In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse 

by Jospeh Marshall III

"A look came into Grandpa's eyes. Jimmy could not tell where he was looking. But he was definitely seeing something. It was his storytelling face."

In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse is a heartwarming story of a young boy, Jimmy McClean, who sets out on a trip with his grandfather. Jimmy, who is part Lakota, learns more about his Lakota heritage on this trip -- including the famous Lakota leader, Crazy Horse. The book is a celebration of history and the tradition of oral stories being passed down through generations. Over the course of the story, Jimmy finds that as he learns about the history of his people, he has also learned about himself.

In the Classroom
Students will look at their own cultural histories to find an influential figure that they want to learn more about. This can be an individual who is historically well-known or who is a long-past member of the students' own families. Students will research their chosen individuals, and speak with family members to gain information if applicable. The project will culminate in each student creating a Facebook page for the individual who was researched (the requirements for the information needed to be included for the page should be specific).

In a related journal entry, the students will then explain what they learned about themselves through researching this historical figure.

Age level: Middle School

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

"Why do we smile? Why do we laugh? Why do we feel alone? Why are we sad and confused? Why do we read poetry? Why do we cry when we see a painting? Why is there a riot in the heart when we love? Why do we feel shame? What is that thing in the pit of your stomach called desire?"

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is a book that will pull at your heart. It is a beautiful story centered on the lives of two boys who grow into young men, while navigating love, culture, and family in El Paso in the late 1980s. The story is narrated by one of the boys, Ari. Ari and his best friend Dante in many ways are like any other teenagers who are trying to find their places in the world. However, Ari and Dante also face some struggles that others do not.

In the Classroom
Students will respond to the below prompt in an informal essay. This can be done as a written journal entry, a blog post, or a video journal entry. The assignment is meant to allow students to express themselves honestly, so it should be graded on the basis of completing the assigned task, not on specific content.

Prompt: Under the title of part one of the novel, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, there is a line that states, "The problem with my life was that it was someone else's idea." Think about your own life, is there an aspect of it that you feel has been molded by a force, or forces, outside of yourself? Explain and expand on this idea using the following questions for guidance.

• Do you view this aspect of your life that has been influenced as a negative or positive?
• Is the force that has molded you a negative or positive influence on you as a growing young adult?
• Is there anything about this aspect of your life that you would like to change?
• How do you plan to move forward if you have decided to change it?
• If you do not think it should be changed, what is beneficial about it?

Age level: Young Adult

Peeny Butter Fudge

Peeny Butter Fudge

Written by Toni Morrison and Slade Morrison

Illustrated by Joe Cepeda     

"Hold my hand and swing around.
Feel the rhythm in the ground.
Lift your left foot,
now your right.
Shake your shoulders
with all your might."

Peeny Butter Fudge is a fun and heartwarming story about children spending the day with their Nana. The story begins with Mom leaving for work, and Nana is left in charge. Mom leaves instructions for the day, but Nana and the kids have adventures planned. Their day is full of activities, including making delicious "peeny butter fudge". When Mom comes home, she isn't too pleased about the mess in the house, but she softens when she smells the peeny butter fudge and remembers happy times from her own childhood. 

Anyone who loves the work of Toni Morrison will enjoy this collaboration with her son, Slade. Toni Morrison's way with words shines in the rhymes telling the story, and the children's book genre shows a more light-hearted side of this renowned author. 

In the Classroom
Depending on the age/academic level of the students, have them draw a picture or write a short personal narrative. Students will brainstorm about a happy memory spent with someone who is important in their life (parents, grandparents, older siblings, baby-sitters, etc.). Then the students will write, or draw, about a day spent with this person. 

Age level: Children's book

All the Way to Havana

All the Way to Havana 

Written by Margarita Engle

Illustrated by Mike Curato      

"I'm glad that Cara Cara is peacefully blue, like the clear sky above and the wide sea beyond." 

All the Way to Havana is a beautifully written and beautifully illustrated book. The story is told in a way that is poetic, and it is accompanied by vibrantly colored pictures that make this more than a mere children's book--it is a work of art. The narrator, a young boy, sprinkles the pages with details of the trip he takes with his parents to Havana, Cuba for his baby cousin's birthday. They make the journey in their old blue car, which is called Cara Cara for the chattering noise it makes. At the end of the story, the author notes that many of the American cars in Cuba are from pre-1959, with old parts that have been fixed over and over again. She is able to tell the story in way that stays true to the reality of life in Cuba, while also celebrating the joy of the Cuban people. 

In the Classroom

Have students draw a picture of a scene from their own town or city, or a place that is special to their family or culture. Then, the students will write about the picture using literary devices like in All the Way to Havana, such as simile and onomatopoeia.

Age level: Children's book