Staff Picks
Read All About It: Family History in Picture Books
- Jocelyn T.
- Friday, September 03, 2021
Collection
Learning about the people who came before you can be a fascinating, exciting, and emotional adventure. It helps you gain more knowledge about your family, as well as who you are. Below are wonderful picture books about different families and what makes them special and unique.
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Alma and How She Got Her Name (read Along.
Published in 2019
If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza Jos ̌Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; Jos,̌ the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all-and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell. Through Alma's vibrant story, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.
Fry Bread
A Native American Family Story
Published in 2020
Fry bread is food.It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate.Fry bread is time.It brings families together for meals and new memories.Fry bread is nation.It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond.Fry bread is us.It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference.Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family, vibrantly illustrated by Pura Belpre Award winner and Caldecott Honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.
Going Down Home with Daddy (read Along.
Published in 2020
On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there's nothing like going down home." Down home is Granny's house. Down home is where Lil' Alan and his parents and sister will join great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil' Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to family history. All the kids have to decide on what tribute to share, but what will Lil' Alan do?
Grandfather's Journey.
Published in 2019
Through compelling reminiscences of his grandfather's life in the United States and Japan, Allen Say poignantly recounts his family's journey to America.
I Remember
Poems and Pictures of Heritage
Published in 2019
A collection of works by poets and illustrators of diverse backgrounds sharing memorable childhood and family experiences and reflecting on their different heritages, traditions, and beliefs.
This is the Rope.
Published in 2019
The story of one family's journey north during the Great Migration starts with a little girl in South Carolina who finds a rope under a tree one summer. She has no idea the rope will become part of her family's history. But for three generations, that rope is passed down, used for everything from jump rope games to tying suitcases onto a car for the big move north to New York City, and even for a family reunion where that first little girl is now a grandmother.
This is the Rope
A Story from the Great Migration
Published in 2014
The story of one family's journey north during the Great Migration starts with a little girl in South Carolina who finds a rope under a tree one summer. She has no idea the rope will become part of her family's history. But for three geenrations, that rope is passed down, used for everything from jump rope games to tying suitcases onto a car for the big move north to New York City, and even a family reunion where that first little girl is now a grandmother.
Avram's Gift.
Published in 2010
The author's story behind the story: It all started with a smile. Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) had arrived and my great-uncle Morris had come over for lunch to celebrate. In addition to talking and eating, I hoped that this would also be a day for reminiscing, for I'd always wanted to know about the man in the portrait that had been hanging in the hallway for years. "Who was that man and what was he like?" I asked as my great-uncle brought the large portrait closer. With his glasses now up on his forehead, he was face-to-face with a man he hadn't seen in 88 years-his own beloved grandfather Avram, whom he'd left at the train station in Russia so many years ago. That photograph, which I had always found a bit mysterious, was making my uncle Morris beam. For an instant, I could swear that Avram smiled back. And in that moment, a story was born.
Avram's Gift
Published in 2003
Mark is afraid of the photograph of his great-great grandfather Avram from Russia. Who was Avram, and was he really as stern as he looks in that photograph? One special Rosh Hashanah, Mark learns the answers to these questions from his Grandpa Morris and discovers Avram's gift.
Islandborn
Published in 2018
"Lola was just a baby when her family left the Island, so when she has to draw it for a school assignment, she asks her family, friends, and neighbors about their memories of her homeland...and in the process, comes up with a new way of understanding her own heritage"-- Provided by publisher.
Islandborn
Published in 2019
"Lola was just a baby when her family left the Island, so when she has to draw it for a school assignment, she asks her family, friends, and neighbors about their memories of her homeland...and in the process, comes up with a new way of understanding her own heritage"-- Provided by publisher.
Where Are You From?
Published in 2015
Barbara has made good money in Miami's grand hotels as a sketch artist. Albert hates the glamour of hotels. He insists she give up her pastels and paint portraits in oil, using his color system. He vows he can change Mankind's bigotry and prejudice by proving that all people have shared color rays and can understand their own potential by having their portrait painted. Unfortunately, Albert needs Barbara to paint the portraits. She prefers to paint the old way, free and messy. They travel to Atlanta Georgia, buy 14 acres with goats and chickens. Barbara becomes pregnant. Albert is furious. This was not supposed to happen. He wants her to remain dedicated to Art and the color system. The child dies of neglect. The tragedy has changed them both. Even their beliefs are not the same. Barbara yearns to return to the richer, easier life she came from, but knows there is no going back. In the years following three children are born. The portraits never lead to man's salvation. In desperation, Albert wants land. They move to a farm. Will this venture also fail, or can they unite in love to win their dreams and aspirations? This story of family relationships is sorely tested through their adventures along the way.
Grandparents Song
Published in 2003
A rhyming celebration of ancestry and of the diversity that flourishes in this country.
Seven Brave Women
Published in 1997
A young girl recounts the brave exploits of her female ancestors, including her great-great-great grandmother who came to America in a wooden sailboat.
Going Down Home with Daddy
Published in 2019
Alan looks forward to the annual family reunion at the farm where Daddy grew up, but everyone is supposed to share something special and Alan worries about arriving with empty hands.
Fry Bread
A Native American Family Story
Published in 2019
Using illustrations that show the diversity in Native America and spare poetic text that emphasizes fry bread in terms of provenance, this volume tells the story of a post-colonial food that is a shared tradition for Native American families all across the North American continent. Includes a recipe and an extensive author note that delves into the social ways, foodways, and politics of America's 573 recognized tribes.
Alma and How She Got Her Name
Published in 2018
When Alma Sofia Esperanza Jos©♭ Pura Candela asks her father why she has so many names, she hears the story of her name and learns about her grandparents.
Stitchin' and Pullin'
A Gee's Bend Quilt
Published in 2008
As a young African American girl pieces her first quilt together, the history of her family, community, and the struggle for justice and freedom in Gee's Bend, Alabama unfolds.
De Dónde Eres?
Published in 2019
When other children and their parents keep asking a young girl where she is from, she puts the same question to her grandfather who describes the land and people from which her family originated.
Where Are You From?
Published in 2019
"When a young girl is asked where she's from�where she's really from�she's no longer as she was. She decides to turn to her dear abuelo for some help with this ever-persistent question. But he doesn't quite give her the answer she expects."--Page [2] of cover.
Grandma Francisca Remembers
A Hispanic-American Family Story.
Published in 2002
Eight-year-old Angelica lives in an apartment in San Francisco with her parents, Anna and Tony. Her Grandma Francisca lives next door. Angelica enjoys spending time with her grandmother after school and on weekends. From Francisca, Angelica learns much about the family and its traditions and values. Grandma Francisca is an active woman who has many different jobs. She grew up in New Mexico with eight brothers and sisters. Her parents were born in the United States, but her grandparents came from Spain. Often when Angelica visits her grandmother, Francisca tells her about her childhood. She plays games with Angelica and teachers her Spanish phrases. Sometimes she and Angelica cook favorite recipes together.
Grandma Hekmatt Remembers
An Arab-American Family Story
Published in 2003
Three Arab-American girls learn about their family and cultural history from their grandmother, who grew up in Cairo, Egypt, and moved to New Jersey after her marriage. Includes directions for making Egyptian paper boats.
Grandma Lois Remembers
An African-American Family Story
Published in 2002
An African American grandmother relates family and cultural history to her grandson in their Queens, New York, apartment as she tells of growing up in segregated Birmingham, Alabama. Includes a recipe and the words to Amazing Grace.
Fry Bread
Published in 2020
Fry bread is food. It is warm and delicious, piled high on a plate. Fry bread is time. It brings families together for meals and new memories. Fry bread is nation. It is shared by many, from coast to coast and beyond. Fry bread is us. It is a celebration of old and new, traditional and modern, similarity and difference. Told in lively and powerful verse by debut author Kevin Noble Maillard, Fry Bread is an evocative depiction of a modern Native American family.
My Family Tree and Me.
Published in 2015
A young boy traces his ancestry from his great-great-grandparents to his own family in the present day. But as in every family, there is more than one side to the story! From front to back, follow along as the boy links the relatives on his dad's side. Then, from back to front, begin again as the boy links the relatives on his mom's side. A mini-lesson in genealogy, this unique flipped story explores how generations can all be connected, playfully reflected through illustrations of recurring, inherited physical traits among family members.
My Family Tree and Me
Published in 2015
"This one-of-a-kind picture book provides a beautifully simple introduction to the concept of family ancestry. It uses two stories in one to explore a small boy's family tree: the boy tells the family story of his father's side starting from the front of the book, and that of his mother's side starting from the back of the book. Four previous generations are introduced for each, from his great-great-grandparents to his parents. The grand finale in the center of the book reveals the boy's entire extended family, shown in one drawing with all the members from both sides identified by their relationship to him. Of particular interest is the cultural diversity of the boy's family, which includes European and Asian ancestors, and readers can visually interpret the family members' physical characteristics as they get passed on through the generations. Award-winning illustrator Dusan Petricic's classic artwork contains thoughtfully selected details with a touch of play and humor. And, since most of the story is told in the art, this is a wonderful tool for enhancing children's visual literacy as they spend time making connections and looking for clues. This book makes a great springboard for lessons on describing and sharing family histories and naming family relationships. Applicable in-class activities could include having children build their own family trees or imagine and draw portraits of their ancestors featuring period and cultural details. This title also lends itself to discussions on multiculturalism in families and in the larger community."-- Publisher.
The Keeping Quilt
Published in 1988
A homemade quilt ties together the lives of four generations of an immigrant Jewish family, remaining a symbol of their enduring love and faith.
See Where We Come From!
A First Book of Family Heritage
Published in 2021
"The five friends -- Martin, Sally, Pedro, Nick and Yulee -- are best friends, but they each have their own unique heritage. Their class is hosting a Heritage Festival, where they will celebrate the customs and traditions of people all over the world. Join the friends as they learn about many different traditional foods, music, clothing and crafts in this kid-friendly introduction to family heritage."-- Provided by publisher.
When We Were Alone
Published in 2016
"When a young girl helps tend to her grandmother's garden, she begins to notice things that make her curious. Why does her grandmother have long, braided hair and beautifully colored clothing? Why does she speak another language and spend so much time with her family? As she asks her grandmother about these things, she is told about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. When We Were Alone is a story about a difficult time in history, and, ultimately, one of empowerment and strength."-- Provided by publisher.
Grandfather's Journey
Published in 2008
A Japanese American man recounts his grandfather's journey to America, which he later also undertakes, and describes the feelings of being torn by a love for two different countries.
Grandfather's Journey.
Published in 2008
Through compelling reminiscences of his grandfather's life in the United States and Japan, Allen Say poignantly recounts his family's journey to America. The feelings of being torn by a love for two different countries are sensitively expressed.
Grandfather's Journey
Published in 1993
A Japanese American man recounts his grandfather's journey to America which he later also undertakes, and the feelings of being torn by a love for two different countries.
This is the Rope
A Story from the Great Migration
Published in 2013
A rope passed down through the generations frames an African American family's story as they journey north during the time of the Great Migration.
The Granddaughter Necklace
Published in 2013
A mother shares with her daughter stories of the generations of women in their family as each individual has passed along the tales and a glittering necklace to her own daughter. Includes notes on the author's exploration of her ancestry.