Green Thumbs Everyone
#7 in The Kids of the Polk Street School Specials Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Green Thumbs Everyone by Patricia Giff tells the story of students who create a community garden under their teacher's guidance, learning about gardening, teamwork, and community involvement. They also develop friendships and life lessons. The book highlights themes of growth in the garden and within each character as they face personal challenges and contribute to their neighborhood. In a separate story, Richard 'Beast' Best and Emily Arrow accidentally damage Mrs. Alonzo's garden and face consequences when she offers a reward for identifying the culprits.
Discussion points
What do you think made the characters decide to start a garden?
How did the characters feel when they saw their plants growing? Can you describe a time when you felt similar?
What challenges did the characters face while gardening, and how did they solve them?
What did the characters learn about teamwork and helping each other?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal experiences with nature or gardening.
Ask your child to imagine what kind of garden they would like to grow and what plants they would choose.
Discuss the importance of patience and perseverance as shown by the characters when facing gardening challenges.
Highlight the theme of community and teamwork by discussing how the characters worked together and how your child can collaborate with others in similar tasks.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Green Thumbs Everyone', children learn about responsibility through the characters' commitment to maintaining a community garden.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking care of their own plants or helping with chores at home, learning the importance of regular attention and care.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story demonstrates teamwork as the characters must collaborate to solve problems and keep the garden flourishing.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child’s life during group activities at school or sports, underscoring the value of working together towards a common goal.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: ‘Green Thumbs Everyone’ instills a love and respect for nature as the children tend to the garden and watch it grow.
Real-World Application: Kids can engage more with their natural environment through outdoor play, gardening, or participating in conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book shows effective problem-solving when the characters encounter challenges in the garden and figure out solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can use similar strategies when facing difficulties in schoolwork or interpersonal relationships, learning to think critically and creatively.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Gardening in the story teaches children the virtue of patience as they wait for plants to grow and blossom.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of waiting for outcomes of their hard work, whether in academics, hobbies, or personal goals.