I like to keep up on new series books that are available for transitional readers. I just finished AMY HODGEPODGE ALL MIXED UP. It is the first in this series. Amy Hodge has been home schooled up until now. But now she wants to go to school and be part of all the things that school brings. But the first few days are a little tough for Amy until she makes a great group of friends. Lots is tackled in this book--feeling new at school, the "mean girls", fitting in,etc.
One of the things that I really like about this series is that Amy's family is multiracial. Amy is part Asian, part Caucasian and part African-American. I am finding that it is often hard for kids to find themselves and their families in the books they read. Especially children who are mixed race. Amy Hodgepodge and the friends that she makes at her new school help to fill this gap in children's books--especially those for transitional readers.
I was stunned to see some statistics in a blog post titled "Why Are Children's Books Still So White" about books that featured African American, Latino, and American Indian characters. The numbers are unsettling.
I liked reading about Amy and her troubles at her new school. She is a likable character and the series is perfect for the age group that it is intended for. I am excited to add this series to our shelves and look forward to more books about Amy Hodge.
After reading this review I began looking for series books featuring non-white characters. I was, sadly, not surprised to find a dearth of these. Have you ever done or thought of doing a post featuring elementary level series books with a diverse range of characters?
ReplyDeleteHi,I Just read this book for my book report and it was great. Can you make another one please?
ReplyDeleteP.S. I am in 5th grade
i love this book!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI bought this for my bi-racial 6 year old daughter and she loves the book. As a black mother who shares her love of reading with her 3 bi-racial children, I was stunned at the lack of non-white characters in children's book. I've seen more books with Asian, African American, Indian, and animals than non-black. I think it's time I seriously consider writing my own books.
ReplyDelete