Ten Cents a Pound by Nhung Tran-Davies - ESSENTIAL

Ten Cents a Pound by Nhung Tran-Davies, illustrated by Josee Bisaillon.  PICTURE BOOK.  Second Story Press, 2018.  $19.  978-1772600568

EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL. 

A little sees the toil and pain that her mother goes through to earn her ten cents a pound picking coffee beans and vows to stay and help.  At each plea, however, the mother reminds the girl that the mother’s sacrifices are so that the girl can have an education and a better life.

As an adult, if you aren’t tearing up by the time you finish reading this book, I will be flabbergasted.  Children may not understand this quite as easily, but what a great mini lesson or starter to talk about the lives of children in other parts of the world and help the build a wider world-view and empathy. 

Cindy, Library Teacher