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Children's Bilingual Multicultural Picture Books

Dual- and multi-language books, or books that include non-English words.

A Girl Called Genghis Khan

2019

by Michelle Lord and Shehzil Malik

"Meet Maria Toorpakai Wazir, a Pakistani girl who loved sports and longed for the freedom that boys in her culture enjoyed. She joined a squash club to pursue her dream, and was taunted, teased, and beaten—but still continued playing. Then, when Maria received an award from the President of Pakistan for outstanding achievement, the Taliban threatened her squash club, her family, and her life. Although forced to quit the team, she refused to give up. Maria kept practicing the game in her bedroom every day for three years! Her hard work and perseverance in the face of overwhelming obstacles will inspire all children." -- publisher

Biography Oppression & Resilience

A Journey in Our Family’s Chinese Garden

2019

by Li Jian

"Join one family's journey as they design and build an authentic Chinese garden in their backyard! Papa seems to have a grand plan for the backyard. Day by day, he transforms the little space—building walls, a pond, and a gazebo with his own two hands. Everyone's favorite addition to the new garden is the colorful carp. Each member of the family releases one into the fresh pond, hoping it will bring them good luck. This bilingual children's book tells a simple, but sweet story about a man, his dream, and his very happy family. Written in both English and Chinese, kids can follow along as a family brings all the world's great mountains and rivers to their own backyard." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

A journey to the Mother of the Sea

2019

by Mâliâraq Vebæk and Aka Høegh

"The sea animals have disappeared, and people are starving. An old couple, once great shamans, are asked to journey to the Mother of the Sea to find out what happened to the animals. But the journey is dangerous..."--publisher

Beautiful Life

A library for Juana

2019

by Pat Mora and Beatriz Vidal

From a very young age, Juana Inés loved words. When she was three years old, she followed her sister to school and begged the teacher to let her stay so she could learn how to read. Juana enjoyed poring over books and was soon making up her own stories, songs, and poems. Juana wanted to become a scholar, but career options for women were limited at this time. She decided to become a nun—Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz—in order to spend her life in solitude reading and writing. Though she died in 1695, Sor Juana Inés is still considered one of the most brilliant writers in Mexico's history: her poetry is recited by schoolchildren throughout Mexico and is studied at schools and universities around the world.

Biography

Spanish edition, Una biblioteca para Juana, available in Bates catalog.

A map into the world

2019

by Kao Kalia Yang and Seo Kim

As the seasons change, so too does a young Hmong girl’s world. She moves into a new home with her family and encounters both birth and death. As this curious girl explores life inside her house and beyond, she collects bits of the natural world. But who are her treasures for? -- publisher

Any Child Cross Group

A promise is a promise

2019

by Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak, Robert N. Munsch and Vladyana Krykorka

"When Allashua disobeys her parents and goes fishing on the sea ice, she has to use her wits to escape the Qallupilluit--the troll-like creatures her parents have always warned her about that live beneath the frozen surface of the sea. But the only way to break out of their grasp is through an exchange: Allashua can go free if she brings her brothers and sisters back to the sea ice instead. Allashua doesn't want to give them up, but what can she do? After all, a promise is a promise. A Promise Is a Promise is a collaboration between award-winning storyteller Michael Kusugak and celebrated children's author Robert Munsch. This 30th anniversary edition brings all of the tension of the traditional Inuit story to a new generation of readers. Added features include a new foreword by Michael Kusugak on his role as a storyteller and the importance of storytelling in Inuit culture."--

Beautiful Life

A Story of Hope / Yatasfā Tārik

2019

by Worku L. Mulat and Daniel Getahun

"Captured in Ethiopia and sold into slavery as a child, Malik Ambar travels throughout the Middle East until he arrives in India. Despite a lifetime of adversity and hardship, Malik’s love of language and ideas helps him persevere and inspires him to study military history. Through education, hard work and perseverance, Malik learns to manage his master’s finances and trains legions of African horsemen as a commander in the Indian Army. As a free man, he becomes a respected diplomat and earns his place as a respected figure in Indian history. Written by science writer Dr. Worku L. Mulat and illustrated by Ethiopia-educated Daniel Getahun, the story of the Ethiopian slave boy who grew to be regarded as one of the greatest leaders of central and southern India reminds us how empowering and liberating education can be. " -- publisher

Beautiful Life Biography Cross Group

A Welcome in Axum / ʼEngedā taqabāywā ʼAksum

2019

by Jane. Kurtz and Alex Regassa

"Axum, an ancient Ethiopian city, once rivaled Persia and Rome in wealth and influence. It was a trade hub through which precious metals, silks and ideas fueled a thriving economy and vibrant culture. A series of fair-minded Ethiopian Kings offered peoples of many faiths to find sanctuary from threats abroad, and for centuries Christians, Muslims and Jews have shared Axum in peace. For thousands of years, Ethiopia has been known around the world as a land of justice and wisdom. Share this heart-warming tale of religious tolerance with your young reader." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

Abuelita’s secret

2019

by Alma Flor Ada and Jacobo Muñiz

"A boy is living with his abuelita while his father is away. He dreads the first day at a new school because he has nothing special to share about himself. Each family member offers him an object that represents a memory from the summer, but the boy doesn’t think any of these is interesting. Then his abuelita whispers a secret in his ear. Whenever it’s his turn to talk, all he needs to do is open his backpack. When the moment arrives, he dumps the backpack’s contents onto the table. As his classmates pick up the objects, he retells the stories they represent. Suddenly, he is surprised that he has much to say. And when he returns home, his abuelita has an even bigger surprise." -- publisher

Any Child

Across the Bay

2019

by Carlos Aponte

"Author-illustrator Carlos Aponte takes readers on a journey to the heart of Puerto Rico in this enchanting picture book set in Old San Juan. Carlitos lives in a happy home with his mother, his abuela, and Coco the cat. Life in his hometown is cozy as can be, but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay in search of his father. Jolly piragüeros, mischievous cats, and costumed musicians color this tale of love, family, and the true meaning of home." -- publisher

Beautiful Life

Many of the cover images on this site are from Google Books.

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