When I Wrap My Hair

When I Wrap My Hair, is a lyrical masterpiece that offers an intense outpouring of emotion and connection that any reader can feel. Grant's rhythmic word choice and use of metaphors combined with Mohammed's creative use of curved lines and textures/ colors that resemble head covers often seen used among African woman, helps create a beautiful poetic experience for young readers. The traditional act of hair wrapping is clearly celebrated and this tradition that spans generations is positively portrayed. The rich word choice and vivid illustrations work together to "enhance and extend the [joyful] feelings established by the text (Galda, 2017).

Teachers can use this text to:

introduce and make connections to African cultures
showcase how illustrators convey meaning and feelings using a variety of colors, lines, shapes, and other design elements
teach figurative language
introduce poetry
launch discussions about family and cultural traditions

-------

Author: Shauntay Grant

Illustrator: Jenin Mohammed

Year Published: 2024

Target Age/Grade Level: 4-8 years old

Genre: Poetry and Verse, Picturebook

Comments

Uncle Jed's Barber Shop

Uncle Jed is a talented barber, beloved by many, who even without a shop never gives up on his dream. The setting is integral to the story and evokes a vivid historical time consistent with historical and geographical evidence. Social issues are portrayed honestly, without condoning bias for race, gender, or other differences. "Even though I was unconscious, the doctors wouldn't look at me until they finished with all the white patients" (Mitchell, 1998). This book is a fantastic is a fantastic read aloud for young children to teach them, regardless of time, place, situation, to never give up on their dreams. Teachers can use this text: to teach about topics such as saving money, segregation, perseverance, and grit culturally Response Teaching use as a read aloud or anchor text for writing ------- Author: Margaree King Mitchell Illustrator: James E. Ransome Year Published: 1998 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 4-7, Grades K-2 Genre: Historical Fiction

Emmanuel's Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

This true story teaches young readers that believing in oneself and having courage to persevere is the greatest ability of all. Born with a deformed leg in Ghana, many judged and dismissed Emmanuel due to his disability. Throughout this text, there is a unifying theme of overcoming adversity. Thompson does a fantastic job grounding the story in facts, providing details that are vivid, accurate and linked to the accomplishments of Emmanuel (Galda, 2017). Teachers can use this text to: explore themes such as overcoming adversity, perseverance, and self-reliance Culturally Response Teaching discuss conversations about privilege ------- Author: Laurie Ann Thompson Illustrator: Sean Qualls Year Published: 2015 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 5-8 , Grades K-2 Genre: Memoir

The Dragon of Doom

Readers will be instantly transported to the little town of Pigbone, with it's big hills and cottages. In the Dragon of Doom, characters, setting and events are very detailed and almost believable (If magic was real). Bruce Coville has created a plot that although not realistic, "what happens in the story is logically consistent within the story world" (Galda, 2017). Chairs can walk across the room whimpering, as Moongobble tries to improve his magic skills (Coville, 29, 2003). Katherine Coville's witty illustrations with Bruce Coville's whimsical and wacky word choice, makes for a fantastic novel that will cast a spell of delight on anyone who reads it. Teachers can use this text: as a read aloud book club book as an anchor text for writing lesson on - setting, writing about fantasy, talking animals, using descriptive language, etc. ------- Author: Bruce Coville Illustrator: Katherine Coville Year Published: 2003 Target Age/ Grade Level: Ages 6-10/ Grades 1-5...

For the Love of Literacy

Search This Blog