Abuelita's American Dream: A Puerto Rican Migrant's Story
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
Meet Julia, a brave and loving Abuelita who traveled from Puerto Rico to New York, chasing the American Dream for her family. Leaving her home, friends, and her favorite mango tree behind, Julia navigated her new life with courage and big dreams. From working in tobacco fields to raising eight children, Julia's journey exemplifies how hard work and love can make dreams come true. Despite facing obstacles like finding a job and learning a new language, she kept her family close and became the heart and soul of a family that achieved the American Dream. 'Abuelita Julia's Heartwarming Adventure' is a tale filled with laughter, love, and life lessons, spiced with Latin culture, that encourages us to hold our families closer and conquer challenges with hope and love.
Age
4-15
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Abuelita felt when she moved to a new place? What would you feel in her shoes?
What are some ways Abuelita tried to connect her heritage with her new life in America?
Why do you think it's important to remember and celebrate where you come from?
How did Abuelita's experiences shape the person she became? Can you think of an experience that has shaped you?
What does the American Dream mean to you, and how does it compare to Abuelita's dream?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly discuss Puerto Rico, its culture, and what it means to migrate to help set the context of Abuelita’s story.
Pause at intense or emotional moments in the story to ask your child how they think the characters are feeling and why.
Relate aspects of the book to your child's life by discussing family heritage and any family stories that echo themes from the book.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their 'American Dream' or write a short paragraph about what heritage means to them.
Promote empathy by discussing the challenges and triumphs of moving to a new place and starting afresh, asking your child how they would handle similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, inspired by her grandmother's struggles and triumphs in migrating to America, learns to overcome challenges in her own life.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to adapt and persist through their own difficulties, whether it’s at school or in social situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and cultural heritage
Explanation: The book emphasizes the role of Abuelita’s stories and traditions in shaping the protagonist’s identity and values.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore and appreciate their own family histories and traditions, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: As the story of Abuelita unfolds, the protagonist and readers gain insights into the experiences of immigrants, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and respect people from different backgrounds they meet at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: The value of hard work and determination
Explanation: Abuelita’s journey highlights the hard work involved in building a life in a new country, instilling a work ethic in the protagonist.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to apply themselves diligently in their studies and other endeavors, understanding the rewards of persistence.
Example Lesson: Dreaming big and setting goals
Explanation: The protagonist is inspired by her grandmother's dreams of a better life, setting her own goals for the future.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to set personal goals and dream big about what they can achieve academically and in their future careers.