Multicultural bilingual books are quite useful in the classroom and home setting. Students and parents can read them in their home language and English simultaneously increasing their ability to understanding and comprehending what they are reading, thus improving their literacy skills in both languages. Further, multicultural bilingual books with an emphasis on multiculturalism also help ELL children relate to the stories being told and increasing their interest in reading the story. Lectura Books offers an array of multicultural bilingual books for students of all ages. Take a look at the following multicultural bilingual books from Lectura Books.

The Oldest House in the USA

The Oldest House in the USA by Kat Aragon tells the story about a home that was probably built during the thirteenth century. Throughout the years of its existence, the home has been home to quite a few different people, and maybe a ghost or two. In 2012, the Oldest House in the USA won the Best Educational Children’s Book – Bilingual from the International Latino Book Awards. This book is ideal for children between the ages of 5- and 8-years-old.

The Shark That Taught Me English

The Shark that Taught Me English by Michelle Markel shares the story about a young girl that doesn’t speak English. Her teacher sees her struggle and develops a method to help Sofia learn English. This story demonstrates the importance of teachers in the learning endeavors of their students. In 2008, The Shark That Taught Me English won the Gold Medal from the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. And, in 2010, the book won the Best Children’s Book from the Pinnacle Awards. This book is ideal for children between the ages of 5- and 8-years-old.

Family Stories

Family Stories is a compilation of stories by ten gifted authors. The book shares stories from their childhood, which are illustrated by the talented artist/authors. Family Stories is a highly-relatable rich cultural treasure that features beautiful imagery and stories. This book is ideal for children between the ages of 5- and 8-years-old.

Letters Forever

Letters Forever by Tom Luna chronicles the day-to-day life of Camila, a young child, whose grandfather moves away to Mexico. Camila is very close to her grandfather. In order to calm her sorrows, she begins writing him letters. This story shows the importance of family in the lives of ELLs. In 2013, Letters Forever won the Bronze Medal at the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. And, in 2014-2015, this book was placed on the Tejas Star Reading List. This book is ideal for children between the ages of 5- and 8-years-old.

Teo and the Brick

Teo and the Brick by Adam Del Rio tells the story of Teo and the love that he has for his siblings. Despite living in poverty, Teo stays close to his family. Additionally, the book gives ELL students a glimpse of a historic Los Angeles. In 2007, Teo and the Brick won the International Latino Book Award’s Best Educational Children’s Book – Bilingual. This book is ideal for children between the ages of 5- and 8-years-old.

Reading multicultural bilingual books is thought to be an effective way to obtain transferable literacy skills. Therefore, bilingual books should be incorporated into the home and school settings when working with ELLs. Also, bilingual books encourage parental involvement. Ensuring to use high-quality multicultural bilingual books is also part of the literacy success equation. That’s where Lectura Books comes in with their award-winning books for bilingual ELL students of all ages. For more information on Lectura Books and the multiple resources they offer to teachers and students visit our website.