Read, Discuss, and Do with MARI IN THE MARGINS

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By Marci Whitehurst The best books make readers feel like they aren’t alone. They’re seen. Understood. Our very own  Rebecca J. Gomez  accomplishes this flawlessly in Mari in the Margins , her new middle grade novel in verse, published by Bandersnatch Books. It releases May 14 th !  Here’s a snippet about the novel, which you’ll surely want to READ:   For Marivel Jiménez, life in her big family is full of chaos. Feeling overlooked by her parents and overshadowed by her siblings is frustrating, and it's even worse to have the constant attention of her annoying, mischievous three-year-old sister, Susana.  Caught between her need to be noticed and her dream of having time to herself, Marivel pours herself into poetry and, eventually, art journaling. When she hears of a school-wide poetry contest, she sees winning as a chance to escape the margins of her family and finally be seen. Doesn’t that sound amazing? That’s because it is. I was honored to read the book ahead of its release—and
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Snack and Story Time: THE PEACH PIT PARADE

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by Mindy Baker

The Peach Pit Parade: A World War 1 Story by Shana Keller and illustrated by Margeaux Lucas is a great discussion starter for elementary age children and filled with fascinating history. It takes place in the WWI era. Polly's father goes to fight in the war, and the story shows how life in America changed drastically. Families like Polly's made sacrifices to help the war effort. They planted victory gardens and collected scrap metal. They used less fuel and had meatless Mondays and wheatless Wednesdays. When chemical warfare was introduced, peach pits were needed to make filters in gas masks. Polly makes a difference by organizing a parade in her community to collect peach pits. Her fictional story is based on historical truth and will inspire you to make a difference in your own community today. Includes back matter with helpful science and history details.

Read:

The Peach Pit Parade by Shana Keller, illustrated by Margeaux Lucas

Discuss:
  1. What is war? When was World War 1?
  2. What are some of the ways that Polly's life changed because of the war?
  3. What are some of the things that Polly and the other US citizens did to help the soldiers?
  4. What did the US make with the peach pits and how did this help the soldiers?
  5. Polly and her community made a difference by working together. What is one way you can help make a difference with your community?

Do: Make a Peach Smoothie.

Recipe:
  • 2 cups frozen peaches
  • 1 -2 cups shaved ice
  • 1 cup peach juice 
  • 1 container peach Greek yogurt
  • 1 banana
  • 2 Tbsp honey (or more...as you like it)
In a blender, chop the ice until snow cone consistency. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend. Add more juice to thin if so desired. Pour into glasses, add a straw, and enjoy!

For more Peach related activities, check out this curated Pinterest Board:

https://www.pinterest.com/mindybakerbooks/peach-theme/

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