Theme: Cultural Traditions

American as Paneer Pie

Posted by on Jul 10, 2020 in Ages 08 and up, Indian American, North America, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Identity, Theme: Race, Theme: Racial Discrimination, United States | Comments Off on American as Paneer Pie

American as Paneer Pie

American as Paneer Pie By Supriya Kelkar Published by Aladdin ISBN-13: 9781534439382 Age Range: 8+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “…paints a convincing portrait of a girl straddling two cultures.”  —Publishers Weekly Description As the only Indian American kid in her small town, Lekha Divekar feels like she has two versions of herself: Home Lekha, who loves watching Bollywood movies and eating Indian food, and School Lekha, who pins her hair over her bindi birthmark and avoids confrontation at all costs, especially when someone teases her for being...

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More Than Just a Pretty Face

Posted by on Jul 10, 2020 in Ages 14 and up, North America, Pakistani American, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Historical, Theme: Identity, Theme: Religious Faith, Theme: The Arts, United States | Comments Off on More Than Just a Pretty Face

More Than Just a Pretty Face

More Than Just a Pretty Face By Syed M. Masood Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers ISBN-13: 9780316492355 Age Range: 14+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “…a much-needed historical and contemporary perspective of Western culture through a South Asian lens.”  —School Library Journal Description Danyal Jilani doesn’t lack confidence. He may not be the smartest guy in the room, but he’s funny, gorgeous, and going to make a great chef one day. His father doesn’t approve of his career choice, but that hardly matters. What...

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The Knockout

Posted by on Jul 10, 2020 in Ages 14 and up, Indian American, North America, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Gender Roles, Theme: Identity, United States | Comments Off on The Knockout

The Knockout

The Knockout By Sajni Patel Published by North Star Editions ISBN-13: 9781635830606 Age Range: 14+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat Description If seventeen-year-old Kareena Thakkar is going to alienate herself from the entire Indian community, she might as well do it gloriously. She’s landed the chance of a lifetime, an invitation to the US Muay Thai Open, which could lead to a spot on the first-ever Olympic team. If only her sport wasn’t seen as something too rough for girls, something she’s afraid to share with anyone outside of her family. Despite pleasing her...

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Nana Akua Goes to School

Posted by on Jun 16, 2020 in Ages 04 and up, Ghanaian American, North America, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Celebration, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Education, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, United States | Comments Off on Nana Akua Goes to School

Nana Akua Goes to School

Nana Akua Goes to School By Tricia Elam Walker Illustrated by April Harrison Published by Random House Children’s Books ISBN-13: 9780525581130 Age Range: 4+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound| B&N | Worldcat “This lovely story explores the perennial fear of being different, while showcasing the great love between a grandparent and grandchild.”  —School Library Journal Description It is Grandparents Day at Zura’s elementary school, and the students are excited to introduce their grandparents and share what makes them special. Aleja’s grandfather is a...

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All Around Us

Posted by on May 17, 2020 in Ages 03 and up, Mestizo, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, Theme: Identity | Comments Off on All Around Us

All Around Us

All Around Us By Xelena Gonzalez Illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia Published by Cinco Puntos Press ISBN-13: 9781941026762 Age Range: 3+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “An intergenerational tale for all picture-book collections.”  —Booklist Description Grandpa and his granddaughter meditate on gardens and seeds, and on circles seen and unseen, as they share and create family traditions in this stunning exploration of the cycles of life and nature. All Around Us received a Pura Belpre Honor Award for Illustration in 2018. Now available in Spanish for the...

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Salma the Syrian Chef

Posted by on May 17, 2020 in Ages 04 and up, Canada, Canadian, Egyptian, Indian, Jordanian, Lebanese, North America, Persian, Somali, Syrian, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Family Separation, Theme: Immigration, Theme: LGBTQIA+, Theme: Refugee Life, Theme: Trauma, Venezuelan | Comments Off on Salma the Syrian Chef

Salma the Syrian Chef

Salma the Syrian Chef By Danny Ramadan Illustrated by Anna Bron Published by Annick Press, Limited ISBN-13: 9781773213750 Age Range: 4+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “…Syrian-Canadian activist Ramadan writes with poetic immediacy about displacement, home, and family.”  —Publishers Weekly Description All Salma wants is to make her mama smile again. Between English classes, job interviews, and missing Papa back in Syria, Mama always seems busy or sad. A homemade Syrian meal might cheer her up, but Salma doesn’t know the recipe, or what to call the...

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The Cambodian Dancer

Posted by on May 17, 2020 in Ages 04 and up, Asia (Southeast), Cambodia, Cambodian, Cambodian American, North America, Theme: Community, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Historical, Theme: Immigration, Theme: Refugee Life, Theme: The Arts, United States | Comments Off on The Cambodian Dancer

The Cambodian Dancer

The Cambodian Dancer By Daryn Reicherter Illustrated by Christy Hale Published by Tuttle Publishing ISBN-13: 9780804850360 Age Range: 4+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “…a simplistic telling of the true story of Sophany Bay, a Cambodian dancer and refugee.” —School Library Journal Description The Cambodian Dancer, a Cambodian book for children, is the true story of a Cambodian refugee — a dancer and teacher — who built a life in the US after fleeing the Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge. She then became a counselor to other Cambodian refugees and...

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The Henna Wars

Posted by on May 17, 2020 in Ages 14 and up, Bangladeshi Irish, Brazilian Irish, Ireland, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: LGBTQIA+, Theme: The Arts, Western European | Comments Off on The Henna Wars

The Henna Wars

The Henna Wars By Adiba Jaigirdar Published by Page Street Publishing ISBN: 9781624149689 Age Range: 14+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “Debut author Jaigirdar seamlessly weaves issues of racism and homophobia into a fast-moving plot peopled with richly drawn characters.”  —Kirkus Reviews Description Nishat doesn’t want to lose her family, but she also doesn’t want to hide who she is, and it only gets harder once a childhood friend walks back into her life. Flávia is beautiful and charismatic, and Nishat falls for her instantly. But when a school...

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The Battle

Posted by on May 3, 2020 in Ages 08 and up, Bengali American, North America, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Identity, United States | Comments Off on The Battle

The Battle

The Battle By Karuna Riazi Published by Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers ISBN-13: 9781534428720 Age Range: 8+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound| B&N | Worldcat “The Bengali-American Mirza family returns in another fast-paced and danger-filled trip to Paheli, the fantasy game world from Riazi’s The Gauntlet.”  —School Library Journal Description Four years after the events of The Gauntlet, the evil game Architect is back with a new partner-in-crime—The MasterMind—and the pair aim to get revenge on the Mirza clan. Together, they’ve rebuilt Paheli...

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The Moon Within

Posted by on Apr 24, 2020 in Ages 08 and up, Mexican American, North America, Puerto Rican American, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Gender Roles, Theme: Identity, United States | Comments Off on The Moon Within

The Moon Within

The Moon Within By Aida Salazar Published by Scholastic, Inc. ISBN-13: 9781338283372 Age Range: 8+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “This novel contains rich descriptions of Mexica rituals and provides a unique perspective on gender fluidity and the bonds of unbreakable friendship.”  —School Library Journal Description The dazzling story of a girl navigating friendship, family, and growing up, an Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret? for the modern day, from debut author Aida Salazar. Reviews & Accolades “Writing in clear, lyrical...

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Isla

Posted by on Apr 16, 2020 in Ages 03 and up, Caribbean, Caribbean American, North America, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Bilingual Book, Theme: Bilingual Character, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, United States | Comments Off on Isla

Isla

Isla By Arthur Dorros Illustrated by Elisa Kleven Published by Penguin Young Readers Group ISBN-13: 9780140565058 Age Range: 3+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound| B&N | Worldcat An enchanting journey through the imagination that is delightful for sharing again and again.  —School Library Journal Description Rosalba is going on an imaginary journey to the Caribbean island where her grandmother grew up. Through her abuela’s eyes and stories, Rosalba visits with relatives who still live on la isla and sees the beautiful terrain of the island—from the lush, tropical rain forest to the...

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Dumpling Days

Posted by on Apr 12, 2020 in Ages 08 and up, Asian (East), Taiwan, Taiwanese American, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, Theme: Identity | Comments Off on Dumpling Days

Dumpling Days

Dumpling Days By Grace Lin Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers ISBN-13: 9780316531337 Age Range: 8+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat The beloved heroine of The Year of the Dog and The Year of the Rat has returned in a brand new story. Description Pacy is back! The beloved heroine of The Year of the Dog and The Year of the Rat has returned in a brand new story. This summer, Pacy’s family is going to Taiwan for an entire month to visit family and prepare for their grandmother’s 60th birthday celebration. Pacy’s parents have signed her up...

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My Grandma and Me

Posted by on Mar 30, 2020 in Ages 04 and up, Iran, Middle East, Persian, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Celebration, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational | Comments Off on My Grandma and Me

My Grandma and Me

My Grandma and Me By Mina Javaherbin Illustrated by Lindsey Yankey Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 9780763694944 Age Range: 4+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “Love, childhood adventures, religion, and tradition are the centerpieces of this book about the author and her late grandmother, with whom she grew up in the same household in pre-revolutionary Iran.”  —Kirkus Reviews Description In this big universe full of many moons, I have traveled and seen many wonders, but I have never loved anything or anyone the way I love my grandma. While Mina is...

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Gabi, a Girl in Pieces

Posted by on Mar 27, 2020 in Ages 14 and up, Mexican American, North America, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: First Generation, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, Theme: Identity, Theme: Religious Differences, United States | Comments Off on Gabi, a Girl in Pieces

Gabi, a Girl in Pieces

Gabi, a Girl in Pieces By Isabel Quintero Published by Cinco Puntos Press ISBN-13: 9781935955955 Age Range: 14+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “A fresh, authentic and honest exploration of contemporary Latina identity.”  —Kirkus Reviews Description Gabi Hernandez chronicles her last year in high school in her diary: college applications, Cindy’s pregnancy, Sebastian’s coming out, the cute boys, her father’s meth habit, and the food she craves. And best of all, the poetry that helps forge her identity. July 24 My mother named me...

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Parachutes

Posted by on Mar 27, 2020 in Ages 14 and up, Chinese, Filipino American, North America, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Identity, United States | Comments Off on Parachutes

Parachutes

Parachutes By Kelly Yang Published by HarperCollins Publishers ISBN-13: 9780062941084 Age Range: 14+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “A wealthy Chinese teen is sent to America on her own to attend private school.”  —Kirkus Reviews Description They’re called parachutes: teenagers dropped off to live in private homes and study in the United States while their wealthy parents remain in Asia. Claire Wang never thought she’d be one of them, until her parents pluck her from her privileged life in Shanghai and enroll her at a high school in California. Suddenly...

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Brown Girl Ghosted

Posted by on Mar 27, 2020 in Ages 14 and up, Indian American, North America, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Race, Theme: Racial Discrimination, Theme: Trauma, United States | Comments Off on Brown Girl Ghosted

Brown Girl Ghosted

Brown Girl Ghosted By Mintie Das Published by HMH Books ISBN-13: 9780358128892 Age Range: 14+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “…deftly weaves an intricate and believable set of parallel worlds, expertly using Violet’s relationship with the Aiedeo and her own powers to explore tough issues of racism, misogyny, and sexual assault.”  —Kirkus Reviews Description Violet Choudhury may be part of the popular clique at school, but as one of a handful of brown girls in a small Illinois town, all she really wants to do is blend in and disappear....

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Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

Posted by on Mar 14, 2020 in Ages 09 and up, Korean American, North America, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Education, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: First Generation, Theme: Identity, Theme: Sibling Relationship, Theme: The Arts, United States | Comments Off on Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

Stand Up, Yumi Chung!

Stand Up, Yumi Chung! By Jessica Kim Published by Penguin Young Readers Group ISBN-13: 9780525554974 Age Range: 9+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “…a pop song of immigrant struggle colliding with comedy and Korean barbecue.”  —Kirkus Reviews Description On the outside, Yumi Chung suffers from #shygirlproblems, a perm-gone-wrong, and kids calling her “Yu-MEAT” because she smells like her family’s Korean barbecue restaurant. On the inside, Yumi is ready for her Netflix stand-up special. Her notebook is filled with mortifying memories...

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Sona and the Wedding Game

Posted by on Feb 4, 2020 in Ages 04 and up, Indian American, North America, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Celebration, Theme: Community, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, Theme: Religious Differences, United States | Comments Off on Sona and the Wedding Game

Sona and the Wedding Game

Sona and the Wedding Game By Kashmira Sheth Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi Published by Peachtree Publishing Company ISBN-13: 9781561457359 Age Range: 4+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “Sona, a young Indian-American girl, learns about the traditional wedding customs of her family’s region during the preparations for her sister’s marriage.”  —Kirkus Reviews Description Experience the magic of a traditional Indian wedding! Sona’s big sister is getting married and she’s been given an important job to do. She has to steal the groom’s shoes. She’s...

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Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji

Posted by on Jan 20, 2020 in Ages 07 and up, Indian American, North America, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Celebration, Theme: Community, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, Theme: Identity, United States | Comments Off on Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji By F. Zia Illustrated by Ken Min Published by Lee & Low Books, Inc. ISBN-13: 9781620143520 Age Range: 7+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “…a winning story of family traditions…” —School Library Journal Description Overflowing with family, food, and a tall stack of fun, Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji is sure to warm the heart and tickle the tummy. A fun way for children to learn about the cultural traditions and foods of India to be enjoyed by the whole family. Reviews & Accolades “This debut for both author...

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Frankly in Love

Posted by on Dec 10, 2019 in Ages 14 and up, Korean American, North America, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Identity, Theme: Multicultural Friendship, United States | Comments Off on Frankly in Love

Frankly in Love

Frankly in Love By David Yoon Published by Penguin Young Readers Group ISBN-13: 9781984812209 Age Range: 14+ Find a copy at Amazon| IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “Full of keen observations about love, family, and race with a winning narrator, this is a must-purchase (multiple copies!) for any teen-serving library.”  —School Library Journal Description Frank Li has two names. There’s Frank Li, his American name. Then there’s Sung-Min Li, his Korean name. No one uses his Korean name, not even his parents. Frank barely speaks any Korean. He was born and raised in...

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