Books
Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp
Lying in bed at night, Min thinks about things he’s lost:his family’s home and business, Puppy, and most of all, Papa.
Min clutches his stone, hoping to see his father again.
Strength comes in the form of the small, smooth stone Min’s father gives him before being led away by FBI agents. In his absence, Min and his family do their best to keep their produce business afloat and earn enough support to get Min’s father released. But after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, they’re forced into an incarceration camp in Colorado.
Imprisoned on the dusty plains and facing both the pain of displacement and the injustice of being incarcerated by his own country, Min must learn to adapt and to find beauty—and strength—where most wouldn’t.
Cowritten by Jolene Gutiérrez, author of Too Much! and Mamiachi & Me, and Minoru (Min) Tonai, an advocate for Japanese American rights, Unbreakable is ultimately an uplifting picture book based on Tonai’s harrowing real-life experiences. Illustrated by acclaimed illustrator Chris Sasaki, this picture book includes extensive back matter such as information on the American incarceration camps and the campaign to release Tonai’s father, a timeline, a bibliography, author and illustrator notes, and questions for further discussion perfect for caregivers and educators to further engage young readers.
A powerful, emotional, and ultimately uplifting picture book about the real-life experience of a Japanese American boy incarcerated with his family during World War II
Min clutches his stone, hoping to see his father again.
Strength comes in the form of the small, smooth stone Min’s father gives him before being led away by FBI agents. In his absence, Min and his family do their best to keep their produce business afloat and earn enough support to get Min’s father released. But after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, they’re forced into an incarceration camp in Colorado.
Imprisoned on the dusty plains and facing both the pain of displacement and the injustice of being incarcerated by his own country, Min must learn to adapt and to find beauty—and strength—where most wouldn’t.
Cowritten by Jolene Gutiérrez, author of Too Much! and Mamiachi & Me, and Minoru (Min) Tonai, an advocate for Japanese American rights, Unbreakable is ultimately an uplifting picture book based on Tonai’s harrowing real-life experiences. Illustrated by acclaimed illustrator Chris Sasaki, this picture book includes extensive back matter such as information on the American incarceration camps and the campaign to release Tonai’s father, a timeline, a bibliography, author and illustrator notes, and questions for further discussion perfect for caregivers and educators to further engage young readers.
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Mamiachi and Me: My Mami's Mariachi Band
Today’s the day! Rosa will take the stage next to her mami and play along with her popular mariachi band. But as they fasten the shiny botonaduras and tie the moños on their charra suits, Rosa begins to worry. What if the audience doesn’t like her? Is she ready to perform?
With her “mamiachi” and madrinas by her side, Rosa’s stage fright is soothed away by the sound of trumpets, guitars, and violins. Centering on the power of sisterhood, community, and music, the warm and lively text by mother-and-son writing duo Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez—joined by Mirelle Ortega’s beautiful illustrations—provides a unique perspective to the male-dominated world of mariachi. Back matter includes additional context on the history of the beloved Mexican tradition and the rise of all-female mariachi groups, as well as a glossary, a bibliography, further reading, and a fun, detailed look at a mariachi’s signature charro suit!
The Ofrenda That We Built
It is Día de Muertos—the Day of the Dead—and the family ofrenda is at the center of the celebration! Inspired by the popular nursery rhyme “The House That Jack Built,” The Ofrenda That We Built invites readers to join in the building of a colorful ofrenda, a home altar full of symbols and meaning, one special element at a time.
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A reassuring rhyming picture book about sensory overload and what you can do when everything is too much.
Sometimes everything is too much! Too loud, too bright, and all too overwhelming. Writing from her own experience with sensory processing disorder, Jolene Gutiérrez's compassionate picture book explores the struggles of a sensorily sensitive child and how they settle themselves. Joined by Angel Chang's beautiful illustrations, young readers will learn that it's OK if some days are too much. An extensive author's note to caregivers and educators explores sensory systems, sensory processing issues, and specific information about how to support kids with overstimulated nervous systems as they learn to soothe themselves.
When feelings go on overload,
I pause and breathe
and all is . . . slowed.
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Bionic Beasts: Saving Animal Lives with Artificial Flippers, Legs, and Beaks
What happens when a young elephant steps on a buried land mine? What happens when a sea turtle's flipper is injured by a predator? Thanks to recent advances in technology, we have new ways to design and build prosthetic body parts that can help these animals thrive. Meet an Asian elephant named Mosha, a Kemp's ridley sea turtle named Lola, a German Shepherd named Cassidy, a greylag goose named Vitória, and Pirate, a Berkshire-Tamworth pig. Each of these animals was struggling, but through a variety of techniques and technologies, humans created devices that enabled animals to live and move more comfortably. Discover the stories of how veterinarians, doctors, and even students from around the world used 3-D printing and other techniques to build bionic body parts for these amazing animals.
What happens when a young elephant steps on a buried land mine? What happens when a sea turtle's flipper is injured by a predator? Thanks to recent advances in technology, we have new ways to design and build prosthetic body parts that can help these animals thrive. Meet an Asian elephant named Mosha, a Kemp's ridley sea turtle named Lola, a German Shepherd named Cassidy, a greylag goose named Vitória, and Pirate, a Berkshire-Tamworth pig. Each of these animals was struggling, but through a variety of techniques and technologies, humans created devices that enabled animals to live and move more comfortably. Discover the stories of how veterinarians, doctors, and even students from around the world used 3-D printing and other techniques to build bionic body parts for these amazing animals.
Get your copy here.
Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader
Mac and Cheese are the class guinea pigs, and Oliver is their biggest fan. He loves taking care of them and learning about them. Oliver is a very scientific kid and carries around a notebook to write observations and sketch things he notices. He’s struggling to make friends, though, so he watches Mac and Cheese because they’re the best friends he knows. He sees them snuggling and cuddling with each other and assumes that to be a good friend, he’ll need to get cuddly with his classmates. With the help of his classmates, teacher, and a hula hoop, Oliver learns about personal space.
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Stars of Latin Pop Series
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Devil.May.Care
When Ana takes off flying across the high school stage, her life is forever changed. Searching for answers, Ana meets Gabrielle, her mentor. Gabrielle teaches Ana that she’s an angel and is here on Earth to help prepare for a war between good and evil. The only problem? Ana can’t always tell who’s good and who’s evil. While she’s learning, Ana meets the man of her dreams, Dylan. He’s gorgeous, sexy, and really seems to care about Ana. Even though he’s a demon, Ana’s heart tells her to trust him. Then Ana’s world is shattered and she finds herself alone and afraid. As the boundaries between good and evil blur, Ana realizes she no longer knows who she can trust and who might be out to kill her.
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