All three books encompass themes of acceptance, diversity, and building a sense of community.
My Two Blankets by Irens Kobald and Freya Blackwood is picture book about a little girl who immigrated to a new country for safety. In this transition, she leaves behind her comfort zone but finds comfort in her old blanket (culture). The character talks about how nothing is the same in this country: the people, food, plans, animals, even the wind. She eventually makes friends with a girl that begins to teach her the new language. Gradually, the little girl finds comfort in her new blanket of comfort as she accepts the major changes.
This books has some major takeaways for teachers to highlight in the classroom. From the underlying themes, literary devices, and perspectives to be considered.
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers is another picture book, this one explains the Statue of Liberty, its origins, and perhaps the theory behind why Lady Liberty is walking forward. The books begins by stating facts about the statue, such as who created her, where she came from, where she is located, and so on. But later in to the book, the author analyzes the symbols with in the statue. The torch and enlightenment, the crown, and the book she holds. Towards the end of the book, the author points out a feature to the audience that they might not have known about or noticed. The fact that she is taking a step forward, breaking the chains. The author then poses a theory of the meaning behind why she is stepping forward. The meaning he stands behind is so powerful in stating,
"The Statue of Liberty was not built to welcome just 1,886 immigrants from Italy on one certain Sunday in, say, 1886. No! She was built to welcome 3,000 immigrants from Poland the next day. The next day, 5,000 Norwegians. After that, 10,000 Glaswegians. Then Cambodians. Then Estonians. Somalis. Nepalis. Syrians. Liberians. It never ends. It cannot end."
I love, love, love this book and the power behind it. The book creates a sense of unity for everyone who immigrates to the United States for whatever reason.
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate portrays the feelings of racism and rejections when Samar, a 10 year old Muslim, moves into a new neighborhood. Their family is rejected by the community because of their cultural difference. Samar makes wishes on Red, the wish tree, longing for a friends and love. Its heartbreaking to analyze the perceptive of this young girl and how she felt in this new community. This in itself can be a great learning segment students analyze and reflect on character perspectives. The book encompasses diversity, not only through the little girl, but also through the community that lives within Red. The sense of acceptance and everyone being welcomed.
All of these books bring to reality the struggles faced in today's world, that are often swept under the rug and avoided. They allow the reader to develop their own perspective and understanding in such a political world, to not only think about politics but also look at the world through a lens of humanity and being able to emphasize with others.
Applegate, K. (2017). Wishtree. New York, NY: Fewer and Friends.
Eggers, D. (2017). Her Right Foot. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.
Kobald, I., & Blackwood, F. (2014). My Two Blankets. Melbourne: Little Hare Books.
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