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Marianthe’s Story

Painted Words and Spoken Memories

Elementary

Description

The author presents two equally moving themes in Marianthe's story, the first explores her arrival to America and the second involves an explanation of why she came.  In her first days at school Mari struggles with English until she realizes that art translates to all languages. One day, as Mari prepares to tell her story through her paintings, the sympathetic teacher announces that there is more than one way to communicate. "Someday Mari will be able to tell us with words." Readers then flip the book over to begin the second installment in which Mari capably uses words to explain her background. Mari's first-person narration recounts her early years in the old country, where extended family and community pulled together to grow food and to weather such tragedies as war and famine. Like her character, the author spins the tale gracefully in two media, placing words and art in impressive balance.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

Educators may choose to use this book as the start to a larger unit on cultural diversity or refugees and immigration. It can be easily integrated into the Arts and ELA.  It will serve as an inspiration for alternative forms of story telling.

Relevant Curriculum Units

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        • Everyone has a unique story to share.
        • Stories and other texts can be shared through pictures and words
    • Grade 2
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us
        • Stories and other texts connect us to ourselves, our families, and our communities
        • Through listening and speaking, we connect with others and share our world
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Curiosity and wonder lead us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us.
        • Stories and other texts help us learn about ourselves, our families, and our communities
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • English/Language Arts
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world
        • Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.

Themes Addressed

Human Rights (4)

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Education
  • Refugees and Immigration
  • War and Peace

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