Ahyoka And The Talking Leaves

A Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People and recipient of the Florida Sunshine Award: In this absorbing chapter book, Ahyoka helps her father, Sequoyah, unlock the mystery of “talking leaves” to create the Cherokee alphabet Ahyoka is the daughter of Sequoyah, a silversmith who has given up most of his trade to focus on his true passion. He longs for the day when the Cherokee people can communicate to one another from afar and document the history of their lives. He wants his people—the Real People—to have a written language like the white men do. When he is ostracized from his community for the “magic” he is creating, he leaves his home to pursue his quest. His young daughter, who shares his dream, joins him on his journey. They work together to create a syllabic alphabet that will tell the story of the Cherokee people.

How do you select the best recent works of fiction, oral tradition, and poetry about African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic-American, and Native-American Indian experiences and traditions from the profusion of titles being published today? This annotated bibliography of titles for children and young adults published from 1985 through the end of 1993--with 60% published since 1990--provides a one-stop selection tool. Appraisals of 559 titles, as well as information about an additional 188 recent books and 90 earlier ones of importance, are provided. Each entry features a plot summary incorporating themes, critical comments with a judgment of the book's value as an example of its genre, suggestions of other books by that writer, and related books of importance. The authors, who are recognized authorities in children's literature, and an advistory board of librarians and teachers, each of whom specializes in the literature of a particular ethnic group, have provided insightful critical appraisals and expertise and guidance in the selection of titles. Helpful subject, grade-level, author, title, and illustrator indexes are organized for ease of use. Titles in the grade-level and subject indexes are also identified by ethnic group.

American history comes alive for young readers in this collection of richly detailed narratives ranging from Christopher Columbus to Abraham Lincoln. These “direct and surprisingly accessible” histories, often told in the actual words of key figures from the American past, are a brilliant blend of fact and imagination (Publishers Weekly). I, Columbus: A firsthand account of Christopher Columbus’s famous voyage to the East, taken directly from his journal entries. He tells of excitement, drama, and terror on the high seas, as he and his crew weather the path to discovery. Pilgrim Voices: The pilgrims’ own writings of their voyage on the Mayflower, their first encounters with indigenous people, and their Thanksgiving celebration after surviving a difficult first winter in the New World. Off the Map: The story of Lewis and Clark’s famous 1804 expedition into the uncharted lands of America, in an accessible version drawn from the explorers’ own account. Louisiana Purchase: Biographical sketches of Lewis and Clark, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Thomas Jefferson tell the story of the United States’ expansion into a new territory and a new era. Sacagawea: Told from Sacagawea’s point of view, this historical novel shares the ordeals of her youth along with the memory of her journey west with Lewis and Clark. She shares her love of nature and explains how her loyalties have changed over time. The Declaration of Independence: Covering major events such as the Boston Massacre and Paul Revere’s midnight ride, this accessible history brings the story of the Revolutionary War to life. An Eye for an Eye: When her brother is captured at the start of the Revolutionary War, fourteen-year-old Samantha sets off to rescue him. But when she comes face-to-face with the enemy, will she still stand by her peaceful principles? Take Command, Captain Farragut!: Ten-year-old David Glasgow Farragut is the youngest midshipman ever assigned to a warship in the US Navy. Told through fictional letters that Farragut writes from prison after his capture in the War of 1812, this richly imagined story is based on real history. Ahyoka and the Talking Leaves: Ahyoka’s father is a Cherokee silversmith who dreams of a written language for his people. When he is ostracized for the “magic” he is creating, father and daughter leave home to pursue his dream on their own. Grace’s Letter to Lincoln: After seeing Abraham Lincoln on a poster, eleven-year-old Grace decides to write to him and suggest that he might win more votes in the 1860 election if he grows a beard. Much to her surprise, Lincoln answers her letter, and history is made. This “touching historic encounter” is based on true events (Scholastic).

Lists all the resources needed to create a balanced curriculum for homeschooling--from preschool to high school level.

"A careful selection of children's and young adult books with multicultural themes and topics which were published in the United States and Canada between 1991 and 1996"--Preface, p. vii.

Using quality children's literature that presents families positively and promotes appreciation of family diversity, this book offers you a unique way to help students understand the common complexities of today's families. Books are grouped into four major categories-diverse family groups, family heritage and tradition, relationships within families, and family conflicts. Within these areas books are chosen for specific topics, ranging from Death in the Family to Homelessness. For each title there are questions for reflection and discussion and a target activity that reinforces the concepts presented in the book.