This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of the airlift that eventually brought 14,000 unaccompanied children from Cuba to this country. While Miami celebrates with a Conference and Fiesta, you can read the fictional story, based on the author's own experiences, of 3 brothers who were evacuated from Cuba in 1961. History comes alive through dazzling use of visual imagery and humor, which ranges from light to dark. For younger readers, Kiki: a Cuban Boy's Adventures in America, tells the story of an 8 year old "Pedro Pan" who encounters his first American puzzle, the automatic door; meets new animals, such as the raccoon; and is frightened by a ghost on what he later learns is Halloween.

Here's a link to the Official National Charitable organization founded in 1991 by the former unaccompanied Cuban children. It was created to fulfill the Pledge of Thanksgiving given in 1990, "in which we honor the sacrifice of our parents and this noble nation that welcomed us, and the person that made it all possible, Monsignor Bryan O. Walsh. We felt it was our duty to pay back the kindness by helping today's needy children...."

Latino Fam

The excitement will be Sunday October 9th at the downtown library of AADL, as we unite with The U of M Comprehensive Cancer Center to bring Dia de la Familia. This event is aimed at raising awareness of cancer & other health issues among Latinos.This informational activity - which takes place during National Hispanic Heritage Month - will include health screenings; information from local community agencies & organizations that serve Hispanics and Latinos. There will also be fun crafts & activities for children as well as refreshments and entertainment for all! Join us Sunday from 1:00-4:00 pm!

by neokainpak, Flickr.com

"Multicultural literacy" means an understanding of the similarities and differences between cultures, along with the understanding that one's values, customs and beliefs are influenced by one's own culture. The U. S. has been a multicultural nation since its birth. With cultural and ethnic diversity projected to rise over the next 50 years, and technology and business increasingly connecting the U. S. to other countries, now is the time for young people to become culturally literate!

Fortunately, reading can be a great way to explore the world through the eyes of people who are very different from you. Here are some suggestions for multicultural reading:

1. Read books in other languages (if you can!) -- check out our World Language collection. Of course, if you don't already speak another language, you can learn one!

2. Read books about other countries.

3. Read folktales from other cultures -- you can learn a lot about another culture from their folklore. And folktales are fun to read!

4. Read about America's immigrants -- Try the World Book of America's Multicultural Heritage to learn the long history and contributions of immigrants in America.

Multicultural books for young readers:
Check out "Books With a View", a list of books for children and young adults featuring characters from around the world.
Across Cultures: A Guide to Multicultural Literature for Children
Breaking Boundaries With Global Literature
Crossing Boundaries With Children's Books
The New Press Guide to Multicultural Resources for Young Readers
The World Through Children's Books

Multicultural Resources for Parents:
Multicultural Manners
A Parents' and Teachers' Guide to Bilingualism
Raising the Rainbow Generation

Last night I had the opportunity to hear Danilo Perez and his six band members play at the Hill Auditorium. And this Grammy award winning jazz performer certainly did not disappoint with a tribute to his mentor, Dizzy Gillespie. If you can't make it to their Chicago concert in late May, checkout AADL's copy of his award winning CD, 'Motherland,' and his work with the Wayne Shorter Quartet.

Moyocoyani

The Ballet Folklorico Moyocoyani Izel will perform at the Downtown Library on Sunday, November 1, 2009 from 2:00-2:45pm in celebration of Day of the Dead. The exciting dances and authentic costumes will be a thrill to see! The performance is in celebration of The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos), a holiday that commemorates the wonderful memories of our lost loved ones. The holiday is often observed with bright colors, memorial displays for those we have lost, and yummy confections. Similar holidays are celebrated throughout the world.

SPECIAL NOTE: DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND - AN ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE FOR THIS EVENT HAS BEEN ADDED AND WILL OCCUR FROM 3:30 - 4:15 PM ON SUNDAY.

Today, May 5 is also known as Cinco de Mayo, the holiday commemorating the victory of the Mexican army over the French in the town of Puebla, Mexico on May 5, 1862. The day is celebrated mainly in the town of Puebla and in many places in the U.S., especially cities with significant Latino populations. People participate in parades, eat indigenous foods and dress in traditional Mexican clothes. The day is often confused with Mexico's day of independence which is September 16.

To celebrate in Ann Arbor, head to the Firefly Club where a dj will spin Salsa music and you can indulge at the taco bar. Festivities begin at 9 p.m. Or check out books and cds from our collection and whip up your own Mexican specialties to the tune of your favorite Latin music.

Science experiments mulit-cultural

Join us on Tuesday, November 25 at 6:30 pm for this hands-on science workshop. Learn some science experiments and watch some cool demos based on traditional and new concepts in science and engineering. All kids (by age or at heart) are welcome! It's a night guaranteed to make you want to be a scientist or engineer. Presented by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and Proyecto Avance: Latino Mentoring Association (PALMA) from the University of Michigan.

skull

The Day after we celebrate Halloween, Join AADL for El Día De Los Muertos or Day of the Dead. We'll watch a folk dance performance and make crafty skulls & skeletons. See you there Saturday from 1-2:30. There's libros y libros on the subject in our collection. Come see! Teens, families and adults are welcome!

Latinos

Come to this free and exciting event Sunday October 12 from 1-5 at WCC's Morris Lawrence Building! Listen to mariachi & see the Detroit Tigers' mascot PAWS! There will be dance performances and a short film that focuses on health issues in recent Latino immigrants with a discussion after. The day will also include health screenings, workshops, community resource tables, refreshments, children's games and door prizes. Todos Viene!