Books about Diversity

Picture Book:

My Name is Sangoel is the story of a young Dinka refugee written by Karen Lynn Williams and Khadra Mohammed. It is illustrated by Catherine Stock.

After Sangoel’s (pronounced Sun Goal) father is killed in war torn Sudan, Sangoel, his mother, and younger sister Lili are relocated to America. It is here that they are bombarded by a new and somewhat scary culture shock. Sangoel is often frightened and sad by his new environment. What makes him most upset is that no one is able to pronounce his name, the one trait from his past that he will not give up. It is because of his imaginative and creative personality that he is able to show others his name and his heritage, eventually winning the hearts and friendship of his teacher and classmates.

My Name is Sangoel is a wonderful book that addresses diversity. It is appropriate for young children in the fact that is it written on a level that they can understand and sends the message of acceptance. The illustrations are beautifully constructed and sure to be enjoyed by all who read the book.
I highly recommend My Name is Sangoel when addressing the issue of Diversity or International Cultures.

Chapter Book:

Sold by Patricia McCormick is one of the best books I have read in the genre of diversity. Sold is written as if it is a daily diary account of a young girls life before and after she is sold into sex slavery. Although the book is simply written and a very quick read, it speaks volumes on how life is valued in foreign countries and how people, especially the young and vulnerable are prayed upon.

Sold is a very graphic novel, obviously portraying acts of a sexual nature as well as general physical abuse. It is very easy to become caught up in the book and feel for the main character.

Having read some of McCormick’s other works, I enjoyed this one most. I feel that it is the most real and influential resource she has written. I also believe that Sold should be in every school library at the higher grade levels. It is a real book about real issues. It is both truthful and harmful, exposing the reality of an underground phenomenon all too real to millions of women and children.