By: Norma Carvajal-Camacho

Anne Evelyn Bunting was born December 1928 in Maghera, Northern Ireland. She emigrated to the United States in 1958 with her husband, she has lived here ever since. She currently resides in Pasadena, California. Eve Bunting began to write after moving to California. Her first book The Two Giants, was a story she retold from her childhood. Eve Bunting has written a wide variety of books. She also writes about a wide variety of topics. In her books she has addressed serious topics such as homelessness, war, racial prejudice, and death. Her books however are always hopeful. “ One of my greatest joys is writing picture books. I have discovered the pleasures of telling a story of happiness or sorrow in a few simple words. I like to write picture books that make young people ponder, that encourage them to ask questions.” Click on the photograph to hear Eve Bunting talking about her books.

1976 – Golden Kite Award for One More Flight 1995 – Caldecott Medal for Smokey Nights 1997 – Regina Medal Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Children’s Book Award 2006 – Arab American Book Award for One Green Apple

I chose Eve Bunting as the subject of my project because she is an author that writes books that make children think. Literature that provokes thought challenges students to read and think critically. Many of her books are realistic fiction and help bring to light difficult topics that many students may be experiencing. Her books give students a chance to see themselves reflected in her stories and also allows readers to develop empathy for other people (Temple, Martinez, Yokota 2011).

 Summary The book "Fly Away Home," by Eve Bunting, is a realistic fiction story about a boy and his dad who live in an airport terminal. They make sure not to get noticed by the authorities. Throughout the story, the boy makes references to things other families have done to draw attention to themselves. The boy and his dad wash up in the bathrooms and sleep sitting up. His father works as a janitor during the day and is trying to save money so they can get their own place.  Analysis This is an emotional story that details the life of a homeless boy and his father. In the story a bird, symbolizing the boy, gets trapped in the airport and tries desperately to get out and it finally it does. The bird provides hope for boy. This story can help students see an experience beyond their own or help students who may be experiencing a similar situation see that they are not alone (Temple, Martinez, Yokota 2011). Click on the book to hear the story.

 Summary When Francisco's grandfather arrives from Mexico speaking no English and looking for work, Francisco becomes his translator. Anxious to help Abuelo find work quickly, Francisco tells a lie about what his grandfather knows how to do. In the end, Francisco learns an important lesson about integrity.  Analysis This is a story about immigrant families and day laborers. It explores the challenges immigrants face when they arrive in a new country. Francisco finds himself translating for his grandfather who does not speak English. Many students may be able to relate to this story as they too bear the burden of translating for their families. Moral dilemmas can also be explored with this book. In lying about his grandfathers experience, Francisco was able to get him work. The lie however, creates more problems for both of them. Francisco learns from his grandfather, the importance of honesty and integrity.

 Summary Mama and Papa are excited to take a break from working in the fields and go home to Mexico. Carlos and his sisters are unsure about going to Mexico. After they arrive, however, they meet their loving extended family, and the children begin to understand what it meant for their parents to leave home in order to offer the family hope for a better future. The story is beautifully illustrated by David Diaz. The illustrations are layered on top of photos of Mexican folk art.  Analysis This story authentically illustrates the difficulties many immigrants face when leaving their home country. Many leave their homeland to escape poverty, seek work, or better opportunities for their children. Often, their children often don’t quite realize or understand the tremendous sacrifice their parents have made for them. Leaving everything and everyone behind to come to a foreign country is a very real situation for many students. The characters in this story resemble real people, people students probably know. The story can also be utilized to personalize a unit of study on immigration.

 Realistic fiction lends itself to exploring characters and conflict. The story, A Day’s Work can be used to explore characters feelings, thoughts and actions. The following two slides are examples of activities I used with students after reading the text.

Compare how Francisco feels in the van before work and after work. Before WorkAfter Work What Francisco thinks about What Francisco does What Francisco says

What lesson does Francisco learn? Use the text to support your response. ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ________

 Bunting, E.,(1994). A Day’s Work. New York: Clarion.  Bunting, E., (1991). Fly Away Home. New York: Clarion  Bunting, E., (1996). Going Home. New York: HarperCollins  Temple, C., Martinez, M., & Yokota, J. (2011). Children’s books in children’s hands: An introduction to their literature (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.