HAITIAN HERITAGE
Classroom Collections and Take-Home Book Packs
Grades K–3
What Is Our Community: Haitian Heritage? Haitian Creole is one of the most-common native languages of our multilingual learners. Yet few classroom libraries have high-quality books that reflect Haitian/Haitian American culture. This Our Community collection is designed to build empathy and break down stereotypes with authentic books that celebrate Haitian/Haitian American culture and history—with many written and illustrated by creators of Haitian descent. These culturally affirming book sets offer a mixture of bilingual Haitian Creole/English and English literature that celebrates the Haitian experience. Diverse books help students understand others’ experiences while broadening their world. Everyone in the class, regardless of their home language or culture, can connect with stories that feature Haitian and Haitian American protagonists.
Classroom Collections These collections are perfect for reading aloud, building knowledge, and enhancing vocabulary. Each text includes opportunities for speaking and writing to deepen comprehension and personal connections. With two copies of each title, students can read with a partner and enjoy an interactive and exciting reading experience. • 16 books per grade level (8 titles, 2 copies each) • Teacher resource
Teacher Resource
Grade 1 Booklist Your library contains two copies of each of the following titles. Use the annotations and the Talk About It questions below as you explore these books with children.
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Papiyon Lakansyèl la / The Rainbow Butterfly Author: Martyna Dessources* Illustrator: Audeva Joseph* This poetic text celebrates the simple beauty of a butterfly as it flutters around, stopping on flowers and outstretched fingers, and being admired by everyone it encounters. With vibrant illustrations to highlight the butterfly’s grace, this book is sure to help first graders appreciate nature.
TALK ABOUT IT: Why do you think the child who is telling the story is so fascinated by the butterfly as it flies by? What does she notice about the butterfly? (Make Inferences, Key Details) ACTIVITY: Draw a big butterfly. On its wings, write down words you would use to describe it.
Avanti Bibin / Bibin’s Adventures Author: Laforest Bichly-Marie-Gaëlle* Illustrator: Audeva Joseph*
TALK ABOUT IT: You read two very different stories about Bibin. Which one did you like more? Why? (Compare and Contrast) ACTIVITY: In Bibin’s first adventure she takes in a puppy. What advice would you give Binbin on how to take care of her new pet?
GRADE 1
HAITIAN HERITAGE
HAITIAN HERITAGE
Follow a fun-loving, young girl named Bibin in this book as she goes on different adventures. When she finds a puppy and goes for weeks without being able to find its owner, Bibin takes care of him and the two become inseparable. In the next story, she has a vivid dream about Mother Nature, and everything is beautiful and peaceful, which makes Bibin feel great.
GRL: K Lexile: 420L
tion in Your Classroom tion cial shelf or create a display of the titles. are book talks and show eye-catching book covers. milies to the collection and familiarize them with the home uring and After Reading ead with expression and pause to ask open-ended questions to ply with the text. k the provided Talk About It questions during reading conferences ts may want to write and draw to share their thoughts about the ctivity provided in this guide. en draw and write a continuation to a favorite book they’ve read. lies ou share: Invite family members who speak Haitian Creole to of a classroom read-aloud. eading role models: Reading with children at home, talking with to them read helps children come to value reading. es: In these books, children learn about cultural traditions. hare stories and traditions that are important to their family.
Using the Collection in Your Classroom Introducing the Collection Set up your collection: Use a special shelf or create a display of the titles. Preview books with students: Share book talks and show eye-catching book covers. Host a Family Night: Introduce families to the collection and familiarize them with the home and classroom components. Supporting Children During and After Reading Make read-alouds interactive: Read with expression and pause to ask open-ended questions to help students engage more deeply with the text. Use Talk About It questions: Ask the provided Talk About It questions during reading conferences or after a read-aloud. Invite students to share: Students may want to write and draw to share their thoughts about the book on their own or using the activity provided in this guide. Continue the Story: Have children draw and write a continuation to a favorite book they’ve read. Connecting With Families Connect families to the books you share: Invite family members who speak Haitian Creole to participate in a bilingual reading of a classroom read-aloud. Remind families that they are reading role models: Reading with children at home, talking with them about books, and listening to them read helps children come to value reading. Encourage sharing family stories: In these books, children learn about cultural traditions. Encourage family members to share stories and traditions that are important to their family.
Dear Educator, I am excited to introduce the Our Community: Haitian Heritage Classroom Collection. Both of my parents were born and raised in Haiti; my siblings and I were born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. My mother would tell us stories about the beauty of Haiti and the rich culture. I had a great deal of pride in my heritage; however, once I entered my classroom, the confidence that I felt at home with my family would slowly begin to fade. The lack of representation in the stories we read as children made us feel left out, invisible. Although there was a large population of Haitian Creole-speaking students in my school, we were not reflected in any of the reading materials. To make matters worse, when Haiti was mentioned, it was described as being a poor and devastated island with no value. Even as an adult, I found it difficult to find stories to share with my children where they could see themselves in the pages. This is why I am honored to be a part of this collection, both as a mentor and a contributing author. The stories in this collection elevate the self-image of Haitian students in the classroom, challenge stereotypes, celebrate Haitian/Haitian American culture and history, and feature books written and illustrated by creators of Haitian descent. These stories and the tips in this teacher resource will allow all children to have a greater understanding of the culture and share personal and authentic stories in their classrooms, sending the powerful message that everyone matters. The assortment of stories in the Our Community: Haitian Heritage Classroom Collection are fun for children to read! They showcase the cultural pride in the history of Haiti, the fight for freedom, the beauty of the island, the joy in the celebrations, and the strength in overcoming the hardships. These stories will encourage students of Haitian descent to stand a little taller as they grow as readers. I truly enjoyed reading every story in this collection and I believe you and your students will, too.
Dear Educator, I am excited to introduce the Ou parents were born and raised in My mother would tell us stories pride in my heritage; however, o my family would slowly begin to The lack of representation in the there was a large population of H in any of the reading materials. T as being a poor and devastated stories to share with my children honored to be a part of this colle The stories in this collection elev stereotypes, celebrate Haitian/H illustrated by creators of Haitian all children to have a greater und their classrooms, sending the po The assortment of stories in the children to read! They showcase beauty of the island, the joy in t stories will encourage students I truly enjoyed reading every sto
GRL: J Lexile: 530L
When Grandma Makes Soup Joumou Author: Cindy Similien* Illustrator: Jeric Tan
TALK ABOUT IT: How does thinking like a cat help Chloé solve the problem with Butter? (Problem and Solution) ACTIVITY: Imagine you’re a vet. Draw and write a poster with some helpful tips about how to take care of a pet, like a cat. TALK ABOUT IT: Why do you think Grandma tells the story of how Haitians won their freedom every New Year’s Day? Why do you think the boy in the story makes soup joumou for his own family when he grows up? (Character, Plot) ACTIVITY: It’s a tradition for the boy’s family to eat soup joumou on New Year’s Day. Draw and write about a holiday tradition you like to celebrate.
Haitian Hot Chocolate or Ginger Tea? Author: Jinica Dauphin* Illustrator: Jee Astoeti
TALK ABOUT IT: Why do you think Evenson and Evelyne feel the need to say one drink is better than the other? Why do they each want
In the wee hours of the morning, Grandma wakes to begin preparing soup joumou for the family. All day she prepares the soup with love, and when the children come down to ask about the soup, she tells them the grand story of how Haiti became the first independent Black republic in the world.
Emile to pick their favorite drink? (Make Inferences, Character)
GRL: M Lexile: AD860L
As three siblings walk home in the ice and snow, they dream about the perfect hot drink to warm them up when they get back. But it turns into a big argument when Evenson and Evelyne can’t agree on which drink is best: hot chocolate or ginger tea! It’s up to the third sibling, Emile, to decide—but they may not like his answer. Hope for Haiti Author: Jesse Joshua Watson Illustrator: Jesse Joshua Watson After an earthquake in Port-Au-Prince, not many people can find reasons to smile. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and now a boy and his mother, as well as others, are taking shelter in a soccer stadium. But then the boy finds another child playing with a soccer ball made of rags and joins the game. Soon enough the game takes on a life of its own and is able to bring some joy to everyone who gets to play and witness it.
ACTIVITY: What drink is your favorite and why? Write and draw to explain why your drink is the best.
GRL: L Lexile: AD610L
Pwoblèm Chat Mabyal la / The Case of the Grumpy Cat Authors: Jamie Hector* and Alaine Roberson Illustrator: Rachel Moss
TALK ABOUT IT: How did playing soccer help the boy feel better? How did this soccer game help even those who were not playing in the game? (Key Idea, Connect Events) ACTIVITY: The author titled this book Hope for Haiti . Talk to a partner about hope. Then write your own ending to the sentence: When you have hope you __________.
Chloé loves her cat, Butter, and wants to make sure she’s happy and comfortable. That’s why it’s so worrying when she realizes something is wrong with Butter! Now Chloé and her family must figure out what’s wrong!
GRL: K Lexile: AD460L
GRL: M Lexile: AD630L
Yon ti fi yo rele Kati / A Girl Named Kati
TALK ABOUT IT: What are some of the important things the author tells us about Kati? How does Kati remind you of yourself or someone you know? (Key Details, Make Connections) ACTIVITY: We find out about Kati and what’s important to her. Write and draw about what’s important to you.
Author: Jean Fuedo Quince* Illustrator: Audeva Joseph*
Matant Pola / Aunt Pola Author: Christina Doret* Illustrator: Audeva Joseph*
TALK ABOUT IT: At first, when Frederik is told he can’t go to the rara band, he thinks Aunt Pola is being mean. What does Lila say to change his mind? (Retell) ACTIVITY: We find out what Frederik and Lila do when they visit Aunt Pola. What would you invite them to do with you if they visited you? Write and draw about what you would do together.
Kati cracks jokes with her friends, goes to school in a uniform, does chores around the house, and loves her family. She loves how close they are and how comfortable they are together. Kati also loves writing about her family, and her family tells her that they believe she will become a great writer someday.
Enjoy! Jamie Hector
Aunt Pola is generous, kind, and funny, and everyone loves her! But she can be tough if she needs to be, as her nephew and niece find out in this tale about listening to your elders and not allowing your emotions to cloud your judgment.
Enjoy! Jamie Hector
GRL: M Lexile: 440L
wing and editing the Haitian Creole language in these texts, low the resolutions put forth by the Akademi Kreyòl Ayisyen egarding the official orthography of Kreyòl. There may be ng may reflect the long history of Haitian Creole as primarily ons that exist between certain regional dialects. The editors hat is often present when translating and translanguaging.
About Haitian Creole In reviewing and editing the Haitian Creole language in these texts, careful attention was paid to follow the resolutions put forth by the Akademi Kreyòl Ayisyen (The Haitian Creole Academy) regarding the official orthography of Kreyòl. There may be instances where certain phrasing may reflect the long history of Haitian Creole as primarily an oral language and the variations that exist between certain regional dialects. The editors acknowledge the subjectivity that is often present when translating and translanguaging.
GRL: L Lexile: 550L
For more ideas about how to use these books with your class, turn the page.
Meet the Mentor : Jamie Hector is a Brooklyn-born actor who studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. He is best known for his role as Marlo Stanfield on the critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire . Some of Jamie’s more recent works include Bosch , Queen of the South , and We Own This City . However, one of Jamie’s favorite roles is as the founder of Moving Mountains Inc., a nonprofit organization that gives inner-city youths the opportunity to study the arts free of charge. He has also authored several children’s books with Scholastic, which will be included in the collection.
Meet the Mentor : Jamie Hector Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film In Marlo Stanfield on the critically of Jamie’s more recent works in We Own This City . However, on founder of Moving Mountains In inner-city youths the opportun He has also authored se which will be inc
*denotes an author or illustrator of Haitian descent
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Our Community: Haitian Heritage Classroom Collection Teacher Resource Grade 1 Item #767685. TM ® & © Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.
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Use the annotations , Talk About It questions , and writing activities to explore the books with students.
An inspiring letter from Jamie Hector sets the tone for using the collection.
Tips will help you support students during and after reading and connect with families.
As a Haitian American, I found it difficult to find books to share with my children where they could see themselves in the pages. The books in this set celebrate Haitian/Haitian American culture and are fun to read. I can’t wait for you to experience them too. Jamie Hector Program Mentor and Contributing Author
Also Available
Take-Home Book Packs Take-home book packs build home libraries with diverse stories and characters that represent not just the classroom, but the world at large. • 3 books per grade (3 titles, 1 copy each) • Bilingual family letter (English/Haitian Creole)
Family Letter
Every family letter is bilingual in Haitian Creole and English , ensuring access to the content.
Try This! discussion prompts provide a starting point to support reading comprehension.
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Chè fanmi, Yo te chwazi liv sa yo pou ou menm ak pitit ou amize nou lakay. Li ak pale ansanm sou liv se youn nan bagay ki pi enpòtan ou te ka fè pou w soutni aprantisaj pitit ou a. GRADE 1
Pwoblèm Chat Mabyal la / The Case of the Grumpy Cat Chloé’s cat, Butter, is acting sad and uncomfortable. It’s up to Chloé and her family to figure out what’s wrong with Butter!
HAITIAN HERITAGE
TRY THIS! How would you make Butter feel better? What advice would you give Chloé and Sajès?
Haitian Hot Chocolate or Ginger Tea?
TRY THIS! Imagine you got to create a special warm drink to share with Emile. What would it be? Let’s write our own recipe and draw a picture of the drink.
Three siblings want to warm up from the cold. Evenson and Evelyne can’t agree on which drink is best: hot chocolate or ginger tea! It’s up to their third sibling, Emile, to decide! (English with some Haitian Creole words)
READING TOGETHER Here are a few tips to help you and your child explore and enjoy these books. Get Ready. Make reading time a special time together. Prepare by first looking through the book to get a sense of what it is like. Sit comfortably and if you can, share the book so both you and your child can see each page. Take Your Time. As the two of you read, stop a few times to ask your child to point out details in a picture, explain a new word in Haitian Creole, or share ideas about what is happening in the book. Talk About It. In addition to using the Try This! tip for each book, encourage your child to share favorite parts of each story. You can talk about a book right after reading—but sometimes it is fun to talk about it later with another family member or friend, or when something on TV or in your lives reminds you of the book.
Yon ti fi yo rele Kati / A Girl Named Kati
TRY THIS! Let’s write and draw a story about our friends and family, like Kati. What’s a special story you’d like to tell?
Provide families with tips for reading at home to help them enjoy the books together!
Kati enjoys many things, including spending time with her family. She also loves writing about them. Her family tells her that they believe she will become a great writer someday.
As a Haitian American, I found it difficult to find books to share with my children where they could see themselves in the pages. The books in this pack celebrate Haitian/Haitian American culture and are fun to read. I can’t wait for you to experience them, too. Jamie Hector
HAITIAN HERITAGE
About Our Mentor Jamie Hector is a Brooklyn-born actor who studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute. He is best known for his roles in film and television, including The Wire , Bosch , Queen of the South , and We Own This City . However, one of Jamie’s favorite roles is as the founder of Moving Mountains Inc., a nonprofit organization that gives underserved children the opportunity to study the arts free of charge. He has also authored several children’s books with Scholastic which are being transadapted into Haitian Creole and will be included in the classroom collections, as well as in the take-home book packs. About NABU NABU is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing every child with equitable access to literacy. To achieve its mission, NABU trains storytellers and artists in the creation of original multilingual stories for their own community and for children globally. Through this process, NABU worked with the Haitian community to create original children’s books in Haitian Creole. All NABU storytellers and artists receive compensation for their work. Ten of the 32 books in the Haitian Heritage collection originated from NABU’s work in Haiti. Learn more about NABU at nabu.org .
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For more information, call us at (800) 387-1437 or visit scholastic.com/HaitianHeritage
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