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Samira Surfs Rukhssann Guidroz ISBN 9781984816191
ATOS Book Level: 4.3 Ages 9-13
461 pages
Samira is an unregistered Rohingya refugee from Burma (now Myanmar), whose family is subsisting in Bangladesh. While selling hard-boiled eggs on the beach, she makes friends with a group of Rohingya and Bangladeshi surfers. She fears the water, having lost her grandparents in the river crossing, but the lure of prize money motivates her to secretly learn to surf with the help of her brother, Khalid, and her new friends. CW: violence and disturbing imagery. Themes: racism, gender equality, refugees, poverty, identity, perseverance, inclusion.
Rez Dogs Joseph Bruchac ISBN 9780593326213
Lexile: 820 • Ages 8-12 • 192 pages
The COVID-19 lockdown begins while Malian is visiting her grandparents on the Wabanaki reservation. Malsum, a reservation dog, shows up at their home and becomes her best friend. Malian adjusts to school online, and her grandparents share indigenous stories, both tribal legends and the atrocities toward indigenous peoples that are missing from her school books, including forced sterilization, family separation, and boarding schools. CW: disturbing imagery and examples of racism. Themes: family, identity, cultural heritage, overcoming adversity.
Multicultural
The Magical Imperfect
Lexile: 710
When Etan’s mother is hospitalized with severe depression, he retreats into selective mutism. Similarly, complications and bullying due to Malia’s severe eczema have caused her to stop attending school. This lyrical story focuses on the friendship between the two outcasts, their journey toward celebrating strengths, the truths they learn about themselves and their families, and a bit of “magic clay” that Etan’s Jewish, immigrant grandfather has brought from the old country. Themes: bullying, cultural bias, empathy, personal growth, friendships.