WATER DAY, by Margarita Engle and Olivia Sua, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Aug. 22, 2023, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A young girl and her community celebrating the arrival of their weekly water delivery in Water Day, by Margarita Engle and Olivia Sua.
Water days are busy days,
grateful, laughing,
thirsty days.
A small village no longer has a water supply of its own, but one young girl and her neighbors get by with the help of the water man. When he comes to town, water flows like hope for the whole familia, and everyone rejoices. —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Water Day helps children understand that what is normal for them may not be normal for kids all around the world. So many people take clean drinking water for granted. In her author’s note, Margarita Engle explains the challenges around getting potable water, goes into detail on the global water crisis and explains the importance of mosquitofish.
Engle’s poetic prose is sparse yet packed with information. And Olivia Sua captures the excitement tied to Water Day. Her depiction of a Cuban village comes to life through painted cut paper.
Water Day is an excellent jumping off point for multiple classroom discussions.
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