Character
Who is the main character in A Cup of Shaah?
The narrator, a Somali girl who moved to Canada with her family.
Where does A Cup of Shaah take place?
In Canada, mostly at home with her family.
What happens first in Tortillas con Queso?
The narrator remembers growing up seeing the MASECA flour bag in every kitchen.
What is the lesson in A Cup of Shaah?
Family traditions help us feel close to where we come from.
Which story reminds you most of your family?
(Student answer — open-ended)
Who helps make tortillas in Tortillas con Queso?
The narrator’s husband, sons, and abuela (grandmother).
What are two settings in Tortillas con Queso?
The kitchen and home in the U.S., and memories of Guatemala.
What problem does the boy face in What’s for Lunch??
He is teased for his food and feels ashamed of his culture.
What does Tortillas con Queso teach about family?
Family traditions and food connect generations with love.
What food or drink from your family could be in a story?
(Student answer — ex. dumplings, tea, tortillas, soup)
Who is the narrator in What’s for Lunch? and what problem does he face?
A child named Marty who is teased at school for bringing Chinese food.
In What’s for Lunch?, where does the main character eat his lunch after he was made fun of?
In the school bathroom because he feels embarrassed.
What event helps the narrator in A Cup of Shaah feel connected to home again?
Her mom finds spices and makes real Somali shaah tea.
What does What’s for Lunch? teach us about being different?
being different?Being different can be special — your culture is something to be proud of.
How are A Cup of Shaah and Tortillas con Queso similar?
Both show families passing down food traditions and love.
What does the girl in My Footprints want to find?
She wants to find someone like her and feel proud of who she is.
What clues tell you The Plant Rescuer happens in a home or community?
The story talks about rescuing plants from neighbors and caring for them at home.
How does the main character’s attitude toward the plants change from the beginning to the end of the story?
At first, the narrator just wants to save plants; by the end, they feel proud and responsible for helping them grow.
What lesson do My Footprints and Sing a Song both teach?
Song both teach?Be proud of who you are and where you come from.
How are What’s for Lunch? and My Footprints different in their tone or feelings?
One shows embarrassment that turns to pride; the other shows bravery and self-acceptance.
How are the main characters in A Cup of Shaah and What’s for Lunch alike?
Both feel different at school because of their culture but learn to be proud of it.
What clues tell you that the story happens during winter and near her home?
The footprints are in snow, and she walks around her yard where she meets magical creatures.
How do the events show that Thuy's imagination helps her heal from being teased?
Pretending to be different animals helps her feel strong inside, and meeting her new moms helps her feel loved and seen.
In Sing A Song, why do you think the author chose different settings for each generation?
To show that even though places and times change, families and traditions continue.
If you could add your own family story, what would the title be and why?
(Student-created — open-ended)