  | My mother's tongues : a weaving of languages Author: Menon, Uma | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
Sumi's mother can speak two languages, Malayalam and English. And she can switch between them at the speed of sound: one language when talking to Sumi's grandmother, another when she addresses the cashier. Sometimes with Sumi she speaks a combination of both. Could it be she possesses a superpower?
| Illustrator: | Jomepour Bell, Rahele |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 4.00 Points: .5 Quiz: 523541 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (12/15/23)
School Library Journal (+) (12/15/23)
Booklist (02/01/24)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (A) (00/12/23)
The Hornbook (00/01/24)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 12/15/2023 K-Gr 3—A young girl extols the virtues of multilingualism in this exquisite picture book by teenage human rights and social justice activist Menon. While not ignoring the challenges presented to new immigrants navigating outsider status, in Menon's telling of her family's story, she takes a strength-based approach. She describes her mother as having "two tongues." She learned Malalyalam in her native Kerala and English, at age 12, prior to moving to the United States. The mother is mostly depicted as an adult through the eyes of her child, seamlessly transitioning between languages based on context, "hopping" from one to the other, her "two tongues woven together like cloth." The young narrator explains that languages are like muscles, needing practice and exercise and that "a person's accent holds hints about what their first language might be or where they might be from." This framing is refreshing and will serve as validation to readers from multilingual families; it serves to illuminate multilingualism to those experiencing the story from an outsider's perspective. The metaphors of weaving and tapestries are reflected in the impeccable and unique illustrations by Bell. Her mixed-media style incorporates elements of prints and textured fabric, further elevating her normally playful style with gorgeous textiles. VERDICT This story is an essential mirror and window, serving as a reminder that language is a superpower.—Clara Hendricks - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 02/01/2024 Sumi is a young child whose mother “speaks with two tongues,” smoothly navigating between Malayalam and English. Malayalam is her mom’s first language, which she learned growing up in Kerala, India. In school, she learned English starting at age 12, later immigrating to the U.S. as an adult. Her two tongues are woven together seamlessly: she speaks Malayalam with Sumi’s grandmother, a blend of both to Sumi, and easily switches to English with the grocery-store cashier. Sumi acknowledges that everyone has an accent and that “every person’s voice is unique and important.” Other members of Sumi’s family also use multiple tongues. Sumi aspires to develop a superpower language tapestry of her own, which will allow her to “speak with people who live in every part of the world.” The textured mixed-media illustrations reflect the textile metaphors of multilingualism in the narrative. The visual depiction of language, including words and swirls as well as diverse facial features and cultural details, enhances the inclusive messaging. An uplifting story that promotes understanding and connection through language. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
