Global Read Aloud 2020 kicks off October 5th. One of the middle years book choices selected by GRA founder, Pernille Ripp, is Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park. This fictional novel tells the story of Hanna, an Asian-American girl living on the prairies in the 1880s. Hanna seeks to obtain an education and become a dressmaker, like her late mother. Hanna faces discrimination and bullying in her coming-of-age story, but perseveres towards her goals. It’s a moving story that is bound to capture the interest of both students and teachers.
To me, the best part of Global Read Aloud is the connections made between classrooms to discuss the excellent books selected each year for GRA. It’s powerful to have students and teachers in different places connecting to share ideas, gain new perspectives and learn about each other, while engaged with rich literature. One of my favourite ways to connect is with weekly discussion questions posted to Padlet or Flipgrid for cross-classroom connections. Below you’ll find some questions I’ve drafted for each week’s reading. They can be used for class discussion, video call conversations between classes, writing prompts or to copy and paste onto your Padlet board or Flipgrid topics.
Week 1: Chapters 1-5
We often get to know the main characters in the first few chapters of a book. What have you found out about Hanna so far? Explain what you know about her using evidence from the text.
Hanna’s name has significance. Does your name have a special meaning? Talk to your family about your name or research the meaning of it online. Share with us what you find out about your name.
Hanna is singled out in her community and school because of a difference in her appearance. Can you think of another true or fictional story when this has happened? Share your connection.
Week 2: Chapters 6-8
Miss Walters asks her students to tell about where they have lived. Where were you born and where have you lived? Tell us about one place you’ve lived.
Hanna is excited to attend school for the first time. How is her schooling like or unlike your own?
Week 3: Chapters 9-13
Hanna is upset by the teasing and torment of her peers. She doesn’t have an outburst, but instead takes refuge in her books. When you are upset or angry, what do you turn to for comfort and calming?
Hanna remembers her mother’s words for when she’s feeling upset: “You do things for other people, it fills you with good feelings” (p. 114). Share a time when doing good for others has helped you to feel good.
Hanna dreams of designing and sewing dresses. What do you dream of doing now or in the future?
Week 4: Chapters 14-18
Hanna is very involved in her family’s business. Have you worked with your family before or had a job for someone else? Tell us about your experience.
Hanna thinks “Maybe I have to learn not to let them hurt me. No. It’s not my fault. It’s theirs” (p.167). Hanna goes back and forth between blaming herself for feeling hurt and recognizing that others are being unfair and unkind. What is within her control when people treat her unkindly? What responsibilities do Hanna and those who are rude to her have in these situations?
Week 5: Chapters 19-23
Bess and Hanna talk about food traditions and wonder if people everywhere braid their vegetables. Do you and your family have any food traditions? Share one or more of your family’s food traditions.
Throughout the text, there are italicized sections that show Hanna’s thinking or her mother’s words to her. Choose one of these sections that resonates with you and share it. Explain why it was meaningful to you.
Week 6: Chapters 24-end
The story demonstrates that it can be difficult to stand up for what is right and fair. Research past or present examples of when people stood for justice. Choose one example and share what you learned.
In the Author’s Notes section, Linda Sue Park shares some of the historical events she included in the story. Research one of these events in more detail and share your findings.
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