Elementary Library

Encounter by Brittany Luby (E LUB) Awakened gently by Sun, Sailor sets off to explore new lands where he meets Fisher, and although they speak and dress differently, they find they have much in common. Includes author's note about the first encounter between a European explorer and a Native North American Discussion prompts: ●​ How is history affected by who is telling the story? Can more than one history exist of the same event? ●​ Why would Sailor and Fisher criticize each other’s dress? ●​ Have you ever met someone new whose life is very different from yours? How did you deal with those differences? ●​ What were some of the consequences of Cartier’s expeditions into Canada? Simon at the Art Museum by Christina Soorntorvat (E SOO) At an art museum with his parents, Simon has trouble controlling his urges to slide on the floor, chase pigeons, and eat cheesecake at the cafe, until something special catches his eye. The Cot in the Living Room by Hilda Eunice Burgos (E BUR) Night after night, a young girl watches her mami set up a cot in the living room for guests in their Washington Heights apartment, like Raquel (who's boring) and Edgardo (who gets crumbs everywhere). She resents that they get the entire living room with a view of the George Washington Bridge, while all she gets is a tiny bedroom with a view of her sister (who snores). Until one night when no one comes, and it's finally her chance! But as it turns out, sleeping on the cot in the living room isn't all she thought it would be. Discussion prompts: ●​ Why does the narrator tell her mama she wants to sleep on the cot in the living room? Why does she feel this way? ●​ How do you think Edgardo/Lisa/Raquel feels about spending the night? How can you tell? ●​ Do you think the narrator will like sleeping on the cot in the living room? Why or why not? ●​ How does the narrator help Raquel feel more comfortable in their home? Think of a time you wanted to make someone feel more comfortable in a situation. What did you do? Not Quite Snow White by Ashley Franklin (E FRA) Once upon a time, there was a girl who wanted nothing more than to play Snow White in her school's musical. Excitedly, Tameika dances and sings her way through the halls. But on the day of the auditions, she overhears some kids suggesting that she is not princess material. Tamika suddenly doesn't feel quite right enough to play a perfectly poised princess. Discussion prompts: ●​ What does Simon notice other people doing at the art museum? ●​ Why do people react to the same art in different ways? ●​ Have you experienced art that made you feel something? What did you feel? ●​ Is art media? Why?

Discussion prompts: ●​ Have you ever felt like you couldn't be yourself because of what your friends, parents,

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