READ With words like “zany,” “bizarre,” and “quirky” dotting the reviews that appear on the back cover of the book I chose for Iceland, I knew I was in for some fun. Butterflies in November, by Auđur Ólafsdóttir and translated by Brian FitzGibbon, turned out to be a wild ride. The protagonist, whose name we never know, is … Continue reading The Booktrekker: Iceland
#WorldKidLit Weekend: The Story of Bodri
An illustrated book for ages 6-10, The Story of Bodri* is based on the experiences of Swedish-Romanian Hédi Fried. A teenager when she was sent to Auschwitz, author Fried lectures today on racism, democracy, and the Holocaust. She was inspired to write The Story of Bodri when a young attendee at one of her talks asked about … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Weekend: The Story of Bodri
The Booktrekker: Colombia
READ The obvious choice when looking for a Colombian author is Gabriel Garcia Márquez, whose brilliant work I’ve read before. But I wanted something different, and I was particularly interested in finding a woman author. A little Internet searching turned up Laura Restrepo, who began her writing career as a political columnist. She has written … Continue reading The Booktrekker: Colombia
#WorldKidLit Weekend: Ellie’s Voice or Trööömmmpffff
Ellie’s Voice or Trööömmmpffff,* an adorably whimsical Estonian picture book for ages 3-6, is about a seabird named Ellie, who has no voice. “Everything else has a voice,” Ellie thought sadly. "The trees rustle. The waves crash. Even the rain sings when it falls." I’m the only one who can’t make a sound." Ellie felt tears … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Weekend: Ellie’s Voice or Trööömmmpffff
#INTLYALITMONTH: That’s a wrap!
I cannot believe we have arrived at the end of the first ever International Young Adult Month! It’s been truly an honor to be the first guest editor of #IntlYALitMonth by the Global Literature in Libraries Initiative. It’s been an eye-opening experience for me as I have learned so much about international translated Young Adult Literature … Continue reading #INTLYALITMONTH: That’s a wrap!
#INTLYALITMONTH: Aya Life In Yop City
Written by: Marguerite Abouet, Illustrated by Clement Oubrerie Translated by Helge Dasher ISBN: 978-1-77046-082-9 Publisher: Drawn & Quarterly Aya Life In Yop City is the story of 19-year-old Aya, who’s very dedicated to her studies and committed to her goals. It’s 1978 in Abidjan, a suburb of the Ivory Coast and Aya is your typical … Continue reading #INTLYALITMONTH: Aya Life In Yop City
#INTLYALITMONTH: We’ll Soon Be Home Again
Written By: Jessica Bab Bonde, Illustrated by: Peter Bergting Translation: Jessica Bab Bonde & Sunshine Barbito Lettering: Kathryn Renta ISBN: 978-1-50671-549-0 Publisher: Originally published in Sweden by Natur & Kultur, 2018, published in English by Dark Horse Books, 2020. Buy it here. We’ll Soon Be Home Again, is a graphic novel #ownvoices collection of stories … Continue reading #INTLYALITMONTH: We’ll Soon Be Home Again
#INTLYALITMONTH: A Castle In The Clouds
A Castle in the Clouds by Kerstin Gier Translated from the German by: Romy Fursland ISBN-10: 1250300193 ISBN-13: 9781250300195 Publisher: Holt Books for Young Readers (Henry Holt & Company) Buy it here Sophie Spark is completing an internship at Castle in the Clouds, a picturesque hotel in the Swiss mountains. On any given day, she … Continue reading #INTLYALITMONTH: A Castle In The Clouds
#IntlYALitMonth: Abigail
Abigail by Magda Szabó, translated from the Hungarian by Len Dix Who doesn't love a boarding school novel? Especially one written by an author who actually experienced life within a similar one for herself? Hungarians love this book so much, they voted it their third most-beloved novel during the Hungarian Big Read of 2005. So … Continue reading #IntlYALitMonth: Abigail
#INTLYALITMONTH: Juliet Respira Profundo
Juliet Respira Profundo Written By Gabby Rivera, Translated by Eva Ibarzabal ISBN: 978059329013 Juliet Respira Profundo is the Spanish translation of Juliet Takes A Breathe, written by Bronx-born Puerto Rican author Gabby Rivera, and translated by Eva Ibarzabal. Juliet Milagros Palante is a proud, brown and queer Bronx girl heading to Portland, Oregon. Juliet never imagined … Continue reading #INTLYALITMONTH: Juliet Respira Profundo
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 