A Day’s Work, Eve Bunting (1994) Clarion Books, New York
A young boy helps his newly immigrated Abuelo interpret his new world in the U.S. Inter-generational love and respect and the grandfather’s strong sense of honesty teaches the child about enduring values.
These three “grandma” books share the stories of the cultures of the families as told by the grandmothers. Family ethnic history and activities unique to the cultures are included.
- Grandma Lois Remembers: An African-American Family Story, Ann Morris. (2002)
The Millbrook Press, Brookfield, Connecticut. - Grandma Maxine Remembers: A Native American Family Story, by Ann Morris. (2002)
The Millbrook Press, Brookfield, Connecticut. - Grandma Susan Remembers: A British-American Family Story, by Ann Morris. (2002)
The Millbrook Press, Brookfield, Connecticut.
Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher, Becky Ray McCain. (1998) Albert Whitman & Co, Morton Grove, IL.
A Chippeawa child spends a week with her grandmother in a cabin in the woods. The child, Kimmy, misses her parents and experiences bad dreams. Grandmother shares the legend of the dream-catcher and the power it holds. Together, with a bent twig, feather, beads and leather, they make one for Kimmy.
Grandpa’s Face, Eloise Greenfield. (1988) The Trumpet Club.
Tamika, a little girl, loves her grandpa and knows he loves her. When she sees him making “mean” faces while practicing for a play part, she wonders if he would look like that with her. Through one of their “talk-walks,” she grows emotionally by sharing her feelings and learning from Grandpa.
Gullywasher /El chaparron torencial, Rising Moon Editors. (2004) Cooper Square Publ.
The beautiful artwork and tender vaquero storytelling will be enjoyed by both Hispanic and non-Hispanic readers. Leticia and her grandfather begin a desert walk. At the little girl’s request, Abuelito tells her a tall tale that explains how he came to look as he does. Age 4-8.
Home to Medicine Mountain, Chiori Santiago. (1998) Children’s Book Press, San Francisco, CA.
Two young Maidu Indian brothers sent to a government-run Indian residential school in California in the 1930’s find a way to escape and return home for the summer. Grandmother’s stories are retold in their dreams and help give them the courage to make the long journey.
Liliana’s Grandmothers, Leyla Torres. (1998) Farrar Straus Giroux, NY.
One grandmother, Mimi, lives down the street in Liliana’s New England town. Another, Mama Gabina, lives in South America. The grandmothers’ food, their pets, their stories, and even their languages are different, but both grandmothers have a place in Leyla’s heart.
Morning on the Lake, Jan Waboose. (1997) Kids Can Press, Tonawanda, NY.
A contemporary Ojibway child and his grandfather spend a day together, exploring the quiet of a lake, the silence of the forest and the beauty seen from atop grandfather’s special place.
No Mirrors in My Nana’s House, Ysaye M. Barnwell. (1998) Harcourt Brace & Co. NY.
A girl discovers the beauty in herself by looking into her grandmother’s eyes. CD included by Sweet Honey in the Rock.
Two Mrs. Gibsons, Toyomi Igus. (1996) Children’s Book Press, San Francisco, CA.
The biracial daughter of an African American father and a Japanese mother fondly recalls growing up with her mother and her father’s mother, two very different but equally loving women. “They both loved my daddy and they both loved me.”
The Worry Stone, Marianna Dengler.(1996) Rising Moon from Northland Publishing, Flagstaff Arizona.
When a small, serious boy joins Amanda on the park bench, she remembers that once she was small and serious too, but she had Grandfather – and his wonderful stories. He had told her the Chumash Indian legend about how the worry stone brings comfort to those who are troubled. Stories told together also bring comfort as they are shared.
