Japan
The Friends
By Kazumi Yumoto, Cathy Hirano (Translator)
The Friends. Kazumi Yumoto. Translated by Cathy Hirano. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 1996. Originally published as 夏の庭 (Natsu no niwa) in Japanese by Fukutake Publishing Co., Ltd., in 1992. ISBN 9780374324605. 176 p. (Ages 10-14). Fiction.
From the publisher: “In this award-winning book from Japan, three young boys curious about death learn--and teach--some valuable lessons about life and friendship.” Winner of the 1997 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction; ALA Notable Children's Book; 1997 Batchelder Award winner. [all]
Kiki's Delivery Service
By Eiko Kadono, Emily Balistrieri (Translator), Yuta Onoda (Illustrator)
Kiki’s Delivery Service. Eiko Kadono. Translated by Emily Balistrieri. Illustrations by Yuta Onoda. Delacorte Press, 2020. Originally published as 魔女の宅急便 (Majyo no Takkyubin) in Japanese by Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc., in Tokyo, in 1985. Kiki’s Delivery Service was originally published in English in 2003; this is a new translation. ISBN 9781984896667. 208 p. (Ages 8-12). Fiction.
From the publisher: “Thirteen-year-old half-witch Kiki travels to the town of Koriko, where she makes new friends, overcomes challenges, and shares her magic with her community to make the world a brighter place.” The book inspired the Hayao Miyazaki film by the same name. A Junior Library Guild selection. The author Eiko Kadono won the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2018. [all]
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
By Nahoko Uehashi, Cathy Hirano (Translator), Yuko Shimizu (Illustrator)
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit. Nahoko Uehashi. Translated by Cathy Hirano. Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu. Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008. Originally published as 精霊の守り人 (Seirei no moribito) in Japanese by Kaisei-Sha Publishing Co., Ltd., in Tokyo, in 1996. ISBN 9780545005425. 272 p. (Ages 10-14). Fiction.
From the publisher: “Balsa was a wanderer and warrior for hire. Then she rescued a boy flung into a raging river -- and at that moment, her destiny changed. Now Balsa must protect the boy on his quest to deliver the great egg of the water spirit to its source in the sea.” Winner of 2009 Batchelder Award and selected for the 2009 ALSC Notable Children’s Book List. The sequel, Moribito II: Guardian of the Darkness won a 2010 Batchelder Honor. Author won the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2014. [all]
Night on the Milky Way Train (and nine other stories)
By Kenji Miyazawa, Roger Pulvers (Translator)
Night on the Milky Way Train (and nine other stories). Kenji Miyazawa. Translated by Roger Pulvers. Balestier Press, 2020. Originally published as 銀河鉄道の夜, in Japanese. Night on the Milky Way Train was first published in 1934. ISBN 9781911221852. 186 p. (Ages 10 and up). Fiction.
From the publisher: “This amazing story of two boys who find themselves on a miraculous train running through the heavens, has entranced Japanese readers for many years. What happens to the boys is a tale of both immense sorrow and equally immense hope.” “Night on the Milky Way Train” is widely considered a Japanese children’s classic, and the author has been compared to Lewis Carroll, Hans Christian Andersen, and the Brothers Grimm. Translator is the recipient of the 2008 Miyazawa Kenji Prize. [all]
Shuna's Journey
By Hayao Miyazaki, Alex Dudok de Wit (Translator), Hidao Miyazaki (Illustrator)
Shuna’s Journey. Hayao Miyazaki. Translated by Alex Dudok de Wit. Illustrated by Hidao Miyazaki. First Second, 2022. Originally published as シュナの旅 (Shuna no tabi) in Japanese by Tokuma Shoten Co., Ltd., in Tokyo, in 1983. ISBN 9781250846525. 160 p. (Ages 12 and up). Graphic Novel.
From the publisher: “Shuna, the prince of a poor land, watches in despair as his people work themselves to death harvesting the little grain that grows there. And so, when a traveler presents him with a sample of seeds from a mysterious western land, he sets out to find the source of the golden grain, dreaming of a better life for his subjects.” Winner of the 2023 Eisner Award and a Junior Library Guild selection. Author co-founded animation company Studio Ghibli. Award-winning movies include Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and The Wind Also Rises. This was an early work for Miyazaki, appearing in English for the first time since it was published more than 40 years ago. It is an early indication of Miyazaki’s artwork style, and foreshadows many themes later explored in his films. For programming suggestions, see Teaching Books page from USBBY.[all]
Temple Alley Summer
By Sachiko Kashiwaba, Avery Fischer Udagawa (Translator), Miho Satake (Illustrator)
Temple Alley Summer. Sachiko Kashiwaba. Translated by Avery Fischer Udagawa. Illustrations by Miho Satake. Yonder: Restless Books, 2021. Originally published as 帰命寺横丁の夏 (Kimyōji Yokochō no Natsu) in Japanese by Kodansha, Ltd., in Tokyo, in 2011. ISBN 9781632063038. 240 p. (Ages 8-13). Novel.
From the publisher: “From renowned Japanese children’s author Sachiko Kashiwaba, Temple Alley Summer is a fantastical and mysterious adventure featuring the living dead, a magical pearl, and a suspiciously nosy black cat named Kiriko.” Winner of the 2022 Batchelder Award, 2022 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, and a Junior Library Guild Selection. Author’s other work includes the book The Marvelous Village Veiled in Mist, which was the inspiration for Studio Ghibli’s film Spirited Away, one of the most awarded animations of all time. A new translation will be available from late 2023. [all]
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe
By Megumi Iwasa, Cathy Hirano (Translator), Jun Takabatake (Illustrator)
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe. Megumi Iwasa. Translated by Cathy Hirano. Illustrated by Jun Takabatake. Gecko Press USA, 2017. Originally published as ぼくはアフリカにすむキリンといいます (Boku wa Africa ni Sumu Kirin to Iimasu) in Japanese by Kaisei-sha Publishing Co., Ltd., in Tokyo, in 2001. ISBN 9781927271889. 104 p. (Ages 7-10). Fiction.
A bored giraffe decides to write a letter and see who answers. Penguin becomes his pen pal and a charming friendship develops as they get to know each other. Winner of 2018 German Children's Literature Award and a 2017 NYPL Top 10 book. [all]
Africa South of the Sahara
Ghana
The Kaya Girl
By Mamle Wolo, Sasha Illingworth (Illustrator)
The Kaya Girl. Mamle Wolo. Illustrated by Sasha Illingworth. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2022. Originally published by Techmate Publishers Ltd., in Ghana, in 2012 and then by Nsona Books in 2018. ISBN 9780316703932. 336 p. (Ages 9 and up). Fiction.
A rags-to-riches tale about Faiza, a Muslim migrant girl from northern Ghana, and Abena, a wealthy doctor’s daughter from the south. The two meet by chance in Accra, where Faiza works as a porter or kaya girl and develop a deep friendship that transcends social barriers. A 2022 Kirkus Best Children's Book, a 2023 Children's Africana Book Award Honor, and a Bank St. College Best Books selection. [gd]
South Africa
A Good Day for Climbing Trees
By Jaco Jacobs, Kobus Geldenhuys (Translator), Jim Tierney (Illustrator)
A Good Day for Climbing Trees. Jaco Jacobs. Translated by Kobus Geldenhuys. Illustrated by Jim Tierney. Rock the Boat, 2018. Originally published as ‘n Goeie dag vir boomklim in Afrikaans by Lapa, in South Africa, in 2015. ISBN 9781786073174. 160 p. (Ages 8-12). Fiction.
Marnus lives in the shadow of his two brothers until he meets a girl with a petition. Joining forces with Leila, the two inspire their town by fighting to save a tree. Nominated for the 2019 CILIP Carnegie Medal and selected one of the Spectator Best Books of the Year. [gd]
Here Comes Lolo
By Niki Daly
Here Comes Lolo. Niki Daly. Catalyst Press, 2020. Originally published by Otter-Barry Books, in Great Britain, in 2019. ISBN 9781946395337. 78 p. (Ages 4-9). Fiction.
Lolo is a little girl living with her mother and grandmother in South Africa. The first in a series of three books, Here Comes Lolo is composed of three stories that recount her hilarious adventures in getting a gold star at school, finding a missing ring, and rescuing a dog. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection and nominated for the Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award. In this video Author Niki Daly Reads a story from Here Comes Lolo. Also check out Here Comes Lolo Teaching Guides from Catalyst Press. [gd]
Small Mercies
By Bridget Krone, Karen Vermeulen (Illustrator)
Small Mercies. Bridget Krone. Illustrated by Karen Vermeulen. Catalyst Press, 2020. Subsequently published by Walker Books, London, in 2020. ISBN: 9781946395160. 162 p. (Ages 8-12). Fiction.
Mercy lives with her two elderly foster aunts in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in a house that is falling apart at the seams and being eyed by a developer. After one of her classmates frames her for stealing the school’s raffle money, she meets Mr. Singh, who teaches her about how Gandhi stood up for what he believed in and how she needs to do the same. A 2022 Skipping Stones Honor Award recipient, a 2021 USBBY Outstanding International Books List title, and named a Best Middle-Grade Book of 2020 by Kirkus Reviews. [gd]
India
Maithili and the Minotaur: Web of Woe
By C.G. Salamander, Rajiv Eipe (Illustrator)
Maithili and the Minotaur: Web of Woe. C. G. Salamander. Illustrated by Rajiv Eipe. Puffin Books, 2021. ISBN 9780143455189. 64 p. (Ages 10 and up). Graphic Novel.
Maithili, an outcast in the human world, befriends monsters and goes on a journey of outlandish adventures with her friends. This book is one in the Outlandish Graphic Novel Series and is perfect for readers who love stories about monsters and adventures. Would pair with Natsume’s Book of Friends by Yuki Midorikawa and the Hilda series by Luke Pearson. The author is based in Chennai, India, and is a writer and comic journalist. Salamander loves to write in horror, humor, and fantasy genres. Here is an interview with the author. [mi]
Nimmi's Spectabulous Schooldays
By Shabnam Minwalla
Nimmi’s Spectabulous Schooldays. Shabnam Minwalla. Talking Cub, 2018. First published in New Delhi, India. ISBN 9789387693777. 160 p. (Ages 8-12). Fiction.
Eleven-year-old Nimmi Daruwala is just starting sixth grade and nothing seems to be going right. Part of the Nimmi series, this is a hilarious story about Nimmi and her misadventures with her friends. Would pair with the Lola Levine series by Monica Brown and the Malory Towers series by Enid Blyton. The author is a journalist and children’s book writer. She was the former Senior Assistant Editor of the Times of India newspaper in Mumbai. Here is a review of the book. [mi]
Savi and the Memory Keeper
By Bijal Vachharajani
Savi and the Memory Keeper. Bijal Vachharajani. Hachette India Children’s Books, 2021. First published in India. Also available in a US edition from Blackstone Publishing, Oregon, 2023. ISBN 9789391028015. 242 p. (Ages 10 and up). Fiction.
Savi has recently lost her father and has to move to a new city because of pollution. She finds an ally in a ficus tree in her school, who tells her stories. A story about personal grief layered with issues about climate change, Savi and the Memory Keeper asks its readers to view the natural world through a different lens. Would pair with A Snake Falls to Earth by Darci Little Badger. The author is based in Bengaluru, Karnataka region of India. She is the senior editor at Pratham Books and has a Masters in Environment Security and Peace from the University of Peace in Costa Rica. Vachharajani is part of the Nalada Abhiyan Library Campaign, a movement to set up community libraries across India. She has written multiple planet friendly books. The book has won the AutHer Award (2023) and the Green Lit Fest-WWF Honor List (2022). Here is a short interview with the author. [mi]
China & Taiwan
China
My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder
By Nie Jun, Edward Gauvin (Translator)
My Beijing: Four Stories of Everyday Wonder. Nie Jun. Translated from French and Chinese by Edward Gauvin. Graphic Universe, 2018. First published as Les contes de la ruelle in French, in 2016. ISBN 9781541526426., 128 p. (Ages 7-11). Fiction.
A delightful set of four linked stories, told as a graphic novel, of a child and her grandfather living in a Beijing hutong—a neighborhood of narrow alleys and communal dwellings. It showcases the creativity and resilience of the residents, who though they may lack space and material goods, abound in humor and imagination. A 2019 Batchelder honor book, it was translated by Edward Gauvin from the French translation while consulting the Chinese original. [dj]
White Fox
By Chen Jiatong, Jennifer Feeley (Translator), Viola Wong (Illustrator)
White Fox. Chen Jiatong. Translated by Jennifer Feeley. Illustrated by Viola Wong. Chicken House, 2019. First published by People’s Literature Publishing House, in China, in 2014. ISBN 9781912626083. 288 p. (Ages 8-12.) Fiction.
This is the first of two volumes to be translated of the best-selling Chinese middle-grade White Fox fantasy series to appear in English. It is the story of an orphaned arctic white fox who wants to become human, and searches for a magical moonstone that will give him that power. Translator Jennifer Feeley is winner of the 2017 Lucien Stryk Asian Translation Prize and a 2019 National Endowment for the Arts translation fellowship. [dj]
The Middle East & North Africa
Israel
Adam & Thomas
By Aharon Appelfeld, Jeffrey M. Green (Translator), Philippe Dumas (Illustrator)
Adam & Thomas. Aharon Appelfeld. Translated by Jeffrey M. Green. Illustrated by Philippe Dumas. Seven Stories Press, 2015. Originally published as Yalda Shelo Minhaolam Hazé (A Girl from Another World) in Hebrew by Kinneret Zmora-Bitan Dvir, in Modi’in, Israel, in 2013. ISBN 9781609806347. 149 p. (Ages 10 and up). Fiction.
It’s World War II in Poland, and the Jews have been rounded up to live in a ghetto. Adam and Thomas, two nine-year-olds, have been brought separately to the forest by their mothers to hide for the day. The boys find one another and join forces to survive for months, since neither mother returns that day. Adam “knows this forest and everything that’s in it” and Thomas is a great reader who does well in school. They survive by learning from each other and working together; benefiting from the kindness of others; and, in turn, helping others as they can. Master artist Philippe Dumas evokes the changing moods of the boys and the forest in sensitive ink-and-wash illustrations. More of a meditation on how to be in the world than a straightforward account of survival, the narrative raises philosophical questions of faith and more through the boys’ conversations. [ayg]
Palestine
Thunderbird: Book One
By Sonia Nimir, M. Lynx Qualey (Translator)
Thunderbird: Book One. Sonia Nimir. Translated by M. Lynx Qualey. University of Texas Press, 2022. Originally published as طائر الرع in Arabic by Tamer Institute, in Jerusalem, in 2016. ISBN 1477325816. 128 p. (Ages 10-13). Fiction.
Destiny has called for Noor, a 13-year-old Palestinian orphan, to fulfill a prophecy and keep the human and djinn worlds from colliding. Sent to collect four magical feathers, her quest takes her across time and to encounters with a feline djinn and powerful doppelganger versions of herself. Bringing together Ottoman, Mamluk and Ayyubid-era Palestine, this fast-paced fantasy is the first of a three-part trilogy. [ea]
Lebanon
Ghady & Rawan
By Fatimma Sharafeddine and Samar Mahfouz Barraj, Sawad Hussain and M. Lynx Qualey (Translators)
Ghady & Rawan. Fatima Sharafeddine and Samar Mahfouz Barraj. Translated by Sawad Hussain and M. Lynx Qualey. University of Texas Press, 2019. Originally published as غدي وروان in Arabic by دار الساقي in Beirut, in 2013. ISBN 1477318526. 134 p. (Ages 12-14). Fiction.
Two Lebanese eighth graders, Ghady and Rawan exchange emails to maintain their friendship during the school year when Ghady lives in Belgium. Ghady writes about his homesickness and social struggles and Rawan writes about her sometimes-difficult relationship with her family. They lean on each other to shoulder the burdens of life in both societies and celebrate one another’s successes. Bridges middle grade and YA, as subject matter leans older than writing style, including discussion of racism, xenophobia, bullying and cannabis. [ea]
Jordan
The Little Green Drum
By Taghrīd ʻĀrif Najjār, Lucy Coats (Adapted by), Hassan Manasrah (Illustrator)
The Little Green Drum (Early Reader). Taghrīd ʻĀrif Najjār. Adapted by Lucy Coats. Illustrated by Hassan Manasrah. Orion Children’s Books, 2015. Originally published as ما المانع in Arabic by Al Salwa Publishers, in Amman, in 2013. ISBN 1444014358. 73 p. (Ages 6-9). Early chapter book.
This year young Samia must take over for her father in waking up the village for suhoor (breakfast) before their daily Ramadan fast. Braving her father’s worries and the dangers of the pre-dawn night, Samia ends up bringing the children of the town together in a Ramadan celebration. Shortlisted for the Etisalat Award for Children's Literature, this book is a good option for children looking to get excited about Ramadan or to learn about something new. The book does include musical scenes, which some Muslims may object to. Coats worked with the author to retell her story in English. Najjār has written a large number of well received and acclaimed books translated from Arabic to English including The Ghoul and Watermelon Madness. [ea]
Iran
A Sweet Jam
By Hūshang Murādī Kirmānī, Caroline Croskery (Translator)
A Sweet Jam. Hūshang Murādī Kirmānī. Translated by Caroline Croskery. CreateSpace, 2015. Originally published as مرباى شيرين in Farsi in 1998/1999 by Muʻīn in Tehran. ISBN 1507886241. 158 p. (Ages 9-12). Fiction.
A stuck jam jar sends 12-year-old Jalal to his teachers, neighbors, family, and anyone else who can help. Jalal’s mission to eat his breakfast contains a story of courage, persistence, and community. Well known within Iran, Kermani’s work has been widely translated and regularly wins international book awards. [ea]
Syria
Wild Poppies
By Haya Saleh
Wild Poppies. Haya Saleh. Translated by M. Lynx Qualey. Levine Querido, 2023. Originally published as شقائق النعمان in Arabic by Dar al-Yasmine in Amman. ISBN 9781646142019. 178 p. (Ages 10-14). Fiction.
Oscar works to keep his family intact after their displacement during the Syrian war and the death of his father. He faces a new challenge when his younger brother becomes a child soldier. Heavy themes are delivered in a way appropriate for a mature young audience. The Arabic version was the 2020 Winner of the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature in the YA category and was featured in an appeal by ArabLit Quarterly to translate the book into English. [ea]
Latin America
Argentina
Jungle Tales
By Horacio Quiroga, Jeff Zorrilla (Translator), Bert van Wijk (Illustrator)
Jungle Tales. Horacio Quiroga. Translated by Jeff Zorrilla. Illustrated by Bert van Wijk. Brigham Distributing, 2013, c2012. Originally published as Cuentos de la Selva in Spanish, in Argentina, in 1918. ISBN 9780615708072. 87 p. (Ages 9-11). Fiction.
There are many translations of this classic collection of eight short stories well known to schoolchildren in Argentina: this one, a large-format paperback, marries an engaging tone with bright, stylized artwork by Dutch illustrator Bert van Wijk. The stories revolve around human-animal and animal-animal alliances and incursions. There is an original pourquoi story about how the flamingos got their red legs. And a story of great heroism and self-sacrifice in which a giant tortoise walks hundreds of kilometers to carry his sick friend, a man, from the jungle to safety in Buenos Aires. The illustrated glossary of jungle animals is an especially nice touch. [ayg]
Written and Drawn by Henrietta
By Ricardo Liniers
Written and Drawn by Henrietta. Ricardo Liniers. Translated by the author. TOON Books, 2015. Also available in Spanish as Escrito y dibujado por Enriqueta. ISBN 9781935179900. 64 p. (Ages 5-7). Early chapter book.
Armed with new colored pencils and her wild imagination, Henrietta writes a book. Cartoonist Liniers is famous for his daily comic strip, Macanudo, published in the Argentine newspaper, La Nación. He is the recipient of many awards and honors, including a Batchelder Honor for Written and Drawn by Henrietta. For more of his notable books, see this list. [jm]
Brazil
My Sweet Orange Tree
By José Mauro de Vasconcelos, Alison Entrekin (Translator)
My Sweet Orange Tree. José Mauro de Vasconcelos. Translated by Alison Entrekin. Candlewick, 2019. Originally published as O Meu Pé de Laranja Lima in Portuguese by Editora Melhoramentos, in Brazil, in 1968. ISBN 9781536203288. 272 p. (Ages 12 and up). Fiction.
A Brazilian classic that has never been out of print, My Sweet Orange Tree features a precocious but naughty five year old whose hard-scrabble family beats him severely when he gets into trouble. Through his mischief-making he finally meets someone who shows him what it means to truly care for somebody. Though this book is commonly taught at the elementary school level in Brazil, it has been categorized as young adult in the United States because of its dark themes including poverty, violence, and death. A 2012 film adaptation won the 2014 Cinema Brazil Grand Prize in the children’s film category. [dj]
Venezuela
Different: A Story of the Spanish Civil War
By Mónica Montañés, Lawrence Schimel, Eva Sánchez Gómez (Illustrator)
Different: A Story of the Spanish Civil War. Mónica Montañés. Translated by Lawrence Schimel. Illustrated by Eva Sánchez Gómez. Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2022. Originally published as Los distintos by Ediciones Ekaré in Barcelona, Spain, in 2020. ISBN 9780802855985. 88 p. (Ages 9-14). Fiction.
Seven-year-old Socorro and nine-year-old Paco live in the aftermath of the civil war that raged across Spain between 1936-1939. Francisco Franco's persecution of anyone who once opposed him has caused their father to flee the country. Paco, Socorro, and their mother must "keep their heads down" until a letter comes from their father containing hope that they may soon reunite as a family in Venezuela. Appendices at the back of the book provide historical context. A Batchelder Honor Book and a USBBY Outstanding International Books selection. [jm]