Until Someone Listens
What’s inside...
When Estela Juarez's mom is deported to Mexico, Estela finds her voice and courage to speak up for her family. Told in Estela's own words, Until Someone Listens is a true story of a young girl's journey from writing letters to local newspapers to gaining national attention, eventually finding the power in her words to advocate for family reunification.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when no one listened?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's situation?
Why is it important to listen to others?
Can you think of a time when you felt like no one was listening to you? How did that make you feel?
What are some ways we can show others that we are listening?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and inviting tone to make your child feel comfortable in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage your child to think deeply about the questions by giving them time to respond and asking follow-up questions based on their answers.
Relate the discussion to your child’s personal experiences to help them connect with the themes of the book.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing that their voice is important.
After the conversation, consider role-playing a scene from the book where the characters are actively listening to each other, to reinforce the message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the emotional journey of a young girl, Estela, dealing with her mother's deportation. Through Estela's experiences, children learn about the feelings and challenges faced by others in similar situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respect the emotions and situations of their peers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Hope
Explanation: Despite the hardship of separation from her mother, Estela demonstrates strength and optimism. Her determination to reunite her family showcases the power of hope and resilience in difficult times.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to remain hopeful and resilient when facing personal challenges and to always strive for positive outcomes despite adversity.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Self-Expression
Explanation: Estela uses her voice to share her story and advocate for her family, emphasizing the importance of self-expression and advocacy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings effectively and to stand up for themselves and others. This can help them in situations where they or someone else might need support or a voice.
Example Lesson: Effect of Community Support
Explanation: The support Estela receives from her community plays a crucial role in her journey. This aspect of the story highlights how community involvement can bring about change and provide support.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of community support and involvement, encouraging them to participate in community activities and to support peers who may be facing difficulties.