inspires remembering, understanding, analyzing, evaluating, and creating within in a
readers mind and imagination at all ages.
To guide me with selecting books, I focused on the following criteria:
sAuthority: who are the authors and publishers of the books - do they advocate
particular values? Are there implicit and explicit biases? Are they reputable and
knowledgeable?
sAccuracy: is the information in the books and materials accurate - is the author an
expert in the field? Was the book appropriately researched? Is it free of biases?
sRecency: are these books and materials recent?
sLiterary merit: what idea or theme is the author trying to present? Are plot, setting,
characterization, consistent? Is the style, genre appropriate to the theme? Is the
point of view appropriate? What is the total effect of the book?
sPhysical quality: Is the paper of good quality?
sArrangement: does the content develop logically, sequentially?
sIllustrations: are illustrations appropriate to the story? Are they free of biases? For
example, are the roles men and women represented in a non-sexist way? Are
minorities in visible positions of power? Are the illustrations (drawings,
photographs, or other visual representations) of good, technical quality?
(Pacino, 2015)
In addition to the above criteria, I considered the storys reference to history, historical
people, the theme of persistence, coping with being an outsider, multicultural representation in
the illustrations as background characters, empowering girls in non-traditional jobs like
engineering and innovation, lovely use of color, and engaging energy or serenity in the pictures
to reflect the authors messages. In creating this list, I made conjectures and hypothesized how to
meet interest levels of students in general. By selecting these stories, I figured I could guide the
students and engage them by asking leading questions. I realize, however, that although
research on reader interest can provide some general ideas about what subjects and authors that

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children of certain ages, sexes, and reading abilities prefer, it is important not to develop
stereotyped view of childrens preferences (Norton, 2011, p. 96). I will make sure I talk with
students and gather information about their reading experiences and inclinations before I decide
which books to buy for the library.
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cradle Me (picture book)
by Debby Slier
Babies love looking at babies, and this welcome, cradle-shaped board book
features photographs of ten beautiful babies from ten different American
Indian tribes, each one engaged in a typical cradle-board related activity
(peeking, touching, crying, yawning, etc.). Each of the babys tribal
affiliations is identified on a final page spread that explains Generations of
Native American mothers have carried their babies in cradle boards and they
are still used by many tribes today. Each cradle board is personalized and
they vary from tribe to tribe. (2012 Cooperative Childrens Book Center
https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/books/detailBook.asp?idBooks=6834)
God Found Us You (picture book)
By Lisa Tawn Bergren and illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
This book is written with both adopted children and adoptive
parents in mind. The story follows the bedtime ritual of Mama Fox
and Little Fox. Little Fox asks his mama to tell him about the day
he came home. Mama Fox tells what is clearly an often-told tale
about how they came to be together. The illustrations show
affectionate, cuddly foxes, but the pain that can sometimes come
with adoption is shown as well. The colors are mostly pastel
light, sweet, and breezy. This is a book with broad appeal.
(http://lisatawnbergren.com/books/god-found-us-you/)
More, More, More, Said the Baby: Three Love Stories (picture book)
by Vera B. Williams
Affectionate names for active toddlers (Little Guy, Little Pumpkin and
Little Bird); exploratory activities emphasizing basic human features
(belly button, toes and eyes); repetitive baby-focused narratives centered
on three times of every toddler's day (waking up, being up and falling
asleep); three loving adults guiding and caring for the babies (a daddy, a
grandma and a mama); and color triads expressing the emotionally rich
short pieces which "catch up" listeners and receivers are all combined in

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exuberantly unified paintings full of encircling love. The rhythmic text is painted within the
larger rhythmic paintings. The handsome jacket art is harmonious with the warmth and
excitement within this diversely pictured 11 1/4" x 10" world of color-filled words and images.
Winner, 1990 CCBC Caldecott Book Discussion. ( Cooperative Children's Book Center
https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/books/detailBook.asp?idBooks=139)
The spontaneity and delight of play is captured perfectly in this trio of multigenerational,
multiracial "love stories" about three pairs of babies and their grown-ups. Told in a natural,
colloquial tone, the simple, engaging text is finely honed with a rhythm that is musical. School
Library Journal
Sleep Like a Tiger (picture book)
By Mary Logue and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
Does everything in the world go to sleep? the little girl asks. In
dialogue between a not-at-all sleepy child and understanding
parents, the little girl decides in a cocoon of sheets, a nest of
blankets, she is ready to sleep, warm and strong, just like a tiger.
One Goodreads critic writes: This Caldecott Award winner is a
bedtime story about a young girl who isnt tired and doesnt want to
go to sleep. Her parents are very present to her, and engage in her
conversation, though they insist she must put on her pajamas and
get ready for bed. She challenges them with questions about whether or not everything has to go
to sleep. She climbs into bed and begins inquiring about different animals and whether or not
they sleep. This dialogue reminded me of a version of the endless what if questions asked by
so many children. Finally, the parents leave the girl alone in her room and tell her she can stay up
all night if shed like, but instead she falls asleep like all the animals she and her parents
discussed.
The illustrations are very beautiful, and immensely enriched the story. I highly recommend this
book for children preschool age and older. Im sure that most children would be captivated by
the illustrations, and would likely engage in conversation about them as the book is read to
them. (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13429619-sleep-like-atiger?from_search=true&search_version=service)
The Lion and the Mouse (picture book)
By Jerry Pinkney
Author and illustrator Jerry Pinkney gives a fresh take on a well-known
Aesop fable in his Caldecott award winning book The Lion and the
Mouse. Depicted wordlessly through the sounds of animals and
wonderful, distinct illustrations it reminds us, adults and children alike,
that no act of kindness is ever wasted.

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It follows the original storyline closely, but with touching variation and an emphasis on family.
A lion, disturbed from his slumber by a mouse, has a sudden a change of heart after catching his
prey and decides to let it go. We then learn that the mouse is not just any mouse-but a mama who
then gets to return home to her nest of babies (a change from the original fable). With no words
there is no begging or pleading on the mouses part-or bargaining on the lions- just great facial
expression drawn to clearly show the emotions of each character. The lions feelings in particular
are shown quite beautifully here as he makes the decision to free the mouse. The Lion later ends
up in trouble and his kindness is rewarded when an unlikely rescuer comes to his aid.
(http://childrensbooksguide.com/reviews/lion-and-the-mouse)
The Little Yellow Leaf (early)
By Carin Berger
From School Library Journal:

The human capacity for volition and fear of the unknown is central to this
tale. A lone yellow leaf clings to a giant oak tree and watches the unfolding
drama of winter's approach, refusing to let go of his branch. A "riot of fiery
leaves" swirls to the ground, apples grow "musky" and pumpkins ripen, geese
fly south, and eventually snow flurries fill the air, but still the leaf holds fast.
Finally, he spies a small scarlet leaf attached high above that invites him to let
go. Together, they soar away and join in a dance with the wind. In Berger's
eye-catching collage illustrations, pieced background papers in shades of
yellow, green, blue, and beige show off stylized forms of naked tree branches,
leaves, and sun created by clipping and pasting (sometimes tiny) segments of various papers
faded, lined ledger, and graph paper; colored and printed magazine pagesand adding touches
of paint. It seems the message to be inferred from this slight anthropomorphic tale is that feelings
of indecision can be overcome by heeding the encouragement of another. Some parents may be
inclined to disagree.Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, Ohio
(http://childrensbooksguide.com/color)
Dragons Love Tacos (early)
By Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
Dragons love tacos. They love chicken tacos, beef tacos, great big
tacos, and teeny tiny tacos. So if you want to lure a bunch of dragons
to your party, you should definitely serve tacos. Buckets and buckets
of tacos. Unfortunately, where there are tacos, there is also salsa. And
if a dragon accidentally eats spicy salsa . . . oh, boy. You're in red-hot
trouble.
A reviewer at Childrens Books Guide writes: Daniel Salmieri does a
grand job with illustrating this book. Its one of those ones that, due to the fact that its so
outlandish, could end up being illustrated poorly. It is the polar opposite. Neat, colorful penciled
illustrations are eye catching and mesmerizing (yes, pictures of dragons eating tacos can be
mesmerizing when done correctly.) I also must add that the tacos are so simple, but so delicious
looking, I wanted to snatch one right out of the book.
I think there should be more childrens books like this. Outlandish, and totally ridiculous.

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(http://childrensbooksguide.com/reviews/dragons-love-tacos-by-adam-rubin
Knock, Knock: My Dads Dream For Me (early-intermediate, 4-8)
by Daniel Beatty and illustrated by Bryan Collier
It was the same every morning. The boy would pretend to be sleeping
when his father went Knock Knock on the door. Then hed surprise
his father by leaping into his arms once he came in the room. That is, until
the day his father didnt knock anymore. The man is simply gone, poof!
Like he was never there at all. Bewildered and lost, the boy writes his
father a letter and leaves it on his desk in the desperate hope that maybe
his dads in the apartment when the boys not home. He tells his dad that
he was hoping that when he got older hed teach him how to dribble a ball
or shave or drive or fix a car even. Then, one day, theres a letter from his father sitting on the
desk. I am sorry I will not be coming home, it begins. It then proceeds to encourage the boy to
seek his own path and grow to manhood without him.
Kids everywhere grow up without fathers and a single book isnt going to necessarily change
their lives. But maybe, just maybe, it really will touch somebody in the right way. When Bryan
Collier writes in his Note that This book is not just about loss, but about hope, making healthy
choices, and not letting our past define our future, hes talking to kids everywhere that are
dealing with a deck thats stacked against them. They dont get enough books, those kids, about
lives like their own. Fortunately, once in a great while, a book comes along that fulfills that
gaping need. This book fills this gap.
(http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2013/10/09/review-of-the-day-knock-knock-by-danielbeaty/#_)
Little Roja Riding Hood (early)
by Susan Middleton Elya and illustrated by Susan Guevara
Richly flavored with Spanish words and Latino cultural details, this
retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is also full of spirit and good
humor. Young Roja is suspicious of the wolf that questions her in the
woods on the way to her Abuelas, but doesnt notice him stealing off
with her red capa and hood when she stops to pick flores for her ailing
grandmother. The wolf, meanwhile, arrives at Grandmas in disguise,
but Grandma (working on her laptop while in bed) only pretends to be
fooled. Armed with a religious statue, shes joined by Roja, who
arrives in time to swing la canasta of hot soup at the beast. Susan
Middleton Elyas retelling is a masterfuland delightfulrhyming narrative.
Susan Guevaras watercolor, ink and gouache illustrations are the perfect accompaniment,
providing not only visual context for Spanish words and greater cultural context for this version
of the story, but also full of funny details, including a cast of characters from other traditional
folktales, most notable the three blind mice who accompany Roja on her
journey. ( Cooperative Children's Book Center
https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/books/detailBook.asp?idBooks=8019)

Resnik, 7
Rosie Revere, Engineer (early)
by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
Rosie may seem quiet during the day, but at night she's a brilliant inventor
of gizmos and gadgets who dreams of becoming a great engineer. When her
great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) comes for a visit and mentions
her one unfinished goal--to fly--Rosie sets to work building a contraption to
make her aunt's dream come true. But when her contraption doesn't fly but
rather hovers for a moment and then crashes, Rosie deems the invention a
failure. On the contrary, Aunt Rose insists that Rosie's contraption was a
raging success. You can only truly fail, she explains, if you quit.
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17290220-rosie-revere-engineer)
A Seed Is Sleepy (intermediate)
By Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long
A Seed Is Sleepy teaches about the basics of how plants grow and the
incredible journeys that seeds make. It is a pretty awesome way for kids to
learn about unreal ways that nature takes to develop into the things we see
around us. Detailed, intriguing illustrations lend a hand in turning, what
could be considered a dull topic by many youngsters, into something
fascinating. In addition to that, simplified, descriptive writing highlights
some of the more exciting events that take place when a seed is growing
and developing. Its balanced, entertaining, and chock full of fascinating facts.
(http://childrensbooksguide.com/nature)
Diego Rivera: His World and Ours (intermediate)
by Duncan Tonatiuh
Duncan Tonatiuhs picture book account of Mexican painter Diego
Riveras life and work as an artist begins by looking at the painters
education, artistic influences, and desire to make art about and for the
people of Mexico. He wanted to celebrate the things that were special
to Mexico and wanted Mexicans, from all distant parts of the land, to
learn about their culture and feel proud. Tonatiuh then imagines what
Rivera might choose to paint if he were alive today, connecting the possibilities to the art for
which he is known. Would he paint the big city ... as he painted the ancient Aztec city of
Tenochtitln? ... Maybe Diego would paint shops at the mall ... as he painted street vendors
selling flores. He notes that Riveras dream of a better future for the common people is
something the painter celebrated in his art, and today it is up to us to make our own murals and
bring them to life. Tonatiuhs arresting and distinctive visual style is inspired in part by ancient
Mexican art. A glossary defines terms relating to art and to Mexican heritage, and an authors
note provides more details on Riveras life, as well as Tonatiuhs own artistic
influences. ( Cooperative Children's Book Center
(https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/books/detailBook.asp?idBooks=6543)

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Just Kidding (intermediate)
by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Adam Gustavson
Author Trudy Ludwig writes of her own story: Sticks and stones may
break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Of course, this saying is far
from the truth because words impact someones emotions. D.J. feels this
way about Vince who always states Hey, I was just kidding. whenever
D.J. gets upset about something Vince says or does. D.J. explains his
frustrations to his dad who says its difficult to understand why someone is
mean. His dad gives him a strategy to use when hes picked on, but states
that you cant say or do anything mean back to the teaser. When Vince jokes about a boys hair
and calls him Bed Head D.J. messes up his hair too. Vince doesnt say anything else, since his
joke is no longer funny. D.J. tells his teacher when Vince puts gum on his chair. His teacher, his
dad, and D.J. discuss how to handle the issue and hang with others who make you feel good.
However, D.J. doesnt want to be a tattletale so the teacher explains, Tattling is when youre
trying to get someone in trouble. Reporting is when youre trying to help someone in trouble,
D.J. youre reporting because youre in trouble and you need help.
I think Just Kidding is a great book to use for bullying, because often teasing goes too far and it
is no longer funny. The book provides teasing dos and donts, additional information about what
to do when you are bullied, and story questions for discussion. I like that this book highlights the
child speaking to adults for help. Children are often afraid to come forward about bullying and
teasing, because they have fears to be labeled a tattle teller.
Dont get me wrong. Its fun to kid around with your friends and family. But I learned the hard
way that when a joke has a sharp edge to it, it can cut you to pieces.
(https://passion2read.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/book-review-just-kidding/)
Skit-Scat Raggedy Cat: Ella Fitzgerald (intermediate)
written by Roxanne Orgill and illustrated by Sean Qualls
A swinging bio of young Ella Fitzgerald, who pushed through the
toughest of times to become one of Americas most beloved jazz singers.
When Ella Fitzgerald danced the Lindy Hop on the streets of 1930s
Yonkers, passersby said good-bye to their loose change. But for a girl who
was orphaned and hungry, with raggedy clothes and often no place to
spend the night, small change was not enough. One amateur night at
Harlems Apollo Theater, Ella made a discovery: the dancing beat in her
feet could travel up and out of her mouth in a powerful song and the feeling of being listened
to was like a salve to her heart. With lively prose, Roxanne Orgill follows the gutsy Ella from
school-girl days to a featured spot with Chick Webbs band and all the way to her number-one
radio hit "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." Jazzy mixed-media art by illustrator Sean Qualls brings the
singers indomitable spirit to life.
(https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7647311-skit-scat-raggedy-cat)

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A Boy and A Jaguar (intermediate)
by Alan Rabinowitz, Illustrated by Catia Chien
Katrina Donovan Fleming takes on a poignant picture book
by Alan Rabinowitz, all about finding ones own voice and
amplifying the voices of those around you who have less power to
do so:
Rarely does a picture book put a lump in my throat. Rarer still does
that same book manage to entrance my room of third-grade students
their eyes big, their mouths open, their bodies leaning forward, the
whole bit.
In his autobiography A Boy and a Jaguar, Alan Rabinowitz tugs at the heartstrings of adults and
kids alike, as he shares his experiences growing up as a stutterer in a world that shut him out. For
anyone who has ever felt they were on the outside looking in and isnt that everyone, at one
point or another? this book runs deep. While it is a quick read, the books messages leave the
reader both heartbroken and uplifted.
Alans stuttering isolates him from everyone except you guessed it animals. When he talks to
animals, his stuttering magically disappears. (It disappears, too, when he sings.) Every day, Alan
returns home from school to his hamster, gerbil, turtle, chameleon, and garter snake and talks
to them with no breaks in his speech:
I tell them my dreams. I tell them that I want to be able to speak like everyone else.
I know that my pets listen and understand. Animals cant get the words out, just as I cant get the
words out. So people ignore or misunderstand or hurt them, the same way people ignore or
misunderstand or hurt me.
I make a promise to my pets.
I promise that if I can ever find my voice, I will be their voice and keep them from harm.
(http://www.ourhenhouse.org/2015/08/book-review-a-boy-and-a-jaguar-by-alan-rabinowitzillustrated-by-catia-chien/)
The Librarian of Basra (intermediate)
by Jeanette Winter
Alia Muhammad Baker is the librarian of Basra, Iraq. Her library is a
meeting place for all who love books. They discuss matters of the world
and matters of the spirit. Until now now they talk only of war. In
2003, with the U.S invasion of Iraq imminent, Alia Muhammad Baker
wondered what would happen to the books in Basras Central Library if
their city was attacked. When the governor refused her request to move
the books to a safe place, she began smuggling volumes out of the
library each night after work.
When the war reached Basra and bombs began to fall, Alia frantically
called upon nearby neighbors of the library to help her save more books

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while buildings in the city burned. Over the course of one night, they packed books in crates,
sacks and curtains, passing them over a 7-foot wall to hide them in the restaurant next door. In
all, they saved 30,000 volumes, which Alia later hid in her own house and the houses of friends.
There they remain, while Alia dreams of peace, and a new library for Basra. Jeanette Winters
riveting picture book account of the real-life, heroic efforts of Alia and others to save the books
of Basras library combines a tense, spare, present-tense narrative with stirring visual images that
suggest the panic, destruction and despair of war, but always in the context of the hope that
grows from the actions and dreams of individuals determined to make a positive difference.
(2005 Cooperative Childrens Book Center
https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/books/detailBook.asp?idBooks=1597)
Arcadys Goal (upper elementary)
By Eugene Yelchin
Young Arcady is living in an orphanage in the Soviet Union in 1950, and
soccer is his answer for everything. When Ivan Ivanyvich adopts him,
Arcady assumes the man must be a soccer coach. In truth, Ivan is simply
a sad, lonely widower trying to fulfill a promise by adopting a child. He
is patient, loving, and occasionally annoyed, but Arcady is so convinced
hes a coach that Ivan finally plays along. He forms a team, he tries to
coach Arcady and the other boys, and he fails. Then comes word that the
Red Army soccer team is holding tryouts, and Arcady is determined to
attend.
Eugene Yelchins novel is about a boy and a man who are learning to become a family. The
disconnect between Ivans understanding of this and Arcadys absolute blindness to it is both
funny and tender. Arcady first calls the Ivan Coach, and, when he proves to be no coach, Ivan
Ivanyvich. When Arcady, who is also learning that its safe to feel, and that love can be
unconditional, finally calls him Dad it feels like something far sweeter than victory.
Occasional black-and-white illustrations by the author offer additional moments of poignancy in
a story set against the backdrop of Stalinism, with the fear under which so many lived
occasionally bubbling up to the surface. ( Cooperative Children's Book Center,
https://ccbc.education.wisc.edu/books/detailBook.asp?idBooks=8239)
Boys of Blur (upper elementary)
by N.D. Wilson
Fans of Jerry Spinelli's Maniac Magee and Louis Sachar's Holes will enjoy
this story about a boy and the ancient secrets that hide deep in the heart of
the Florida everglades near a place called Muck City.
When Charlie moves to the small town of Taper, Florida, he discovers a
different world. Pinned between the everglades and the swampy banks of
Lake Okeechobee, the small town produces sugar cane . . . and the fastest
runners in the country. Kids chase muck rabbits in the fields while the
cane is being burned and harvested. Dodging flames and blades and
breathing smoke, they run down the rabbits for three dollars a skin. And
when they can do that, running a football is easy.

Resnik, 11

But there are things in the swamp, roaming the cane at night, that cannot be explained, and they
seem connected to sprawling mounds older than the swamps. Together with his step-second
cousin "Cotton" Mack, the fastest boy on the muck, Charlie hunts secrets in the glades and on the
muck flats where the cane grows secrets as old as the soft earth, secrets that haunted, tripped, and
trapped the original native tribes, ensnared conquistadors, and buried runaway slaves. Secrets
only the muck knows. (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18209370-boys-of-blur)

Homeless Bird (upper elementary)

By Gloria Wheton
Like many girls her age in India, thirteen-year-old Koly is getting married.
When she discovers that the husband her parents have chosen for her is
sickly boy with wicked parents, Koly wishes she could flee. According to
tradition, though, she has no choice. On her wedding day, Koly's fate is
sealed. When her sickly husband dies, Koly is left without any rights,
sentenced to a life of hunger, loneliness, and servitude to her cruel
mother-in-law.
Just as Koly begins to accept the hardships of her existence, her life once
again takes a devastating turn. Young Koly is stranded in a city of
unwanted widows who must wander the streets for hours begging for food.
On the edge of starvation, Koly finds the strength and courage she needs to survive. Blending
together the ancient traditions of her village life and a newfound independence, Koly learns to
live for herself and pour her feelings into the beautiful art of embroidery. And a life, like a
beautiful tapestry, comes together for Koly one stitch at a time.
(http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/homeless-bird#cart/cleanup)
Inside Out and Back Again (upper elementary)
by Thanhha Lai
Inside Out and Back Again is a New York Times bestseller, a Newbery
Honor Book, and a winner of the National Book Award! Inspired by the
author's childhood experience of fleeing Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon
and immigrating to Alabama, this coming-of-age debut novel told in verse
has been celebrated for its touching child's-eye view of family and
immigration
For all the ten years of her life, H has only known Saigon: the thrills of its
markets, the joy of its traditions, and the warmth of her friends close by. But
now the Vietnam War has reached her home. H and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls,
and they board a ship headed toward hope. In America, H discovers the foreign world of
Alabama: the coldness of its strangers, the dullness of its food . . . and the strength of her very
own family.

Resnik, 12
This moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing received four starred
reviews, including one from Kirkus which proclaimed it "enlightening, poignant, and
unexpectedly funny." An author's note explains how and why Thanhha Lai translated her
personal experiences into H's story.
(http://www.harpercollins.com/9780061962783/inside-out-and-back-again#
Words in the Dust (upper elementary)
By Trent Reedy
Born with a cleft lip, Zulaikha struggles to feel worth in a society that values
women by their marriage prospects: What bride-price would Baba get for
me? Maybe one Afghani? Then, by chance, Zulaikha meets Meena, a
former professor, who begins to teach her to read and write just as American
soldiers arrive, bringing the chance for both more education and surgery to
correct Zulaikhas birth defect.
Reedy based his debut on real people and places he encountered while
serving with the National Guard in Afghanistan, and the extensive detail
about Afghani customs gives the story the feel of a docu-novel while also
creating a vivid sense of place and memorable characters. Reedy skillfully avoids tidy
resolutions: the grim fate of Zulaikhas sister, who is married to a much older man, offers a
heartbreaking counterpoint to Zulaikhas exciting new possibilities. A glossary of Dari phrases,
an extensive authors note, suggested-reading lists, and an introduction by Katherine Paterson
complete this deeply moving view of a young girl caught between opportunity and tradition in
contemporary Afghanistan. --Gillian Engberg (http://www.amazon.com/Words-Dust-TrentReedy/dp/0545261260/ref=zg_bs_3119_16).

REFERENCES
Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing:
A revision of Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives. New York: Longman.
Pacino, M. (2015). Values in childrens books. [Online Lecturette]. Retrieved from
https://sakai.apu.edu/portal/site/
Norton, D.E. (2011). Through the eyes of a child: An introduction to childrens literature.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Merrill.