Haiti My Country

From School Library Journal --------------------------- Gr 5 Up—The poems in these two collections offer ins into two strikingly different worlds. The selections in Haiti describe lush greenery, ripe mangos, and the natural beauty of a tropical paradise. The gorgeous scenery is a strong variation of the depictions of Haiti often seen in American media, although it is important to note that these poems were written before the devastating earthquake of 2010. The tone is pensive and reverent toward the beautiful island, and while pieces some do touch on the issue of poverty, the teens define their nation by their respect for all that their homeland offers. Mingan offers readers a look at the lives of young people in an Innu village in Quebec. While these poems pay much respect to the natural world, they also express the importance of reverence toward one's elders and strong family bonds. Use of native Innu words also makes these selections interesting and will spark readers' curiosity about their meanings. Rogé's beautiful, full-page portraits feature young people who all seem interested, engaged, and pensive, which reflects well on their work. Both volumes are inful and could pair nicely with units about either culture, although they might be a hard sell as pleasure reads. —Ellen Norton, White Oak Library District, Crest Hill, IL Read more ( javascript:void(0) ) Review ------ "While a majority of the poems are light in tone, a few of the students are heartbreakingly honest in describing the reality of their lives and nation. A portrait of the teenaged poet accompanies each poem. Illustrated by Rog�, these striking portraits give each piece a heartbeat and soul. They provide the reader with the rtunity to contemplate not only the words but also the writer. Haiti, My Country is a deeply poignant poetry collection that will introduce young readers to both an unfamiliar land and their own potential as poets. Highly Recommended." — CM Magazine Read more ( javascript:void(0) ) Book Description ---------------- The New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Children's Book Award winner for 2014 First published in French in 2010 as Ha�ti mon pays. It won several awards and nominations, including: * Governor General Finalist 2011 (children's illustration category) * Communication-Jeunesse Selection * Laur�at Prix Saint Exup�ry 2011 (French category) * Laur�at Prix Applied Arts 2011 (illustrations category) * Laur�at Prix Illustration Lux 2011 (book category) * White Ravens Selection 2012 Read more ( javascript:void(0) ) About the Author ---------------- Rogé began his career as an art director for an advertising agency. He now devotes himself to illustration, painting and writing. He was awarded the Governor General's Literary Award for Illustration in 2006. His books include The French Fry King and Mingan My Village. Read more ( javascript:void(0) )

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