Title: Erandi's Braids
Author: Antonio Hernandez Madrigal
Illustrator: Tomie dePaola
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Group
Publication Date: 1999
Genre: Historical Fiction
Audience: PreK-2
Overview: This is a short story about a mother and daughter who live in a small town in Mexico. The girl and her mother are very poor and do their best to make ends meet. Each day the mother braids her daughter's long beautiful hair. They eat, shop, and fish together. One day there is an announcement in the town about money being offered for long hair. Erandi does not want to give her hair but knows that it would bring good money and could buy a new fishing net. On her birthday, Erandi is taken to the shop to pick out a present. She chooses a dress but wishes that she could have the doll that matches. When the mother goes to get her hair cut, her hair is not long enough. Erandi, very frightened, climbs up into the chair surprising her mother. She gets her hair cut and they receive the money for the new net. They young girl thought she had angered her mother but learns that her mother is so grateful for her brave actions. She takes her to the store and buys her daughter the doll she wants. Erandi tells her mother that her hair will grow out again and not to be afraid.
Activity: The book presents a specific Mexican lifestyle in which long hair is treasured. The class could discuss what we treasure in our society and how different cultures work and think. The book could be read to young children during a social studies lesson about different cultures and ethnicities. Students can come to understand that cultures live their lives differently.
Another activity could be to put yourself in Erandi's shoes. Would you give up your hair to support your family? Have you ever made any sacrifices for your family? What kind of cultures do you know about? The students could make drawings to represent their thoughts.
Reviewer's Name: Emily Trees
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