It’s #WorldKidLit Weekend: Naming Source Languages and Translators Serves Young Readers

This article first appeared on the ALSC Blog on April 16, 2024. Reposted with permission. Not long ago, I asked a group of grade six English learners to do a “source language scavenger hunt,” finding middle grade and YA novels in the school library and recording the language in which each was written. I also … Continue reading It’s #WorldKidLit Weekend: Naming Source Languages and Translators Serves Young Readers

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Fire from the Sky

two boys kissing, with a mauve wash, against a background of blue patterns, with the title in orange and white

Fire from the Sky is the beautifully evocative story of Ánte, a young Sámi reindeer herder. Ánte loves his land and herding reindeer; he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps. But as the book begins, he has just realized he is attracted to his long-time good friend, Erik, who has a girlfriend but also … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Fire from the Sky

#UAEReads – Poetry Friday: Celebrating An Emirati Poet’s Heart

A Conversation with Emirati Poet Asma Aljeelani.

#UAEReads – Poetry Friday: Verses Abound – A Conversation with Emirati Poet Asma Al Jailani

A Conversation with Emirati Poet Asma Aljeelani.

#UAEReads: A Daughter Reviews Her Father’s Short Story Collection

Najla Al Owais here. Disclaimer: I’m reviewing my father’s book here, whilst I may not be the most impartial reviewer, I think this book will strike a nostalgic chord with any Emirati because of its subject choice, and with non-Emiratis, because it provides an angle that is not usually accessible to them. (Al Furdha) The … Continue reading #UAEReads: A Daughter Reviews Her Father’s Short Story Collection

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady

1808. The Napoleonic wars. In Ghent, a draft for the Emperor’s army is looming and the respectable Hoste family is in financial trouble.  From the very first sentence, Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady is the engaging story of the two oldest Hoste siblings, 18-year-old Constance ("Stance") and her entitled 14-year-old brother Pieter (Piers), whom … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pardalita

Half graphic novel and half prose-poem journal, Pardalita is a sweet, gentle coming-of-age story for YA readers. At the start of the book, 16-year-old protagonist Raquel has been suspended from school for two days for cursing at the hall monitor, a suspension that doesn't much bother her, as she has the home to herself. Raquel hangs out … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pardalita

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Rosie Runs

Rosie is a sleek greyhound who loves to run. And at the start of her story, Rosie Runs–a beautiful, oversized picture book for ages 3-7–that’s exactly what she does, day in and day out: The white mechanical hare scurries in front, and Rosie can just see it from the corner of her eye. Soon she … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Rosie Runs

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The 2023 Eisner Nominees

Looking to dip your toe into the ocean of new graphic novels (in translation) for children and young adults? Reading the Eisners is the perfect approach. The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are the comic kingdom’s equivalent of the Oscars, with the winners announced annually at San Diego Comic Con. Children’s graphic novels in translation appear in the obvious … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The 2023 Eisner Nominees

#WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Night Raven

A book is a promise. Its pages can offer adventure, an escape into a world from another time or place. The first book in The Moonwind Mysteries, The Night Raven, and its sequel, The Queen of Thieves, are gripping upper MG novels that fulfill this promise—and then some. Set in a gritty, Dickensian version of … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Night Raven