Summary
Kanzi starts 3rd grade at a new school in America. She moved from Egypt and is worried about what her classmates will think of her. Kanzi tries to conform to American traditions, but her mom visits her school and that is ruined. One girl begins to make fun of her. Kazni was asked to bring in her quilt that her teita made for her. Her classmates are in awe of it. The next day Kanzi’s mom helps her class make a quilt with all of their names written in Arabic on it.
Theme(s):
“Being different is beautiful,” “Our differences can unite us,” “Treat everyone with kindness.”
Personal Response
I loved this book because it was a situation that a lot of students can relate to whether they are moving from a new country, changing schools, or going anywhere new for the first time. I can relate to this story because I moved schools in the middle of 6th grade and was very nervous to be in a new town and school. But, just like Kanzi I had support from my teachers, family, and I was able to make new friends.
Teaching Ideas
I could incorporate this book into SEL, Social Studies, and Writing. This could be used to teach students to treat others how they would want to be treated. Then, it could be tied into social studies because I can have the students research a foreign language and write their own names in that language. Lastly, we can make our own classroom quilt just like they did in Kanzi’s classroom.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 02, Grade 03
