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Marianthe's Story: Painted Words and Spoken Memories: An Acclaimed Picture Book About Immigration and Friendship for Kids
Bestselling and award-winning author-illustrator Aliki’s semi-autobiographical picture book features two interconnected stories about immigration, friendship, and finding your voice. Kirkus called this acclaimed and timely book “vivid and exquisitely emotional.” Aliki’s acclaimed picture book follows Marianthe, a Greek girl who doesn't understand English, as she starts school in the United States. In Part I, “Painted Words,” Marianthe is frustrated about being unable to communicate with her peers. Her teacher encourages her to paint her words, and little by little she finds ways to share her story with her classmates. In Part II, “Spoken Memories,” Marianthe tells her class about her life in Greece, how her Papa left for a better job in America, and how she and her family eventually came to join him. Based on Aliki’s own experience as a schoolgirl in Philadelphia, this is an essential, timely, and relevant American immigration story. With appealing, accessible art and a universal message, Marianthe’s Story is sure to resonate with children and educators alike. The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books said, “Few picture books have captured [the immigrant experience] with such well-crafted and telling simplicity.”
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Aliki
190 books76 followersAliki has written and illustrated many books, both fiction and nonfiction, loved by readers throughout the world. The books were inspired by a word, an experience, or the desire to find out. Aliki lives in London, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 19, 2013
I liked the idea of Marianthe telling her story in two different ways. The pictures were nicely done. I thought the voice was the weakest element; it seemed like an adult and not a little girl.
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November 19, 2012Painted Words, Spoken Memories: Marianthe’s Story
Interest level: Grades K-2
Lexile Level: 550L
Guided Reading: N
Characters: Marianthe
POV: 3rd person
Summary: This book contains two separate stories of a little girl called Marianthe that tell of her struggles adjusting to a new place after moving from her small village. “Painted Words” describes Marianthe’s fear of starting school after moving from a different country (country not named). She doesn’t read or write English, so instead, she draws in class to communicate her thoughts. Some of the kids make fun of her but she continues to use her drawings to distract her from feeling sad. Her teacher Mr. Petrie, who is very welcoming, encourages Marianthe to tell a story through the paintings she created for the rest of the class. Her classmates loved it and wanted to try it for themselves making Marianthe feel better about her new life.
The second part, Spoken Memories, Marianthe tells her story to the class about where she came from. She lived in a small village with her family; everyone worked together and the community was like family. They all worked together in the fields and were very happy, despite poor living conditions. Since the village was so poor, people started to leave to find work in a new land, including her beloved father. It is made known that not only did her father leave for money to support his family but also to give Marianthe and her two siblings better resources. During the time he was away, Marianthe learned to write with the help of her mother and wrote letters to her father. Eventually, her and her mother and siblings were able to move with her father to begin a new life.
Interest level: Grades K-2
Lexile Level: 550L
Guided Reading: N
Characters: Marianthe
POV: 3rd person
Summary: This book contains two separate stories of a little girl called Marianthe that tell of her struggles adjusting to a new place after moving from her small village. “Painted Words” describes Marianthe’s fear of starting school after moving from a different country (country not named). She doesn’t read or write English, so instead, she draws in class to communicate her thoughts. Some of the kids make fun of her but she continues to use her drawings to distract her from feeling sad. Her teacher Mr. Petrie, who is very welcoming, encourages Marianthe to tell a story through the paintings she created for the rest of the class. Her classmates loved it and wanted to try it for themselves making Marianthe feel better about her new life.
The second part, Spoken Memories, Marianthe tells her story to the class about where she came from. She lived in a small village with her family; everyone worked together and the community was like family. They all worked together in the fields and were very happy, despite poor living conditions. Since the village was so poor, people started to leave to find work in a new land, including her beloved father. It is made known that not only did her father leave for money to support his family but also to give Marianthe and her two siblings better resources. During the time he was away, Marianthe learned to write with the help of her mother and wrote letters to her father. Eventually, her and her mother and siblings were able to move with her father to begin a new life.
August 28, 2017
Beautiful book (actually two books in one). I think a lot of my students would relate to Marianthe and her experience coming to a new country.
October 11, 2018
Painted Words and Spoken Memories is a realistic and historical fiction book that features two stories, with one side portraying the protagonist's life in her village and another side about her new life after immigrating. She can't understand her teacher, her fellow classmates, nor the language being spoken and written. However, she can decipher sounds and associate them with people or other meanings. Most importantly, she can draw - a universal way of conveying messages to others. The other half of the book features the life she had before immigrating; it is the story that Marianthe tells to her class.
The story is inspired by the personal experiences of the author and there aren't any stereotypes. Marianthe is a sympathetic character where the reader can find themselves rooting for her. It displays a teacher as a positive role model and classmates, through the use of earthy illustrations, as diverse and most empathetic of Marianthe. Negative experiences, too, are present in the story and are acknowledged by the fictitious teacher and parents. Although Marianthe comes into the classroom speaking little English, she can learn by listening and observing others. For example, by frequently hearing the phrase "Misapeechi", she comes to understand that is the name of the teacher. Later, she eventually learns through new phonetic understanding that his name is actually Mr. Petrie. This learning occurs with her classmates as well.
Marianthe is able to tell her life-story to the class through an assignment and her artwork. This conveys that Marianthe indeed as a deeper set of memories to her that makes a part of who she is. Her life-story tells of a different lifestyle, a home in a village, war, but above all the bonds everyone shared in her community. Her background isn't ignored and it isn't told in euphemisms. Indeed, events such as her brother - who was there before she was born - dying due to the famine bring a touch of grimness to her story, and events such as her being born and her family being overjoyed for her to grow into a healthy girl shape her outlook. Prejudices are not ignored, either, as some villagers did not approve of her going to school. However, Marianthe talks about her quickness in learning how to write, breaking down these prejudices.
Overall, a heartwarming story that portrays the gradual, but certainly present, progress of learning how to communicate with others in a new place. The illustrations contain noticeable expressions on characters' faces, which is good when inferring the details not mentioned in the text. The one trait about this story I somewhat disliked was how the situation with the person mostly bullying her, Patrick, seemed to not be fully addressed or contextualized. It is merely implied that he faces disdain through one sentence and the teacher and students' expressions in the illustrations. Although Marianthe's mother is sure to tell Marianthe not to be discouraged, how the discrimination is addressed in the class isn't quite fully elaborated.
The story is inspired by the personal experiences of the author and there aren't any stereotypes. Marianthe is a sympathetic character where the reader can find themselves rooting for her. It displays a teacher as a positive role model and classmates, through the use of earthy illustrations, as diverse and most empathetic of Marianthe. Negative experiences, too, are present in the story and are acknowledged by the fictitious teacher and parents. Although Marianthe comes into the classroom speaking little English, she can learn by listening and observing others. For example, by frequently hearing the phrase "Misapeechi", she comes to understand that is the name of the teacher. Later, she eventually learns through new phonetic understanding that his name is actually Mr. Petrie. This learning occurs with her classmates as well.
Marianthe is able to tell her life-story to the class through an assignment and her artwork. This conveys that Marianthe indeed as a deeper set of memories to her that makes a part of who she is. Her life-story tells of a different lifestyle, a home in a village, war, but above all the bonds everyone shared in her community. Her background isn't ignored and it isn't told in euphemisms. Indeed, events such as her brother - who was there before she was born - dying due to the famine bring a touch of grimness to her story, and events such as her being born and her family being overjoyed for her to grow into a healthy girl shape her outlook. Prejudices are not ignored, either, as some villagers did not approve of her going to school. However, Marianthe talks about her quickness in learning how to write, breaking down these prejudices.
Overall, a heartwarming story that portrays the gradual, but certainly present, progress of learning how to communicate with others in a new place. The illustrations contain noticeable expressions on characters' faces, which is good when inferring the details not mentioned in the text. The one trait about this story I somewhat disliked was how the situation with the person mostly bullying her, Patrick, seemed to not be fully addressed or contextualized. It is merely implied that he faces disdain through one sentence and the teacher and students' expressions in the illustrations. Although Marianthe's mother is sure to tell Marianthe not to be discouraged, how the discrimination is addressed in the class isn't quite fully elaborated.
March 15, 2019
This book is amazing and a perfect guide to display to children what it is like for an ELL student in a new American school environment. This book is actually like 2 stories in one. The first part is Painted Words where it tells of Marianthe's story and what she experiences in a new American school. She cannot understand the language spoken or written but she does understand facial expressions and tones which is the beginning step for her in learning the English language. She uses her free class time to paint pictures of her story. She has an encounter with a bully named Patrick, who calls her dummy often. Although she does not understand what he is saying at first, she knows by his look and tone of what he is saying when he is saying it that it is something demeaning about her and it hurts her feelings but instead of crying she paints. At the end of the Painted Words section the teacher says that it is time for her to tell her story and he hangs up all of her paintings and she divulges her story through her paintings and her English vocabulary that she has come to learn.
In the second part titled Spoken Memories, this is where she tells her story to her classmates. It is her story of what she endured in her life prior to coming to the new country. She tells of her village and the closeness within the village among the villagers. Her story is filled with difficulties that most children in her American classroom would never experience or have knowledge of but the fact that they can hear what her life was like, allows for a deeper respect and understanding for Marianthe. It is a great learning opportunity for everyone and aside from educating them, hopefully it imprints into their part of the brain that is responsible for empathy and compassion for others.
In the second part titled Spoken Memories, this is where she tells her story to her classmates. It is her story of what she endured in her life prior to coming to the new country. She tells of her village and the closeness within the village among the villagers. Her story is filled with difficulties that most children in her American classroom would never experience or have knowledge of but the fact that they can hear what her life was like, allows for a deeper respect and understanding for Marianthe. It is a great learning opportunity for everyone and aside from educating them, hopefully it imprints into their part of the brain that is responsible for empathy and compassion for others.
November 12, 2020
Marianthe’s Story is a beautiful tale about a young girl who finds herself in a new place where she doesn’t know anyone or speak their language. Marianthe is Greek and has come to America with her family in the hopes of a better life. She is sent to school with the full support of her kind and understanding mother who tells her that, even though she is scared, everything will be alright. Inside the school, Marianthe finds her supportive teacher, Mr. Petrie, also known as Misapeechi, who encourages her and helps her as she settles in. He helps her communicate with others through her paintings until she can communicate using English. As one might expect, the process of learning English is not easy and it takes Marianthe a while to comprehend it. When a student, noticing Marianthe’s struggles, decides to call her a “dummy”, she bravely turns to her painting to express her hurt in her heart and teach her class an important life lesson.
The lessons of patience, acceptance, and understanding are ones that we all, as humans, need to learn and remember. With the topic of immigration being at the forefront of many conversations, I think a lot of people would benefit from reading this book so that they can remember that it isn’t about where we come from or the language we speak… “inside we are all the same.” Aliki reminds us that the simple act of being human and being kind transcends everything else that might make us forget.
The lessons of patience, acceptance, and understanding are ones that we all, as humans, need to learn and remember. With the topic of immigration being at the forefront of many conversations, I think a lot of people would benefit from reading this book so that they can remember that it isn’t about where we come from or the language we speak… “inside we are all the same.” Aliki reminds us that the simple act of being human and being kind transcends everything else that might make us forget.
April 1, 2018
This book - these books really as Part 1 backs onto Part 2 - made me cry! In the library! But I was able to get to my tissues fairly quickly, but still did earn a strange look from the librarian.
The story, I think would touch most children, both those who have moved to a new country and culture, as well as those who (hopefully) welcome the ones who are arriving in the new place. Aliki perfectly captures the feelings of Marianthe (e.g. 'I am scared but not enough to cry...'). I appreciated how supportive Marianthe's mother was even though she was likely feeling pretty scared too.
I appreciated too that most of the children tried to welcome Marianthe to her new classroom and home, but that Aliki did not shy away from the fact that some of the children will try to bully the new student. I appreciated how the teacher and other adults involved handled the different situations.
I like that Aliki did explore the feelings of Marianthe, her family, the village, the students, etc. There need to be more children's storybooks that make it OK to have all types of feelings and to have feelings be accepted, and also experienced, by the adult characters.
Finally, the illustrations for the book were fabulous, perfectly capturing the plot, the characters, and the emotions of the story.
The story, I think would touch most children, both those who have moved to a new country and culture, as well as those who (hopefully) welcome the ones who are arriving in the new place. Aliki perfectly captures the feelings of Marianthe (e.g. 'I am scared but not enough to cry...'). I appreciated how supportive Marianthe's mother was even though she was likely feeling pretty scared too.
I appreciated too that most of the children tried to welcome Marianthe to her new classroom and home, but that Aliki did not shy away from the fact that some of the children will try to bully the new student. I appreciated how the teacher and other adults involved handled the different situations.
I like that Aliki did explore the feelings of Marianthe, her family, the village, the students, etc. There need to be more children's storybooks that make it OK to have all types of feelings and to have feelings be accepted, and also experienced, by the adult characters.
Finally, the illustrations for the book were fabulous, perfectly capturing the plot, the characters, and the emotions of the story.
June 30, 2023
Aliki recounts the immigrant experience, Marianthe's experience.
Her wise Mama assures Marianthe, a Greek immigrant whose English is sketchy:
"A body can talk," said Mama. "Eyes speak many words,
and a smile is a smile in any language."
CLEVERLY, A SECOND PICTURE BOOK IS PACKED IN BETWEEN THE SAME COVERS
You'll see how it's done. Cleverly, for sure.
As for the sentiments expressed here, the book is sweet. And universal enough to gain FIVE STARS from this tough reviewer.
A POINT ABOUT STYLE, THOUGH
In case this is helpful to some of you Goodreaders, the writing is stuffed with cliches. Personally, I found that this made me squirm. Yet I know that cliches are popular for a reason. They have that universal twang.
If you're thinking of buying this book, might I suggest? Read a few of the pages in advance.
* Most readers, I suspect, will LOVE the writing. It goes down nice and easy.
* Others, especially those of us who are writers, will find the universality of language as it's used here is, maybe, a bit cloying.
Her wise Mama assures Marianthe, a Greek immigrant whose English is sketchy:
"A body can talk," said Mama. "Eyes speak many words,
and a smile is a smile in any language."
CLEVERLY, A SECOND PICTURE BOOK IS PACKED IN BETWEEN THE SAME COVERS
You'll see how it's done. Cleverly, for sure.
As for the sentiments expressed here, the book is sweet. And universal enough to gain FIVE STARS from this tough reviewer.
A POINT ABOUT STYLE, THOUGH
In case this is helpful to some of you Goodreaders, the writing is stuffed with cliches. Personally, I found that this made me squirm. Yet I know that cliches are popular for a reason. They have that universal twang.
If you're thinking of buying this book, might I suggest? Read a few of the pages in advance.
* Most readers, I suspect, will LOVE the writing. It goes down nice and easy.
* Others, especially those of us who are writers, will find the universality of language as it's used here is, maybe, a bit cloying.
April 9, 2023
I had to read this book for one of my grad courses, and this is a must-read for your students. I would say this book is maybe for kindergarten to second or third-grade students. This book has two books in one. The first book talks about her first day at her new school and how she’s nervous about going because she doesn’t speak English. But her teacher Mr. Petrie allows Marianthe to express herself and tell her story with her paintings—the second book talks about how Marianthe and her family immigrated to the United States. And in the book’s second part, Marianthe learns how to speak English. So instead of using her paintings to tell a story, she can use her words. This is a great book to read to students even if they haven’t experienced immigration. If you have new students who feel like an outcast, this will also be a good read for them. This book shows students how to be kind to one another and persevere during difficult times.
February 27, 2021
Shortly after this story was published, it was one of our Georgia Picture Book Award Nominees. It quickly became a favorite for me because it mirrored much of the hispanic population we had at the time....they came to America speaking little or no English...picked it up quickly...and then were able to tell their story. What made the book stand out to me at the time as well, was how it was two stories in one book. The first part, "Painted Words," was Marianthe coming to school and not speaking English, but she was able to communicated through her drawings ("painted words"). Halfway through, the book, you finish that part just as she is learning enough English to communicate. You then flip the book around and read the story from the opposite direction and it's her telling her story in her own words now that she speaks English ("spoken memories").
October 19, 2016
Painted words was such a beautiful story of a young girl who is brought to a new country and doesn't know the language. Therefore, when it was time to paint, the young girl began to paint and her classmates were so eager to learn what she was painting. They soon realized that she would communicate what she couldn't say through her paintings. One of her classmates was bullying her so she painted a sad painting of herself which the whole class understood. I really enjoyed this book because I had a very thought message and the students were very respecting of their new classmate at the end. There's a lot to learn about the differences that we all bring into a classroom. The illustrations really help us understand the story better. This book is age appropriate for k-3 and is very easy to understand.
November 7, 2023
This book is just as relevant today, as when it was first published. The story allows young children to understand what it feels like to not understand words being spoken in another language. Using painting as a way to communicate, Marianthe brakes down a language barrier between herself and her classmates.
This a a must have read-aloud for teachers in a world where every classroom consists of Multi-Language-Learners.
This a a must have read-aloud for teachers in a world where every classroom consists of Multi-Language-Learners.
March 31, 2022
I enjoyed this book! I loved the illustrations and the story lines because it brings awareness of English language learners!
February 2, 2023
Sad, but good book to help open your eyes to how hard it is for the children that are dull language learners.
March 5, 2025
Beautiful story of a how a newcomer child adapted to her new surroundings.
November 27, 2022
I read this book for a class and absolutely loved it, and I plan on getting a copy for my library. This book has beautiful imagery and does an excellent job of describing what it feels like to be a new student from another country or culture. I really loved the originality of how the book flipped over to tell the second half of the story. After Marianthe creates all of her pictures every day, she is finally given the chance to explain what they all mean. Reading this book as a teacher made me reflect on how I could make my classroom the most welcoming environment for my students. I love how the teacher lets Marianthe express herself in the ways that she chooses and then gives her the opportunity to share her life and her story with her new friends. This is an excellent book for children and adults alike to read and gain an understanding of what it could be like to leave what you knew behind to start new in an unfamiliar place.
November 7, 2018
Marianthe's Story by Aliki is a double-book. I don't know how else to describe it but I'm sure there's a term out there for this type of book somewhere; when you finish one side, you rotate the book and start again from the other side. This particular text is a two-part story, following a young immigrant named Marianthe who recently arrived to America and is starting school. Her country of origin is intentionally left out, but her name, Marianthe, is of Greek origin, as is the author. This book is fiction, but I suspect it is based on the experiences of the author, which might place it closer to an "autobiographical fiction" area.
In the first "book," Mari is sent to school and doesn't understand what the teacher, nor any of her classmates are saying. Instead, she expresses herself with painting. "Drawing what she can't talk," she tells her mother. In the second, she has developed her English vocabulary and tells the story of what it was like in her home country, and why they left.
This is an excellent book describing some struggles of immigration, cultural norms and assimilation in a new culture, as well as a sprinkling of women's empowerment. An interesting aspect of this piece is there is a good deal of content that isn't directly written about, but instead expressed in pictures. This might make the book more appropriate for a wider range of learners. The literary content by itself is appropriate for second or third graders. The artwork is gorgeous; it appears to be done with pencils. It supports the text and even enhances it beyond what's written. Of course, the author was an immigrant from Greece herself (Mari's implied country of origin).
I find it very interesting that her country of origin isn't directly stated. Instead, it focuses on Marianthe, a complex character with believable emotions. By splitting her story into two parts, children can more easily compartmentalize the different facets of leaving a country. The first, she's arrived to America and feels lost, but slowly gains friends and English language skills with the help of a friendly teacher and her family. The second, she's nostalgic in a bittersweet way about her previous life in (what I must assume is) Greece. I think this book is a timeless, perfect example of the struggles of leaving one's home, and discovering life anew in a foreign land. Not only does it realistically portray these characteristics, it also encourages some wholesome values, such as creativity through art, friendship, and the importance of knowledge and family. Mari and her family are very cute and portrayed as ordinary folks, not rooted in any stereotypes whatsoever (besides some mild ones associated with peripheral and semi-peripheral countries). The plot is both realistic but age-appropriate without too many heavy-handed, mature themes. It's told from the perspective of a child, essentially.
The text is easy to understand through read-alouds, guided-reading or individual reading activities. Although I know little about this topic from personal experience, I don't see any glaring issues in the narrative nor the illustration.
In the first "book," Mari is sent to school and doesn't understand what the teacher, nor any of her classmates are saying. Instead, she expresses herself with painting. "Drawing what she can't talk," she tells her mother. In the second, she has developed her English vocabulary and tells the story of what it was like in her home country, and why they left.
This is an excellent book describing some struggles of immigration, cultural norms and assimilation in a new culture, as well as a sprinkling of women's empowerment. An interesting aspect of this piece is there is a good deal of content that isn't directly written about, but instead expressed in pictures. This might make the book more appropriate for a wider range of learners. The literary content by itself is appropriate for second or third graders. The artwork is gorgeous; it appears to be done with pencils. It supports the text and even enhances it beyond what's written. Of course, the author was an immigrant from Greece herself (Mari's implied country of origin).
I find it very interesting that her country of origin isn't directly stated. Instead, it focuses on Marianthe, a complex character with believable emotions. By splitting her story into two parts, children can more easily compartmentalize the different facets of leaving a country. The first, she's arrived to America and feels lost, but slowly gains friends and English language skills with the help of a friendly teacher and her family. The second, she's nostalgic in a bittersweet way about her previous life in (what I must assume is) Greece. I think this book is a timeless, perfect example of the struggles of leaving one's home, and discovering life anew in a foreign land. Not only does it realistically portray these characteristics, it also encourages some wholesome values, such as creativity through art, friendship, and the importance of knowledge and family. Mari and her family are very cute and portrayed as ordinary folks, not rooted in any stereotypes whatsoever (besides some mild ones associated with peripheral and semi-peripheral countries). The plot is both realistic but age-appropriate without too many heavy-handed, mature themes. It's told from the perspective of a child, essentially.
The text is easy to understand through read-alouds, guided-reading or individual reading activities. Although I know little about this topic from personal experience, I don't see any glaring issues in the narrative nor the illustration.
September 30, 2016
Genre: Realistic Fiction/multi-cultural
Format: Picture book
Awards: this book has not received any awards
Summary: Marianthe is starting a new school, in a new country. She is nervous about this new world she is about to step in, and is concerned about not knowing the English language. The first day, Marianthe doesn't understand much. She hears babbles when people talk and chicken feet when people write. Marianthe then discovers that she can communicate one way though, with her paintings. She paints about herself, to try and tell a story of who she is and where she is from. With time Marianthe begins to understand her classmates and her teacher. Babbles become words and names, and chicken feet become letters that make sounds, and form words. When Marianthe is ready, the teacher allows her to share with the class who she is and where shes from using her paintings and the new language she has adopted as her own.
Critique: This was a very well written book, with many lessons to learn about accepting others that are different and making them feel welcomed. The only critique I would have would be that the author elaborate when the student is being mean to Marianthe. The author jumps from saying that Patrick calls Marianthe a "dummy," but then talks about the nice students, and then goes back to having dialogue about some students being mean and ignorant. This seemed very choppy while reading, and might have flowed better if the author talked about the mean student as a whole, and then spoke of the nice children.
Teaching Prompt: This would be an excellent book to have a writing prompt about. The author talks about feelings a lot throughout this text, and this would go great with teaching about schema and connecting to the text. The teacher could propose a prompt such as, "Think of a time when you felt nervous or anxious because you were new or didn't know something. How did you overcome feeling this way? What did others do to help you not feel this way?" The students could discuss or write about this and then the teacher could teach on how important it is to be a good friend and kind classmate because we are also making differences in peoples' lives.
Craft Elements: The author did a great job making the illustrations a big part in this story. The reader was able to tell emotions or actions based off the students' faces. This allowed for inferences to occur while reading the story. The reader could also see how Marianthe was telling her story through her paintings. The illustrations added so much to the story.
Format: Picture book
Awards: this book has not received any awards
Summary: Marianthe is starting a new school, in a new country. She is nervous about this new world she is about to step in, and is concerned about not knowing the English language. The first day, Marianthe doesn't understand much. She hears babbles when people talk and chicken feet when people write. Marianthe then discovers that she can communicate one way though, with her paintings. She paints about herself, to try and tell a story of who she is and where she is from. With time Marianthe begins to understand her classmates and her teacher. Babbles become words and names, and chicken feet become letters that make sounds, and form words. When Marianthe is ready, the teacher allows her to share with the class who she is and where shes from using her paintings and the new language she has adopted as her own.
Critique: This was a very well written book, with many lessons to learn about accepting others that are different and making them feel welcomed. The only critique I would have would be that the author elaborate when the student is being mean to Marianthe. The author jumps from saying that Patrick calls Marianthe a "dummy," but then talks about the nice students, and then goes back to having dialogue about some students being mean and ignorant. This seemed very choppy while reading, and might have flowed better if the author talked about the mean student as a whole, and then spoke of the nice children.
Teaching Prompt: This would be an excellent book to have a writing prompt about. The author talks about feelings a lot throughout this text, and this would go great with teaching about schema and connecting to the text. The teacher could propose a prompt such as, "Think of a time when you felt nervous or anxious because you were new or didn't know something. How did you overcome feeling this way? What did others do to help you not feel this way?" The students could discuss or write about this and then the teacher could teach on how important it is to be a good friend and kind classmate because we are also making differences in peoples' lives.
Craft Elements: The author did a great job making the illustrations a big part in this story. The reader was able to tell emotions or actions based off the students' faces. This allowed for inferences to occur while reading the story. The reader could also see how Marianthe was telling her story through her paintings. The illustrations added so much to the story.
February 26, 2015
Personal Reaction: I thought this book was very interesting and had many different elements in it that contributed to the overall presentation of the book. I really like that it is a double sided book, with two separate stories, and how Spoken Memories is a continuation of Painted Words.
Purpose: Read aloud for students 2-4
-enjoyment from the story itself, and the uplifting ending. Some students may be able to relate to Marianthe and the cultural/language barrier. Also, some students may relate to how she feels as an outsider, and no one can understand her. She has a very hard time communicating her words, but she does so through pictures and the students are able to understand her. Slowly but surely she was able to begin to understand English and eventually she was able to tell her story through her pictures using her new words.
-the illustrations are really great, there is a lot to talk about. For example when "Mari" is talking about her family story in the "Spoken Memories" side of the book, and is talking about the time her family was going through the war, experiencing death, and famine to her classmates. The illustrations become black and white, and dark. This shows the emotion and tone of this time in Mari's story. These illustrations are different from the other very colorful illustrations throughout the book.
Curriculum: Read aloud for students in grades 2-4
-introducing ways of communication with students. What are other ways of communicating if you couldn't speak?
-discussing cultural barriers, and breaking down those barriers to help those affected by them. How does it feel to be an outsider? How can we help to include others? How can we help others to understand?
-discussing family history and diverse perspectives in a classroom. Maybe have the students learn about their family history and bring a fun painting, drawing, or story to read to the class. Also useful for discussing being open to learning about other cultures and heritages.
-introducing war and immigration to the United States and how immigrants were affected, included, treated, etc.
Purpose: Read aloud for students 2-4
-enjoyment from the story itself, and the uplifting ending. Some students may be able to relate to Marianthe and the cultural/language barrier. Also, some students may relate to how she feels as an outsider, and no one can understand her. She has a very hard time communicating her words, but she does so through pictures and the students are able to understand her. Slowly but surely she was able to begin to understand English and eventually she was able to tell her story through her pictures using her new words.
-the illustrations are really great, there is a lot to talk about. For example when "Mari" is talking about her family story in the "Spoken Memories" side of the book, and is talking about the time her family was going through the war, experiencing death, and famine to her classmates. The illustrations become black and white, and dark. This shows the emotion and tone of this time in Mari's story. These illustrations are different from the other very colorful illustrations throughout the book.
Curriculum: Read aloud for students in grades 2-4
-introducing ways of communication with students. What are other ways of communicating if you couldn't speak?
-discussing cultural barriers, and breaking down those barriers to help those affected by them. How does it feel to be an outsider? How can we help to include others? How can we help others to understand?
-discussing family history and diverse perspectives in a classroom. Maybe have the students learn about their family history and bring a fun painting, drawing, or story to read to the class. Also useful for discussing being open to learning about other cultures and heritages.
-introducing war and immigration to the United States and how immigrants were affected, included, treated, etc.
September 21, 2020
This is two books in one.
Short summary: A young girl comes to the US from another country. She doesn't speak English yet, and her teacher encourages her to communicate with other students through her art. In the second book we learn more about her life before she came here.
What I liked: Full color illustrations with many images of children. Nice multi-ethnic representation of her classmates. Her country of origin is not mentioned, so it really can apply to many children without being too specific. Great visuals for kids that are not verbal for a number of reasons. Marianthe is very visual and we see how she sees (and changes her perception as she learns more) her world.
What I didn't like: The teacher shortens her name to "Mari" without getting her permission or her parents' permission. He asks "May we call you Mari?" but since she doesn't speak English yet, she can't really understand or answer, can she? I think it's important to know how the child wants to be called, and even if her name is long or hard to say, it's up to US to learn how to say it and show respect. (My name is Margaret and I cringe if people try to shorten it.)
Warnings: Marianthe mentions the death of a brother as a baby before she was born. One boy is mean to her in class (great talking point).
Would I read this to children: Yes, I would. I think it's a great story about immigration, as well as feeling like an outsider. I would discuss the name thing with kids and ask their opinions--has anyone shortened your name? How did you feel? How do you feel when someone really tries to learn your name and how to say it properly?
Short summary: A young girl comes to the US from another country. She doesn't speak English yet, and her teacher encourages her to communicate with other students through her art. In the second book we learn more about her life before she came here.
What I liked: Full color illustrations with many images of children. Nice multi-ethnic representation of her classmates. Her country of origin is not mentioned, so it really can apply to many children without being too specific. Great visuals for kids that are not verbal for a number of reasons. Marianthe is very visual and we see how she sees (and changes her perception as she learns more) her world.
What I didn't like: The teacher shortens her name to "Mari" without getting her permission or her parents' permission. He asks "May we call you Mari?" but since she doesn't speak English yet, she can't really understand or answer, can she? I think it's important to know how the child wants to be called, and even if her name is long or hard to say, it's up to US to learn how to say it and show respect. (My name is Margaret and I cringe if people try to shorten it.)
Warnings: Marianthe mentions the death of a brother as a baby before she was born. One boy is mean to her in class (great talking point).
Would I read this to children: Yes, I would. I think it's a great story about immigration, as well as feeling like an outsider. I would discuss the name thing with kids and ask their opinions--has anyone shortened your name? How did you feel? How do you feel when someone really tries to learn your name and how to say it properly?
March 15, 2015
Painted Words by Alki Brandenberg is a realistic fiction book about a girl, Marianthe, who moves to America and attends a new school. Marianthe does not speak English so she has a hard time understanding what people at her new school are saying. She also has difficulties expressing herself, so she expressed herself through painted artwork. As the story progresses, Marianthe, with the support of her mother, begins to understand and speak some English. She receives encouragement from her teacher, classmates, and mother. This book is Brandenberg’s life story when she began school in the States. This book relates to immigration and shows diversity. The characters represents a variety of cultural groups- the illustrations portrayed students who were Black, White, Asian, and one who had a disability. This book has high developmental appropriateness in that it presents a story that is interesting to children and it includes a problem and solution. Marianthe was able to learn to express herself in her new environment. Lastly, the characters were realistic and convincing.
February 27, 2015
Personal Reaction:
-The story of a young girl named Mari, is told in "Painted Words." Mari is going to a new school and she feels nervous about meeting her peers. As she becomes more comfortable, she makes more friends and enjoys going to school.
Purpose:
-I would read this book aloud to students between first and third grade.
-The purpose of this book is to show students that going to school and meeting friends can be extremely beneficial and fun, even if you are the new student.
-This short story about Mari's life could be used in a way that students can express themselves telling their own stories. After reading the book, students can write and draw pictures of an important event in their lives. When they finish their own stories, they could then share them with the other students in the class.
Other:
-This book also depicts diversity and the reassurance that all people go through problems, but with hard work, they can get through almost anything.
-The story of a young girl named Mari, is told in "Painted Words." Mari is going to a new school and she feels nervous about meeting her peers. As she becomes more comfortable, she makes more friends and enjoys going to school.
Purpose:
-I would read this book aloud to students between first and third grade.
-The purpose of this book is to show students that going to school and meeting friends can be extremely beneficial and fun, even if you are the new student.
-This short story about Mari's life could be used in a way that students can express themselves telling their own stories. After reading the book, students can write and draw pictures of an important event in their lives. When they finish their own stories, they could then share them with the other students in the class.
Other:
-This book also depicts diversity and the reassurance that all people go through problems, but with hard work, they can get through almost anything.
March 7, 2012
This is two books in one volume in my edition.
In "Painted Words" we meet Mari on her first day of school and quickly understand that she is new to English. Her teacher and classmates are supportive for the most part, but some days are hard and frustrating for her. She paints as a way to communicate. In "Spoken Memories" we hear the story behind Mari's paintings: how her family fled from famine and a war-torn country (it's not clear where).
With colored pencil illustrations and a clear strong voice, this makes a good read aloud for the beginning of the year in international schools or classrooms welcoming a new student who does not speak English. It would also be good for units about children affected by war.
In "Painted Words" we meet Mari on her first day of school and quickly understand that she is new to English. Her teacher and classmates are supportive for the most part, but some days are hard and frustrating for her. She paints as a way to communicate. In "Spoken Memories" we hear the story behind Mari's paintings: how her family fled from famine and a war-torn country (it's not clear where).
With colored pencil illustrations and a clear strong voice, this makes a good read aloud for the beginning of the year in international schools or classrooms welcoming a new student who does not speak English. It would also be good for units about children affected by war.
October 17, 2016
This book is great for children with speech problems because they can relate to how Mari uses art to express what she can't actually say with words. In Painted Words, Marianthe's paintings help her to become less of an outsider as she struggles to adjust to a new language and a new school. Under the guidance of her teacher, who understands that there is more than one way to tell a story, Mari makes pictures to illustrate the history of her family, and eventually begins to decipher the meaning of words. In Spoken Memories, a proud Mari is finally able to use her new words to narrate the sequence of paintings she created, and share with her classmates her memories of her homeland and the events that brought her family to their new country.
Read
April 24, 2013I enjoyed reading this book because it expresses the issue of immigration. A girl name Marianthe uses painting as a way to cope with being a stranger to the new country. I personal thought this book was inspirational as a child finds her own way to adjust to a new language and so forth. As a lesson plan, I would read aloud this book and ask students what they think about her changes and what solutions she could have also done. Or what they could have done to help Marianthe adjust to her new school and learn the new language.
September 27, 2008
The author's perspectives of the families history and of Marianthe's journey was intriguing as they are two stories in one book but I found that I would have preferred that the author add more "chapters" to join the two and make it one story. I enjoyed the story of the family's life in [Greece] another country as the waited to join the father in another country.
April 8, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book to my 2nd graders. I used it to teach different characters point of view. In the story, the little girl can't speak English and its interesting how she hears certain words. There is a little boy in her class that thinks she is not smart. So I discussed with my student that this was his point of view.
This book can also be used for teaching visualization.
This book can also be used for teaching visualization.
November 7, 2014
Two stories in one, a good book to put out when doing a story time about immigrants or about learning English. I like that the book has two stories in one binding, but I don't like that a lot of the story is left out. What country is Marianthe from? Did she ever get to spend time with her father? So, I would put it out, but I would not read it outloud.
January 1, 2017
This is a good story for children experiencing a cultural or language barrier in school. The paintings Marianthe presents to her class are a wonderful expression of communication without language. However, I was hoping to use the book with an adult English language learner and found it was a bit complex for her.
April 8, 2011
Written from the perspective of a student who has moved to a new place, knows no one and doesn't know how to speak the language everyone around her uses. It gives good insight to how ESL students learn with non-verbal clues and pick up on language.
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