Global Reads

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Girl in Translation, by Jean Kwok, is an exceptional global read. This story is about a mom and daughter who move from Hong Kong to NYC, courtesy of an aunt who currently owns a sweat factory in New York's Chinatown. Eleven year old Kimberly becomes a student by day and a sweatshop worker at night. This story builds upon the themes of immigration, adolescence, race, education, and family. It makes readers aware of what immigration is like for students who do not know English and are unaware, at first, of the U.S. culture. It also helps students from other countries who come to live here, identify and work through their overwhelming issues. In essence, global reads add to the reader's greater global awareness, a skill necessary for the 21st century. This book is recommended for middle school and high school. I would love to see more global reads promoted on this site.