Ann Malaspina
children's author
children's author
More about Yasmin's Hammer
Awards
Asian Pacific American Award for Literature
Winner, Picture Books
Horace Mann Upstanders Children's Literature Award, Honor Book
Best Children's Books of the Year
Bank Street College of Education
Notable Children's Books
Smithsonian Magazine
The Story
Reviews
"Young people will be moved as they recognize what they take for granted: education is a right that can set you free..." Booklist
"A bleak situation becomes a powerful tale of hope through Yasmin’s passion and determination. Malaspina tells the tale in graceful, straightforward language, describing the overwhelming sounds of the city with the precision of a child’s eye." School Library Journal
"While the geographic setting of Yasmin’s Hammer may be far from many readers, Yasmin’s fierce love of family, her belief in the power of books, and her dogged conviction that her struggle will be worthwhile will speak across seas and cultures" PaperTigers
"Yasmin’s Hammer is yet more proof for the need to educate girls throughout the world. . . . At book’s end, Malaspina offers a child-friendly overview of the situation in Bangladesh, highlighting both the challenges and ongoing progress toward educating all young Bangladeshis. She also provides a welcome list of ways that readers – both the youngest and their parents – can help the children of Bangladesh. Book Dragon
"This richly illustrated picture book gives young readers a window into the life and culture of the city of Dhaka: rickshaws, mosques, pumpkin curry." Suffolk Cooperative Library System
In the noisy streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, another busy morning is beginning as Yasmin rides to work in her father’s rattling rickshaw. Yasmin longs to go to school so she can learn to read, but her family needs the money she and her sister earn at the brickyard to help keep the rice bag full and the roof repaired. Illustrated by Doug Chayka.
Reviews
"Young people will be moved as they recognize what they take for granted: education is a right that can set you free..." Booklist
"A bleak situation becomes a powerful tale of hope through Yasmin’s passion and determination. Malaspina tells the tale in graceful, straightforward language, describing the overwhelming sounds of the city with the precision of a child’s eye." School Library Journal
"While the geographic setting of Yasmin’s Hammer may be far from many readers, Yasmin’s fierce love of family, her belief in the power of books, and her dogged conviction that her struggle will be worthwhile will speak across seas and cultures" PaperTigers
"Yasmin’s Hammer is yet more proof for the need to educate girls throughout the world. . . . At book’s end, Malaspina offers a child-friendly overview of the situation in Bangladesh, highlighting both the challenges and ongoing progress toward educating all young Bangladeshis. She also provides a welcome list of ways that readers – both the youngest and their parents – can help the children of Bangladesh. Book Dragon
"This richly illustrated picture book gives young readers a window into the life and culture of the city of Dhaka: rickshaws, mosques, pumpkin curry." Suffolk Cooperative Library System
I was inspired to write Yasmin's Hammer after visiting South Asia and later reading several news reports about young brick chippers in Dhaka (see photo above). I wanted to tell the story of a girl who had to work hard every day, but dreamed of a better life for herself and her family. I wanted the story to be full of hope--and also to show the realities of the lives of the estimated 218 million children in Bangladesh and other developing countries trapped by economic hardship into daily labor. Some 100 million children of primary school age around the world are not enrolled in school.
Here's an interview with illustrator Doug Chayka and myself about our exploration of Bangladesh and story development is posted here: http:/www.leeandlow.com/p/yasmin.mhtml.
A word search! in Yasmin's Hammer
