Stella Díaz Never Gives Up
#2 of 5 in Stella Diaz Series
on Goodreads (233)
What’s inside...
From award-winning author Angela Dominguez comes the novel Stella Díaz Never Gives Up, a story about a shy Mexican-American girl who becomes an environmental activist and makes a difference in her community.
Stella gets a big surprise when her mom plans a trip to visit their family in Mexico! Stella loves marine animals, and she can't wait to see the ocean for the first time . . . until she arrives and learns that the sea and its life forms are in danger due to pollution.
Stella wants to save the ocean, but she knows she can't do it alone. It's going to take a lot of work and help from old and new friends to make a difference, but Stella Díaz never gives up!
This is the second middle-grade novel from award-winning picture book author and illustrator Angela Dominguez. Based on the author's experiences growing up Mexican-American, this infectiously charming character comes to life through relatable story-telling including simple Spanish vocabulary and adorable black-and-white art throughout.
Why read this book
- Empowers perseverance and self-confidence in young readers.
- Highlights environmental awareness and activism.
- Celebrates cultural identity and bilingualism.
- Encourages empathy and understanding through relatable dilemmas.
Discussion points
What challenges did Stella face, and how did she overcome them?
Why is it important to care about the environment, like Stella does?
How did Stella's relationship with her family and friends influence her actions and decisions?
What did you learn about teamwork and determination from the book?
How can you apply Stella's example to your own life or school projects?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Stella’s journey and relate them to their own experiences.
Discuss the environmental aspects of the book, and plan a small family activity that fosters environmental stewardship, like planting a tree or cleaning up a local park.
Highlight the importance of persistence and ask your child to think of a time they achieved something significant by never giving up.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Praise your child’s insights during the conversation to bolster their confidence and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Through Stella's journey in facing challenges like shyness and language barriers, the story illustrates the value of persisting despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to work on difficult tasks at school or when learning new skills, understanding that resilience leads to success.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Stella taking action to protect the ocean shows children the impact of environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in local clean-up projects and to practice recycling, helping them understand their role in safeguarding nature.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book celebrates Stella's Mexican heritage and promotes cultural understanding and appreciation.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and celebrate their own and others' cultures through food, language, and traditions, fostering a more inclusive community.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As Stella learns about the challenges faced by marine creatures, she develops a deep empathy for them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's interaction with classmates and peers, encouraging them to consider others' feelings and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Self-Expression
Explanation: Stella overcomes her fear of speaking up, particularly in a second language, which highlights the importance of self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children that are bilingual or learning a new language can be encouraged to use their voices without fear of making mistakes, boosting confidence in their abilities.