Books Recommended by Colorín Colorado

This novel, written in free verse, tells the story of Kek, an eleven-year-old boy from the Sudan who arrives as a refugee to Minnesota in the middle of winter. The novel follows his stages of assimilation, from seeing snow for the first time to arriving at his school and ESL class, and all of his adventures in between. Through moments both amusing and heartbreaking, it is possible to see through Kek's eyes what it is like for new immigrants who come to this country, and to think about the scars that war leaves on its youngest victims.

Highly recommended for ELL educators and ELL students in grades 4-12, as well as for professionals working with refugee or displaced populations.

Teacher's Guide for Home of the Brave: This guide includes discussion questions, activities on idioms and language, and web resources about the war in Sudan. Appropriate for grades 4-12.

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A girl visits both sets of grandparents on weekends. On Saturdays, she speaks English with Grandpa and Grandma, while on Sundays, los domingos, she speaks Spanish with Abeulito and Abeulita. The format provides a glimpse at the subtle differences between cultures and highlights their similarities, one of which is each set of grandparents' love for their granddaughter. Spanish words are interspersed in the fluid text.

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On the first day of school, Josephine must tell her new classmates in the Bronx about her native Italy. Even though she understands English, she can’t say very much — she keeps thinking of the words in Italian! Little by little, the teacher helps her through the presentation and by the end she is excited to learn even more words. Based on the childhood experiences of the author and her family, this book offers a tribute to the many immigrant children who have arrived to this country and have had to build a new life — in English, of course.

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Kingsville, on the border of Mexico and Texas, comes to life in words and pictures in this book. Readers will share the simple joys of eating, dancing, and celebrating as the artist remembers her own childhood. Her stories, presented in both English and Spanish, are accompanied by her bright paintings.

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Maria looks to her grandmother to explain the rituals and traditions she observes at her first wedding. Their conversation, sprinkled with Spanish words, is carried by the evocative illustrations that depict this Zapotec Indian wedding celebration in Oaxaca, Mexico. A helpful Spanish glossary and an introduction to Zapotec culture and religion are included.

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This beautiful story opens as young Francisco is preparing to go to school for the first time. His excitement gives way to shame and frustration, however, as he realizes that he doesn't fit in and he can't understand what is happening around him in English. The story explores Francisco's isolation in the classroom, as well as his daydreams about the only thing he feels connected to at his school — a caterpillar in a jar on the shelf. Yet as the caterpillar transforms little by little, so does Francisco.

This story, as well as the short stories from The Circuit, is based on the experiences of the author as the child of migrant farmworkers, and is highly recommended for ELL classrooms. Both English and Spanish versions available.

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Visit Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to meet several generations of Mayan Indians, learn a bit about their history, culture, and contemporary life in this riveting portrait in pictures and words.

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No English is the story of two second-grade girls who become friends after overcoming a language barrier. This is a wonderful selection for all classrooms, especially those in which students speak different languages. Teachers and students alike will appreciate and empathize with both girls' struggles as they get to know each other and look for ways to communicate. Compelling illustrations complement the engaging text. An accompanying Teacher's Guide also provides activities and discussion questions.

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Graciella's father leaves his family to pick fruit far away, but calls every Sunday. The surprise he sends for Graciella's seventh birthday is lost as is the child's hope of seeing Papi — at least temporarily. This realistic, universally appealing story told from the child's point of view is gently illustrated.

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Fiestas often involve puppets, masks, and piñatas. Meet Tio Rico, the elderly piñata maker in a Mexican town, whose artful creations are shown from start to finish in this handsomely photographed book. The text is presented in both Spanish and English.

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It's time for Carnival! Three short stories in this Easy Reader present the adventures shared by Rafi and Rosi, charming and mischievous young tree frogs who are brother and sister, and live in Puerto Rico. The stories include young Rosi dressing up in "Queen for a Day," as well as Rafi's "magical" periscope, used to watch the Carnival parade. Children and adults alike will enjoy the amusing experiences of these two siblings, as well as the cheerful and colorful illustrations. Spanish version also available.

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Snake terrifies children and their parents. He claims to be the "king of the road." But with gifts from the animals, Desert Woman fashions Roadrunner to defeat Snake. In the tradition of a folktale, this original story explains why rattlesnakes have their rattle and how cooperation can save the day.

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Now that Juan's mother has left him with his grandmother, he shines shoes to earn a living. More than anything else, though, 7-year old Juan wants to learn to read and go to school. Guatemala comes alive through the daily lives of Juan and his grandmother and the detailed black/white illustrations.

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Stella and her brothers speak Spanish at home but English at school. Being different is both scary and exciting. Stella learns this when she prepares for the school's celebration of May Day. She finds a way to honor her Mexican background by wearing a special skirt that is both alike yet different from the other girls'. Stella, like many children, can take pride in being part of two cultures. (In English sprinkled with Spanish).

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A young girl tells how her great-grandmother, grandmother, and mother perform an everyday activity, whether gathering flowers or making tortillas, and how every time it was the same but different. The result is a book that creates a rhythm and flow to life's seemingly routine tasks. The vivid illustrations evoke Central American folk art and complement the graceful text presented in Spanish and English.

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In writing about her childhood growing up in Camaguey, Cuba, the author evokes all the senses. Readers will smell jasmine, coffee, and grandmother's perfume. They will see the bats flying overhead and hear adults talk. When parents and other adults read this memoir with children, they may start to share their own family stories.

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Mexico's culture, history, and spirit are revealed through The Foods, The Fiestas, The Folk Arts, The Past, and The People. Each volume — whether focusing on food or art, ancient beginnings, or current conflicts — captures the many flavors and traditions of the land and its people.

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