School Library Journal

By
Renee Ting
on September 12, 2008 10:11 AM | | Comments (0)
Grandfather's Story Cloth, by Linda Gerdner and Sarah Langford, illustrated by Stuart Loughridge, is reviewed in the September 2008 issue of School Library Journal:

"A Hmong boy learns about his grandfather's life in Laos and his escape to the United States as they share memories illustrated on the elderly man's story cloth. Grandfather has Alzheimer's disease and is beginning to forget common things. Chersheng's fear and exasperation are evident, as are the family's great respect and consideration for their aging relative. The English and Hmong texts face paintings that express the many moods of the characters. Endpapers and the back cover feature numerous geometric patterns that are common in Hmong handicrafts. A full spread shows the story cloth for easy reference and closer examination for details. Background information on Alzheimer's disease and the Hmong refugees and their story cloths will be appreciated by adults preparing to read the story or older children seeking information on both of these topics. A strong family story about difficult social issues relevant to today's society."

Categories:

Tags:

Leave a comment

« Journal of Gerontological Nursing | Main | Archives | Booklist »

"...it would be a wonderful addition to a teacher's library at a school with students of Hmong heritage."

-Education Week

Linda A. Gerdner was born in Iowa and is a registered nurse. She is dedicated to helping persons with Alzheimer’s disease and the family members who care for them. Although Grandfather’s Story Cloth is her first children’s book she has published extensively in professional journals and received international and national awards for these contributions. Gerdner has traveled to northern Laos where she visited three Hmong villages in the rural province of Xieng Khouang. The bonds and friendships established with members of the Hmong American community have enriched her life and expanded her world.

Sarah Langford is currently a student at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing. She is especially interested in the health care needs of immigrants and refugees living in United States. She has a long-standing interest in childrens’ literature and has enjoyed the opportunity to combine her talent in this area with her nursing focus.

Stuart Loughridge lives and works in St. Paul, MN. Most of his waking hours are spent in his studio, drawing, painting, printmaking, and filling the bird feeder. His work can be viewed at www.stuartloughridge.com. This is his first children's book.

Shen’s Books is a publisher of multicultural children’s literature that emphasizes cultural diversity and tolerance, with a focus on introducing children to the cultures of Asia.

Through books, we can share a world a stories, building greater understanding and tolerance within our increasingly diverse communities as well as throughout our continuously shrinking globe.