Uncle Rain Cloud

Johnston, Tony, Uncle Rain Cloud, 2000, Charlesbridge.

Keywords:  Mexican-American, Translating, Family and culture, speaking English.

Summary:  Carlos tries to help his uncle, who is frustrated and angry at his inability to speak English, and adjust to their new home in Los Angeles. Carlos loves it when his uncle tells him amazing stories of Mexico, and the myths of gods and goddesses with weird tongue-twisting names. 
This book would be great for ages 4-8.

Teaching Suggestions : This book its a good source to understand the things a child goes through when the parents or guardians don't speak English. The children often end up being the translators and interpreters in the store, classroom and with official letters.  This book emphasizes the responsibility that a child has when he or she becomes the interpreter of the house. I used to be the interpreter in the house...and still am. I related a lot to this book.We can use this book when learning about overcoming misunderstandings, difficulties of living in a society where you don’t know the language, communication between persons. This book also helps to clear up misunderstandings that people don't want to learn the languages. It helps to see the reasons on why some people are afraid to speak up.