
Islandborn by Junot Díaz
“Every kid in Lola’s school was from somewhere else. Hers was the school of faraway places.” Her teacher asks the class to draw a picture of their country of origin. Lola can’t remember as she was a baby when her family emigrated from a Caribbean island to America. “I should talk to everyone who does remember. I should draw from their memories.”
She makes inquiries with her family and neighbours to collect memories of “the Island”. They recall music, beaches, sweet mangoes and a colourful environment. “Even the people are like a rainbow.” They recall fears and difficulties including defeating the “monster” dictator and natures destructive forces. Theses tales build Lola’s pride in her heritage and she takes her abuela’s words to heart. “Just because you don’t remember a place doesn’t mean it’s not in you.”
Teaching Resources: Islandborn by Junot Díaz
These resources relate to the book, author and illustrator. The number of resources varies book to book. Please check they are appropriate for your specific needs before using them with children. If you have any suggestions please get in touch!
- Bloomsbury Media: Islandborn Library and Classroom Notes
- Book Nerd Mommy: Heritage Bag Activity And “Islandborn”
- The Classroom Bookshelf: Islandborn Teaching Ideas & Invitations
- The Globe and the Mail: Islandborn author Junot Diaz on representation in children’s books
- Junot Díaz Official Website
- Leo Espinosa Official Website
- Library Lessons With Books: Response to Literature
- Responsive Reads: Culturally Responsive Lesson Ideas
- Take a look inside Islandborn
Books by Junot Díaz & Leo Espinosa
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything through them, I will get a small referral fee and you will be supporting me and my blog at no extra cost to you, so thank you! You can find more information here.
Related Posts
The Children’s Library Lady has over 150 picture books on large variety of topics. You will find specific book, author and illustrator information, as well as resources. You can also browse themed books lists and explore all the books on the website.
Did you enjoy this post? Why not share it!
