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32 pp.
| Candlewick
| October, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-9876-8$16.99
(3)
K-3
In his trademark photo-essay format, Ancona describes and shows diverse groups of students participating in the Cooking with Kids program in schools around Santa Fe, New Mexico. The vivid, close-up color photos depict the kids' active engagement in preparing (with adult assistance) and eating complicated dishes from Morocco, China, Italy, and Mexico; occasional child-drawn spot art is also included. Recipes available online.
48 pp.
| Candlewick
| April, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-8202-6$16.99
(3)
K-3
Follow four boys as they rehearse for the National Dance Institute of New Mexico's multi-school literature-themed recital. Ancona shows the joy, as well as the hard work, discipline, and strength of this art form. Large color photos of the boys at practice and in costume closely follow the brief, factual narrative. A great (and refreshing) introductory photo-essay about male dancers.
48 pp.
| Candlewick
| August, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-7367-3$16.99
(4)
K-3
Straightforward text describes various ways that children can help those in need: through knitting hats for the homeless, tending a community garden that donates its produce, etc. Young readers may find the text cumulatively leaden, but they'll pore over the color photos--they're unpolished, befitting the subject matter--featuring kids hard at work but gleefully throwing themselves into community service.
48 pp.
| Candlewick
| January, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-5392-7$16.99
(2)
K-3
From spring planting to winterization, full-color photographs chronicle a year in the life of an elementary school garden in Santa Fe; students are shown composting soil, watering plants, and sampling the edible delights. While green is visually ubiquitous, the real star is the white space, which keeps each spread from becoming crowded. Ancona's no-nonsense text is perfectly suited for newly independent readers. Websites. Bib.
Reviewer: Sam Bloom
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2013
(3)
K-3
In this clear, detailed volume, Ancona shows young readers why the things, the ways, and the times of day when we eat are more than mere survival tactics. The significance of people gathering to dine is thoughtfully explored in words and photos showing people from many cultures enjoying food together in ordinary and celebratory times. A warmhearted and useful entry.
48 pp.
| Lee
| November, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-1-60060-361-7$19.95
(2)
4-6
Flamenco student Janira and her classmates learn an "art that goes back a long, long time." Ancona's narration skillfully paces Janira's preparation for performance with the history of flamenco, encompassing music, song, and dance, and the inextricably connected history of the Roma. Accompanying photographs capture the dancers' and musical accompanists' expressive bodies and faces mid-gesture. Bib., glos.
Reviewer: Katie Bircher
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2011
48 pp.
| Lee
| May, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-1-58430-268-1$18.95
(3)
4-6
This book presents an overview of capoeira, a dancelike martial art and game, as it is practiced in the United States and Brazil. The book begins with some general information, then moves on to demonstrate moves and poses, and finally gives some background on the sport's sixteenth-century slave origins and its modern-day popularity. Many dynamic photographs help demonstrate capoeira. Websites. Bib., glos.
32 pp.
| Owen
| November, 2006
|
TradeISBN 1-57274-860-5$14.95
(3)
K-3
Meet the Author series.
These autobiographical slices of life describe the creative processes and experiences of three children's authors: nature writer/illustrator Arnosky; poetry and picture book writer Wong; and dance, art, and Latino culture author/photographer Ancona. The texts are brief, simply written, and informative. The many photos (some taken by the authors) give readers a view into the subjects' lives and interests. Review covers these Meet the Author titles: Self Portrait, Whole Days Outdoors, and Before It Wriggles Away.
48 pp.
| Cavendish
| April, 2003
|
TradeISBN 0-7614-5131-5$$17.95
(3)
4-6
After a brief look at early murals (cave paintings, Mexican frescos), Ancona concentrates on contemporary murals in a few U.S. cities. While the artistic style of the murals is diverse, each is painted by and depicts local people. Rather than providing a comprehensive look, Ancona has chosen to photograph some of his favorites, allowing them to form the basis of the book while the text provides background information for each photo.
48 pp.
| Benchmark
| October, 2001
|
LibraryISBN 0-7614-1327-8$$24.21
(4)
4-6
Viva Mexico! series.
Each book in this series introduces one aspect of Mexican culture through enthusiastic text and engaging photographs, though more captions would have enhanced the illustrations' usefulness. Details are sparse, and the text jumps quickly from one subject to another, so readers are left with only a taste of the country. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Viva Mexico! titles: The Fiestas, The Folk Arts, The Foods, The Past, The People.]
48 pp.
| Benchmark
| October, 2001
|
LibraryISBN 0-7614-1328-6$$24.21
(4)
4-6
Viva Mexico! series.
Each book in this series introduces one aspect of Mexican culture through enthusiastic text and engaging photographs, though more captions would have enhanced the illustrations' usefulness. Details are sparse, and the text jumps quickly from one subject to another, so readers are left with only a taste of the country. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Viva Mexico! titles: The Fiestas, The Folk Arts, The Foods, The Past, The People.]
48 pp.
| Benchmark
| October, 2001
|
LibraryISBN 0-7614-1329-4$$24.21
(4)
4-6
Viva Mexico! series.
Each book in this series introduces one aspect of Mexican culture through enthusiastic text and engaging photographs, though more captions would have enhanced the illustrations' usefulness. Details are sparse, and the text jumps quickly from one subject to another, so readers are left with only a taste of the country. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Viva Mexico! titles: The Fiestas, The Folk Arts, The Foods, The Past, The People.]
48 pp.
| Benchmark
| October, 2001
|
LibraryISBN 0-7614-1330-8$$24.21
(4)
4-6
Viva Mexico! series.
Each book in this series introduces one aspect of Mexican culture through enthusiastic text and engaging photographs, though more captions would have enhanced the illustrations' usefulness. Details are sparse, and the text jumps quickly from one subject to another, so readers are left with only a taste of the country. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Viva Mexico! titles: The Fiestas, The Folk Arts, The Foods, The Past, The People.]
48 pp.
| Benchmark
| October, 2001
|
LibraryISBN 0-7614-1326-X$$24.21
(4)
4-6
Viva Mexico! series.
Each book in this series introduces one aspect of Mexican culture through enthusiastic text and engaging photographs, though more captions would have enhanced the illustrations' usefulness. Details are sparse, and the text jumps quickly from one subject to another, so readers are left with only a taste of the country. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Viva Mexico! titles: The Fiestas, The Folk Arts, The Foods, The Past, The People.]
40 pp.
| Cavendish
| October, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-7614-5077-7$$15.95
(4)
4-6
Generous color photos of young Cuban students working, studying, and engaging in cultural activities illustrate this photo-essay. The text describes the Cuban way of life, explains what the children in the photos are doing, and extols the educational opportunities and other improvements under Castro's regime. Paired with other books, this one-sided presentation could make a useful resource. Glos.
48 pp.
| Harcourt
| May, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-15-201047-5$$18.00
|
PaperISBN 0-15-201046-7$$9.00
(3)
4-6
In clear, direct prose, Ancona describes the history, traditions, and celebrations of the charro, or Mexican cowboy. Bright, crisply reproduced color photographs add liveliness to descriptions of the rodeo-like competition in which charros participate; the ways in which charros and charras train; and the celebration of the cowboy, known as El dÃa del charro. Glos.
(3)
K-3
Although Ancona spotlights the town of Olinda, all of Brazil celebrates carnaval, the annual five-day festival honoring its three main cultures: indigenous, European, and African. The text comprehensively explains the festival's traditions, but it's the color photos--of seamstresses, mask-makers, artists, musicians, dancers, and celebrants of all ages in full regalia--that bring this gaudy, glorious event to life.
(3)
K-3
Jos_ lives in San Francisco's Mission District, a distinctly Latino neighborhood. In clear prose and striking photographs, Ancona describes eight-year-old Jos_'s everyday life but also tells of the events and characteristics, both good and bad, of his barrio. Although the book is not as focused as some of Ancona's best work, this portrait of a neighborhood is a strong one. Glos.
(3)
K-3
A simple text accompanies lively color photographs, which capture the movement and spirit of all types of dances, including an Afghan wedding dance, Turkish Gypsy folk dance, and wheelchair dancing. Small boxed captions contain information about the dance featured in each photo. This is multicultural, exuberant fun for readers of all ages.