Title: Around Our Way on Neighbors’ Day
Author: Tameka Fryer Brown
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 08/01/2010
Suitable for: ages 4 – 8 years
Themes/Topics: neighborhood appreciation, neighbors, friendship, multicultural, diversity
Opening:
“Blue sky, no clouds, Summer heat, side street, Whirling, whizzing feet. Everyone is out to play Today, around our way…”
Synopsis:
Neighbors gather on a hot summer day for a joyful block party: Kids play double Dutch; men debate at the barber shop and play chess; mothers and aunts cook up oxtail stew, collard greens, and other delicious treats; and friends dance and sway as jazz floats through the streets.
A rhythmic tale that celebrates the diversity of a close-knit community, Around Our Way on Neighbors’ Day will excite readers and prompt them to discover the magic of their own special surroundings.
Links to resources:
Why I like this book:
It is so nice to see a book that shows a positive image of a diverse urban neighborhood. Ms Brown really did a wonderful job making this a fun and rhythmic story. The words danced and bounced on the page right along with the illustrations. I really liked how I was introduced to everyone on the block and allowed to partake in the different activities! I cracked up when all was fine and dandy until mama’s kitchen mishap! I guess the book reminded me of the good ole days when community was everything. Everyone came together to share in good times. Another great thing about this book is, it can be used in the classroom year round! Its applications are diverse. It can be used to study poetry, foster or enhance a discussion on diversity, encourage community both in and outside the classroom, types of art, and so much more.
For a complete list of books with resources that engage, educate and entertain, visit the blog of author Susanna L Hill.
13 comments:
It's nice to see a neighborhood featured period! It seems like we are so much more separated from each other now than when we were kids. Great choice!
This book sounds wonderful, Saba! Don't we all long for that delicious sense of community?! And I think it's great to give kids a taste of it, and a feel for it. Maybe somehow we can foster more of it. Thanks so much for sharing this - I don't think we have too many neighbor/neighborhood books on the list, so that makes this doubly great!
I love the idea of a tight neighborhood, too. And I love the lyrical quality of the text! Thanks for the recommendation.
Another great choice. We tried to have a neigbhorhood block party, but it seemed like rules, liabilities, etc. were thrown up at our request. Really odd. I'll check this book out for inspiration. Perhaps, we could have a Picture Book block party. :)
I love this. And will get it for my grankids. How much fun!
Saba, this book sounds so nostalgic for me. It reminds me of the 50-60s. I remember days exactly like this when I was growing up in that time period. Everyone in the neighborhood was my parent. And we spent the entire summer outside playing, only coming in long enough to eat and run back out. We knew everyone. Can't say that of the neighborhoods I brought my daughter up in. I must check this one out. Love the idea of a diverse urban neighborhood.
This looks delightful, and such fun. I dreamed I was back in my old hometown last night, for a homecoming, and the streets were crowded with people -- this is a great book to extend that feeling of togetherness.
Hi Saba...nice to meet you. :)
Love your choice for PPBF...just like Pat, I remember the days back in the 50's & early 60's when the summer was one long outdoor playtime...hopscotch, stoop ball, playing stick ball in the street...dodging cars that had the nerve to come down our street while we were using it. :) Around dinner-time, you'd hear one mom after another, calling "It's time to come in to eat!"
Great resources and activity suggestions...nice to see a book about urban community cohesiveness.
What a fantastic book! I love the idea of a neighborhood coming together to celebrate in the midst of sizzling summer. Of course, once I read this to the kids, I think they are going to want to host a block party.
The cover makes me want to dance! Thanks for sharing. Nice to "meet" on the PPBF way!
This sounds like a really fun book. I love the cover design. Great review, adding it to my library list! :)
I adore this cover!
Really nice review. I put this on my list. Your description of words dancing and bouncing has me looking forward to reading it.
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