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Resources Books and Websites for Global Readiness
Books for Global Readiness: Africa
By LaTasha Malone, parent
Brown, Eileen. Handa's Surprise. 1994.
Handa puts seven different delicious fruits in a basket to take to her friend Akeyo as a surprise. But Handa's walk takes her past a variety of animals, and the fruits do look very inviting...
Daly, Niki. Not so Fast Songololo. 2001.
This is a charming story of a young boy who spends the day with his grandmother in the hustle and bustle of a busy city. At the end of the day, Shepherd receives a treat that will put a new spring in his step.
Mhlophe, Gcina. Stories of Africa. 2003
This folklore story collection offers ten enchanting tales, steeped in the imaginative richness of African oral tradition.
Singer, Marilyn. Nine O'Clock Lullaby. 1991.
Marilyn Singer's rhythmic lullaby, with bright illustrations by Frane Lessac, gently transports children through different time zones and distant lands. Young readers will travel far from home, then back again, on a glorious bedtime journey.
Various Authors. Madiba Magic: Nelson Mandela's Favourite Stories for Children. 2002
This anthology consists of some of the oldest African tales. Although the book's titles reflect the favorite stories of South Africa's leader, the anthology contains stories from throughout the entire continent.
Books for Global Readiness: International
By Cheryl Eiszner, teacher
1. The People Shall Continue by Simon J. Ortiz
This story includes the entire history of Native American peoples, from the time of creation to the present day. The author is a poet and a member of the Acoma Tribe. She is able to capture the natural rhythms of traditional speech that children can easily grasp. This book illustrates the peaceful beginnings of many Native American peoples and the injustices that they experienced. Children's Book Press, 1988. American Indian Copyright, Cooperative Children's Book Center.
2. The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez
This book gives a real-life glimpse into the lives of migrant farm workers. It is based on the author's own experiences, and illustrates how his family persevered during extreme hardship. ISBN O826317979. University of New Mexico Press, 1997.
3. Elizabeth's Song by Michael Wenberg; Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright
This is a fictional story about a real person, Elizabeth "Libba" Cotton, who was born in 1895. "She taught herself how to play the guitar upside-down and left-handed." Ms. Cotton, who had married at 15, left her husband, and went to clean house for the famous Seeger family, who recorded her work on the Folkways Label. She is an honored African-American musician. ISBN 1582700699. Beyond Words Publishing, 2002. Recommended age: 9-12.
4. I Love Saturdays y Domingos by Alda Flor Ada; Illustrated by Elivia Savadier
This story is about a girl who likes how both her English-speaking grandparents and her Spanish-speaking grandparents, are alike. Recommended age: 5-8. ISBN-13: 9780689318191. Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, 2002.
5. Round the World Songbook by Anthony Marks, Emma Danes, and Kathy Ward; Illustrated by Sylvestre Balazard
This collection contains over thirty traditional songs from around the world, along with pronunciation guides for singing in a variety of languages. In addition to songs, the book provides information about instruments, music, and musicians from each country. ISBN-10: 0746017588.
6. Let Your Voice Be Heard! Songs from Ghana and Zimbabwe by Abraham Kobena Adzenyah (Ghana), Duisani Maraire (Zimbabwe), Judith Cook Tucker (USA).
This song collection includes 19 game songs, story songs, and richly textured multipart songs from the vocal traditions of Ghana and Zimbabwe. These songs and stories stress the importance of active, responsible participation in society. It reads: "This music is offered in friendship to all people. Black, white, yellow, red, or brown, our bonds grow stronger when we let our voices be heard!" ISBN 0937203750 (Book and Audio CD Set).
Music for Global Readiness
By Cheryl Eiszner, teacher
1. Mama Lisa's World - Children's songs and nursery rhymes at http://www.mamalisa.com/world/index.html
This site has songs and rhymes from North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are given in the original language and in English. Many of them contain the music, which can be printed at no charge. Others can be heard as a Midi file or an MP3. The site also includes children's books from around the world, which can be ordered online or purchased at a bookstore.
Mama Lisa's website contains: 1) Kid songs from around the world; 2.) House of Nursery Rhymes; 3.) Mama Lisa's World Blog, where people contribute poetry, stories, cultural customs, family traditions, and recipes from around the world; and, 4.) Poetry, books, and Mama Lisa's Hub, from which one can begin a search. We recommend this for elementary school children with some adult assistance.
2. Children's Music Portal at http://www.childrens-music.org/
This site is well worth the effort of parents, teachers or other adults helping kids navigate through it. The site contains music, stories, teacher resources, and a wonderful early childhood link. Try the "Listening Room" and listen to songs or order CDs. The site also has sections entitled "Find Music," "Cool CDS," "Storytelling," "Teachers," and "Classic Songs." An example of a resource is a great two-part article in the Teachers section written by Marla Lewis about writing music with kids. There are other wonderful discoveries, including links to free music, in this section.
3. My Baby Monsters at http://mybabymonsters.com/
This site also contains stories, songs, and poetry from around the world. It gives children an opportunity to add to a story or a poem, to illustrate a story or a poem, or to tell a story of their own. There are many free stories, songs, and poems, but there are also things which may be purchased. This site is also recommended for elementary aged children with adult supervision.
4. Kids and Teens: Arts: Online Stories at http://dmoz.org/kids_and_Teens/Arts/Online_Stories/
This site contains pre-school stories, poems, games, music, and activities with "big buttons for little fingers." Some of these resources from around the world have animation and/or artwork. This kid-friendly site can easily be used in Pre-K through 8th grades with adult assistance.
5. Anacleta's World Language & Culture Resources: Teacher Materials: Music at www.anacleta.homestead.com/musicmaterials.html
This website is user-friendly and has links for parents, children, and teachers. Upon clicking on the link for parents and children, you will discover many other links, such as
Global Trek (at http://teacher.scholastic.com/glokid/index.htm), which gives students the opportunity to choose a virtual country in which to tour and to keep a journal about his or her experiences. There is also a wonderful story about someone who had grown up in the Andes Mountains (at www.andes.org/firewood.html); this would be great for the annual St. Richard's Kindergarten South America unit.
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