Two Contemporary Realistic Fiction Books

Hello lovely people! I hope you are all having a great and proactive week so far! Today, I would like to share my thoughts about two books that I have recently read.  

Chapter Book: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Title: Yazmin the Superhero

Author: Saadia Faruqi

Illustrator: Hatem Aly

Characters: Yazmin (main character), Baba, Mama, Nana, Nani, Community

Theme: Heroes

Topic: Community Heroes

My thoughts: 

Ok...so...last year I personally met Saadia Faruqi, during an exclusive read aloud event at my school campus. She read another book from her Yazmin Series. The author believes that culture is important, and therefore transmits her culture in her books. I absolutely love learning about other people's unique qualities, their traditions, language, etc. Young readers can easily feel connected to Yazmin. This book can give students an enlightenment about true heroes. Yazmin exhibits that true heroes are those that help the community. Selfless acts, are what truly make a difference in our world. This book can comfortably be integrated, during a citizenship unit for social studies. The author also includes comprehension questions, writing activities, craft activities, and cultural facts about Pakistan. The illustrations include colorful warm hues, detailed expression in all of the characters, and constant movement. The drawings contain a cartoonesque playful format. You will be fond of these illustrations, if you are a fan of "The Inquisitor's Tale," by Adam Gidwitz! Hatem Aly has an exquisite way of expressing himself throughout all of his works. His illustrations always help give meaning to the text. I totally recommend this incredibly rich diverse book!

Picture Book: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Title: Saturday

Author: Oge Mora

Illustrator: Oge Mora

Characters: Mother, and Daughter (Ava)

Theme: Saturday Outings

Topic: Make the Best Out of the Unexpected 

My thoughts:

I recently found out that Oge Mora won a Caldecott Honor for her book debut, Thank You, Omu! In addition, it has also received the Ezra Jack Keats Award, and the Coretta Scott King-Steptoe New Talent Award. In her illustrations she includes colorful warm hues, meaningful patterns, and wonderful collages. The collages for this book were designed with acrylic paint, china markers, patterned paper, and old-book clippings. The illustrations most definitely help give meaning to the text. Very soon, I will read this book to my mom, and I am pretty sure that we will both be crying a river of nostalgic tears. This book contains a very moving heartfelt story! The text sets up the stage for teaching adjectives, onomatopoeic words, expression, patterns, and so much more! This picture book is effective, in conveying the essential importance of making the best out of unfortunate, and uncontrollable circumstances. A wonderful advice given in this book is to, "just breathe". This book is absolutely being added to my classroom library! Saturday, deserves to be in everyone's classroom library! Remember, if certain events do not turn out the way in which you envisioned them to happen...always remember...what truly matters is the quality time that you spend with your loved ones. 

Being Mindful,

Evelyn Portillo ♥️