Tag: diversity

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Peas and Carrots by Tanita S. Davis

Peas and Carrots by Tanita S. Davis, a Coretta Scott King Honor Winner, is the story of a journey of trust.

 

Fifteen-year-old Dess—white, rebellious, defensive—who long ago learned that she had to depend on herself has accepted the necessity of becoming a foster child. Not that she couldn’t make it on her own, but this foster family also cares for her half brother Austin (age four) whom she hasn’t seen for three years. She will do anything for him.

Fifteen-year-old Hope—African-American, a compliant kid most of the time who wants to please—accepts that the foster kids in her home have had it rough. She should be kind. Until she meets Dess. It’s awfully hard to be kind to Dess.

.Hope doesn’t realize the terror that follows Dess in the form of a criminal birth father. Dess doesn’t understand that some people are trustworthy. Like Hope and her parents.

In spite of the initial antagonism, both girls gain compassion for one another as each sees the neediness in the other.

Pros

The author gets her characters’ voices just right. Real teens with all their flaws and their idealism. Since Davis grew up in a family who truly cared for their foster children, it’s no wonder that both Hope and Dess seem like real people. And Davis would understand that not all foster homes were as loving as hers was, which allows Dess to be a totally sympathetic character.

Cons

What cons? Peas and Carrots is one of those books that I couldn’t put down, not even to make supper!

Discussion Questions

  1. If Dess were the new kid in your school, what would be your first impression?
  2. If Hope attended your school, do you think you would be her friend? Why or why not?
  3. How did Dess use her talents?
  4. Why was Dess willing to throw away her happiness near the end of the book?

Conclusion

If you haven’t read Peas and Carrots, do it. Dess and Hope teach us the pithy truth about families—their flaws and their beauty.

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The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

 

Synopsis

Esperanza lives in the projects in Chicago. She knows she’s poor, but not as poor as many of her neighbors. She knows the streets can be dangerous, and she fears people of a different color. She sees the abuse endured by some of her friends. Someday, Esperanza’s talents will help her escape the poverty and the violence, but she will never forget. This is her mission: to advocate for those who cannot leave Mango Street.

Recommended for children older than ten.

 

Pros

  1. The book’s setting will resonate with any child who lives in the setting of inner city poverty.
  2. The story is simple. It’s pithy. It grabbed this reader so she could not turn away. The author succeeded in her message and challenges us to do good for others where it is in our power to do so.

Cons

  1. Cisneros writes in short vignettes, which I normally do not enjoy, but these are tied together so well, I didn’t mind.
  2. I’m not sure if this story works for a middle grade reader, at least, not for a protected middle grade white girl like I was. The real life scenario of the inner city reads more like urban fantasy to kids who don’t live in the culture.

Discussion questions

  1. How is your life at home the same or different from Esperanza’s?
  2. How is your neighborhood the same or different from Esperanza’s?
  3. Esperanza meets several different kinds of people in her neighborhood. Who was your favorite, and why?

    Conclusion

Sandra Cisneros keeps Esperanza’s promise. While the story is not autobiographical, it does reflect the culture of her childhood. But I can’t help believe that the promise itself comes straight from the heart of Cisneros.