Confucius: And the World He Created

By Michael Schuman

Basic Books

Throughout East Asia, Confucius's influence can be seen in everything, from business practices and family relationships to educational standards and government policies. It is impossible to understand East Asia, journalist Michael Schuman demonstrates, without first engaging with Confucius and his vast legacy. East Asians today are turning to Confucius more than they have in a century to help them solve the ills of modern life. As a wealthy and increasingly powerful Asia rises on the world stage, Confucius, too, will command a more prominent place in global culture. Touching on philosophy, history and current affairs,Confuciustells the vivid, dramatic story of the enigmatic philosopher whose ideas remain at the heart of East Asian civilization.

Africa Is My Home: A Child of the Amistad

By Monica Edinger

Candlewick

When a drought hits her homeland in Sierra Leone, 9-year-old Magulu is sold by her father in exchange for rice. But before she can work off her debt, a tragic chain of events unfolds: a capture by slave traders; weeks in a dark and airless hold; a landing in Cuba, where she and three other children are sold and taken aboard the Amistad; a mutiny on the ship; and a trial in New Haven that eventually goes all the way to the Supreme Court and is argued in the Africans' favor by John Quincy Adams. Narrated in a remarkable first-person voice, this fictionalized book of memories of a real-life figure retells history through the eyes of a child-from seeing mirrors for the first time and struggling with laughably complicated clothing to longing for family and a home she never forgets. Lush, full-color illustrations by Robert Byrd, plus archival photographs and documents bring an extraordinary journey to life.

Glimpses of Contemporary China

By Li Luxing, Qi Ying

Sinolingua

TheGlimpses of Contemporary Chinaseries tells stories of ordinary Chinese people's daily lives, displaying different aspects of Chinese society. The books help readers to gain true knowledge of Chinese culture while learning Chinese. The series has 15 books, each detailing a different aspect. They include Chinese food, transportation, family life, education, cities and sports. The illustrations in the series will help readers gain a direct knowledge of China. The books can be used as teaching material for the Chinese language, reading material for learning about Chinese culture, or as after-class supplementary readers.