August 2010

Christina’s Story

I grew up in a small, Southern town (we didn’t have a McDonald’s until I was about 10) and I did a lot of reading up in my treehouse during those years.  Not that it was that much of a “treehouse” because it was just a big piece of wood up in a dogwood tree, but… Read more »

A Peek at Christina’s Office!

My office: I carry my office wherever I go.  I write on my laptop and try to squeeze in time to write whenever I can.   It can be in the middle of my family room … or in a corner of one of my favorite bookstores (Books & Books in Miami) or even in a… Read more »

Your Friend, Christina (A Letter to Readers)

Dear Reader, I hope you enjoy reading my book, THE RED UMBRELLA.  I wrote this book because it wasn’t only a piece of American history, it was part of my own family history!  My parents were part of the more than 14,000 Cuban kids who were sent by themselves to the U.S.  from 1960-1962 in… Read more »

My Name is Yoon

by Helen Recorvits, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska was a Back-to-School pick in Beyond Boundaries several weeks ago. Last week, Literacyhead also featured MY NAME IS YOON in “The Art of Teaching Reading: Using Art to Understand Stories.”  They write: “This week’s feature book is possibly the most moving exploration of names, identity, and school. My… Read more »

50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should Know

Cooperative Children’s Book Center: 50 Multicultural Books Every Child Should Know: The CCBC defines “multicultural” literature as “books by and about people of color: African and African Americans, American Indians, Asian/Pacific and Asian Pacific Americans, and Latinos.” Find their listing of the 50 essential books and a range of authors and illustrators for children HERE.

CHALK BOX KID, by Clyde Robert Bulla

Compliment the experience of reading THE CHALK BOX KID with this chapter-by-chapter comprehension guide created by www.gardenofpraise.com. With an intensive, careful reading of the book along with the added support provided by this guide, the heartwarming story of Gregory and his garden may well become one of your family’s favorites! The Chalk Box Kid Discussion Guide… Read more »

Begin to Grow, Read, and Fly Free

Yasmin’s Hammer by Ann Malaspina, illustrated by Doug Chayka Yasmin rides to work in her father’s rickshaw but what she longs to do is learn to read.  As she hammers away at bricks every day, all day, she earns money so her family can buy rice.  She also dreams, imagines, and dares to reach for… Read more »