BOOKS

memoir
MEXICO, JUPITER, SUBMARINE: How I Became a Writer
This is a childhood memoir done in collage. It is available for Apple devices through i-Book.
multicultural middle grade fiction
THE WHITE ZONE
In Baghdad, war is being waged all around Talib and Nouri. Can these two Iraqi boys solve their own war and live in peace with each other?
Starfields (candlewick 2011)
Living in the Mayan jungle, Rosalba knows nothing about the 2012 prophesy of the end of the world. Then sophisticated Alicia comes from Mexico City to tell her all about it...
Take Me With You (Candlewick 2010)
Susana and Pina grow up in an Italian orphanage Will either find a parent?
Sahwira: An African Friendship (Candlewick 2009)
Can a white boy and an African boy keep their friendship in a changing world?
The Buddha's Diamonds (Candlewick 2008)
Overnight, Tinh's Vietnamese village is destroyed by a cyclone.
When Heaven Fell (Candlewick 2007)
Binh's Ameican aunt is coming to her Vietnamese village. Will she bring the riches that Binh longs for?
Bird Springs (Viking 2007)
Gregory has to leave the Navajo reservation for the big city of Tucson.
The Jade Dragon (Candlewick 2006)
Why won't the new Chinese girl be Ginny's friend?
The Quail Club (Candlewick 2006)
In this sequel to The Gold-Threaded Dress, Oy must again make a decision. In the talent show will she do what others want or be true to herself?
Moon Runner (Candlewick 2005)
What if your best friend is also your biggest rival?
Silk Umbrellas (Candlewick 2004)
Will Noi be sent to the factory to work, or can she learn to paint umbrellas? Will a young artist be able to pursue her gift?
Mama Had to Work on Christmas (Viking 2003)
Gloria wakes up on Christmas morning to find that Mama is going to work instead of taking her to Nana's house in Mexico to celebrate.
The Gold-Threaded Dress (Candlewick 2002)
Oy, a Thai immigrant, has to decide what she will give up to fit in. What would you do if the most popular girl demanded that you bring or special dress to school, or else?

Quick Links

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Teachers' Guide to My Books
The American Library Association's journal, BOOK LINKS
Southern California Independent Booksellers
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What if your best friend is also your biggest rival?

Here is the Japanese version.

AWARDS
2007-2008 Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award nominee

On the Master List for the William Allen White Children's Book Awards

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Gate City Award Nominee

On the Maryland State List

Excerpt included in Houghton Mifflin Textbook

REVIEWS
Book Links
Recommended sports novels

”Mina has never been into sports--that's her
friend Ruth's thing. So when Mina finds out she can run
and loves it, it takes her by surprise. Then she finds
herself choosing between Ruth and winning the 50
meter race when Coach pits them against each other."

Booklist
“Marsden offers a close look at the give-and-take of friendships, a sensitive portrayal of two young athletes and an ethical dilemma…With its combination of cozy and prickly elements, this chapter book makes for accessible and rewarding reading.”

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books:
“A simple, focused tale that packs a quiet punch.”


HOW I GOT THE IDEA
When my older daughter, Maleeka, was in fifth grade she went to a new school that had a track team. She found she could run fast. Unfortunately, her new friend prided herself in her athletic abilities. Maleeka had to decide whether to slow down and keep her friendship, or to run fast and lose the friendship. As I watched the conflict unfold, I had my pen and paper ready to take notes!
IDEAS FOR CLASSROOM DISCUSSION:

*the nature of competition
*the moon
*moon folklore of different cultures
*being a friend versus being a competitor

Here is Maleeka winning first place for the long jump.