Tool Box

RICKSHAW GIRL by Mitali Perkins

Click here to walk in Naima’s world by downloading the .pdf version of the Discussion Guide especially created to compliment Rickshaw Girl. In doing so, learn about the economic complexities of Naima’s life in Bangladesh. Engage in vibrant topics for discussion. Create artistic crafts such as creating alpanas out of chalk, salt, rice, or salt. Delve into… Read more »

THE CIRCUIT by Francisco Jimenez

Incorporate Francisco Jimenez’s timeless book into your classroom activities by accessing this on-line study guide especially created to compliment his work. Components of the guide are pre-reading and discussion questions. Click here to access the on-line study guide for The Circuit In addition click here to enjoy a mini-documentary movie, 2 book-reading movies (one in English, one Spanish),… Read more »

TORTILLA SUN by Jennifer Cervantes

Nana says that “Life is magic” and “Sometimes you can’t see the magic, you just know its there because you can feel it.” Maybe magic can be generated when readers discuss Jennifer Cervantes’ incredible Tortilla Sun together as a group. Maybe what Nana meant to say was that reading becomes magical when it’s shared with… Read more »

Truth With a Capital T, by Bethany Hegedus

My best made me regular, not gifted or talented. I was normal, as in nothing special. (4) As a result of the journey to discover family truths buried under centuries of racial misunderstandings, family secrets, and fledgling new friendships, Maebelle T. Earl learns that she is, in fact, gifted, talented, and remarkably special in every… Read more »

A LONG WALK TO WATER, by Linda Sue Park

Bring the following passages from Park’s A Long Walk to Water to life by making a few hand-on projects. “Salva was amazed by what he saw in the fishing community. It was the first place in their weeks of walking that there was an abundance of food. The villagers ate a lot of fish, of… Read more »

Dia’s Story Cloth by Dia Cha, Chue and Nhia Thao Cha

“For centuries needlework has been part of Hmong culture. But is has only been within the last two decades that “story cloths” emerged as a way for Hmong to keep their stories alive. “For the Hmong people, story cloths are a bridge between past and present. For all Americans. Dia’s Story Cloth is a universal… Read more »

Family Pictures by Carmen Lomas Garza

Share Carmen Lomas Garza’s FAMILY PICTURES/Cuadros de Familia with students, then check out the Gr. 3-5 lesson created by Loraine Woodard on the International Reading Association’s website, ReadWriteThink. Follow the link to Woodard’s lesson: My Family Traditions Download the accompanying handout: Family Pictures Class Book