cover image Come Home with Me: A Multicultural Treasure Hunt

Come Home with Me: A Multicultural Treasure Hunt

Aylette Jenness. New Press, $16.95 (48pp) ISBN 978-1-56584-064-5

The first installments in the Kids Bridge series, these volumes are based on a traveling exhibit that originated at the Children's Museum in Boston; the exhibit examines the hurtful effects of racism and discrimination, and encourages children to accept diversity. Here, four youngsters from various ethnic backgrounds (Cambodian, Puerto Rican, Irish and African American) escort readers to their homes, shops and museums on a search for foods and other items rooted in their cultural traditions. Sprinkled throughout are brief descriptions of related customs and legends--even a recipe for batidas (fruit shakes). Although the book introduces four intriguing heritages in a spirited and accessible fashion, the subtitle promises more than what is delivered--this ``treasure hunt'' essentially consists of flipping back and forth to designated pages and spotting obvious objects in photos. Ages 7-11. (Nov.)