A Basket of Bangles
Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 10:47PM Email Article A Basket of Bangles
Based on the work of the Grameen Bank, this story tells how five poor, uneducated women get bank loans and start businesses in Bangladesh. They must learn to write their names, and they must be available to help each other during hard times. The women grow to be self-sufficient and their businesses succeed. For grades K-3, the beautiful illustrations and simple story present an example of entrepreneurship and interdependency. Older students (grades 3-8) can also focus on the simple details regarding installment loans and interest payments. A brief explanation of various questions readers might ask is included at the end of the book.
Awards: 2003 National Council of Social Studies Notables
2003 Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street College
2003 Skipping Stones Honor Award for Multicultural and International Books
A Basket of Bangles - Questions From Readers 1. Where did you get the idea to write A Basket of Bangles? I was watching TV one night and saw a show about the Grameen Bank. It was called "To Our Credit" and it was produced by Rob Rooy. I was so interested in the work the bank was doing that I looked for more information at the library. You can learn more about Roy Rooy's work here. 2. Did you get to choose the illustrator? No - My editor at Millbrook Press found the illustrator. I'm so glad she found Cheryl! Cheryl did lots of research and even built a small cardboard town to keep all the buildings in the right places in the pictures. I love the colorful saris and fabrics in the paintings! You can find more of Cheryl's artwork and books at her website.
Ask the author a question - send email to ginger@tetontel.com
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments