Elementary Library

create a menu of their family’s important foods using descriptive writing to help diners make selections. Each menu item should include a description of the food item and the reason it matters to their family. Use the menu graphic organizer to support student writing. Review “I can” statements and ask students for thumbs up or thumbs down if they think they mastered today’s learning. Dismiss for circulation. CIRCULATION PROCEDURES & DISMISSAL (10 minutes)

Resource & Discussion Guide

Tomatoes for Neela by Padma Lakshmi (E LAK) As Neela and her mother cook together, they find a way for Neela's grandmother, who lives in India, to share in both the love and the flavors of the day. Includes tomato facts and two recipes. Discussion prompts: ●​ Why is it important for Neela to write down recipes in her book? ●​ What is a favorite dish you and your family like to make? ●​ How many people do you think are involved in growing the tomatoes, or any vegetables, and getting them to your kitchen? Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo (E MO) After moving to America from Hong Kong, Jun feels isolated at her new school but discovers a sense of home in the familiar foods and flavors she finds in her lunchbox.

Discussion prompts: ●​ Why does the food in Jun’s lunch box help her feel less lonely? ●​ Are there foods that feel like home to you? What are they? ●​ How can we be respectful of different foods and cultures in our school?

Berry Song by Michaela Goade (E GOA) As a young Tlingit girl collects wild berries over the seasons, she sings with her Grandmother as she learns to speak to the land and listen when the land speaks back. Discussion prompts: ●​ Are there foods you eat or special dishes that your family prepares that connect you to your ancestors or family tradition? List all of the berries you have eaten. Are there any from this book that you want to try? ●​ Make up your own imaginary type of berry and then describe what it looks like and tastes like? Is it sour, sweet, or a little of both? ●​ What are some of the other things, other than berries, that these characters gather or forage for in this story? Have you ever gathered anything to eat from a tree, the ocean, or a bush?

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao by Kat Zhang (E ZHA)

187