Kirjahaku

Abuela’s Letter is a beautiful story that addresses loss and grief within a Latin family where a young girl is challenged by the death of her grandmother and discovers letter-writing as a way to cope and connect with her loved one's passing. NCTE Charlotte Huck Award® for Outstanding Fiction for Children Alma’s favorite days are when her big family gathers at Abuela’s house. Tíos take siestas while tías tell their stories, and primos play dominoes while Abuela stirs the frijoles. Always at the center is the love of Abuela! Alma’s beloved grandmother and her number one fan! When Abuela dies, all of this is suddenly gone. Alma is filled with sadness and grief, until she finds a letter that Abuela left for her. Could Abuela’s words be what fills her heart again with love and sweet memories? This thoughtful story captures the concept of “familismo” beautifully - a Latin cultural value that involves dedication, commitment, and loyalty to family. Regularly spending time with one's immediate and extended family is part of familismo, as well as seeking the family's advice and support for important decisions and life transitions, such grief and loss. Includes a note to readers in English and Spanish with coping strategies essential to Latino and Hispanic families about grief and loss of a loved one, as well as additional ways to support children and honor the life and memory of beloved family members.

Isabel hopes all her birthday wishes will come true. She amp rsquo s dreamed of a big party with all her friends and family and a pi amp ntilde ata, candy, and cake. But when the day arrives, Mam amp aacute says they will have a small fiesta, and Abuelo explains that store-bought pi amp ntilde atas are expensive. Isabel begins to think it doesn amp rsquo t even feel like her birthday! But Abuela reassures her they will have cake. Then a mix-up at lunchtime spells disaster for the rest of the day. Is there anything that can save Isabel amp rsquo s birthday? In this heartwarming story, Isabel learns that things don amp rsquo t always go as planned, but sometimes life surprises us

A winning, uplifting story about a boy with Down syndrome who helps his neighbors in the aftermath of a storm in a way only he can.It's the morning after the big storm. Adam and his dog, Up, are finishing breakfast when Adam sees the mayor on TV asking everyone to pitch in with the cleanup. She says, "Now, it's time to get to work. Up and at 'em " When Adam hears the mayor tell him and Up to get to work, he's on it "We can help " he says. All day, the pair do what they can --- clearing the sidewalk, fixing a birdhouse, passing out cookies. But it turns out, Adam's most important contribution to his community is one he doesn't even think about --- his smile. Because when anyone sees Adam smile, they smile, too. And as Adam says, "A pair of smiles can make a difference."Debbie Zapata's sweet story scores on two fronts: it features an endearing and authentic representation of a child with Down syndrome, focused on his abilities, not disabilities, and it offers an inspiring model of how everyone can make a difference in their community. Adam's Down syndrome is not referenced in the story but is addressed in an author's note, which also includes information about Down syndrome, and resources. Adam's open-hearted and infectious smile lights the pages as he lifts spirits all over town in Yong Ling Kang's illustrations, which thoughtfully feature details in Adam's clothing and belongings that are sensitive to his needs. The book is full of positive examples of community, contributing and inclusion, and beautifully captures the character education themes of kindness, teamwork, initiative and citizenship.