Annotated Bibliography
Resources for My Background
Chai, May, and Winberg Chai. China A to Z: Everything You Need to Know to Understand Chinese Customs and Culture. New York: Plume, 2007.
This is a most valuable resource on the culture of China. I found it particularly useful for researching the concept of face, festivals, martial arts, familial relations, and holidays.
Fadiman, Anne. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 1997.
I’ve included this novel in the bibliography because it was my inspiration in the choosing of culture as my focus.
Fuentes, Carlos, and Sam Hileman. The Death of Artemio Cruz. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1964.
It is a historical novel of Mexico. It is steeped in Mexican culture and largely focuses on the post-revolutionary period in Mexico. It provides background information on the Mexican nation.
Gao, Xiongya. "Women Existing for Men: Confucianism and Social Injustice against Women in China." Race, Gender & Class 10.3 (2003): 114-25. Race, Gender & Class Website. Jean Ait Belkhir, Race, Gender & Class Journal. Web. 9 July 2015. <www.suno.edu/sunorgc/>.
This journal is a study of the treatment of women in China.
Mah, Adeline Yen. Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter. New York: Wiley, 1998.
A novel deeply rooted in the Chinese culture. It largely focuses on familial relations and the role of women in China.
Meyer, Michael C. "Mass Media and Popular Culture in the Postrevolutionary Era." In The Oxford History of Mexico. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.
This is a massive tome on the history of Mexico. I found that chapter 20 was very valuable in highlighting the modern culture in Mexico. It featured information about media in Mexico, Mexican government and corruption, sports, and lucha libre.
Yang, Gene Luen, and Lark Pien. Boxers.
This graphic novel depicts the concept of honor and losing face. It also showcases martial arts and is set upon a backdrop of historical China.
Yang, Gene Luen, and Lark Pien. Saints.
This graphic novel highlights the reverence for one’s elders. It also depicts the Chinese deference for things and people of western cultures in historic China.
Resources for Use with the Students
Chen, Jiang Hong, and Boris Moissard. The Legend of the Kite: A Story of China. Norwalk, Conn.: Soundprints, 1999.
The focus of the story is the Kite Festival. It could be used to build background about China.
DePaola, Tomie. Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella Story. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2002.
This book tells the Cinderella story with a Mexican slant. It includes much Spanish language in the text and is steeped in Mexican culture. It could be compared and contrasted with both the Chinese Cinderella tale (Yeh-Shu) as well as the traditional Cinderella.
Doering, Amanda F. Cinco De Mayo: Day of Mexican Pride. Manakato, Minn.: Capstone Press, 2006.
This is an expository text that focuses on the holiday of Cinco de Mayo, It explores the history, meaning, and traditions linked to its celebration. As a possible extension the book provides details on how to make a piñata.
Doering, Amanda F. Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life and Death. Mankato, Minn.: Capstone Press, 2006.
This is an expository text that focuses on the holiday of the Day of the Dead. It explores the history, meaning, and traditions linked to its celebration. As a possible extension the book provide details on how to make paper flowers.
Krull, Kathleen, and Robert Ramirez. Harvesting Hope the Story of Cesar Chavez. Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books, 2004.
This book focuses on the civil rights leader Cesar Chaves. It features the Spanish language, adobe houses, and the struggles of immigrant workers who came to America.
Lord, Bette, and Marc Simont. In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson. New York, N.Y.: Harper & Row, 1984.
Throughout this book Chinese culture is present. At times the main character experiences problems in the American culture because her Chinese upbringing does not always match her new life. It also demonstrates the respect for elders and family in China. Chinese celebrations and customs are also depicted in the story.
Louie, Ai, and Ed. Young. Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China. New York: Philomel Books, 1982.
This is the story of Cinderella with a Chinese slant. It ties to Spring Festival and could be used to build background of China or to compare and contrast with either the Mexican version of Cinderella (see Adelita) or the traditional Cinderella.
Matheis, Mickie, and Dave Aikins. Kai-lan and the Ladybug Festival. New York, N.Y.: Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon, 2010.
This is one of a series of picture books featuring a Chinese girl named Kai-Lan. Within this story we will be exposed to a festival, as well as much Chinese language. I would consider comparing and contrasting Kai-Lan with Dora the Explorer.
Schaefer, Lola M., and Gail Smith. Chinese New Year. Mankato, Minn.: Pebble Books, 2001.
This expository text gives great detail about the Spring Festival
Sievert, Terri. Chinese New Year: Festival of New Beginnings. Mankato, Minn.: Capstone Press, 2006.
This is an expository text that focuses on the Spring Festival. It gives many details of the traditions of Chinese culture. It also provides directions for creating a Chinese dragon craft for an art extension.
Soto, Gary, and Ed Martinez. Too Many Tamales. New York: Putnam, 1993.
This picture book is about Christmas in a Mexican house. It shows many details that will show similarities to our American culture. It also features Mexican food and traditions.
Yamate, Sandra S., and Denise Prowell. The Boy Who Loved Dumplings. New York, N.Y.: [Newbridge Communications], 1994.
Examination of the pictures and text reveal the following Chinese dumplings, Chinese writing, a wok, and chopsticks. These can images can help build our “ingredients” of culture.
Z, Katacha, and R. W. Alley. Fiesta! New York?: [Newbridge Communications], 1994.
The pictures and text in this book detail preparations for a celebration. It includes details on foods, music, clothing, and traditional Mexican names.
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