Juana & Lucas
#1 of 3 in Juana and Lucas Series
on Goodreads (1,558)
What’s inside...
Fans of Judy Moody and Clarice Bean will love Juana, the spunky young Colombian girl who stars in this playful, abundantly illustrated new series. Juana loves many things — drawing, eating Brussels sprouts, living in Bogotá, Colombia, and especially her dog, Lucas, the best amigo ever. She does not love wearing her itchy school uniform, solving math problems, or going to dance class. And she especially does not love learning the English. Why is it so important to learn a language that makes so little sense? But when Juana’s abuelos tell her about a special trip they are planning—one that Juana will need to speak English to go on—Juana begins to wonder whether learning the English might be a good use of her time after all. Hilarious, energetic, and utterly relatable, Juana will win over los corazones—the hearts—of readers everywhere in her first adventure, presented by namesake Juana Medina. 'Refreshingly original. . . . Medina’s beautiful, vivid prose conjures the Colombian setting with tactile language. . . . The story itself is a giant hug.' -- The New York Times Book Review
Discussion points
How did Juana's feelings towards English change throughout the story and why do you think that happened?
What are some ways Juana shows her love for Bogotá? How do you feel about the place you live in?
How does Lucas, the dog, help Juana in her adventures? Do you have a pet or a friend who supports you?
Juana faces some challenges in the story. Can you share a time when you overcame a difficult situation?
What do you think is the most important lesson Juana learned? How can you apply that lesson in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring Juana's adventures to life, changing your tone to match the emotions and actions.
Pause after important events in the story to ask your child how they think Juana felt, or what they would have done in her place.
Relate the cultural aspects of the book to your child’s experiences by discussing similarities and differences with your own culture or community.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book, discussing why it stood out to them.
End your reading sessions by reflecting together on the key lessons and personal takeaways from Juana's story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Juana faces various challenges, such as learning English and dealing with school issues, but she demonstrates resilience by finding solutions and persevering.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their own difficulties with determination and creativity, whether it’s tackling a new subject at school or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: The importance of family support
Explanation: Throughout the book, Juana receives constant encouragement and understanding from her family, which helps her navigate her problems more effectively.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to seek support and guidance from their family members during challenging times and appreciate the vital role family plays in personal development.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural identity
Explanation: Juana’s love for her city, Bogotá, and her culture is evident throughout the story, promoting a positive view of embracing one's roots and identity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and take pride in their own heritage and understand the richness that cultural diversity brings to their lives and the lives of those around them.
Example Lesson: The value of persistence in learning
Explanation: Juana’s struggle and eventual success in learning English underscores the importance of persistence in acquiring new skills.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to persist in learning new skills or subjects, even when they find them challenging, reinforcing the message that effort leads to success.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the quest for knowledge
Explanation: Juana's curious nature drives her to explore the world around her and ask questions, leading to a deeper understanding of her environment and the people in it.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to be inquisitive can foster a lifelong love for learning and discovery that transcends the classroom environment.