Let's pick up where we left off yesterday. Today, I'd like to share two outstanding picture books which both were Jane Addams Honor Books for Younger Children in 2005.
The first picture book (which also won a Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award) is a biography called Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing, by James Rumford. I personally feel that, due to the mature theme of this book, it's most appropriate for children between the ages of 8 and 11.
If you've never heard of Sequoyah, certainly you've heard of the tall and majestic Sequoia tree that was named after him. Just talking about how a person could be like a tree is a great exercise in critical thinking!
Children and adults will be amazed and astonished by what this man was able to accomplish, and how he persevered, even when his own people turned against him. Just as Wangari Maathai did, this individual changed the world for his people. If you were to ask your child to compare the two books, and the two individuals, you might be surprised at where the discussion might lead.You might even learn something about yourself!
I must say the word, hero, has different meanings for different people. Sometimes I think the word is used too loosely these days. It's time to go back and discuss what it means to be a true hero. What kinds of personal traits do real heroes share? Sequoyah and Wangari Maathai certainly share some important attributes. They're certainly heroes in my book. Maybe it's time for a family discussion about what it means to be a hero. You can get started by reading a great post at the Book Chook blog.
Another Jane Addams Honor Book that I love is Henry and the Kite Dragon, by Bruce Edward Hall, which has absolutely stunning illustrations by William Low. It's a book that's based on true events which took place in Chinatown, New York in the 1920's.
A man shares his passion for making the most intricately beautiful kites, which are an important part of Chinese culture. When a group of boys starts to throw rocks at one of the kites, it creates a lot of anger between the two different groups of children. A very large cultural misunderstanding develops, and is ultimately resolved through constructive conversation.
There are so many things I love about this book. Actually, I love everything about this book! First of all, young children (between the ages of 4 and 7), who may not completely understand the cultural implications of this book, will love to look at the vibrant illustrations. This children's book could inspire even the youngest of artists to draw, paint, and create all kinds of beautiful kites! Second of all, there are so many beautiful messages in this book, especially for children between the ages of 8 and 10. From what it means to be a true artist to the importance of being able to consider someone else's point of view to finding peaceful ways to resolve conflicts, this book opens up multiple avenues of discussion and reflection.
What I love the most about Jane Addams Book Award winners is that these books integrate history, cultural awareness, global awareness, art, and language arts all in one extraordinary resource! All school and public libraries should have copies of these extraordinary children's books.
So, while there are so many wonderful award winning picture books, there are many other fantastic picture books that never receive official awards. It's important to seek out the ones that mean the most to you.
What picture book do you consider to be one of the very best?
