Crow Boy

Rating:
Summary: Accepting Differences
Review: In a small Japanese village, Chibi, the main character, is an outcast at school because he is different from the other children. Day after day, Chibi is faced with feelings of isolation and rejection. This memorable story presents the reader with a situation that all children experience some time in their life. The realism of this story allowed me to feel close to Chibi and watch him change towards the end. Through the unique illustrations, Taro Yashima was successful in describing the mood and setting. The moral lesson of this story is beautiful, and should be included in every classroom at the beginning of the school year. Through this lesson, the reader learns to develop an awareness for individual differences. This short story will present you with an enjoyable learning experience. I highly recommend this book for any type of reader.

Rating:
Summary: Accepting Differences
Review: In a small Japanese village, Chibi, the main character, is an outcast at school because he is different from the other children. Day after day, Chibi is faced with feelings of isolation and rejection. This memorable story presents the reader with a situation that all children experience some time in their life. The realism of this story allowed me to feel close to Chibi and watch him change towards the end. Through the unique illustrations, Taro Yashima was successful in describing the mood and setting. The moral lesson of this story is beautiful, and should be included in every classroom at the beginning of the school year. Through this lesson, the reader learns to develop an awareness for individual differences. This short story will present you with an enjoyable learning experience. I highly recommend this book for any type of reader.

Rating:
Summary: I love this book.......
Review: The book Crow Boy is definately one of, if not my most, favorite childhood book. When I was younger, I borrowed this book numerous times from my school library and read it over and over. I only wish I could put into words how mush I love this book. The artwork of Taro Yashima is absoluetly gorgeous and amazing......I highly recommend this book for all ages

Rating:
Summary: Be Prepared with the Tissues
Review: This book touches me on a deeper level than other children's books. And I LOVE children's books! I cry often times when I read it. Read it with a box of tissues by your side. I think any child that is exposed to this book will be a more accepting, self-actualized person.

Rating:
Summary: How a shy boy is able to use his talents.
Review: This is a short book for children about a young boy in a Japanese village who is very shy, quiet, and is kidded by his classmates for being different. The book was a 1956 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustration in a book for children. Children always seem to love this story. Perhaps because many feel shy at times themselves.

Interestingly, I believe that this is the first Caldecott Honor book (as far as I can tell) appearing after the end of World War II depicting a Japanese character. As such, it may have also helped to heal some old wounds from that war. It shows how similar children can be from another culture.

Rating:
Summary: Longing for homeland in Japan
Review: This story is based on Yashima's experience in his child days in Kagoshima, Japan. The story is "translated" to Japanese, too. I first read Japanese version, and later English version. I love both of them. Taro Yashima is a Japanese proletariat artist, who had exiled to US during the World Wars. He wrote some books staged in his hometown in Japan. He left a son in Japan, who became Oya Nonfiction Prize Awardees, Chihiro Isa. Another son is actor, Mako, or Mako Iwamatsu.

Rating:
Summary: Longing for homeland in Japan
Review: This story is based on Yashima's experience in his child days in Kagoshima, Japan. The story is "translated" to Japanese, too. I first read Japanese version, and later English version. I love both of them. Taro Yashima is a Japanese proletariat artist, who had exiled to US during the World Wars. He wrote some books staged in his hometown in Japan. He left a son in Japan, who became Oya Nonfiction Prize Awardees, Chihiro Isa. Another son is actor, Mako, or Mako Iwamatsu.

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read for Teachers
Review: This story was first read to me by a colleague. A very enlightening and heartwarming story "Crow Boy" forces readers to reflect on the importance of considering individual differences within classroom settings. A child's potential can only be fulfilled when we consider all of their interests and needs. Every teacher must have a personal copy. I am going to get mine.