~Giving of Oneself~
The Play Lady: The Senora Juguetona
by Eric Hoffman and illustrated by Suzanne Tornquist is the story of a kind neighborhood woman who lets the local children play in her garden. One day her trailer is vandalized. Note: The graffiti on the trailer is very strong and full of hate.
The children are upset for this to have happened to their friend. So they take action and get their parents to help fix up the mess.
It is a story of about giving of oneself in ways that make a difference and shows activism is possible even by young children who see a wrong and work to make it right.
Written in both Spanish and English, the book features a multicultural mix of people. The main character, the play lady, is Korean. The children are black, Hispanic, and white. One is in a wheel chair. The book provides strong, positive role models for all children.
A Redleaf Anti-Bias Book for Young Children Bilingual Spanish/English text Recommended for preschool through upper elementary
The Play Lady Pre-Reading Questions
Has someone ever said something hateful to you? How did it make you feel?
What would you do if someone said something hurtful to one of your friends?
The Play Lady Follow Up Discussion Questions
Why did the children like to visit the Play Lady?
How did they feel after vandals destroyed her belongings?
What did they do? What other things might they have done?
There is also an excellent set of questions and activities at back of book.
The Play Lady Follow Up Activities
Visual Art: All grades – Draw a scene from the story showing an ally taking action.
Dramatics: Upper grades – Write original role plays showing different ways the 3 roles can interact and then perform them for the class.
Related reading:
The Hating Book by Zolotow
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Andreae
Going Further
Here are some resources if a hate crime happens to someone you know or in your neighborhood or community
Responding to Hate Crimes: A Community Resource Manual https://transequality.org
Safe Horizons Help for Victims
Find more TPN books reviews and lessons on addressing hate and bias here.
