Title: Jin Woo

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Chris Soentpiet

ISBN: 978-0-395-93872-0

Summary:
Davids life is turned upside down when his parents
decide to adopt a baby brother from Korea. The new
baby, Jin Woo, now takes up all of his parents
attention, making David feel left out and uncared for.
With the arrival of an unexpected letter from Jin Woo,
Davids feelings begin to change.

Question Yes No N/A

1 Are various groups represented? X

African American/Blacks
Asian American Pacific Islands
American Indian/Native American
Latinx/Hispanic
European American/ Caucasian/ White
Religion
LGBTQIAA2S

2 Does the book depict characters of different genders? X

Male
Female

3 Does the book depict characters of different sexual orientations? X

LGBTQIAA2S

4 Are various HUGs groups represented in positive and active roles? X

African American/Blacks
Asian American Pacific Islands
American Indian/Native American
Latinx/Hispanic
Religion
LGBTQIAA2S

5 Does the book reflect various family units? X

Single parent
Biological parents and step parents
Adoptive families
Same sex parents
 Extended family caregivers (aunts/uncles/grandparents)

6 Is the book is void of gender and sexual orientation stereotypes? X

Male (ex. tough, leader, smart)
Female (ex. timid, weak, small)
LGBTQIAA2S

7 Is the book is void of racial and ethnic stereotypes? X

African American/Blacks (ex. Athletic, criminals, men are
violent/angry, lazy, parents are strict, ghetto)
Asian American Pacific Islands (ex. good at math,
hardworking, model minority, earn higher than average
income)
American Indian/Native American (ex. Alcoholics, casino
rich, live off the government, promiscuous, prone to
violence)
Latinx/Hispanic (ex. illegal immigrants, domestic workers,
gang members)
European American/ Caucasian/ White (uneducated
rednecks, dumb blonde, children are disrespectful/spoiled,
racist)
Religion (ex. All Muslims are terrorists, Jewish people are
cheap, Jehovahs witnesses are pushing/annoying,
Catholics are prudes)

8 Is the book void of abilities/disabilities/exceptionalities stereotypes X

(ex. Weak, need saving/help)?

9 Is the book Bilingual? X

10 Does the book avoid tokenism (includes various races and X

differences in skin tone, body shape, etc. from those races)?

11 Are lifestyles (family units, neighborhoods, gender, etc.) depicted in X

an accurate and diverse way?

12 Are feelings of self-image positively impacted? X

Is the book free of feelings of inferiority/superiority?

13 Does the book exclude offensive language (ex. Racial slurs)? X

Comments:
Davids mom and dad are adopting another child, this time the baby boy is from Korea. The
baby boy has a traditional Korean name, Jin Woo, which means happy jewel. The family
learns about some Korean traditions that Jin Woo has participated in and will participate in the
near future. However, the background people are all white and have similar appearances.
They do vary in age and body shape. I think this book would be a good asset for discussing
adoptive families, especially adoptive families with different racial backgrounds.
Title: Red Kite, Blue Kite

Author: Ji-li Jiang

Illustrator: Greg Ruth

ISBN: 978-142312753-6

Summary:
While flying kites from the roof of their home, Tai Shan
and his father, Baba, look out over the crowded street
below and feel free. Tai Shan loves listening to Baba tell
stories while the kites rise, dip, and soar together. When
out of nowhere, bad times come. People shut down the
schools, smash store signs, and search homes. Baba is
sent away and Tai Shan must move to live with his
grandmother Wang. Although they are far apart, father and son are inseparable in their hearts
and everyday they greet each other by flying their kites until they can one day be together
again.

Question Yes No N/A

1 Are various groups represented? X

African American/Blacks
Asian American Pacific Islands
American Indian/Native American
Latinx/Hispanic
European American/ Caucasian/ White
Religion
LGBTQIAA2S

2 Does the book depict characters of different genders? X

Male
Female

3 Does the book depict characters of different sexual orientations? X

LGBTQIAA2S

4 Are various HUGs groups represented in positive and active roles? X

African American/Blacks
Asian American Pacific Islands
American Indian/Native American
Latinx/Hispanic
Religion
LGBTQIAA2S

5 Does the book reflect various family units? X

 Single parent
Biological parents and step parents
Adoptive families
Same sex parents
Extended family caregivers (aunts/uncles/grandparents)

6 Is the book is void of gender and sexual orientation stereotypes? X

Male (ex. tough, leader, smart)
Female (ex. timid, weak, small)
LGBTQIAA2S

7 Is the book is void of racial and ethnic stereotypes? X

African American/Blacks (ex. Athletic, criminals, men are
violent/angry, lazy, parents are strict, ghetto)
Asian American Pacific Islands (ex. good at math,
hardworking, model minority, earn higher than average
income)
American Indian/Native American (ex. Alcoholics, casino
rich, live off the government, promiscuous, prone to
violence)
Latinx/Hispanic (ex. illegal immigrants, domestic workers,
gang members)
European American/ Caucasian/ White (uneducated
rednecks, dumb blonde, children are disrespectful/spoiled,
racist)
Religion (ex. All Muslims are terrorists, Jewish people are
cheap, Jehovahs witnesses are pushing/annoying,
Catholics are prudes)

8 Is the book void of abilities/disabilities/exceptionalities stereotypes X

(ex. Weak, need saving/help)?

9 Is the book Bilingual? X

10 Does the book avoid tokenism (includes various races and X

differences in skin tone, body shape, etc. from those races)?

11 Are lifestyles (family units, neighborhoods, gender, etc.) depicted in X

an accurate and diverse way?

12 Are feelings of self-image positively impacted? X

Is the book free of feelings of inferiority/superiority?

13 Does the book exclude offensive language (ex. Racial slurs)? X

Comments:
This book tells the tale of a fathers undying love for his son and vice versa. In addition to
Babas unconditional love, this story shows how Baba sticks to what he knows is right, even
 after he is forced into a labor camp and locked up. Baba serves as the only parent in the
household since Tai Shans mother passed away during childbirth. Baba breaks away from
stereotypical gender roles by serving as both the breadwinner and the nurturing parent role.
After Baba is sent away, Granny Wang serves as an extended family caregiver. This goes to
show children that even if something happens to mother and/or father, there will always be an
adult who cares for and loves the child.

Title: Sam and the Lucky Money

Author: Karen Chinn

Illustrators: Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu

ISBN: 0-439-69889-8
Summary:
For the Chinese New Year, Sam receives four lucky
dollars from his grandparents. Sams mother
accompanies him to the market, where he can purchase
anything he wants with his lucky money. Sam enters a
bakery and a toy store, but is unable to find something he
wants that he can afford. While walking outside, Sam
meets a man who does not have socks or shoes. What will Sam decide to do with his money?
Question Yes No N/A

1 Are various groups represented? X

African American/Blacks
Asian American Pacific Islands
American Indian/Native American
Latinx/Hispanic
European American/ Caucasian/ White
Religion
LGBTQIAA2S

2 Does the book depict characters of different genders? X

Male
Female

3 Does the book depict characters of different sexual orientations? X

LGBTQIAA2S

4 Are various HUGs groups represented in positive and active roles? X

African American/Blacks
 Asian American Pacific Islands
American Indian/Native American
Latinx/Hispanic
Religion
LGBTQIAA2S

5 Does the book reflect various family units? X

Single parent
Biological parents and step parents
Adoptive families
Same sex parents
Extended family caregivers (aunts/uncles/grandparents)

6 Is the book is void of gender and sexual orientation stereotypes? X

Male (ex. tough, leader, smart)
Female (ex. timid, weak, small)
LGBTQIAA2S

7 Is the book is void of racial and ethnic stereotypes? X

African American/Blacks (ex. Athletic, criminals, men are
violent/angry, lazy, parents are strict, ghetto)
Asian American Pacific Islands (ex. good at math,
hardworking, model minority, earn higher than average
income)
American Indian/Native American (ex. Alcoholics, casino
rich, live off the government, promiscuous, prone to
violence)
Latinx/Hispanic (ex. illegal immigrants, domestic workers,
gang members)
European American/ Caucasian/ White (uneducated
rednecks, dumb blonde, children are disrespectful/spoiled,
racist)
Religion (ex. All Muslims are terrorists, Jewish people are
cheap, Jehovahs witnesses are pushing/annoying,
Catholics are prudes)

8 Is the book void of abilities/disabilities/exceptionalities stereotypes X

(ex. Weak, need saving/help)?

9 Is the book Bilingual? X

10 Does the book avoid tokenism (includes various races and X

differences in skin tone, body shape, etc. from those races)?

11 Are lifestyles (family units, neighborhoods, gender, etc.) depicted in X

an accurate and diverse way?

12 Are feelings of self-image positively impacted? X

 Is the book free of feelings of inferiority/superiority?

13 Does the book exclude offensive language (ex. Racial slurs)? X

Comments:
Even though majority of the characters in this book are of Chinese descent, the characters
tend to have unique facial features and different body structures. The book also includes
traditional Chinese words associated with the Chinese New Year and some phrases in
Chinese. In addition, the story incorporates important symbols to the Chinese culture (lucky
dollars, dragon, gold, etc.). Finally, the a main character, Sam, makes the generous decision
to give his money to someone less fortunate than he is, rather than buying for himself.

Title: The Year of the Dog- Tales from the Chinese Zodiac

Author: Oliver Chin

Illustrator: Miah Alcorn

ISBN: 1-59702-002-8

Summary:
Daniel, a puppy born on New Years Day, explores
the world with Lin, the little girl who lives next door.
Daniel learns how to be a best friend as he and Lin
share fun-filled surprises and adventures. Always
being a good dog takes a lot of work, but with
practice Daniel can prove his loyalty and
dependability to Lin through helping her when she
needs him most.

Question Yes No N/A

1 Are various groups represented? X

African American/Blacks
Asian American Pacific Islands
American Indian/Native American
Latinx/Hispanic
European American/ Caucasian/ White
Religion
LGBTQIAA2S

2 Does the book depict characters of different genders? X

Male
Female

3 Does the book depict characters of different sexual orientation? X

 LGBTQIAA2S

4 Are various HUGs groups represented in positive and active roles? X

African American/Blacks
Asian American Pacific Islands
American Indian/Native American
Latinx/Hispanic
Religion
LGBTQIAA2S

5 Does the book reflect various family units? X

Single parent
Biological parents and step parents
Adoptive families
Same sex parents
Extended family caregivers (aunts/uncles/grandparents)

6 Is the book is void of gender and sexual orientation stereotypes? X

Male (ex. tough, leader, smart)
Female (ex. timid, weak, small)
LGBTQIAA2S

7 Is the book is void of racial and ethnic stereotypes? X

African American/Blacks (ex. Athletic, criminals, men are
violent/angry, lazy, parents are strict, ghetto)
Asian American Pacific Islands (ex. good at math,
hardworking, model minority, earn higher than average
income)
American Indian/Native American (ex. Alcoholics, casino
rich, live off the government, promiscuous, prone to
violence)
Latinx/Hispanic (ex. illegal immigrants, domestic workers,
gang members)
European American/ Caucasian/ White (uneducated
rednecks, dumb blonde, children are disrespectful/spoiled,
racist)
Religion (ex. All Muslims are terrorists, Jewish people are
cheap, Jehovahs witnesses are pushing/annoying,
Catholics are prudes)

8 Is the book void of abilities/disabilities/exceptionalities stereotypes X

(ex. Weak, need saving/help)?

9 Is the book Bilingual? X

10 Does the book avoid tokenism (includes various races and X

differences in skin tone, body shape, etc. from those races)?
 11 Are lifestyles (family units, neighborhoods, gender, etc.) depicted in X
an accurate and diverse way?

12 Are feelings of self-image positively impacted? X

Is the book free of feelings of inferiority/superiority?

13 Does the book exclude offensive language (ex. Racial slurs)? X

Comments:
Both family units depicted in this book consist of a mom and a dad. All characters are
depicted as straight. Pink is associated with all the female characters and blue is associated
with all the male characters.
Lin, the main female character, does not conform to typical gender stereotypes. She is
adventurous and outgoing. However, she is given white facial features even though she has a
Chinese name and she is part of a Chinese-American Family.
I do not think I would recommend this book unless the class is specifically discussing the
Chinese New Year because it does a good job discussion the 12 year cycle and the animals
associated with the years.

Title: The Lotus Seed

Author: Sherry Garland

Illustrator: Tatsuro Kiuchi

ISBN: 0-15-249465-0

Summary:
After being forced to flee Vietnam in order to escape the civil
war, Sherry and her family must adjust to life as refugees in
a new, unfamiliar country. They struggle to find a balance
between adapting to the new ways of life of their new home
and maintaining their cultural heritage of their beloved
home. When facing dangers, both at home and in the new
country, grandmother kept a lotus seed with her always to
serve as a sign of hope and good luck. But one day, the seed is stolen and planted somewhere
in the garden. Without the lucky seed, what will the family do?

Question Yes No N/A

1 Are various groups represented? X

 African American/Blacks
Asian American Pacific Islands
American Indian/Native American
Latinx/Hispanic
European American/ Caucasian/ White
Religion
LGBTQIAA2S

2 Does the book depict characters of different genders? X

Male
Female

3 Does the books depict characters of different sexual orientations? X

LGBTQIAA2S

4 Are various HUGs groups represented in positive and active roles? X

African American/Blacks
Asian American Pacific Islands
American Indian/Native American
Latinx/Hispanic
Religion
LGBTQIAA2S

5 Does the book reflect various family units? X

Single parent
Biological parents and step parents
Adoptive families
Same sex parents
Extended family caregivers (aunts/uncles/grandparents)

6 Is the book is void of gender and sexual orientation stereotypes? X

Male (ex. tough, leader, smart)
Female (ex. timid, weak, small)
LGBTQIAA2S

7 Is the book is void of racial and ethnic stereotypes? X

African American/Blacks (ex. Athletic, criminals, men are
violent/angry, lazy, parents are strict, ghetto)
Asian American Pacific Islands (ex. good at math,
hardworking, model minority, earn higher than average
income)
American Indian/Native American (ex. Alcoholics, casino
rich, live off the government, promiscuous, prone to
violence)
Latinx/Hispanic (ex. illegal immigrants, domestic workers,
gang members)
European American/ Caucasian/ White (uneducated
rednecks, dumb blonde, children are disrespectful/spoiled,
 racist)
Religion (ex. All Muslims are terrorists, Jewish people are
cheap, Jehovahs witnesses are pushing/annoying,
Catholics are prudes)

8 Is the book void of abilities/disabilities/exceptionalities stereotypes X

(ex. Weak, need saving/help)?

9 Is the book Bilingual? X

10 Does the book avoid tokenism (includes various races and X

differences in skin tone, body shape, etc. from those races)?

11 Are lifestyles (family units, neighborhoods, gender, etc.) depicted in X

an accurate and diverse way?

12 Are feelings of self-image positively impacted? X

Is the book free of feelings of inferiority/superiority?

13 Does the book exclude offensive language (ex. Racial slurs)? X

Comments:
This book tells the true story of Sherrys, the author, grandmother coming to the United States
with her children. This book does a great job of telling a tale of civil war in a way that young
children can understand but not become overwhelmed. In addition, this book includes an
extended family living together (grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.). The
extended family struggle to adjust to their new lives in a new country, but lean on one
another. They also cling to their cultural heritage for hope.