In the story 'Ruby's Wish' by Shirin Yim Bridges, we get a small glimpse into the Chinese culture through the eyes of a little girl who loved the color red. Ruby always dressed in red because in China, red is the color of celebration. She lived in the house that Grandfather built. It was a huge home because he had many wives, who had many sons, who had many children. So at one time, Grandfather's house overflowed with the laughter of over 100 children. He loved and cared for them all. He even noticed little Ruby's thirst for knowledge and was impressed at how hard she worked on her lessons. Ruby was permitted to continue in school while most Chinese girls left the schoolroom to learn how to keep house. But Ruby knew that the day would come when she would have to marry and end her dreams of going to the University. But Grandfather had other plans for Ruby. His plans were all wrapped up in the color red. Read this beautifully illustrated story to see if Ruby finally gets her wish.

Similar authors: Andrea Cheng; Yong Chen

Similar books: Sivu's Six Wishes : a Taoist Tale by Jude Daly; Orange Peel's Pocket by Rose A. Lewis; The Umbrella Queen by Shirin Yim Bridges

Reviewed by: mb

Date read: 7/1/2011

ISBN-10: 0811834905

ISBN-13: 9780811834902

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Ruth is excited to travel with her Mama and Daddy by car from Chicago to visit her Grandmother in Alabama. But she soon learns that African Americans are not welcome in most restrooms, hotels, and restaurants. When a friend guides them to an Esso service station they find The Green Book, a guide to businesses welcoming black people. This is an interesting story about a little-known piece of African American history.

Similar books: Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-ins by Carole Boston; Fishing Day by Andrea Davis Pinkney; The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson

Awards nominated: 2013 Bluestem Nominee

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 4/23/2012

ISBN-13: 9780762352556

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When 11-year old Fadi escapes Afghanistan with his family, his 6-year old sister is accidentally left behind. Fadi knows it was his fault, and tries to find a way to rescue his sister. He makes new friends, and some enemies, at his new school in San Fransisco. When he learns about a photography contest, he realizes his camera just might be the answer to his family's dilemma.

Awards nominated: 2013 Rebecca Caudill Nominee

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 4/30/2012

ISBN-10: 144240194X

ISBN-13: 9781442401945

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In 1965, before African-Americans had the right to vote, hearing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak inspires Sheyann to join the civil rights movement. She leads activists in singing freedom songs at meetings and protest marches. This story is based on the real-life childhood experiences of Sheyann Webb.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 6/29/2011

ISBN-10: 0439568552

ISBN-13: 9780439568555

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For as long as she can remember, Molly's father has told her the stories of her ancestors, the Mohawk Indians, and has instructed her to always listen to and trust her inner voice. One day, out of the blue, her parents vanish without a trace. While the authorities search for clues, they put Molly into the care of a man who claims to be her great-uncle. But he is scary and sinister, and she has never seen him before. He takes her to his creepy house to stay, where he locks her in her room at night and seems to be trying to fatten her up. Her instincts tell her that something is wrong, and as she watches him, the skin seeming to melt off of his bones, she is reminded of the Mohawk tale of the Skeleton Man. She confides in her teacher, who seems to believe her, but there is no evidence that he has hurt her, just a bad feeling, so she is trapped with him. Molly fears that her time is running out. Are her parents still alive? Will her inner voice save her? Find out in this one-of-a-kind tale of terror.

Similar authors: Neil Gaiman; Betty Ren Wright; May Downing Hahn

Similar books: Coraline by Neil Gaiman; The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright; Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn; Code Talkers by Joseph Bruchac; Return of Skeleton Man by Joseph Bruchac

Reviewed by: lauraf

Date read: 5/9/2012

ISBN-10: 0060290757

ISBN-13: 9780060290757

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