Santa in the City
What’s inside...
A little girl's belief in Santa is restored in this ode to the magic of Christmas.
It's two weeks before Christmas, and Deja is worried that Santa might not be able to visit her--after all, as a city kid, she doesn't have a chimney for him to come down and none of the parking spots on her block could fit a sleigh, let alone eight reindeer! But with a little help from her family, community, and Santa himself, Deja discovers that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in her city.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Deja
Mommy
Discussion points
How do you think Deja felt when she worried Santa might not find her in the city?
What are some ways Deja's community helped keep her belief in Santa alive?
Why do you think it's important for Deja to see someone who looks like her being Santa?
How did your feelings change as you followed Deja's journey in the story?
What would you do if you were in Deja's shoes to keep believing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own childhood memories related to Santa or festive traditions to make it relatable.
Encourage emotion-based responses by asking how different parts of the book made your child feel.
Discuss the importance of community and how everyone in Deja’s neighborhood played a role, prompting your child to think about their own community.
Highlight the diversity and representation in the book, asking your child why they think it's valuable to see different portrayals of Santa.
Ask open-ended questions that let your child express their thoughts and ideas freely, reinforcing their critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Belief in magic and wonder
Explanation: The story revolves around a child's belief in Santa Claus, exploring how that magic can exist in a big city setting where traditional depictions of Santa might not always apply.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to hold onto their sense of wonder and belief in magical possibilities, nurturing creativity and imagination in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and inclusivity
Explanation: The narrative showcases diverse characters and settings, highlighting how Santa can be beloved and relevant in different cultural contexts, including urban environments.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to appreciate and embrace diversity, fostering respect and understanding for people from various backgrounds in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist faces the challenge of proving Santa's existence and navigates through various obstacles to find answers, displaying determination and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through doubts and challenges, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in daily life.
Example Lesson: The spirit of giving
Explanation: The book captures the essence of the holiday spirit, emphasizing the joy of giving and sharing with others, rather than just receiving gifts.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of generosity and selflessness, encouraging them to practice these virtues with family and friends.