Marianthe's Story: Painted Words and Spoken Memories

Bestselling and award-winning author-illustrator Aliki’s semi-autobiographical picture book features two interconnected stories about immigration, friendship, and finding your voice. This picture book is
an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children
ages 5 to 7 who are ready to read independently. It’s a fun way to keep your
child engaged and as a supplement for activity books for children.

This is the paperback edition of the acclaimed and timely book that Kirkus called “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.”

“The storytelling is vivid and exquisitely emotional, making Aliki’s story painfully personal, yet resonant, in very few pages.” - Kirkus Reviews

“An illuminating book for all collections that serve youngsters from other lands.” - School Library Journal

“Although there have been many novels on the immigrant experience, few picture books have captured it with such well-crafted and telling simplicity.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books