Imagination & Immigration by Brenda Halliday, Canadian children’s book news, winter 2008

Interview with Paul yee: Shu-Li and Tamara by Stephen Ullstrom and Aaron Si, Translated by Joanna Li

Gr 2–4—In this simple, satisfying chapter book, fourth-grader Shu-Li, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, is adjusting to her life in Vancouver. She helps in her parents' restaurant and is embarrassed when her mother speaks English incorrectly in front of the popular girls from school. Shu-Li finally feels as if she's found the friend she's been waiting for when Tamara joins the class and the girls work on a project together. Then money disappears from the classroom and a rumor spreads that Tamara is the thief, leaving Shu-Li to decide whom she believes. Black-and-white pencil illustrations display a multicultural cast. Though Canadian elements might be slightly confusing for American children, this friendship book has an amiable tone, readable dialogue, and a believable plot that addresses the difficulty of fitting into a new community. - School Library Journal September 01, 2008

Gr 2–4—In this simple, satisfying chapter book, fourth-grader Shu-Li, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, is adjusting to her life in Vancouver. She helps in her parents' restaurant and is embarrassed when her mother speaks English incorrectly in front of the popular girls from school. Shu-Li finally feels as if she's found the friend she's been waiting for when Tamara joins the class and the girls work on a project together. Then money disappears from the classroom and a rumor spreads that Tamara is the thief, leaving Shu-Li to decide whom she believes. Black-and-white pencil illustrations display a multicultural cast. Though Canadian elements might be slightly confusing for American children, this friendship book has an amiable tone, readable dialogue, and a believable plot that addresses the difficulty of fitting into a new community.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

The topic of friendship has historically been a popular topic in children's literature because of its appeal to children and its pertinence to their daily lives. In the process of growing up, children interact with people from a variety of backgrounds. Books that focus on friendship can be potentially didactic, particularly when a positive "message" about friendship is conveyed at the expense of creating an engaging story for readers. However, stories written effectively about this topic can encourage a particular vision of how people can live and relate positively with others who come from different backgrounds. Children's books that deal with cross-cultural friendships are increasingly relevant today because of Canada's growing ethnic and cultural diversity.
more at CM, Volume XIV Number 8, December 7, 2007