New perspectives ...

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, August 2019; written by Ann Marie Meiresonne.

Perspective is good. For example the young lady I met working locally but going back to a job as a teacher in Boston whose small school has a little play yard (not a playground), no school library, no auditorium, and a field trip to the zoo is a bus ride, a train ride and another bus ride away. Perspective.

Picture books can give us perspective easily, fairly quickly (32 pages), beautifully illustrated creating great conversations to those willing to read aloud. Ten Cents a Pound by Nhung N. Tran-Davies with illustrations by Josee Bisaillon is a new addition to the collection about the sacrifices a mother makes living and working in a mountain village so as to send her daughter away to school. Every time the daughter voices her wish to stay her mother insists she go for a better future. A story any parent can understand, the desire to give all one can for a child’s future but in poverty most cannot even fathom. The story is gently told and thought provoking without making one scared.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin written by Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley is the story about a child diagnosed with autism, the struggles she had growing up and her becoming a world famous scientist, author, professor and speaker. Autism can be a tough subject to discuss with young children. The book can help one begin to empathize and relate as well as encourage all of us as she says ”each person is special- so unique are our minds. The world needs YOUR ideas. It takes brains of ALL kinds.”

Boxes for Katje by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Stacey Dressen-McQueen a bit older title looks at post World War II when many European communities were struggling to survive. Based upon true experiences of the author’s mother a young girl named Rosie in Mayfield, Indiana sends a goodwill package to Katje in Olst, Holland. A thank you letter is sent and goodwill continues to flow between the girls and both communities surprising everyone.

The traditional Native story Raven and the Tide Lady beautifully illustrated by Michaela Goade is another excellent read aloud for local perspective. Stories of cultural relevance to the land we live give insight to the richness of the history around us.

Hair Love by Matthew A Cherry and pictures by Vashti Harrison is the story of a father’s love reflected in his effort to create the perfect hairstyle for his young daughter on a very special day. Perspective into the life of an African American girl with a lot of hair possibilities and a dad willing to step up to the challenge.

These and more titles are available to those who wish to share with the people they love a glimpse into the lives of folks outside their immediate family. Hopefully creating a more generous and compassionate world.

The Friends of the Library will host a one-day Book Sale on Saturday, August 17 at the Ketchikan Public Library. The Friends will have a Collectors’ Corner at the sale, with a selection of special books: some old, some rare editions, some autographed copies and some vintage books you may have read to your children and grandchildren.

Collectors’ editions are rare books that are sought after by licensed collectors. It is not easy to identify rare books--it requires research beyond searching Google or Amazon. Your book must match the rare edition in all details—including publication, paging, condition, and binding. The American Library Association’s Rare Books and Manuscripts Section website provides great information on identifying rare books. Another good source of rare book information is AbeBooks.com. At the August 17 Book Sale we will have a list of publications on book collecting. We look forward to seeing you at the Book Sale!