Multicultural: International Stories
Each of these books not only tells a story, but teaches the reader about another country and culture.
The New Policeman
Age Level: 12-14
Though this book is a fantasy, dealing with alternate universes, fairies and a shifting definition of time, it also captures Ireland as well as any realistic fiction. Time seems to be going faster than normal in Kinvara, and the solution is a leak between this world, and Tir Na Nog, the land of eternal youth. When young JJ discovers the source of the time slip, he also uncovers a huge family mystery. Kate Thompson's website includes files of some traditional Irish music that can greatly enhance the reading - as the book includes musical notations between chapters. This book also won the Guardian Children's Book Prize and the Whitbread Children's Book Award in the UK.
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
Age Level: 9-12
Children's author Sis tells of his life growing up in Czechoslovakia during Soviet rule. Using a cartoon-like illustration style, he talks of a desire for Western pop culture, the small ways he was subversive, and the fear of the mysterious secret police. This was the winner of this year's Sibert medal for distinctive non-fiction for children.
19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East
Age Level: 12-14
These beautiful poems reflect both the Middle East and the Arab-American experience. Nye is a renowned poet for young people, here the collection revolves around her nationality.
Facing the Lion : Growing up Maasai on the African Savanna
Age Level: 9-12
For many years, Lekuton taught school in the DC area, but before that he grew up in the Kenyan desert. Now, he's back in Kenya, serving in parliament. This is his biography of that Kenyan childhood
La Linea
Age Level: 12-14
15-year old Miguel and his 13-year old sister have been in the care of their grandmother since their parents illegally immigrated to California from Mexico. Now it is time for Miguel to join, but Elena has plans of her own. Though the story is fiction, it will bring to real life what our illegal immigrants are willing to face to get into this country.
The Kite Runner
Age Level: 16-18
Two boys growing up in pre-war Afghanistan are inseparable, but after a betrayal, their lives diverge. Not only is this a beautifully written story, but it can teach teens (and adults) about the country so prominent in the news.
Bindi Babes
Age Level: 12-14
Three Indian sisters are growing up in London with their widowed father, and now, his sister, their strict and strong Auntie. The story is light, but nonetheless paints a vivid picture of both Indian immigrants and British culture.
Revolution is not a Dinner Party
Age Level: 12-14
This semi-autobiographical novel takes place during the Chinese cultural revolution. Ling's parents are doctors, but when Mao comes to power, they are threatened as being part of the "bourgeois." Ling must show bravery and smarts to keep her cool during the time of upheaval.
The Road of the Dead
Age Level: 14-16
The desolate British moors are as much a major character in this murder mystery as any of the human characters. After his sister is murdered, Ruben and his older brother Cole go to reclaim her body, and also find out the truth. The violence is not for the squeamish, but guys especially will enjoy this story that reads as fast as a movie.
Aya
Age Level: 14-16
Aya lives in the Ivory Coast in the late 1970's, before civil unrest decimated the country. This view of current African life is one that is not often shown in contemporary fiction, of an Africa that is not at all unlike the West, told through the eyes of three girlfriends trying to decide between marriage, men and career.
