Elementary Library

●​ What lessons can we learn from the different endings in this book? ●​ Why is it important to persist and try again in school? ●​ What are the qualities of a good friend? What should you do when you or someone else is being bullied? The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken (E LUY) The artist incorporates mistakes to take the story in unexpected turns. Reminds students to have a growth mindset and not be afraid of failure. Discussion Prompts: ●​ How does it feel when you make a mistake? Does making a mistake mean you give up and have to start all over? ●​ If you are frustrated because you made a mistake, what are some tools you can use to calm your emotions and move forward? ●​ If a friend makes a mistake, what can you do to support them? ●​ If a classmate makes a mistake, how can you work together to solve the problem? ●​ If you hear a classmate making fun of someone for making a mistake, what can you do? Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai (371.822 YOU) Malala’s well known story is reshaped for younger audiences. Emphasizes the importance of education for all and the power of reading, writing, and using your voice. Discussion Prompt: ●​ When I was younger…(double spread): What would you do if you had a magic pencil? ●​ One day, I was…(page): What do you notice about this page? What do you think Malala is thinking? What do you think the children are thinking? ●​ I am Malala…(double spread): Can you think of other examples of people using their voice to make change? ●​ After reading: Why was going to school so important to Malala? Why is going to school important to me? What are the different ways we can use our voices? How do we use our voices when we feel scared or unsure? When have people in history used their voice to help me? The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita L Hubbard (BIO WAL) Mary Walker, born into enslavement in 1848, learns to read at the age of 116. Inspiring story about the importance of reading, and the power of perseverance. Discussion Prompts: ●​ She knew the second rule…(page 3): Why do you think enslaved people weren’t taught how to read or write? How do you think this affected enslaved people’s lives? ●​ When she was fifteen…(double spread): Do you think Mary (and other previously enslaved people) has an easier life now? Why or why not? What are some burdens or obstacles she may face? How might the inability to read and write affect her life now that she is freed? ●​ For the next year…(pages): Have you ever tried to learn something new? Was it easy or hard for you? Can you imagine what it must have been like for Mary to learn to read at 116? Think of all the experiences she had in her life and how hard she had to work to be able to provide for herself and her family while not knowing how to read or write. What obstacles, other than age, might Mary be up against? ●​ After reading: How can you practice supporting someone who is learning something new and is finding it difficult?

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