{"id":2437,"date":"2020-10-30T10:00:41","date_gmt":"2020-10-30T14:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/?p=2437"},"modified":"2020-11-03T11:43:00","modified_gmt":"2020-11-03T16:43:00","slug":"read-around-the-world-with-these-8-great-kids-books","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.readbrightly.com\/read-around-the-world-with-these-8-great-kids-books\/","title":{"rendered":"Read Around the World: 16 Books for Kids and Teens"},"content":{"rendered":"

You won\u2019t need a passport for this trip around the globe, but you will need your favorite bookstore or library card. Reading stories from or set in other parts of the world is fun and helps kids appreciate other cultures.<\/p>\n

Go on a virtual vacation with these global reads. If you don\u2019t know where to start, I\u2019ve made a list of some of my favorites.<\/p>\n

no no 9781524740702 Se\u00f1orita Mariposa <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/556837\/senorita-mariposa-by-ben-gundersheimer-illustrated-by-marcos-almada-rivero\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Ben Gundersheimer (Mister G), illustrated by Marcos Almada Rivero<\/p>\n

In both English and Spanish, this vibrant picture book follows the annual migration that monarch butterflies take from Canada to Mexico. Young readers will get to see not only the landscapes the butterflies travel through, but also the people who call those landscapes home. It\u2019s a fascinating way to travel, and a call to protect monarch butterflies and their habitats.
\n(Ages 3 \u2013 5) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780525645665 Deep in the Sahara <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/214277\/deep-in-the-sahara-by-kelly-cunnane-illustrated-by-hoda-hadadi\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kelly Cunnane, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi<\/p>\n

Deep in the Sahara, a young Muslim girl named Lalla lives in a country called Mauritania, and she longs for a malafa<\/i>, the beautiful cloth that women wear in her community. But before she\u2019s gifted one of her very own, Lalla must learn what it really means to wear a malafa<\/i>. A lyrical and warm story, this picture book brings Mauritania to life.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780763692704 Angel in Beijing <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/567443\/angel-in-beijing-by-belle-yang\/9780763692704\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Belle Yang<\/p>\n

Taiwanese author-illustrator Belle Yang pens a sweet story of friendship between a young girl and a lost cat, set against the lively and inviting backdrop of Beijing. With her bell-adorned bicycle, the girl shuttles the cat through Beijing\u2019s neighborhoods and tourist spots, and the two take in the breathtaking sights at the Dragon Boat Festival. It\u2019s an authentic and charming introduction to China\u2019s bustling capital city.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780553522464 Clara <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/248861\/clara-by-emily-arnold-mccully\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Emily Arnold McCully<\/p>\n

Based on a true story, Clara<\/i> features the infamous rhinoceros that made waves across Europe during her 18th-century tour. Only the fifth living rhino ever seen in Europe, Clara made the royal circuit, meeting Louis XV of France, Frederick the Great of Germany, and many more. The book makes for a fun historical view of Europe and includes a helpful map of Clara\u2019s travels.
\n(Ages 4 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780553538793 Waiting for the Biblioburro <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/203612\/waiting-for-the-biblioburroesperando-el-biblioburro-by-monica-brown-illustrated-by-john-parra-translated-by-adriana-dominguez\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra, translated by Adriana Dominguez<\/p>\n

I love this story of a dedicated teacher and librarian who took his mobile library \u2014 called the biblioburro, \u201cpowered\u201d as it was by burros Alfa and Beto \u2014 to children living in rural villages in Colombia. This bilingual Spanish-English edition is perfect for adding new words to growing vocabularies, and the unique illustration style exudes the enthusiasm of young reader, Ana.
\n(Ages 5 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780803735118 The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/307402\/the-boy-who-harnessed-the-wind-by-william-kamkwamba-illustrated-by-elizabeth-zunon\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon<\/p>\n

Young readers can now enjoy the inspiring true story of 14-year-old William Kamkwamba\u2019s ingenuity that brought electricity to his Malawi village. William\u2019s love for his tight-knit community shines through in this beautifully illustrated picture book full of lush and textured landscapes. For middle grade readers, check out the Young Readers Edition<\/a>.
\n(Ages 6 \u2013 8) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780763667610 Sand Swimmers<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/242026\/sand-swimmers-by-narelle-oliver\/9780763667610\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Narelle Oliver<\/p>\n

Young wildlife buffs know that Australia is teeming with fascinating creatures, especially in the strange and harsh desert region called the Dead Heart. In Sand Swimmers<\/i>, Narelle Oliver combines science, natural history, and firsthand observations to uncover the unbelievably hardy species that live and thrive in this mysterious piece of Australian wilderness.
\n(Ages 7 \u2013 10) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780763674755 The Secret Kingdom <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/559529\/the-secret-kingdom-by-barb-rosenstock\/9780763674755\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Claire A. Nivola<\/p>\n

The Secret Kingdom<\/i> is a visually stunning biography of Nek Chand Saini, a village farmer who relocated to the city of Chandigarh after the 1947 partition of India. There, he gathered castoffs and small treasures to create a secret Rock Garden in the jungle \u2014 now a 40-acre sculpture garden open to the public. Rich watercolor illustrations capture the region\u2019s natural beauty.
\n(Ages 7 \u2013 10) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780763698799 A World of Cities <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/592503\/a-world-of-cities-by-james-brown\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by James Brown<\/p>\n

Of course, there\u2019s no need to limit yourself to just one location! Take a roundtrip around the world with this fascinating and fact-filled guide to thirty of the globe\u2019s most famous cities, from Rio de Janeiro to Hong Kong, Athens to Dubai. Illustrated in the tradition of vintage travel posters, it\u2019s fun for the whole family.
\n(Ages 7 \u2013 10)<\/i><\/p>\n

9780763626389 Egyptology: Search for the Tomb of Osiris<\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/160487\/egyptology-by-illustrated-by-nick-harris\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Emily Sands, illustrated by Nick Harris, Helen Ward, and Ian Andrew<\/p>\n

A favorite with my kids, Egyptology<\/i> is an educational and historical adventure. Interactive pieces on each page engage readers as they follow an explorer’s search for the Tomb of Osiris. There are photos, drawings, maps, and journal entries for kids to pore over and explore.
\n(Ages 8 \u2013 12) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780593173978 When Life Gives You Mangos <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/623722\/when-life-gives-you-mangos-by-kereen-getten\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Kereen Getten<\/p>\n

A poignant new middle grade novel, When Life Gives You Mangos<\/i> centers the perspective of a young girl named Clara who lives on an island in Jamaica, a favorite locale for tourists who throw around words like \u201cexotic\u201d about Clara\u2019s home. Since last summer\u2019s hurricane, though, the tourists are thinning out, and the biggest talk is about a new girl who\u2019s moving to the island, whom Clara can\u2019t wait to meet. A moving story about family, friendship, and resilience, it will also spark important conversations about traveling to other\u2019s homes.
\n(Ages 8 \u2013 12) <\/i><\/p>\n

9781681373065 The Island of Horses <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/40953\/the-island-of-horses-by-eilis-dillon\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Eilis Dillon<\/p>\n

This classic adventure story, reissued in 2018, takes place off the western coast of Ireland on an island called Inishrone. Life on the remote island is anything but easy, but it\u2019s all that friends Pat Conroy and Danny MacDonagh have ever known. Lured by the call of ghost stories, Pat and Danny set sail for the Island of Horses, a decision that launches them into a dangerous mystery. Come for the suspense, stay for the atmosphere: you\u2019ll be able to taste the saltwater whipping through the air.
\n(Ages 8 \u2013 12) <\/i><\/p>\n

9781101997284 Marcus Vega Doesn\u2019t Speak Spanish <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/533232\/marcus-vega-doesnt-speak-spanish-by-pablo-cartaya\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Pablo Cartaya<\/p>\n

After trouble at school, Marcus Vega\u2019s mom decides that Marcus and his little brother would benefit from a week-long trip to Puerto Rico, among relatives they barely know. But there\u2019s someone else on the island who Marcus would very much like to see: his dad, who left the family ten years ago. Marcus sets off on a quest to find his father, and Puerto Rico welcomes him with open arms.
\n(Ages 10+) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780525552970 Darius the Great Is Not Okay <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/573023\/darius-the-great-is-not-okay-by-adib-khorram\/9780525552970\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Adib Khorram<\/p>\n

Delightfully nerdy, clinically depressed Darius has never fit in at home in the states, so he has no idea what to expect when his family sets off to Iran to stay with his grandparents. Though Darius doesn\u2019t feel Persian enough to belong in Iran either, his friendship with next-door neighbor Sohrab \u2014 and their explorations through Iran\u2019s vibrant city streets \u2014 opens new doors for Darius, who begins to realize that he might be enough, just as he is.
\n(Ages 13+) <\/i><\/p>\n

9780448493824 And We\u2019re Off <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/540902\/and-were-off-by-dana-schwartz\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Dana Schwartz<\/p>\n

On the cusp of adulthood, Nora is an idealistic artist, so she jumps at the opportunity her grandfather offers: a summer trip around Europe to study history\u2019s greatest artists. Nora\u2019s mother, Alice, would rather Nora pursue more stable goals, drawing a wedge in their typically close relationship \u2014 think Lorelai and Rory of Gilmore Girls<\/i> \u2014 but all the plans go off the rails when Alice decides to join Nora on her European road trip. Trust me: no reader is going to \u201cAre we there yet?\u201d through this one.
\n(Ages 13+) <\/i><\/p>\n

9781616959890 Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know <\/i> https:\/\/www.penguinrandomhouse.com\/books\/607506\/mad-bad-and-dangerous-to-know-by-samira-ahmed\/9781616959890\/?ref=PRH06C9ECE222&aid=randohouseinc22957-20&linkid=PRH06C9ECE222 by Samira Ahmed<\/p>\n

Walk the streets of Paris alongside seventeen-year-old Khayyam Maquet, on holiday with her parents in the City of Light. While most tourists would be happy sampling croissants and visiting the Eiffel Tower, Khayyam finds herself on a historical scavenger hunt, uncovering the forgotten story of a 19th-century Muslim woman named Leila, who narrates her own alternating chapters.
\n(Ages 13+) <\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Reading stories from other parts of the world is fun and helps kids appreciate other cultures. Go on a virtual vacation with these kids’ books!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":16993,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[53,59,85,131,273,737,954],"coauthors":[23],"class_list":["post-2437","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-animals","tag-picture-books","tag-family","tag-history","tag-travel","tag-diversity","tag-educators","ages_stages-pre-k","ages_stages-growing-reader","ages_stages-tween","ages_stages-teen"],"yoast_head":"\nRead Around the World: 16 Books for Kids and Teens | Brightly<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Reading stories from other parts of the world is fun and helps kids appreciate other cultures. 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