Introduction
The Diary of a Young Girl By: Anne Frank
Summary
From the perspective of a 13 year old girl hiding in Nazi occupied Amsterdam, Anne Frank The Diary of a Young Girl is a first hand account of the persecution of Jews during World War II. In 1942, Anne and her family were forced to go into hiding in an annex of what once was her father’s business. While in hiding, they faced hunger, boredom, and were in constant fear of their discovery and death. This story is one of courage and perseverance, offering a glimpse of what it was like to live during the Holocaust.
A Global Perspective:
The story provides a personal perspective of a historic and world event from a real life individual. The Dairy of A Young Girl allows students to relate with Anne, while connecting to the factual information of the events.
Who Is Jane Goodall? By Roberta Edward and Who HQ
Who Was… is a series of age appropriate biographies designed for children. The biographies retell the stories of game changers, rule breakers, dreamers, and innovators. Who is Jane Goodall? tells the abridged story of the primatologist Jane Goodall and the contributions she has made to today’s understanding of chimpanzees, paving the way for future female scientists.
A Global Perspective:
This title provides a unique opportunity for students to understand Global Citizenship and their own power as change makers.
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Readers Edition) By Malala Youfsazai
Summary
Malala Youfsazai grew up in an area of Pakistan that was overtaken by the Taliban when she was 10 years old. The Taliban dictated that girls were not permitted to go to markets or attend school. She grew up fighting for what she believed and fought for girls rights to be educated. This led to Malala being shot by the Taliban while on route to school. Her tenacity in the face of oppression has led Malala to become a global figure. Malala’s mission has always been to advocate for girls education and fighting for it to be seen as an inalienable human right.
A Global Perspective
This title provides a personal account of events within Pakistan and therefore can be connected to interculteralism, while providing an understanding for readers of the events and cultural implications of animosities throughout the region.
Dear Canada: These Are My Words: The Residential School Diary of Violet Pesheens By Ruby Slipperjack
Written by a Survivor of Residential Schools and in the perspective of a young girl’s entry into a Residential School. This is the story of assimilation and fear of letting go of identity. Violet retreats to her notebook to record all of her reflections and thoughts on the ongoing events of her life while she clings to hope. Young readers may glimpse into the realities of Residential Schools with age appropriate language and styling.
A Global Perspective
An aspect of Global Education is understanding the history of ones own country and culture. As the Truth and Reconciliation Committee Calls to Action requires, education is the foundation for change in terms of a new era for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people. A part of the Residential Schools legacy is the modern dates and presence within the Western World. There are many parallels which may be drawn between the Residential Schools and other similar world events.
The Story of Ruby Bridges By Robert Coles
A young African-American girl enrolls in a whites-only school in New Orleans in 1960. She must fight through crowds of angry, protesting crowds everyday simply to walk into her school. As the months pass, white students are pulled out of her class by their upset family members until she is left alone with her teacher. Ruby continues to go to school and will not give in to the pressure around her. This book is illustrated beautifully by George Ford and provides an excellent visual for students.
A Global Perspective
The fight for Civil Rights in the United States is an account of many stories of bravery, perseverance and calls for change. For many African-Americans still living within the United States it is a fight for equality which continues to this day. Global Literature provides students with an understanding of how to accept those and that which is different from themselves.
