The Empty Pinata

By: Alma Flor Ada  

Illustrated by: Vivi Escriva

Summary:

The Empty Pinata is a story of a generous little girl who had a pinata to fill. In order to fill her pinata, Elena has to use her money from her piggy bank to buy some candy. As she heads to the store, Elena spends her money buying presents for everyone and ends up at the candy store with no money Cinco De Mayo comes around and Elena wants to bring her pinata to school for a party but it’s empty. Because of her generosity, everyone comes together and helps Elena fill the pinata. 

Decision:

Yes, I would use this text in instruction because it is a great book to remind students about generosity and reciprocity. Students will be able to describe how characters in a story respond to major events and challenges. Using discourse students will do a character traits/analysis organizer for students to study characters based on thoughts, dialogue, actions and feelings.

I can use this book to create a physical and social literacy rich environment. In a whole group setting students will read the text, stopping through the text to discuss character actions and feelings. After reading the text in its entirety, students will break out into groups to discuss the major events and challenges Elena faced in this story.

My Singing Nana

By: Pat Mora 

Illustrated by: Alyssa Bermudez

Summary:

My Singing Nana is about a story of a boy named Billy who is worried about his Nana who is struggling to remember things. His mother explains after taking nana to the doctor, that they would need to spend extra time explaining and reminding nana of things because her memory is slipping. Billy’s concern is that his Nana will forget their memories and the connection they have. The story focuses on their relationship and how strong their bond is. The story continues but hist a hiccup when his sister Becky gets sick and is unable to sing at their family talent show, Nana steps in to help Billy save the show. In the end, Billy is reassured that no matter what, he and his nana are “always amigos”

Decision:

Yes, I would use this text in instruction to be able to spread awareness to students who may have or will com across an aging grandparent/parent and the struggles that come with this. Using student discourse students will be able to recount stories and determine their central message. With the use of graphic organizers, students should be able to identify main idea and key details to help determine the central message.

I can use this book to create a physical and social literacy rich environment. During our reading routine, students will read the text in a whole group setting. Students will then think-pair-share thoughts and discuss aging parents and grandparents. Ways to help understand their conditions and ways to help parents/grandparents as they age. Being mindful of their actions and emotions.

The Beautiful Lady: Our Lady of Guadalupe 

By: Pat Mora 

Illustrated by: Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher