Library and Free Choice

Fourth grade has been listening to the book Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth Behar during library time.  This is an intense story based on real experiences of the author. As a young girl new to the United States, Ruthie's biggest worries are getting out of what she terms the "dumb class," hopscotch and go-go boots. Things are looking up for Ruthie  when she tests into the "regular" class; Ruthie wins at hopscotch and she gets go go boots. But then, after a car crash that leaves Ruthie in a full body cast for over six months as her broken leg heals, Ruthie is stuck in bed to contemplate the world, her family and her own dreams.

The story is often intense as Ruthie deals with her new life and some of the harsher realities that happen around her, such as when her best friend's brother dies.  We spend time reflecting after each reading. We discuss how the world has changed since the time of the story, the 1960's, like safety windows in apartments and music. We also talk about how some things are still the same, such as how immigrants are sometimes treated.  Our conversations delves into the multiple layers of Ruthie's identity as a Jewish Cuban immigrant and how culture may or may not affect other aspects of her identity such as gender.

After our time together reading and discussing, students are given the opportunity to read, draw and sometimes play with magnatiles - a break from the intensity. This less structured time allows students the opportunity to digest some of the heavier topics in smaller groups if they so choose, or just do something completely different that is a break from the rigor and intensity of a school day.