BOOK LIST (to print) -- CHINA / ASIA
PODCASTS:
The connecting link between World History and American History is the fact that Christopher Columbus was trying to reach China and India. What was it about China and India that was so appealing? Well, you'll find out. Another connecting point is the fact that the writings of Marco Polo inspired the heart of a young Columbus, so it's fun to read the same adventures Columbus read.
BOOK SPOTLIGHTS:
For young children who are in the Familiar stage, try to find a copy of Song Nan Zhang's 'The Children of China: An Artist's Journey'. Zhang gives you a look at family life in modern China in different regions. His illustrations are beautiful and capture a part of China few people had ever seen before. Your upper Elementary and older children will be given a glimpse of life without freedom as Zhang describes the Chinese Cultural Revolution through his eyes as a child in 'A Little Tiger in the Chinese Night'. Zhang has several other illustrated children's books with a Chinese theme, such as the story of Mulan.
House of 60 Fathers is a nail-biting adventure as a young boy tries to reunite with his family after accidentally being separated from them during the Second Sin-Japanese War. The story is based on the author's own experiences as a military flier in China.
If you're a Jean Fritz fan who wrote many children's historical books like Shh! We're Writing the Constitution and Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May, you may especially like her book Homesick that tells of her childhood in China and what it was like when she finally came 'home' to America.
I can't say enough good about the biographies written about Gladys Aylward, the little woman who felt a calling to bring Jesus Christ to the Chinese people. She tried to gain the support of a missionary society, but they said she wasn't smart enough. So with just $10 in her pocket, she made the dangerous trek to a remote Chinese village on her own. I just can't stop thinking about her. The biography written by herself with Christian Hunter is the fastest read and is written in first person by her. But if you want more, try Alan Burgess' book, although it may be a little harder to come by. He gives a depth to experiences that are briefly mentioned in the first book. There's a movie starring Ingrid Bergman called Inn of the Sixth Happiness which is based on her experiences and which is very good, but, as most movies do, pales in comparison to the books. Very inspiring!
BOOK SPOTLIGHTS:
For young children who are in the Familiar stage, try to find a copy of Song Nan Zhang's 'The Children of China: An Artist's Journey'. Zhang gives you a look at family life in modern China in different regions. His illustrations are beautiful and capture a part of China few people had ever seen before. Your upper Elementary and older children will be given a glimpse of life without freedom as Zhang describes the Chinese Cultural Revolution through his eyes as a child in 'A Little Tiger in the Chinese Night'. Zhang has several other illustrated children's books with a Chinese theme, such as the story of Mulan.
House of 60 Fathers is a nail-biting adventure as a young boy tries to reunite with his family after accidentally being separated from them during the Second Sin-Japanese War. The story is based on the author's own experiences as a military flier in China.
If you're a Jean Fritz fan who wrote many children's historical books like Shh! We're Writing the Constitution and Where Was Patrick Henry on the 29th of May, you may especially like her book Homesick that tells of her childhood in China and what it was like when she finally came 'home' to America.
I can't say enough good about the biographies written about Gladys Aylward, the little woman who felt a calling to bring Jesus Christ to the Chinese people. She tried to gain the support of a missionary society, but they said she wasn't smart enough. So with just $10 in her pocket, she made the dangerous trek to a remote Chinese village on her own. I just can't stop thinking about her. The biography written by herself with Christian Hunter is the fastest read and is written in first person by her. But if you want more, try Alan Burgess' book, although it may be a little harder to come by. He gives a depth to experiences that are briefly mentioned in the first book. There's a movie starring Ingrid Bergman called Inn of the Sixth Happiness which is based on her experiences and which is very good, but, as most movies do, pales in comparison to the books. Very inspiring!
Art credit: La Peche Chinoise by Francois Boucher (1742)