Migrants
What’s inside...
A New York Times Book Review choice as one of the 10 Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2011, this story follows Anna, a child of Low German-speaking Mennonites from Mexico. Each spring, Anna and her family travel north to Canada to work on farms. Anna often wonders what it would be like to stay in one place, as her family constantly moves to adapt to their migrant lifestyle. Beautifully written by Maxine Trottier and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault, the book portrays the challenges and experiences of migrant workers, particularly the Mennonites who moved from Canada to Mexico in the 1920s and now return annually for work.
Discussion points
How do you think the geese felt when they had to leave their home? Can you relate to their feelings?
What are some ways the geese helped each other during their journey? How can we help each other in difficult times?
Why do you think it's important for the geese to find a new home? What does 'home' mean to you?
What do you think the story teaches us about facing challenges and new beginnings?
If you were a goose in the story, what would you have done differently on the journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the geese's shoes, discussing how they would feel in similar situations.
Facilitate discussions about teamwork and cooperation by highlighting how the geese worked together in the book.
Tie the themes of the book to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, making the story more relevant and impactful.
Allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events, fostering an open and engaging conversation.
Discuss the concept of 'home' and 'belonging,' and relate it to your child's personal experiences to deepen their understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Migrants,' the theme of empathy is portrayed through the experiences of the characters who are geese transformed into children searching for a warmer place. This narrative allows children to step into the shoes of migrants, fostering a sense of understanding and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and trying to understand the feelings of friends or classmates who may be from different backgrounds or new to their school.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The characters in the book face various obstacles during their journey, demonstrating resilience and determination. These qualities are crucial as they navigate through unfamiliar terrains and situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to persevere through their own challenges, whether they are solving a difficult problem at school or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Value of cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters must work together to overcome challenges. This cooperation highlights the importance of teamwork and how joint efforts can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this in group activities or team sports, learning to collaborate with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: As the characters transform and adapt to new environments, the story underscores the importance of being flexible and adaptable in the face of change.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of adapting to different situations, such as moving to a new place or adjusting to a new school.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The diverse backgrounds of the characters encourage respect and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial in helping children embrace diversity in their community, promoting inclusivity and respect for everyone's unique background.