Summary
Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. Students at school make fun of Sulwe and she wants to change the color of her skin. Sulwe wants to be like her mother and sister. When she goes on a magical journey in the night sky, it opens her eyes and changes her entire outlook on herself. She discovers that she is beautiful and special despite being different from her family and classmates at school. She realizes she is perfect and beautiful the way she is.
Theme(s):
Courage/Bravery, Inner Beauty/Uniqueness, Struggles against pressure of society
Personal Response
This story is beautifully written allowing for many personal connections to be made. Many young readers are able to relate to this story because most people want to change something about themselves to fit in or be like others. The story can easily be related to children’s journeys of accepting who they. Sulwe’s imagination and journey though the night sky is depicted with vibrant and dreamy purple and blue backgrounds with various characters she meets. It made the story enjoyable and fun!
Teaching Ideas
After reading the story, I would use this book during writing where students will create a writing piece answering the prompt: “How do you shine? What makes you special?”. Students would write it on a piece of paper then copy it onto a star which would be displayed on a bulletin board saying “Why We Shine”. Students will make connections by discussing the purpose of Sulwe’s journey in the sky as well as what she realized by the end of her journey. Students will share their stars with each other.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 01, Grade 02, Grade 03
