A Girl Named Rosita and other Hispanic Heritage Month Read Alouds

It's Hispanic Heritage Month. Have you read about any notable people of  Hispanic heritage? One such celebrated person of Puerto Rican descent is Rita Moreno, an actress born as Rosa Dolores Alverío. This book chronicles her struggles to be treated fairly as a Spanish speaker who faced stereotypes and discrimination in roles available to her throughout her career.

A very talented woman, Rita won many awards, including an Emmy, a Tony, a Grammy Award, and an Oscar. as well as a Presidental Medal of Freedom.

Check out the read aloud here. 

>View PBS's timeline of Rita Moreno's life here. Challenge students to add multimedia to it using Sutori, or view mine here.

Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez Neal 

This book is part of what inspired me to create several Donors Choose projects to diversify my classrom. I came across a book called Always Anjali and thought, "Wow! I don't have many books with my students' names in them... let me see what I can find!" I wasn't super successful at finding their exact names, but I did find some from their varying cultures and religions. 

Alma is embarrassed by her long name, but she quickly learns her culture's naming tradition of being named after Spanish speaking family members. She hears stories about each person and identifies with their best traits. Then she learns that "Alma" belongs to her and the story it will tell to her future family members. Check out the read aloud above, which is read by an Argentinean legislator.

Soldier for Equality: Jose de la Luz Saenz and the Great War

This one is a biography. José de la Luz Sáenz (1888-1953)--or Luz--believed in fighting for what was right. Although he was born in the United States, he and his family experienced prejudice because of their Mexican heritage. When World War I broke out, Luz volunteered to join the fight. Because of his ability to quickly learn languages, he became part of the Intelligence Office in Europe. However, despite his hard work and intellect, Luz often didn't receive credit for his contributions.

We have so many more to share! For now, check out Scholastic's list of must-read books for Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Here is another non-fiction biography, Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez. This book is included in the Journeys and Making Meaning reading programs, and for good reason. An advocate for migrant farm workers, Chavez became well-known in an industry that was, and still is, notorious for exploiting workers. He helped them unionize and fight for better conditions. 

Here is the read aloud video.

Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family's Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

This is a story you've probably never heard. Seven years before Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, the Mendez family fought segregation in California. An American by birth, but a member of a bilingual Mexican family, Sylvia was forced to attend a different school than her white counterparts. A lawsuit changed that, and within a decade schools all over the country were being desegregated.

Want more Women's History Month resources? Click here.

See my posts about diverse literature here. 

International Day of the Girl 2021 - Ways to Celebrate

International Day of the Girl is celebrated every year on October 11. It was declared by the United Nations to amplify the voices of young girls around the world and increase awareness of issues faced by them. According to the United Nations, achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is an integral part.

This year the theme of International Day of the Girl is 'Digital Generation, Our Generation.' UNICEF believes in acknowledging the growing digital world and how a digital gap can also widen the gender gap.

Click the book to find it online.

130 million girls didn’t go to school today— not because they didn’t want to, but because they weren’t given the chance.

An excerpt from a project I did reads, "Education is something we take for granted nowadays in the United States because according to law, all students are entitled to a free and appropriate public education. This isn't the case all over the world.

Some of my students wouldn’t get educated at all in other countries. Others wouldn’t be able to go to school some days if they hit puberty and didn't have access to self care items or because of social norms.

This project's goal is to empower girls to further their educations and make a difference in the world by giving them material to read about fabulous women in history as well as changes that will happen to their bodies and minds as they grow up. It will educate all students on the accomplishments of females of all races, religions, ethnic backgrounds, and cultures throughout the history of the world. My hope is that the girls will grow up with the confidence that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. I envision a bright future for them without a gender wage gap and feeling like every job is accessible to all."

“The ability to read, write, and analyze; the confidence to stand up and demand justice and equality; the qualifications and connections to get your foot in that door and take your seat at that table—all of that starts with education.”

–Michelle Obama, Let Girls Learn speech, International Women’s Day 2016

There are many things we can do to empower and advocate for girls, including fighting for equal educational opportunities and access to jobs regardless of their sex. 

Ways to Celebrate

1. Start young - check out this Sesame Street "Girl Muppets Around the World" on Google Earth 
2. or Google Earth project I created from the book The International Day of the Girl.
   
   
   
3. Research a female** who has done great things and to create a digital presentation (check out mine on Sutori or use Google Slides) or write an opinion essay. 
4. Make a digital poster to post publicly, in schools, libraries, and other public places. It should persuade a person to listen to, watch, read, support, etc. an important female** in history.
5. Create a ____ Day (such as Amelia Earhart Day) in honor of an important female**. Be sure to select a date of significance from that person's life. Make a poster or calendar header with at least 3 facts listed.
6. Participate in Hour of Code. The official event takes place December 6-12, but you can do these coding activities year round.
7. Fundraise or donate to organizations that make this initiative a priority.

**especially consider women from groups that are underrepresented in media, print, etc.

Looking for more?

Read about Brenda Berkman, first female FDNY firefighter and advocate for gender equality in the workforce here.

See my completed DonorsChoose project titled "You Glow Girl! Celebrating HERstory" here. You can find some great books to display in your class library and use for research. Be sure to click "View Complete List" under "Where Your Donation Goes" to see all resources.

Another fully funded DonorsChoose project was created to encourage females to consider STEM careers. Check out "I See Me, A Scientist to Be!" here, where you'll find a book list as well as other science materials. Books include biographies of important women scientists, such as astronauts Sally Ride and Ellen Ochoa, physicist / chemist Marie Curie, and anthropologist Jane Goodall as well as postcards that will teach students about lesser known female scientists. 

This is a book project of fiction and non-fiction includes characters from all different backgrounds. It's from a funded Donors Choose project titled "I See Me and the Color of My Words," which you can see here. Students who are Hispanic, Asian, Native American, African, African American, Jewish, Muslim, disabled, adopted, and in foster care or just facing challenges will be able to say, "I see me in this story!" They will also be able to reach outside their own life experiences to understand how others feel through reading.

Open Books, Open Minds (Even More)

This post consists of a book list from a Donors Choose project I had funded in 2019. I was creating an author study and realized how lacking my classroom library was in diverse materials after 13 years of teaching. Sure, I had some books we used during Black History Month and Women's History Month, a couple of copies of diaries from Anne Frank and Zlata's Diary, as well as some whitewashed versions of Thanksgiving and Native American group profiles. But so many segments were not adequately represented, including many that my coworkers and students (past and present) could relate to - Jews, Muslims, female scientists, Hispanics, visible and invisible disabilities, divorced and / or nontraditional families, imprisoned family members, immigrants, and even just fictional characters from different cultures, among other categories. 

First, read the project description. Then check out the books and summaries of their plots. Don't forget to check out other books by these authors.

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Help me give my students books like Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets, Nonni's Moon, Pashmina, and Lailah's Lunchbox. These books will help us celebrate diversity in our classroom!

My Students

“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to people who prepare for it today." - MX

My lively bunch of 28 students come from different cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.

Each student has a unique and valuable set of experiences that they contribute to the class. We have worked hard to build bonds with each other and consider our class to be like a family, while our classroom is like a home. Students truly feel safe to be themselves, take risks, and explore.

My Project

Students will get to read books about characters from their cultures and others within our classroom. Reading books with diverse characters will motivate my students to read as they will be able to make connections with the characters and other students in our class.

These books will help students understand different aspects of their lives so that we can create a more inclusive, caring classroom.

Students will be able to understand social and cultural norms that may differ from theirs. This will help further our dialogue of multiculturalism and acceptance of all people. Children are learning to be productive members of a global classroom and society!

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D The Adventures of Gluskabe: The Coming (Volume 1) The first inhabitants of the Turtle Island, name formerly given to North America, were also people rich in legends. One of these famous legends is Gluskabe, the colossal and prodigious hero of the Wabanakis people.This first book of Gluskabe’s magical adventures tells you about the coming of our hero on Earth. The Adventures of Gluskabe: Giants in the Forest (Volume 2)  In Gluskabe's time, the squirrel was not the cute little rodent leaping from branch to branch that we see nowadays. It was a frightening beast, the size of the largest bear. “Gluskabe, I'm not afraid of your humans, the ALNOBAK. If they dare coming near my territory I will fight them, I will crush them. I will mash them into cranberry compote!” the squirrel retorted in a threatening tone. The Adventures of Gluskabe: The Game Bag (Volume 3) The Game Bag is a ten thousand years old legend that joins today’s plea for a more equitable sharing of the natural resources. A fantastic read for children and grown-ups alike and an homage to our Abenaki environment advocate "Alanis Obomsawin". THE ADVENTURES OF GLUSKABE: SKUNK (VOLUME 4) A BRIDGE BETWEEN TWO HEARTS TAKES MANY MOONS, MANY SEASONS TO BUILD AND HAS TO BE GUARDED AGAINST A FIRE NAMED TEMPER.  PASHMINA  Gr 4–8—Priyanka is a teenage girl who loves to draw. Her mother emigrated from India years ago, leaving Pri's father behind. Pri is eager to learn about her father and her Indian heritage, but her mother refuses to discuss the subject. Then Pri finds an old pashmina in her mother's suitcase, and when she puts it on, she is magically transported to the India of her dreams. Pri is greeted by an elephant and a peacock, who offer to show her around the country. Though they provide some answers, they inspire even more questions, and Pri must figure out how and why reality and her dream world overlap. This heartwarming story about family problems and female empowerment will inspire readers to make their voices heard. Much of the artwork is reminiscent of the illustrations in Vera Brosgol's Anya's Ghost: black-and-white with clear thick lines. Whenever someone dons the pashmina, the pages are suddenly drenched in rich colors. VERDICT This dazzling blend of realistic fiction and fantasy is perfect for fans of characters who have to overcome obstacles on their way to growing up.—Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library From personal experience, the author Nidhi Chanani is awesome, and her illustrations are beautiful. After reaching out on Twitter and telling her how beloved her book has been, she sent us some illustrations we proudly displayed in the classroom. LAILAH'S LUNCHBOX: A RAMADAN STORY Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom. Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs. This gentle, moving story from first-time author Reem Faruqi comes to life in Lea Lyon’s vibrant illustrations. Lyon uses decorative arabesque borders on intermittent spreads to contrast the ordered patterns of Islamic observances with the unbounded rhythms of American school days. Fountas & Pinnell Level N NONI'S MOON Missing someone far away is hard. It's hard if you're a grown-up. It's even harder if you're a child.No one knows more than Beanie how hard it is to live far away from loved ones. But then she figures out a way she and Nonni can send messages back and forth.... through the moon! You will love Nonni's Moon because it is important to keep family and friends close to our hearts, even at great distances and circumstances. It can help explain bereavement or absence of a loved one to children learning how to make sense of an adult world. Nonni's Moon will instantly become a bedtime favorite for all. NIGHT OF THE MOON: A MUSLIM HOLIDAY STORY This sweet tale follows Yasmeeen, a seven-year-old Pakistani-American Girl, as she celebrates the Muslim holidays of Ramadan, "The Night of the Moon" (Chaand Raat), and Eid. With lush illustrations that evoke Islamic art, this beautiful story offers a peek into modern Muslim culture—and into the ancient roots of its most cherished traditions. GOLDEN DOMES AND SILVER LANTERNS: A MUSLIM BOOK OF COLORS BOUNCE BACK (ZAYD SALEEM, CHASING THE DREAM) ON POINT (ZAYD SALEEM, CHASING THE DREAM) POWER FORWARD (ZAYD SALEEM, CHASING THE DREAM) THE WHOLE STORY OF HALF A GIRL AMINA'S VOICE BY HENA KHAN WRITTEN IN THE STARS BY AISHA SAEED Naila’s conservative immigrant parents have always said the same thing: She may choose what to study, how to wear her hair, and what to be when she grows up—but they will choose her husband. Following their cultural tradition, they will plan an arranged marriage for her. And until then, dating—even friendship with a boy—is forbidden. When Naila breaks their rule by falling in love with Saif, her parents are livid. Convinced she has forgotten who she truly is, they travel to Pakistan to visit relatives and explore their roots. But Naila’s vacation turns into a nightmare when she learns that plans have changed—her parents have found her a husband and they want her to marry him, now! Despite her greatest efforts, Naila is aghast to find herself cut off from everything and everyone she once knew. Her only hope of escape is Saif . . . if he can find her before it’s too late. FORTUNE COOKIE FORTUNES BY GRACE LIN Crack, crack, crack! The cookies snap open and the family’s fortunes are revealed. Mei Mei wants to know how hers will come true. Jie Jie scoffs—they never come true. But Pacy isn’t so sure. As she waits and watches, she notices magical things happening in her family. Could the fortunes really be right? And what about Pacy’s fortune: “You will see the world in a new way”? Well, yes, it’s true! Pacy has been seeing the world through fortune cookies!  Read aloud video HERE GOLDY LUCK AND THE THREE PANDAS It's Chinese New Year, and Goldy Luck’s mother wants her to take a plate of turnip cakes to the neighbors. The Chans aren’t home, but that doesn’t stop Goldy from trying out their rice porridge, their chairs, and their beds—with disastrous results. In this funny and festive retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Natasha Yim and Grace Zong introduce a plucky heroine who takes responsibility for her actions and makes a new friend (and a whole plate of turnip cakes!), just in time for Chinese New Year. Includes back matter about Chinese New Year and a recipe for turnip cakes. Read aloud video here THE EMPTY POT BY DEMI The Empty Pot is Demi's beloved picture book about an honest schoolboy. A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. Anything he planted burst into bloom. The Emperor loved flowers too. When it was time to choose an heir, he gave a flower seed to each child in the kingdom. "Whoever can show me their best in a year's time," he proclaimed, "shall succeed me to the throne!" Ping plants his seed and tends it every day. But month after month passes, and nothing grows. When spring comes, Ping must go to the Emperor with nothing but an empty pot. Demi's exquisite art and beautifully simple text show how Ping's embarrassing failure is turned triumphant in this satisfying tale of honesty rewarded. THE KING'S CHESSBOARD BY DAVID BIRCH A great story for children learning mathematical concepts, The King’s Chessboard tells the story of a wise man who refuses the king’s reward for completing a favor. When the king insists the man accept a reward, the man proposes a deal: He will take a payment of rice equal to each square on the king’s chessboard—doubling the amount he receives with each day. This quickly empties out the royal coffers. . . .   READ ALOUD HERE KITE FLYING BY GRACE LIN The wind is blowing. It is a good day for kites! The whole family makes a trip to the local craft store for paper, glue, and paint. Everyone has a job: Ma-Ma joins sticks together. Ba-Ba glues paper. Mei-Mei cuts whiskers while Jie-Jie paints a laughing mouth. Dragon eyes are added and then everyone attaches the final touch . . . a noisemaker! Now their dragon kite is ready to fly. Kite Flying celebrates the Chinese tradition of kite making and kite flying and lovingly depicts a family bonded by this ancient and modern pleasure. READ ALOUD HERE JASMINE LAUNCHES A STARTUP BY BACHAR KARROUM Want to spark curiosity and arouse your little one’s leadership skills? Inspire your future entrepreneur to follow its passion and introduce him or her to the world of entrepreneurship with the story of Jasmine. The first perfect business book to share with your child to ignite interest in starting a business or launching a start-up. This kids’ first business book instills lessons about hard work, creativity and determination, coaching your young, upcoming CEO to acquire the right mindset needed to turn a dream or vision into reality. In this children’s book, kids will be exposed to the fundamentals of starting a business and get a glimpse into the career of an entrepreneur, including: – Following your passion – How to start-up and challenge the status quo – Focusing on a specific market – Taking risks, moving into action and seeking help when needed – The importance of teamwork and never giving up   ALVIN HO: ALLERGIC TO DEAD BODIES, FUNERALS, AND OTHER FATAL CIRCUMSTANCES BY LENORE LOOK Alvin, an Asian American second grader who's afraid of everything, is facing something truly scary: the idea that someone he loves might die. When Alvin's GungGung loses his best friend, Alvin (gulp) volunteers to go with him to the funeral. A humorous and touching series about facing your fears and embracing new experiences—with a truly unforgettable character—from author Lenore Look and New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor winning illustrator LeUyen Pham. TIKKI TIKKI TEMBO BY ARLENE MOSEL Three decades and more than one million copies later children still love hearing about the boy with the long name who fell down the well. Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent's classic re-creation of an ancient Chinese folktale has hooked legions of children, teachers, and parents, who return, generation after generation, to learn about the danger of having such an honorable name as Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo. OUT OF WONDER: POEMS CELEBRATING POETS BY KWAME ALEXANDER A Newbery Medalist and a Caldecott Honoree’s New York Times best-selling ode to poets who have sparked a sense of wonder. SNOW FLOWER AND THE PANTHER BY FLEURIE LECLERCQ Deep in the forests of Cameroon, in the heart of Central Africa, a young girl named Snow Flower lives with her grandmother. One day Snow Flower is out collecting water with her friend, Remi. As they walk through the forest they hear a rustling sound nearby…What will Snow Flower and Remi do when they discover what is hiding in the bushes? Beautifully illustrated, the story of Snow Flower and the Panther is perfect for children ages 5 and up, and suitable for the whole family. Watch the read aloud here.