Latasha and the Kidd on Keys
#1 in Latasha Series
What’s inside...
Latasha Gandy returns in 'Latasha and the Kidd on Keys', a story about a nine-year-old girl living in Pittsburgh with her mother and a three-legged dog. Latasha feels something is missing in her life, which she soon realizes is her unreliable father, Patrick Kidd. When she gets a chance to reconnect with him, she is determined to make him a real part of her family. The novel explores her struggles with her father, friendship issues, a school project, and her mischievous dog, depicting her journey through laughter and tears.
Discussion points
How did Latasha’s actions help her make new friends?
What would you do if you were in Latasha’s situation at the recital?
Why do you think practicing was important for Latasha and the Kidd?
How did Latasha and the Kidd feel when they worked together, and why is teamwork valuable?
Can you think of a time when you were nervous like Latasha, and how you overcame it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Latasha’s shoes to better understand her feelings and actions throughout the story.
Discuss the importance of practice and perseverance, relating it to an activity your child is involved in.
Highlight the significance of teamwork and ask your child about times they felt collaboration was beneficial in their own experiences.
Talk about overcoming fears and the importance of support from friends and family when facing new challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In the story, Latasha befriends a new student who is skilled at playing the piano. Through their interactions, the value of friendship, empathy, and understanding is showcased.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the unique talents and qualities of their peers, which helps in building strong, supportive friendships in school and other social environments.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Latasha learns about different musical styles and cultures through her interactions with the new student. The book celebrates cultural diversity and the beauty of learning from each other.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards people from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Practice
Explanation: The new student's proficiency in piano comes from dedication and practice. Latasha sees the hard work behind the skill, which reinforces the message that mastery comes with effort.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to consistently practice to improve their own skills, whether in academics, arts, or sports.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Shyness
Explanation: Latasha helps the new student integrate into the school and overcome his shyness. This demonstrates the power of kindness and support in helping others feel confident.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be supportive and understanding peers, helping others who might be struggling with social anxieties or new environments.