Crow Boy is a story that takes place in a small village in Japan. It is about a small boy who grows up an outcast. None of the children speak to him or play with him. Grown-ups are convinced he cannot learn and should be ignored. "Chibi" is his nickname which means "tiny boy". Chibi is definitely a loner and spends most of his class time staring out the window or crossing his eyes so he doesn't have to see the classroom. Sixth grade is their last school year and finally they have a teacher who appreciates Chibi's many talents. Their new teacher, Mr. Isobe, likes that Chibi knows about flowers and plants, and he also likes his black and white drawings. He encourages Chibi more than anyone has before. At the talent show, Chibi climbs up onto the stage to perform. He is called "stupid" by some. Chibi's talent is making different crow noises. After his performance, Mr. Isobe explains that Chibi has walked to school every day, from very far away, for six years, and has learned these sounds. He is the only one who had perfect attendance for all six years. In the end, everyone cries because of the way they have treated him and they change his nickhame to "Crow Boy". This Caldecott Honor book is a story of accepting those who might be different. Chibi was timid and kept to himself, but in the end he was appreciated because of his differences. After reading this book, you should explain that we should accept all people no matter how different they act or look. It would also be a great time to talk about Japan and their rich culture. The book mentions that Chibi would take a "rice ball wrapped in a radish leaf" every day for lunch. It also says he wore a "raincoat made from dried zebra grass". Their schooling lasts only six years unlike the American culture of atleast thirteen. These are all discussion topics that would help your child embrace the Japanese culture and the child who might be an outsider.
Book cover copied from http://i43.tower.com/images/mm100894569/crow-boy-taro-yashima-hardcover-cover-art.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment