LSSL 5361 Multicultural Lit Module 1 Book Reviews

 

A. Citation
Mian, Zanib. 2022. PLANET OMAR: ACCIDENTAL TROUBLE MAGNET. Ill. by Nasaya Mafaridik. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780593109236.

B. Plot Summary
Omar is a smart, imaginative middle child who’s just moved to a new neighborhood in London with his scientist parents and siblings. Starting at a new school is hard enough, but it gets worse when he meets a class bully, Daniel, who makes mean-spirited comments, especially about Omar being Muslim. A difficult neighbor also makes unfair assumptions about Omar’s family, but through humor, creativity, and support from his loving family and new friends, Omar finds his footing. As the story unfolds, Daniel’s behavior is shown to be connected to struggles at home, and by the end, there's an unexpected turn toward friendship and empathy.

C. Critical Analysis
This book does a fantastic job of introducing readers to Muslim culture in a natural, relatable way. Omar’s voice is funny, full of personality, and very authentic. His thoughts and worries feel real, like being nervous about a new school or annoyed by an unfair neighbor. Zanib Mian weaves in important cultural elements such as prayer, Ramadan, food traditions, family roles, and even misunderstandings around hijab-wearing with nuance and warmth. One of the most powerful aspects is how the book gently addresses prejudice, like the neighbor assuming Muslim families are "loud" or "troublemakers” and pushes back against those stereotypes by simply showing a joyful, thoughtful family living their daily life.

The characters are well-rounded and balanced. Omar is imaginative and thoughtful, his mom is strong and smart, and even the bully, Daniel, turns out to be more complex than he first appears. Rather than painting characters as good or bad, the book emphasizes understanding and empathy. Set in London, the story reflects the diversity of the city and the challenges immigrant families may face while remaining light-hearted and hopeful.

Nasaya Mafaridik’s illustrations are full of energy and help young readers engage with the story. The playful drawings, bold fonts, and expressive design make the book accessible and appealing, especially for reluctant readers.

D. Awards & Review Excerpts

·       USBBY Outstanding International Book

·       NPR Best Book of the Year

·       Kirkus Best Book of the Year

·       Middle East Book Award Nominee

★ “Exploding with personality and imagination, Omar is an easy character to love.” -Booklist
“A very kid-friendly and appealingly honest story about being different.” -The New York Times
“Seamlessly weaves Islamic values and teachings through Omar’s narration.” -Kirkus Reviews

E. Connections

·       Related Books:

o   The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani (identity, family, and cultural heritage)

o   Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga (Muslim identity and immigration)

·       Activities:

o   Invite students to write or draw a story about a time they felt like "the new kid".

o   Explore vocabulary and traditions from Ramadan or Muslim culture.

o   Host a “Windows & Mirrors” classroom discussion about books that reflect students’ own lives or introduce them to someone else’s.

 

A. Citation
Flett, Julie. 2021. WE ALL PLAY / KIMÊTAWÂNAW. Ill. by Julie Flett. Greystone Kids. ISBN 9781771646079.

 

B. Plot Summary

The picture book We All Play demonstrates playful connections between children and animals through rhythmic storytelling. The book shows animals doing different actions which children then copy until the book states “We play too! / kimetawanaw mina.” The story moves from active play to restful sleep which makes it suitable for bedtime reading. The book establishes a peaceful atmosphere by combining soft inviting elements with beautiful components.

 

C. Critical Analysis

The book delivers maximum meaning through its minimal word count which I find most appealing. The book presents a straightforward design which contains deliberate elements in every aspect. The Cree words embedded throughout the book create a feeling of exclusivity while the glossary and pronunciation guide at the end enhance the meaning of the experience. Julie Flett uses illustrations that combine softness with earthy tones to create a perfect balance of energetic and peaceful elements. The animals in the illustrations are large and powerful yet the children display boundless happiness and energetic movements. Flett dedicated careful attention to depict diverse children in the illustrations because she includes kids from various backgrounds and shows a character with a noticeable limb difference which caught my attention. The story includes a small yet significant moment of inclusion. Through her Cree Metis heritage, Flett integrates her cultural background into the book. The story presents more than play activities because it celebrates our bond with nature and our connections with each other. The Indigenous perspective Flett brings to the book creates a sense of authenticity and deep emotional connection.

D. Awards & Review Excerpts

·       USBBY Outstanding International Book (2022)

·       Named a Best Children’s Book of the Year by The New York Times, Kirkus, School Library Journal, and more

·       Starred reviews from major publications including Horn Book and Publishers Weekly

E. Connections

·       Try with:

o   Birdsong by Julie Flett

o   We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

·       Classroom ideas:

o   Learn some of the Cree animal words and practice saying them together.

o   Take a walk outside and observe how animals move, then let kids show how they “play too”.

o   Draw or paint pictures of your favorite animal from the book and how it plays.