Elementary Library

Resource & Discussion Guide

Child of the Flower-Song People: Luz Jimenez, Daughter of the Nahua by Gloria Amescua (E AME) A fictionalized account of a Nahua woman who grew up in Mexico during the early 1900s, became a model for artists, worked with scholars to preserve Nahuatl language and stories, and was known as the "soul of Mexico.” Discussion Prompts: ●​ ​ Gloria Amescua writes that the Nahua are those who “lost their land, but who did not disappear”. What do you think this means? ●​ The author writes that Native or Indigenous people like Luz did not have access to school at first. When they finally received a public education, the schools did not allow them to wear their traditional clothes or speak their language. How do you think Native children and their families felt? ●​ Luz found many ways to keep her culture and traditions alive. How did she do this? What inspired her to remain hopeful and share her experiences? ●​ What was Luz’s dream? How were her life and dreams interrupted by the Mexican Revolution? ●​ The author writes that through Luz, the world came to know “the spirit of Mexico.” What does the author mean by that and how did it happen? ●​ How does Luz show us that we can learn from anywhere, including outside of school? ●​ What does this quote at the end of the story mean to you? “Luz breathed life into xochicuicatl, the flower-song of the Nahua, and carried their fading voice into the future.” ●​ Luz listened to the stories from her elders—stories that were passed down from generation to generation. How do you, your family, and friends share stories? ●​ Luz liked to share her culture and traditions. What are some of your family and community traditions? How do you share aspects of your culture with others? ●​ What do you learn about Luz in the beginning, middle, and end of the story? ●​ What are some feelings Luz reveals throughout the story? What are some things that brought Luz joy or sadness? ●​ What are some things Luz does to share her language and culture with others? Papa’s Magical Water Jug Clock by Jesus Trejo (E TRE) Little Jesus is excited to spend a Saturday with his landscaper Papa at the 'family business.' He loves Papa's cool truck and all the tools he gets to use. Papa even puts him in charge of the magical water jug, which is also a clock! When it's empty, Papa explains, the workday will be done. It's a big job, and Jesus wants to do it right. But he just can't help giving water to an array of thirsty animals--a dog in a sweater, some very old cats, and a flock of peacocks. Before he knows it, the magical water jug is empty--but the workday's not over yet! Will Jesus be fired?! Or is the jug not really magical after all. Discussion Prompts: ●​ Cover : This book won an award called the Pura Belpre Honor for its writing and its illustrations. The Pura Belpre award is only given to creators of Latinx heritage who depict authentic stories of Hispanic experiences. Why do you think it might be important to recognize specific groups of creators? ●​ Endpapers: What do you notice? Who do you think drew these superheroes? Why do 109