Summer Sun Risin

Book Analysis
African-American: SUMMER SUN RISIN'
W. Nikola-Lisa, Author, Don Tate, Illustrator, illus. By Don Tate. 2002.
An Afro-American lad helps his parents to work on their farm, rather leisurely as they enjoy the gradual movement of the sun to dusk. The family creates time for some fun after a long day's work on the farm, including hoeing, milking the cows, tending hedges, among other tasks in the simmering heat of the day's sun.
A summer day is captured by the artistic expression of verses in colloquial and paintings on paper texture. The expression on the characters' faces depicts contentment and confidence. The manipulation of the views may be rather disturbing, but the images will surely capture the audience. The full-bleed works of Tate portrayed advantageously in the horizontal view of the book's format, stretch the expanse of the plains one bit more by portraying the horizon as an unmistakable gentle arc. The farm appears as though it hugs the globe's edge.
The brief verses capture the events on the farm and the sun's position. By adopting a laconic country life voice, the character Nikola Lisa commonly moves over to the monotonous side once in a while. Nevertheless, he manages to capture a soothing and compelling rhythm with attention to detail, including the roosting birds, cows lined up, cracking of the door by Pa, and more.
The book focuses on several themes, including biodiversity, poetry, Africa, Afro-American interests, enthusiasm, pride, real fiction, being responsible, seasons, family, food, farming activity, experiences in childhood, the environment, and careers. The infused rhythmic verses seem to call to be uttered loudly. The choice colors and the typesetting are assertive enough for sharing in a group. There is a lively preamble to life on the farm and easy poetry, which ushers the reader to the inner core of Afro-American culture. It should be quickly noted that the latter is not a theme in the literary piece.
Asian-American: Dim Sum for Everyone!
By GRACE LIN Illustrated by GRACE LIN, 2003
While in English, the expression "dim sum" means to touch the heart. However, the girl in focus here uses it to mean "delicious." On a trip to a vivacious little dim sum restaurant, members of a family choose their choice dishes from the trolleys issuing steam from their surface as they are packed with hotcakes, buns, and more. It is filled with fun. Everyone shares their candy and cake with everyone else. Dim Sum for everyone is a reenactment of a universal cultural engagement that is eating together.
Every page is portrayed in the scarlet red rag color of the restaurant. It sparks off a kaleidoscope of bright colors of people's apparel and the glistening carts with their goodies. The letters of the text often take shapes that match the table pictures or line up at the periphery to avoid distracting the visual images. One of the striking spreads is pushed back and reveals six tables with small dishes and the glistening carts winding through. The images are carefully chosen appropriately and are indeed precise.
The papers at the end are donned with tableware, delicacies, and condiment, while the endpapers at the back portray a couple of dozens of dim sum dishes. Children who have enjoyed dim Sum will find it highly interesting, and those who have not had the experience will be glad to have picked it up for a read.
The book does not stereotype. The author has achieved this end by the use of striking colors and images. The size of the font and the elaborate explanation of dim Sum has helped too.
As far as culture is concerned, the book's illustrations have faced criticism as being rather amateur in nature and texture. The use of extremely shortened sentences falls short in telling the reader the culture of Asian America and what the social aspect of dining is.
Hispanic: My Papi Has a Motorcycle
by Isabel Quintero, illustrated by Zeke Peña, 2019
The story revolves around a small girl named Daisy and her Papi. It begins with the girl taking a ride with her father around their residence. Then speeded around past shopping points, her grannies' place, school, and where her friends live. They return home with her dad buying some ice and her adventure-filled day stops there. The books capture the moment by the expression that a happy home is the feeling one takes with them. The motorcycle in the US has represented freedom. It is what people use to escape. The family links between Hispanics and America is captured in the relationship between the daughter and her father. The book captures young girl's feelings towards her father, his persistence at work, and the feeling we all develop for home when change comes calling. The illustrations in the book are effective.
Although the girl wears a helmet during the ride, the description of the scenes portrays an environment of a rather careless approach to life by father and daughter. The girl is portrayed as very young, with her arms hardly encircling her father's waist. The girl yells and urges her father to ride faster. The use of the idiophones portrays a daredevil speeding escapade. In the end, it appears inappropriate since the safety of the daughter should be the fathers' priority and not the chasm and excitement they pursue.
The books exhibit a typical stereotype of Hispanics being construction workers in the US. On page 3, the writer says the girl's father has rough hands, which suggests that he is a construction worker.
Native American: We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga
by Traci Sorell, illustrated by FranéLessac, 2018
The community in Cherokee appreciates the challenges and good tidings that each season brings them. The story of the modern Native American is narrated by a Cherokee citizen. The term otsaliheliga is used by the Cherokee citizens to express gratitude. The Cherokee citizens celebrate through the seasons of the year. The perspective, as given by the Cherokee native, captures a group of American natives and has an appended glossary of terms as first used by Sequoyah.
The colorful picture book captures a number of the raw beliefs of the Cherokee people. The evolution of the Cherokee is brought to the fore visually and verbally. Both sacred and common concepts of patience, peace, and thankfulness are pointed out.
The illustrations used remain firm, idyllic, and appropriate as they wind through the seasons with celebrations and acknowledgment of the inevitable.
The book has managed to push stereotypes to the hedge by presenting the American native naturally and by providing the needed translations of English and how to pronounce certain words stated in the native language.
The book is a favorite recommendation for anyone who wishes to learn about Native American culture and social dynamics. The author succeeds in making the reader appreciate the value of culture and tradition while cleverly infusing aspects of modernity. It questions the traditional portrayal of the natives. At one point, a father, with an earring, cares for the children. The colors of the skin vary from lighter shades to darker ones. It succeeds in hammering home the main message of inclusivity and diversity.
Sexual orientation: Stella Brings the Family Hardcover
by Miriam B. Schiffer (Author), Holly Clifton-Brown (Illustrator), 2015
Stella is astounded when her teacher declares that they will observe Mother's Day celebrations. The teacher also allows everyone to bring along a special guest on occasion. Unfortunately, while Stella has a loving family behind her, she has no mother. She is at a loss on whom to invite. She is confused for a while but gathers composure and figures out what she should do.
Realistically, the story expresses the worries of a child over something that adults may not fret over but has the child resolving the dilemma with a loving family. The colors reflect a classroom full of fun. The ink and colored pencil textures are filled with warmth and express a strong character. While the images of the faces are largely similar, they cheerfully express diversity. The school time is a lively setup. The illustrations are deemed appropriate and precise, even as the subject matter is a sensitive one to the readership.
Love is defined in a rare fashion that helps clear out stereotypes. Although the teacher seems to call for both mother and father, Stella has no mother. Stella helps to push connotations to the back banner when she shows up with her two dads and her grandmother, cousin, uncle, and aunt. Indeed it was the largest crowd.
The reader is led to understand diverse sexual orientations among people by focusing on love for just what it is – love. The story is, simply, of a young girl who finds herself in a complicated situation but soon finds a solution, thanks to relatives and friends who love her. We are brought to see the varying range of family structures out there.
Disability/Special needs: THE DEAF MUSICIANS
BY Pete Seeger & Paul Dubois Jacobs & Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie ? 2006
Unfortunately, albeit temporarily, it is time for Lee to quit the jazz band he has been playing for. His jazz members mate; his piano sounds strange while his playing does not just seem to tick. Well, Lee has a hearing issue. He stumbles on a notice directing people to a school for the deaf. He decides to attend school. He begins a new life and, as such, a whole new horizon displays before him. He joins a band that makes use of sign language to play and sing.
The picture book captures the hurdles that people with disabilities face in life. They have to contend with rejection, among other challenges. The book helps the reader realize that situations that seem difficult can be a channel to success in different circumstances. The setting is rather abstract for a young readership, but the story is realistic. The images and illustrations are regarded as point-on and appropriate for the audience.
Stereotyping is avoided in the book by capturing a development that the reader can easily identify with in real life. It is a fact that disabled persons face these and more challenges.
The story could be great awareness and sensitization flagship for mobilizing society to respond to the needs of persons with disabilities. It could also be a great one for verbalizing words. By reading the story, your child is better placed to find happiness in whatever circumstances.
Religious: Ladder to the Moon
By MAYA SOETORO-NG Illustrated by YUYI MORALES, 2011
The story depicts Suhaila, the little one, filled with wishes of having had a chance to be with her grandma. Her mother tells her that the grandma could have cuddled her. Fortunately for Suhaila, he dreams of rewinding time come true when she sees a ladder lowered next to her window and is invited by her grandma to go off on a magical trip. The story is a mystic tale that helps us remember that even though our loved ones may have left us, we can still commune with them and that sometimes all it takes is to look up into the moon sky and recall.
Suhaila, the little girl, feels she would be fulfilled if she had met her grandma. Her mother tells her that she could have cuddled Suhaila. Fortunately for Suhaila, one day, she notices a golden ladder brought down next to her room window. It is her grandma. She invites her on a mystic journey. The mystic tale reminds us that even though we may have lost a loved one, we still have a chance to commune with them, albeit in a different way. All we need is to find space and remember them.
The authors use the granddaughter and her grandma to merge the sky and the earth in n effort to make life better.
The artist makes use of radiant images in acrylic. The images use hues of golden texture, brush strokes, and lines that swirl to invoke a sense of movement, sturdiness, and mystery in the moon ladder anchored on the moon. The depiction and image succeed to lure the reader into the fairy and hence are regarded as appropriate and true.
The author has succeeded in avoiding stereotypes by establishing diversity that is universal about religion. For instance, Annie, the granny, catches wind of the prayer that people make for each other: for peace. They see the struggles of children against a tsunami. Annie urges the children to swim on. Since Suhaila notes that there is room for everyone on the moon, she requests that they join them. Diversity in the story obliterates the notion that religion is what makes the poor lose their consciousness.
The book achieved what religion is meant to achieve in people's lives: to give them hope. The author has successfully developed a truthful and memorable tribute to her daughters and mother. We also realize the essence of our common human nature in the same breath. The loving grannies and parents will find it fulfilling reading this story to children aged between 4 and 8 years.
Works cited
Aziz-Raina, Seemi. "We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga." Language Arts 97.2 (2019): 116-121.
Greene, Catherine. "My Papi Has a Motorcycle." The Catholic Library World 90.2 (2019): 151-151.
Nikola-Lisa, W., and Don Tate. Summer sun risin'. Lee & Low Books, 2002.
Park, Linda Sue. Bee-bim bop!. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2008.
Schiffer, Miriam B. Stella brings the family. Chronicle Books, 2015.
Seeger, Pete, and Paul DuBois Jacobs. The deaf musicians. GP Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, 2006.
Soetoro-Ng, Maya. Ladder to the Moon. Candlewick Press, 2017.