AdLit.org is a national multimedia project offering information and resources to the parents and educators of struggling adolescent readers and writers. AdLit.org is an educational initiative of WETA, the flagship public television and radio station in the nation's capital, and is funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York and by the Ann B. and Thomas L. Friedman Family Foundation.
More Multicultural Stories
Each of these books not only tells a story, but teaches the reader about another country and culture.
The New Policeman
Age Level: 12-14
Time seems to be going faster than normal in Kinvara, and the problem is a leak between this world and Tir Na Nog, the land of eternal youth. When young JJ discovers the source of the time slip, he also uncovers a huge family mystery. This book won the Guardian Children's Book Prize and the Whitbread Children's Book Award in the U.K.
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
Age Level: 9-12
Growing up in Soviet-controlled Czechoslovakia, Sis craved Western pop culture, subverted authority in small ways, and maintained a strong fear of the secret police. This title won the Sibert medal for distinctive non-fiction for children.
19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East
Age Level: 12-14
These beautiful poems reflect both the Middle East and the Arab-American experience. Nye is a renowned poet for young people, and this collection revolves around her heritage.
Facing the Lion : Growing up Maasai on the African Savanna
Age Level: 9-12
For many years, Lekuton taught school in the DC area, but before that he grew up in the Kenyan desert. Now, he's back in Kenya, serving in parliament. This is an autobiography of his Kenyan childhood.
La Linea
Age Level: 12-14
15-year old Miguel and his 13-year old sister have been in the care of their Mexican grandmother since their parents illegally immigrated to California. Now it's time for them to join their parents, but Elena has plans of her own. Though the story is fiction, it will bring to real life the plight of illegal immigrants and the risks they take to enter the U.S.
The Kite Runner
Age Level: 16-18
Years after he flees Afghanistan, Amir, now an American citizen, returns to his native land and attempts to atone for the betrayal of his best friend before he fled Kabul and the Taliban.
Bindi Babes
Age Level: 12-14
Three Indian sisters are growing up in London with their widowed father, and now, his sister, their strict Auntie. The story is light, but paints a vivid picture of Indian immigrants and British culture.
Revolution is not a Dinner Party
Age Level: 12-14
This semi-autobiographical novel takes place during the Chinese cultural revolution. Ling's parents are doctors, but when Mao comes to power, they are accused of being part of the "bourgeoisie." Ling must be brave and smart during this time of upheaval.
The Road of the Dead
Age Level: 14-16
Desolate British moors are a major character in this murder mystery. After his sister is murdered, Ruben and his older brother Cole go to reclaim her body, and discover the truth about her death. The violence isn't for the squeamish, but teens will enjoy this story that reads like a movie.
Aya
Age Level: 14-16
Aya lives in the Ivory Coast in the late 1970s, before civil war decimated the country. This is a view of African life not often shown in contemporary fiction--an Africa not unlike the West, told through the eyes of three girlfriends deciding between marriage, men and career.
