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Home » For Teachers » Book Guides

Community Across Cultures Book Guides

Whether you are leading a story time for a group of all immigrant children, all U.S.-born children or somewhere in between, The ILC Public Education Institute’s Community Across Cultures Book Guides are for you. A collaboration between pedagogy and content experts, the Guides give you the support you need to feel confident introducing immigration-related themes to children.

In addition to general information about the book and author, the Guides offer suggestions for thought-provoking, age-appropriate questions to ask children, give pronunciation tips and give a short primer on the topic being discussed.

How to Use

This guide shows you how to get the most out of book guides.

Learn How to Use Book Guides
Teacher reading to a group of children

I Am New Here

 

Grade Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3
Featured Countries of Origin: Guatemala, South Korea, Somalia
Themes: : language learning, courage, belonging, determination

This simple yet profound story is a wonderful jumping-off point for conversations about starting school in a new country. While the characters feel loneliness and uncertainty, they use their internal resilience to create a place for themselves in their new school communities. The story highlights the rich knowledge and strengths that the students bring with them.

Dreamers

 

Grade Level: Preschool – Grade 3
Featured Country of Origin: Mexico
Themes: : resilience, hope, determination

This beautifully illustrated, expressive book celebrates the immigrant experience. It is about valuing family, fostering creativity, learning a new language and the power of public libraries. Children will find much to analyze and discuss in the mixed media illustrations, particularly the repeated symbolism of the butterfly. Spanish words are interspersed throughout, providing a playful approach to language and encouraging inclusivity

Gibberish

 

Grade Level: Preschool – Grade 3
Featured Country of Origin: Vietnam
Themes: : language learning, friendship, newcomer, school, feelings

This charming story creatively conveys Dat’s confusion and frustration from not understanding the language and the power of a friendly gesture. Even the illustrations go from black and white outlandish characters to more realistic, color characters as Dat becomes more comfortable in his new home. The story mirrors the author’s own experience coming to the United States as a refugee from Vietnam.

The Day You Begin

 

Grade Level: Preschool – Grade 3
Featured Country of Origin: N/A
Themes: diversity, courage, acceptance, belonging

This story about feelings of isolation and drawing on inner strength offers multiple entry points for students. Whether it’s language, food, appearance, dress or athletic ability, there are many ways that children can feel like outsiders. This story beautifully illustrates the importance of celebrating both our differences and similarities.

The Name Jar

 

Grade Level: Preschool – Grade 2
Featured Country of Origin: South Korea
Themes: names, belonging, friendship, first day of school

This delightful story encourages students to develop respect for self and respect for others. Many students will relate to Unhei’s nervousness on the first day of school and desire to fit in, along with her internal conflict about being true to herself. With beautiful illustrations and clear prose, it makes for an excellent read aloud.

Here I Am

 

Grade Level: Kindergarten+
Country of Origin: South Korea
Themes: moving, isolation/homesick, acceptance, belonging

This book uses only illustrations which makes it accessible to all audiences including those who are not yet able to read. When reading out loud, narrate the pictures and connect with the audience in order to bring details within the illustrations to life.

Thank You, Omu!

 

Grade Level: Preschool – Grade 3
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Themes: food, friendship, gratitude, sharing

The repetition in the text, use of expressive sounds (“Mmmm” and “Ahhh”) and dialogue from a colorful cast of characters make it a superb read aloud. With eye-catching mixed media collages, a heartwarming message of community and sharing, and diverse characters, Thank You, Omu! is a wonderful addition to libraries, homes and classrooms.

The Immigrant Learning Center® is a certified 501(c)3. EIN# 043138284

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