We want to read books that are good on many different levels. They should be beautifully written with rich language, distinct characters, and interesting plot. Good underlying positive themes are especially important for the elementary age children. The books listed in this blog series of chapter books based in specific continents all have a strong sense of place, known as setting in literary parlance. It is not enough to be just set in a place – we want the readers to learn about and even vicariously experience the setting.
A good story that could have happened anywhere is not what we are looking for. We want the readers (and listeners) to know that they are in a specific, distinct place. The reader should be able to see, smell, feel, even taste the place where the story is happening. Whether it is a city, a rural home, an English garden, a Dutch fishing village, a ship, or a mountain in Switzerland, the reader should be keenly aware of place. Many of the books also create a strong sense of history and time. Ancient Rome is different than modern Rome. The Spanish Civil War is a different historical time than World War II, and readers should be able to distinguish the time by the details in the setting, not just by dates in the book.
As you are reading these books have your children describe the places in the story. What does it look like? Can you smell any aromas in your imagination? What sort of noises do you hear? How do the characters feel in this setting? These are open ended questions; if they need encouragement, ask more specific questions. Is it cold or hot? Why do you think so? How cold or hot is it? To discern smells ask about what kind of foods are served, or what kind of animals are there, or what kinds of machines? If you are reading aloud they could even draw or paint the scene while they listen or after they listen.
Contrasting geographical settings
Some of the books we have recommended will take the readers to more than one setting. One of the books from Africa, Listening for Lions by Gloria Whelan, takes us from Africa to England and back again. The author lovingly makes both places wonderful, and yet incredibly unique.
The countries in Europe are unique in their diverse and yet accessible cultures. Use these books to discuss how people are different (and how they are the same) across Europe. Are there foods, clothing, language/words, experiences that are specific for that culture in this book. Some of the stories the characters move from one locale to another. This makes the discussion easy, as the characters in the book will point out the differences. This happens very effectively in When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, as the characters move from Berlin to Switzerland, to Paris, and to England.
Be natural! Don’t ask these questions as some kind of test, but rather as a way to discuss the books and your child’s experience as he reads or listens.
Contrasting temporal settings
The garden in The Secret Garden changes over time in the book. And this change mirrors the changes in both Mary and Master Collin. If you read (or listen to) it aloud, have your children describe the garden, Mary, and Collin at various times through the story. Will your child realize that Dickon doesn’t change? Did you realize that? Reading great literature can be an adventure for all ages, even the adults!
Once again this is how we double dip! The kids are not only reading/hearing great stories, they are developing their vocabularies, learning about cultures, geography, and history. They are also starting to realize what makes a good quality literary book – which will help them enjoy reading and will help them as they start writing their own stories.
We have many picture books listed in the GO GLOBAL Curriculum that are really good for all ages. Do allow even your older children to enjoy those books as well.
France
The Avion my Uncle Flew, Cyrus Fisher. RL: Gr 3.5; IL: Ages 8-14. While visiting his uncle in the mountains of France shortly after WWII, Johnny stumbles upon an evil plot being hatched by a fugitive Nazi Spy. This mystery/adventure novel is fascinating and even teaches some French language!
The Mystery of the Stolen Painting, Harper Paris. RL: 1-2; IL: Ages 5-7. Twins Ethan and Ella are traveling the world with their parents (and being homeschooled by their dad), seeing the sights, and solving mysteries! A fun reader for your beginner readers with pictures on almost every page. One of the series of Greetings from Somewhere which includes books on Athens, Venice, Kenya, Beijing, Mumbai, Peru, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Italy
Red Sails to Capri, Ann Weil RL: Gr 3.5; IL: Ages 7-14. A gentle tale of 14-year old Michele who befriends some foreigners who are staying at his parent’s inn in the beautiful Isle of Capri when it was a fisherman’s paradise. The men were searching for adventure, beauty, and mystery. We join the characters in the book in finding adventure, beauty, and mystery. This historical novel delivers mystery, adventure, and a clear sense of time and place. Reading this book sent me on a hunt to learn more about the re-discovery of the Blue Grotto! And it makes me want to plan a trip to Capri to see it myself. This book is a gem!
Detectives in Togas, Henry Winterfeld. RL: Gr 5; IL: Ages 8-13. Seven boys in Ancient Rome solve strange crimes with help from their cranky teacher, a little bit of logic, and amusing happenstance. Fun book especially helpful for your reluctant reader, though your avid reader will like it, too!
Spain
Toro! Toro!, Michael Morpurgo. RL: Gr 5; IL: Ages 10 and up. Abuelo Antonio tells his grandson the story of his childhood growing up on a farm in Andalucia rearing bulls for the bull ring. Young Antonio rears and becomes friends with an orphaned black calf. After learning of the horror of the bull fight Antonio flees with the bull to the hills. That night he witnesses the bombing of his village because of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. After returning to his destroyed home and not finding any family, Antonio runs off and meets with the Resistance fighters. The horrors of war and the desire for freedom are strong themes in this short book. Do not be deceived by the large print – this is best for your older children and with a thoughtful discussion.
I Juan de Pareja, Elizabeth Borton de Treviño. RL: Gr 9; IL: Ages 12 and up. This 1966 Newbery Award winner is carefully researched historical fiction that gives us an authentic peek into 17th century Baroque Spain and Spanish court life. A biographical novel about the great royal painter Diego Velazquez and his faithful black slave Juan de Pareja depicts both the beauty and cruelty of the time and place. Juan was born a slave but died an accomplished and respected artist. Narrated in first person by Juan describes life from his sheltered childhood, to the suffering under the cruel hands of a mule driver, to a haven under his new master in Madrid. Juan meets other famous artists, travels to Italy, but most importantly discovers he possesses artistic talent, which is forbidden for a slave in the 17th century. While dealing with the curse of slavery, this book leads thoughtful readers to reflect on true friendship which knows no racial barriers.
United Kingdom
The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett. RL: Gr 4; IL: Ages 9-13. Classic tale of Mary Lennox being taken in by her uncle after her parents die. Mary discovers a secret garden that she brings back to life with two unexpected companions, her invalid cousin, Colin, and working class boy, Dickon. Read (or listen to) the unabridged if you can.
A Bear Called Paddington, Michael Bond. RL: Gr 2.5-4; IL: Ages 6-11. A small bear from Darkest Peru sets out on the adventure of a lifetime – headed to London. This warm family friendly book can be appreciated and enjoyed by the whole family. There are abridged illustrated versions, but we recommend the unabridged classic!
Swallows and Amazons, Arthur Ransome. RL: Gr 5-8; IL: Ages 8-14. A delightful series for all ages that follows the exploration, imagination, independence, and sailing adventures of a colorful group of characters in the lake district of England. Sophisticated language and detailed sailing terminology might make it less accessible for younger children, but makes it delightful for older kids or as a read aloud.
Nory Ryan’s Song, Patricia Reilly Giff. RL: Grades 4-7; IL: Ages 8-12. Nory’s family has lived on the west coast of Ireland for generations, where the men go fishing to earn the money to pay the English lord who owns their cottage and fields that the women work. But now a terrible blight has attacked the potatoes, and 12-year-old Nory must find a way for her family to survive. This tale of the Great Hunger in 19th century Ireland evokes empathy and understanding. Two additional books finish the trilogy of their immigration to the US.
Germany
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit, Judith Kerr. RL: Gr 4; IL: Ages 8-12. Based on the real-life story of the author, this is a tale of a Jewish family who flee Germany and Hitler and must leave everything behind. Hearing the story from the perspective of a young child makes the story understandable, emotionally relatable, and appropriate for even sensitive younger children.
The Candy Bombers, The Wall Series, Robert Elmer. RL: Gr 4-7; IL: Ages 8- 12. Cousins in 1948 East Berlin are trying to survive the Soviet isolation and starvation meet an American soldier. Will they forgive and trust this man? The second book in the series, Beetle Bunker, follows Sabine who lives in East Germany and wants to escape to freedom. The third book, Smuggler’s Treasure tells the story of Liesel in West Germany in 1989 as she discovers a secret about the history of the Berlin Wall.
The Silver Sword (also published in the USA as Escape from Warsaw), Ian Serrailler. RL: Gr.5-8; IL: Ages 8 and up. Polish children suffer in WWII and struggle to find their parents after the war by traveling from Warsaw, through Germany, and into Switzerland. While teaching about the sorrows, starvation and hardships of war the book has beautiful depiction of the human relationship as the children encounter individuals who are kind and help them along the way: a Russian soldier, a German family, and an America soldier. I especially love the emphasis on family and the importance of parents.
Switzerland and Holland
Heidi, Johanna Spyri. RL: Gr 4-8; IL: Ages 7 and up. Classic story of Heidi who is brought up by her older sister until the sister gets a job and leaves Heidi with her bitter grandfather high in the Swiss alps. Heidi wins her grandfather’s heart and loves her free life on the mountains for two years. But her sister reappears and takes Heidi to be a companion to an invalid girl in a big city. This heartwarming tale is wonderful! Make sure you get the unabridged version translated by Helen B. Dole. Some of the other editions are highly edited and poorly translated.
Treasures of the Snow, Patricia St. James. RL: Gr ; IL: Ages 8-12. Timeless tale of revenge and forgiveness set in the Swiss Alps. A gentle adventure tale that clearly presents the Christian salvation story for children. We recommend the longer (250+ pages) out-of-print version, rather than the shorter, highly edited version.
The Wheel on the School, Meindert DeJong. RL: Gr 3-5; IL: Ages 7-12. Each year the storks return from Africa to Holland, but not to the fishing village Shora. The children yearn to bring the storks back and thereby learn to work together with the rest of the village. This 1955 Newbery Medal winner with enchanting illustrations by Maurice Sendak is a lovely aloud as it will delight all your children and you! While this gentle tale might seem to start slowly, it builds and satisfies in the end. I loved the emphasis on relationship, family, and community!