International Literature for Children

It is very important for children to read books that have been written in other countries and could show the cultures for other countries. However, sometimes it is hard to choose quality books from other countries. One way that a person can make sure they are choosing qualities titles is by looking at awards given for international books and awards given for books on international topics. Some of these awards are:
Mildred Batchelder Award
“This award is given to an American publisher for a children’s book considered to be the most outstanding of those books originally published in a foreign language in a foreign country, and then translated into English and published in the United States. The award is given by the American Library Association.”
Américas Book Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature
“Given in recognition of works of fiction, poetry, folklore, or selected non-fiction (from picture books to works for young adults) in English or Spanish that authentically and engagingly portray Latin America, the Caribbean, or Latinos in the United States. By combining both and linking the Americas, the award reaches beyond geographic borders, as well as multicultural-international boundaries, focusing instead upon cultural heritages within the hemisphere. The award is sponsored by the national Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP).”
One excellent book that was an honor book for the Mildred Batchelder Award is Anne Frank: Beyond the Diary by Ruud van der Rol and Rian Verhoeven. It is a wonderful account of Anne Frank with a great deal of photographs. Any child doing research for a paper or that is interested in the Holocaust would appreciate this book. It was translated from Dutch and was awarded the honor in 1994.

References

K12reader, . (2010, December 5). Book lists. Retrieved from http://www.k12reader.com/book-lists/