Melena's Jubilee
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- $18.99
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- $18.99
Publisher Description
Named to Bank Street College of Education’s prestigious 2016 Best Children’s Books of the Year with a star for outstanding merit.
Named to Bayviews Outstanding List (online journal for the Association of Children's Librarians of Northern California (ACL))
2017 Skipping Stones Honor Book
After being sent to bed early the previous night, Melena wakes up to a new day with a song in her heart.
At breakfast she learns she has been given a “fresh start,” and she decides to celebrate by doing things differently for the rest of the day. Melena chooses not to fight with her brother, and shares the money she has rather than demanding to be repaid by a less fortunate friend. This story introduces children to the concept of jubilee, which stresses the important principles of debt relief, generosity, and forgiveness. Aaron Boyd’s mixed-media illustrations are as bright and vivid as a sun-washed day.
Fountas & Pinnell Level M
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Elliott (Bird) weaves a contemplative and thought-provoking story of new beginnings as a brown-skinned girl named Melena wakes up "with a song in my heart." Yesterday, Melena didn't make her bed, and stray toys on the floor led to her mother's favorite vase being broken. This morning, all is forgiven: "I never let the sun go down on my anger," Gramma tells Melena. Throughout the day, Melena makes conscious choices to act with kindness, generosity, and compassion, letting her brother watch TV in peace (even though he "whacked me over the head with his tennis racket" the previous week) and pooling ice cream money among friends to share a sundae. Befitting the sense of grace that Melena clings to, Boyd's (Luigi and the Barefoot Races) vibrant mixed-media images evoke the heft and poise of stained glass windows, whether showing Melena and her elders picking garden vegetables or the girl and her friends perched on the jungle gym, gazing at swirling clouds. An extensive author's note delves into the historical concept of jubilee and ties the book's messages to grassroots activism, social justice, and community self-improvement. Ages 4 10.
