Bing's Cherries by Livia Blackburne illustrated by Julia Kuo

 A Chinese tall tale based on a real Chinese immigrant

Ah Bing travels from China to work in the U.S.  An orchard owner, Seth Lewelling, eagerly hires Ah Bing because of his height. Over time Ah Bing's skills cause the orchard to thrive. When people try to attack Ah Bing and his fellow Chinese friends because of their race, Ah Bing is sad. Planting some cherry seeds, he cries. A giant tear lands on one of the seeds. This seed grows into a Bing cherry tree.

The author's & illustrator's notes about the inspiration for their story and also information about the real Ah Bing are very interesting.

Recipes included.

-Borrowed from the library.

Through the Wall by Alida Sims Malkus*

 Hansi lives in East Berlin with his parents. When his father is taken away by the secret police, his dying mother insists that he scout out a way to cross into West Berlin. Through Hansi's escape to West Berlin, his life in West Berlin and then eventually America, readers will experience how people suffered and struggled in the 1960s under the communist rule.

I am highly recommending this book because of its unique perspective. Not many children's books explore this period of history in this setting. However, I found the pacing a bit off. Some parts are really exciting and well executed; while other scenarios not as credible and not as well-developed. Ms. Malkus sometimes resorts to a "telling" writing style rather than "showing".

Warnings/discussion points: A young boy is shot trying to escape to West Berlin. Hansi witnesses it. Discussing communism and this time period would be beneficial. Hansi unwillingly participates in a crime with serious consequences. 

*Highly recommend.

-I own this book.

No Purchase Necessary by Maria Marianayagam

 I almost read this book in one day! The plot will keep the reader engaged from the start until the end.

Eighth grader Ajay always gets straight As. His parents expect it. Their high expectations apply to many situations. Their strictness affects his and his sister's ability to maintain friends and to fit in. Ajay's priority at his new school is make the most popular boy, Jacob Underson, like him. Huge problem-Jacob does not like Ajay and finds ways to manipulate him each day. In desperation, Ajay agrees to steal a candy bar at the convenience store across from the school. This one act of dishonesty paves the way to more lies and deceit. How will he stop from lying so he can return to a life of integrity?

Faith is integrated but not Ajay's source of strength. The family is Catholic and attends Mass each Sunday. Ajay confesses to a priest about his sins. Families not from a Catholic background may want to discuss this belief system.

Discuss: lying, stealing, bullies, Catholicism, immigrants, heart attack, Ajay likes a girl, Mindy, and expresses his interest in different ways-they develop a good friendship

Readers who like characters who are flawed and realistic will appreciate this story.

-Borrowed from the library.

Not This Turkey! by Jessica Steinberg illustrated by Amanda Pike

 A humorous story about Jewish immigrants celebrating Thanksgiving 

Papa wins a turkey raffle at work-a live turkey! Mel, the narrator & the son, does not want to eat the turkey for Thanksgiving. To his relief, the butcher offers his insight about the turkey and allows the turkey to live in his animal yard. 

I like how the reader can learn about immigrants through a delightful story. Also, the author based it on an actual family's experience.

-Borrowed from the library.

Across So Many Seas by Ruth Behar

 One of the Newbery Honor winners & a Sydney Taylor Book Award-Silver Medalist-2025

Ms. Behar bases aspects of this novel on her own Jewish grandmother's journey from Turkey to Cuba.

Readers will learn the history of Shephardic Jews from four different female viewpoints during four different time periods-Benvendia, 1492 (Spain to Turkey),  Reina, 1923 (from Turkey to Cuba), Alegria, 1961 (Cuba to Miami), and then Paloma, 2003 (twho ties all three ancestors together by visiting Spain and learning more about their story).

I really enjoyed learning the history of these specific Jews during the time periods. The author researched extensively and relayed the facts well. The characters are not well-developed. Their stories end abruptly, but I wasn't upset because I did not connect to them. I felt like the book was more didactic than a captivating story. The purpose of this book seems more informational than a well-crafted story. I also felt like in part 4 all of the stories meshed together a bit too perfectly. This book would have been a great informational book, not a novel. The characters regarded their Jewish faith more as a superstition than a relationship.

-Borrowed from the library.

Always Remember Me How One Family Survived World War II by Marisabina Russo

 As her grandmother pages through a family album, a granddaughter listens to her relate how she and her daughters, Jews living in Germany,  survived WW II. Based on the author's family's story. The endpages contain the author's family's photographs from this time period.

-Borrowed from the library.

Mama's Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes*

 Our current history curriculum recommended reading this book during a specific unit. During lunch for the past week I read aloud this book to my sons. Kathryn, the narrator & the author, shares about her Norwegian's family's adjustment to the U.S. in San Francisco. Her aunts, uncles, her many siblings, and her family's boarders provide amusing and captivating stories. My sons enjoyed witnessing how an immigrant family acclimated to a new culture.

*Highly recommend for older elementary and older.

-I own this book (my copy is old and very fragile).

Considerations: one uncle is accused of drinking away his money (but he doesn't), lying, stealing

The Bluest Sky by Christina Diaz Gonzalez*

 Hector loves Cuba. With the communist leadership, however, it is becoming more difficult to survive. His father, who is labeled a traitor and enemy of the people, has been living in Florida. Sometimes his father's life taints his family's ability to progress. Thankfully his grandmother is part of the government leadership and saves them from numerous challenges. When his mother begins talking about joining his father in Florida, Hector is vacillates between wanting to stay with all that is familiar and wanting leave to experience freedom. Violent acts of repudiation create fear and hostility even between friends. 

Ms. Gonzalez immerses the reader in the Cuba's culture in the summer of 1980. Readers will be incredulous at the horrors and at the betrayals the Cubans endured during this time. Likeable characters and a tight plot will engage readers from beginning to end. A glossary of Spanish words and phrases proved helpful.

*Highly recommend but seeing warnings.

Warnings: violence, death of a beloved character, betrayal, cruelty, harsh conditions Cubans endured crossing from Cuba to Florida, one swear word,  a girl Hector finds beautiful kisses him but it is to cover up why they were in a forbidden place, at the very end the author chose to include a gay man escaping to Florida (very minor-just mentioned-had no bearing on the story nor needed)

The Vanderbeekers Make a Wish by Karina Yan Glaser*

 In a few days Papa is turning forty.  The Vanderbeeker siblings have planned the perfect party to celebrate their beloved father. One phone call changes their plans. Then the unexpected arrival of their maternal grandparents causes friction and stress. As the Vanderbeekers navigate relationships, they come to appreciate their family even more.

I read aloud this fifth Vanderbeeker novel to my twelve-year-old. We both enjoyed it! We love this family. While reading the parts about the siblings researching their paternal grandfather, however, I found my interest waning. 

The sixth book in this series will be publish in September, 2022, called The Vanderbeekers on the Road.

*Highly recommend.

-My son owns this book.

Watercress by Andrea Wang illustrated by Jason Chin*

 A young girl struggles appreciating her Chinese heritage and is embarrassed when her parents stop to pick watercress in a muddy ditch.  When she refuses to eat the cooked watercress at dinner, her mother shares about her childhood in China during the great famine.  Learning a bit about her family's history, she begins to accept her heritage.

Beautiful illustrations (Of course . . .Jason Chin is the illustrator!!) capture the mood.  When the mother shares her story, the illustrations are a different hue.  Two of my favorite illustrations are when Mr. Chin depicts the family at the table at the start of the famine and then after her brother dies.  The effects of the famine are deeply pronounced in the later illustration.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

You Bring the Distant Near by Mitali Perkins

 A captivating, beautiful story of three generations of women learning how to maintain their identity and pride in their heritage as they live in North America.  

Most of the story focuses on Tara and Sonia, Ranee's daughters, who immigrate from London to New York City in the early 1970's.  Ranee's own story develops quietly in the background during the entire novel.  The young ladies' struggle to fit into the American culture yet honor their Indian heritage is palpable.  

I did not appreciate how white Americans were portrayed as materialistic and how being a Republican was a negative choice.  The people of color, however, cared about human trafficking, environmental issues, and people in general.  

I liked the sweet, solid relationship between Tara and Sonia.  Refreshing to read about sisters who support and care for each other.

Points to discuss: prejudices, feminism,  Democrat vs. Republican, early death of father, Indian culture

Category-"young adult"

-Borrowed from the library

Emma's Poem by Linda Glaser paintings by Claire A. Nivola

 The Voice of the Statue of Liberty

Readers will learn about the life of Emma Lazarus, why she wrote the poem "The New Colossus", and why the plaque with the poem engraved is on the Statue of Liberty.  

Very interesting! 

-Borrowed from the library.

I Survived The Great Molasses Flood, 1919 #19 by Lauren Tarshis illustrated by Scott Dawson

Carmen and her father move from Italy to Boston after a tragic event in their hometown which has left Carmen's mother dead.  Unfortunately, her father catches the Spanish Influenza and dies.  Carmen moves in with her best friend, Tony.  When she and Tony are caught in the molasses flood, Carmen thinks she will be joining her parents in death.
Ms. Tarshis does a superb job of researching the time period and weaving interesting facts into the story.
I have read quite a few books about the Great Molasses Flood, but as I read this book, I began to understand the terror people must have felt who were caught in it.  Ms. Tarshis's word choice makes the reader feel like he/she is in the flood with Carmen.
In the back are sections with more historical facts.  Ms. Tarshis even includes a gingerbread recipe that has molasses as an ingredient.
*Highly recommend for reluctant readers or transitional readers.
-Borrowed from the library.

Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan*

I read this book aloud to my nine year old.  He loved it.
Ms. Weeks and Ms. Varadarajan alternate writing the chapters.  Ms. Weeks tells the story from Joe's point of view and Ms. Varadarajan shares Ravi's story.  They seamlessly weave together the boys' stories and create a satisfying ending. 
Joe has Auditory Processing Disorder.  For years he has endured the scorn and teasing from the class bully, Dillon Samreen. To make his situation worse, his mother now has job as a cafeteria monitor.  She sees first hand the bullying and tries to intervene, only to make Joe's circumstances dire.
Ravi has moved from India to New Jersey with his parents and grandparents.  In India he was a top student and athlete, and also very popular.  Now he finds himself frustrated at teachers' and classmates' lack of understanding of him and his culture.  Will he ever adjust to America, and will he find a friend?
The chapters are short.  The plot moves quickly.  I like how the book is divided up based on the school's lunches. 
I appreciated the glossaries for both of the boys.  Each author also included a recipe that represents each of the boys' cultures!  My son wants to make both recipes (Apple Crisp and Naan Khatais).
--**Eating peanut M and Ms during or after this book is a must!!
Points to discuss/Warning: bullies, cruelty, inferred swearing  Dillon is kleptomaniac and hides his stolen items in the front of his pants.
*Highly recommend (for 4th grade and up).
-Borrowed from the library.

Crossing on Time -Steam Engines, Fast Ships and A Journey to the New World by David Macaulay

What a masterpiece!
Mr. Macaulay's newest book is incredible.  His attention to detail and his understanding "how things work" are paramount.
He explains in detail the building of the SS United States, the fastest steamship.  Diagrams, cross sections, a six page fold out spread of the ship make this book a feast for kids who enjoy understanding the details of how things are built and work.  He also weaves in the story of his family traveling on the SS United States.
To be honest, the technical details were a bit over my head and not of interest to me . . .but I was still impressed with Mr. Macaulay's research and his ability to communicate complicated concepts concisely and clearly.  I really enjoyed learning about his family journey to the United States.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Dress and the Girl by Camille Andros illustrated by Julie Morstad*

A young girl wears a beloved dress her mother made her while she lives out an ordinary life in Greece.  When she and her family immigrate to America, she loses the beautiful dress.  Life goes on.  She matures and marries.  Then one day as she walks down the street, she finds a wonderful surprise in a shop window.
This is a beautiful book, both in illustrations and in words (almost poetry).
I love, love the end pages!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Sarah Mackenzie interviewed Ms. Andros last week on her podcast Read Aloud Revival.  The story has its roots in her husband's Greek family.

Survivors Club by Michael Bornstein and Debbie Bornstein Holinstat*

The author was born in a Jewish ghetto Zarki, Poland at the start of World War II.  He was one of the youngest survivors of Auschwitz and his picture has been plastered on various forms of media concerning World War II.  When it was used to say that the Holocaust never happened and the camps weren't that bad, however, he had had enough.  He decided, with his daughter's help, to share his story.
Careful research and interviews with family members permitted him to give an accurate account of his time living in a ghetto and then at Auschwitz.   His story, however, I found extra interesting as he explains what it was like after the war and as he and his mother tried to adjust to a new way of life.  A lot of books about this time in history only focus on the concentration camps and the release.  The Jews continued to struggle and face persecution after the war.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warnings/points to discuss: Mr. Bornstein does not shy away from the horrible details of his memories.  He also mentions a time when he was molested but does not share specific details.  This book is definitely for older readers (junior high and older).

The Memory Coat by Elvira Woodruff illustrated by Michael Dooling*

Grisha's parents died of the epidemic so he lives with Rachel and her family.  The only item he has from his parents is the coat his mother made him the last winter of her life.  The cossacks soon come to Rachel's village, threatening to kill anyone who is Jewish.  The family makes plans to escape to America but worry they will be turned away at Ellis Island.  To make a good impression, they urge Grisha to discard his ragged coat but he refuses.
Will they all pass the inspections or be separated forever?
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The King of Prussia and a Peanut Butter Sandwich by Alice Fleming illustrated by Ronald Himler*

This short historical account of Mennonites immigrating to Kansas was fascinating.
Frederick the Great, King of Prussia (later Eastern Germany and now just the eastern section of Germany), became "great" by declaring war on his neighbors and taking over their countries.  To defend his large and powerful nation, he required all able-bodied males to be part of the military.  The Mennonites do not believe in joining armies or fighting in wars.  Some Mennonites immigrated to the United States and settled in Pennsylvania. The Mennonites in this account, however, traveled to Russia to live.  There they learn how to grow Turkey Red wheat (winter wheat).  After a hundred years, Russia no longer agreed to permit them to live there without being part of the military.  As a result, these Mennonites immigrated to Newton, Kansas where they continued to growing and harvesting Turkey Red wheat.
*Highly recommend (especially for those families who come from a Mennonite heritage).
-Borrowed via inter-library loan.

My Grandfather's Coat retold by Jim Aylesworth illustrated by Barbara McClintock*

A mother tells her son about her grandfather's immigration to America and how he transformed his beautiful coat into many different types of apparel as the previous one becomes frayed and worn.
Lovely, fun story based on the Yiddish folk song "I Had a Little Overcoat".
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.