Summary
This story shares the scents, tastes, and traditions that define a young girl’s summer. Summer means her grandmother, Lola comes from the Philippines for her annual visit. Lola visiting means the whole family gathers to cook and eat and spend quality family time together. Lola must return home, but her granddaughter learns how to carry on her traditions. At the end of summer, her granddaughter is ready to return to school and start the new year.
Theme(s):
Importance of family, family traditions, Joys of Summer
Personal Response
I enjoyed reading this story. It displays the powerful bond between a granddaughter and grandmother. This is a warmhearted story that exemplifies the importance of family traditions. The story allowed me to learn more about the Philippine culture. I was able to learn some of their language such as Lola and some of the food they eat. I also think this is a good story as younger kids can relate to the sadness they feel when their family members return home.
Teaching Ideas
I would read this book to my class at the end of the school year. We would have a class discussion of what it means for Lola to come from the Philippines for the summer. We would discuss what Lola and her granddaughter would do together as their annual summer traditions. I would then have a class discussion of what family traditions they have? Do they do anything in particular when a family member comes to visit them? We could end this discussion by sharing each of our summer plans.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK
