From acclaimed Nigerian storyteller Atinuke, the first in a series of chapter books set in contemporary West Africa introduces a little girl who has enchanted young readers. Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, amazing Africa, with her mother and father, her twin baby brothers (Double and Trouble), and lots of extended family in a big white house with a beautiful garden in a compound in a city. Anna is never lonely—there are always cousins to play and fight with, aunties and uncles laughing and shouting, and parents and grandparents close by. Readers will happily follow as she goes on a seaside vacation, helps plan a party for Auntie Comfort from Canada (will she remember her Nigerian ways?), learns firsthand what it’s really like to be a child selling oranges outside the gate, and longs to see sweet snow. Nigerian storyteller Atinuke’s debut book for children and its sequels, with their charming (and abundant) gray-scale drawings by Lauren Tobia, are newly published in the US by Candlewick Press, joining other celebrated Atinuke stories in captivating young readers.

The spirited Anna Hibiscus leaves the city to visit her grandparents’ remote village in this sixth adventure in the well-loved series set in contemporary West Africa. Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa, Amazing Africa, in a country called Nigeria, in a city called Lagos. Anna is going with her family and grandfather on a trip to the village where her grandparents used to live, to stay in a house that has long been in their family. The city travelers ride on a packed, sweaty bus through the rainforest, through dusty scrubland, and through fields of bananas and oranges and sugarcane. When the bus lets them off, the village is still a long walk away through the bush. Anna has never been to the bush before—there is no road, no running water, and no electricity! There is plenty to learn, and friends to make too, as Anna’s escapades continue in this charming series from Atinuke and Lauren Tobia.

Reading the World’s Stories is volume 5 in the Bridges to Understanding series of annotated international youth literature bibliographies sponsored by the United States Board on Books for Young People. USBBY is the United States chapter of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), a Switzerland-based nonprofit whose mission is bring books and children together. The series promotes sharing international children’s books as a way to facilitate intercultural understanding and meet new literary voices. This volume follows Children’s Books from Other Countries (1998), The World though Children’s Books (2002), Crossing Boundaries with Children’s Books (2006), and Bridges to Understanding: Envisioning the World through Children’s Books (2011) and acts as a companion book to the earlier titles. Centered around the theme of the importance of stories, the guide is a resource for discovering more recent global books that fit many reading tastes and educational needs for readers aged 0-18 years. Essays by storyteller Anne Pellowski, author Beverley Naidoo, and academic Marianne Martens offer a variety of perspectives on international youth literature. This latest installment in the series covers books published from 2010-2014 and includes English-language imports as well as translations of children’s and young adult literature first published outside of the United States. These books are supplemented by a smaller number of culturally appropriate books from the US to help fill in gaps from underrepresented countries. The organization of the guide is geographic by region and country. All of the more than 800 entries are recommended, and many of the books have won awards or achieved other recognition in their home countries. Forty children’s book experts wrote the annotations. The entries are indexed by author, translator, illustrator, title, and subject. Back matter also includes international book awards, important organizations and research collections, and a selected directory of publishers known for publishing books from other countries.

Racially mixed children make up the fastest growing youth demographic in the U.S., and teachers of diverse populations need to be mindful in selecting literature that their students can identify with. This volume explores how books for elementary school students depict and reflect multiracial experiences through text and images. Chaudhri examines contemporary children’s literature to demonstrate the role these books play in perpetuating and resisting stereotypes and the ways in which they might influence their readers. Through critical analysis of contemporary children’s fiction, Chaudhri highlights the connections between context, literature, and personal experience to deepen our understanding of how children’s books treat multiracial identity.

Unlock the transformative potential of read-aloud to joyfully strengthen essential literacy skills. In this eagerly anticipated follow-up to Maria Walther’s The Ramped-Up Read Aloud, discover 50 MORE read-aloud experiences designed to bolster students’ literacy development, ignite imagination, and enhance motivation. Backed by the latest research, this indispensable guide equips educators with the knowledge and tools to make read alouds a cornerstone of their teaching practice. More Ramped-Up Read Alouds includes lessons focused on foundational reading concepts like phonological awareness and decoding along with a new chapter on integrating literacy with STEAM. This must-have resource for K-5 teachers, librarians, schools, and districts goes beyond the basics. It empowers educators to elevate their read alouds, offering strategies to broaden students’ content knowledge, expand vocabulary, and boost listening comprehension. Each read-aloud experience features: Standards-based learning targets Key vocabulary words with kid-friendly definitions Effective questioning techniques Innovative reading response ideas Targeted extension activities to enhance the experience for upper elementary learners Looking to create joyful, enriching reading experiences that will lead to endless possibilities? Search no further! It’s time to make interactive read-aloud a non-negotiable part of the day—and watch learners soar!

A collection of three novels by Sue Parritt, now available in one volume! A Question Of Country: In 1969, newlyweds Anna and Joseph Fletcher receive a life-changing letter from Australia House. Their idealistic dreams lead them to fall in love with their adopted land, but tragedy strikes just months later. As time passes, Anna finds solace in a fictional world she has crafted. However, when a new challenge emerges, she must decide whether to confront it with courage or retreat into her fantasy realm. Will she dare to face reality or remain in the safety of her imagination? Feed Thy Enemy: In this heartwarming tale based on a true story, a British airman's act of kindness during World War II resonates decades later. As middle-aged Rob embarks on a holiday in Italy, he grapples with the ghosts of war and his own inner battles. Flashbacks to his heroic attempts to help a starving family evoke suppressed memories of love and sacrifice. With PTSD and depression weighing on him, Rob must find the strength to confront his present challenges. Sue Parritt's Feed Thy Enemy is a poignant and inspiring account of courage and compassion that will touch your heart. Re-Navigation: In the atmospheric setting of a Welsh island, Julia embarks on a Spiritual Development course, seeking answers and a sense of purpose. Surrounded by new friends, she begins to question the emptiness she feels inside. As relationships grow and secrets emerge, Julia is confronted with life-altering choices that come with a price. With passion and uncertainty intertwining, Julia must decide the true value of her desires and the sacrifices she is willing to make.

On Christmas Eve 1969, a letter from Australia House, London, brings welcome news for newlyweds Anna and Joseph Fletcher. Young and idealistic, Anna falls passionately in love with their adopted land. But soon, an unexpected event causes their life to take a tragic turn. In despair, Anna retreats to a fictional world she has created. But when a new challenge presents itself, will she take the risk - or take refuge in fantasy?