Asia Literacy resources for Australian Curriculum: English

a series of books set against the backdrop of China.

Thailand - rural/city contrast in this touching story of a 9 year old girl who has lived with her grandparents for 5 years and discovers that her mother has a terminal illness and would like to see her.

Australian born to Thai Parents returns home to Thailand to visit family. Full of humour and puns. Episodic.

Author site including classroom activities: http://www.oliverwriter.com/thai-no-mite/

Two brother, Leigh and Jason, are inseparable. Jason is conscripted and sent to fight in Vietnam, they are divided not just by distance, but by their beliefs about war.

Teachers guide: http://www.hachettechildrens.com.au/downloads/titleresources/9780734412744/VietnamDiary_teachersguide.pdf

Young 16 year old girls join entertainment troupe to Vietnam during the war. One of the girls has a brother in Vietnam serving as a soldier and she wants to find him. This is also her journey about finding her brother.

Vietnamese. Is a novel in verse based on the author's experiences of leaving war torn Vietnam and going to the US.

Inspired by Chinese Legends. Freshly presents the karmic rewards of kindness with a richly descriptive tone and stunning illustrations.

A young Indian girl is cast out by her family when she develops leprosy.

Child trafficking, set in Pakistan. Deals with social justice for disenfranchised young people who have no voice or power.

Set in Kashmir which has had four generations of victims in this conflict. It is the first in a series of books that explore the fragile worlds of children living in contemporary war zones.

book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHgnNo-S5oQ

Author interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_AZKa4Qbrs

The story of an Australian Girl with a Pakastani father who goes to Kashmir thinking that she is going to her cousin's wedding and discovers it is her own. Powerful and confronting.

This novel is a sensitive and evocative portrayal of a young boy caught up in the complexities of WW2. Ending incudes Japanese / Asian references There is the inclusion of comprehensive notes after the story has concluded.

Teacher Notes: http://www.bookvibes.com.au/hcp_web/teachers_notes/FRENCH_Pennies_for_Hitler_FINAL_120412.pdf

book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uchH9-DUYgo

Set in a 12th century Korean potters village it is the story of 12 year old orphan, Tree-ear, who sees a master potter creating beautiful pots and dreams of making his own. His difficult and dangerous journey changes his life forever.

study guide: http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-a-single-shard/

The story of the Kim family in Korea in WWII. The Japanese have occupied Korea since 1910 and want Koreans to change names to Japanese. Quietly resisting, the Kim family remain Korean in their homes and in their hearts. Told by Sun-hee, (10), and her brother Tae-yul, (13), who alternate as narrators of separate chapters.

Not only shows the hopes, beliefs and daily life of a young girl in wartime Japan but is a touching account of the consequences of the first nuclear bombing of a city. * both have young female protagonists * both present own country's perspective in a valid way

This is a review of 'The Seeing Stick' by Jane Yolen. I've chosen this link for the book, because aside from reviewing the book, it also includes images from some of the pages. This is a beautiful picture book! The story is also beautiful and would work really well with a study of fairy tales or fables. The quality of the paper and printing etc on this book is incredible, and is a great example of creativity in the multi modal picture book realm. It is not just words and pictures, it is a tactile book that adults appreciate.

This booklet contains a range of suggested texts and includes other links and information to assist teachers working with these texts.