"In the streets of Fez and Marrakesh,
we pass the unfurled rugs and tapestries
woven with the vibrant colors of Morocco.
In Cairo, we secure our taqiyahs atop our
heads and smooth down the fabric of our
hijabs over our brand new shirts."
While we aware that all children in the world do not start school on the same day of the year, we also know that the first day of school for those able to attend can be exciting and even uncertain. This informative and welcome book offers the experiences of children of the world as they start a new school year.
It begins with early morning sun in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia where children offer a Swahili welcome to the new day. After breakfast and dressing for the day, children board their bus and share the excitement they are feeling. Means of transportation are presented from place to place: fishing boat, motorbike, feet. Clothing in keeping with the culture and traditions of the countries mentioned is as varied as the children readers see making their way into classrooms.
From Africa to Middle Eastern and Asian morning rituals, readers are witness to children as they gather to learn important historical and cultural lessons from their teachers.
"Over mountains and across deserts,
through the grasslands and plains
of North and South Korea,
the Philippines and Thailand,
we learn of division and borders."
Quick stops in European countries introduce family customs and show foods packed in lunch boxes, offer hints about the learning to be done during the upcoming year, and then it's on to Oceania. A trip further south shows that children and their families have much to learn about the habitat that supports whales, seals, penguins and researchers in the most southern climate. South America has children saying goodbye at the end of a long first day as they rush out for a food stand treat that will sustain them as they make their way home.
"Our backpacks are now filled
with empty lunchboxes and crumpled paper,
broken pencils and craft projects as we laugh
and play while walking down Bay Street
in Barbados and Fortaleza Street
in Puerto Rico."
The final scenes are from North America, where families of many cultures hear from their children of opening day memories and new learning. The long day comes to an end as the moon rises, and thoughts about the second day of school are welcomed.
There is a lot to unwrap in this fascinating book about world communities on the first day of school. Ms. Zoboi's polished language is focused on the children - including those who cannot attend school - and their diverse experiences. Ms. Londono's digital artwork brings each location to life for readers and offers additional visual learning.
An author's note adds a personal perspective that is sure to be of interest to readers.
No comments:
Post a Comment