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"Based on the model of the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, this story explains how Sufiya and four other women get a collective loan and start five micro-businesses, earning money to better their lives and pay back the loan. The accurate, detailed watercolors display the village setting, the work, and the problems the women must overcome. An author's note goes into greater detail."--Horn Book

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A Basket of Bangles: How a Business Begins

From
Lerner Publishing Group/ Millbrook Press
by Ginger Howard
illustrated by
Cheryl Kirk Noll

Use your browser to scroll right
to learn more about the women of Bangladesh

Bamboo Bridge Bangladesh market Selling Saris Bangladesh village

"Lively watercolors wonderfully depict the village Sufiya lives in. Vibrant-colored saris clothe the women, woven mats cover the floors of the simple grass huts, and the marketplace is filled with people, animals, stalls, and wares for sale. A good addition to the elementary economics curriculum."

Kirkus Reviews

Morning Mist
Sufiya lives in Bangladesh, and is desperately poor. When she takes the advice of a neighbor and attends a bank meeting, she sees a way to improve her life.

Bangladesh Marketplace
After securing a small loan from the bank, Sufiya and four friends go to the market to make purchases to start their own businesses.

Skipping Stone Honor Award for Multicultural and International Books, 2002

• NCSS-CBC Notable
Social Studies Trade Book for Young People

• Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year

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"It is an interesting account of another culture, of promises, and of human perseverance. Lovely watercolor paintings grace each page with bright colors and give a feeling for the country.."

Children's Literature,
Laura Hummel

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The well is the center of village life, and the women gather there.
3-wheeled bicycles called rickshaws are very common, and mix with buses, cars, and carts drawn by oxen.
To see more pictures (including a rickshaw traffic jam) click here.

Related links

Lerner Publications/Millbrook Press

Ginger Howard, author

FOR LEARNERS:
more about Bangladesh
* Photo Gallery of Women's Businesses
in Banladesh

* Virtual Bangladesh: Almost everything
you wanted to know about Banladesh!

* Current Weather in Dhaka, the capital of
Bangladesh

FOR TEACHERS:
Links to Curriculum Ideas that use
"A Basket of Bangles"

How Can we Make Businesses Fair and Effective? (teacher link, geared to 4th grade)


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*back to portfolio*

more books illustrated by Cheryl Kirk Noll

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