Esperanza Rising

When we read this novel we talk about the culture and the time that it is set in. They did not have anything when they left Mexico yet they were considered some of the wealthiest people in Mexico. They had to leave everything behind. We go into great detail about how spoiled Esperanza was and that she did not appreciate all that she had.
The students read the chapter about the train and the little girl on the train admiring Esperanza's doll.
They are then required to make a yarn doll. I use a foam ball for the head and cut enough yarn(30 pieces or so) to cover the ball. Put the ball in the middle and tie yarn on the bottom of the ball. Then tie down an inch or so for the body . Then divide for the arms and legs.
The students have to then show kindness to others by giving their doll to a lower grade. I have picked the 2nd in the past and we explain to them what we are reading and why they are getting this item. They are usually very excited like the girl in the book and we talk about similarities and differences when we get back to class. They then write in their journals what they liked about the assignment and what they disliked and how it made them feel.