Coco: A Story about Music, Shoes, and Family



Last updated Thursday, May 28, 2020

Author: Diana Lopez
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 1484787455
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2018

Synopsis: Inspired by Pixar Animation Studios' latest film, Coco, this middle grade novel retells the story of Miguel's daring adventure, and features exciting new scenes about his family. Disney Pixar's Coco is the celebration of a lifetime, where the discovery of a generations-old mystery leads to a most extraordinary and surprising family reunion.

Note to readers:
•  You can read chapters 1 -3, then skip to Chapter 6 and read forward from there.
•  Peruse and discuss the family tree at the front of the book.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you call a person who makes shoes? (cobbler)
•  Does anyone have a musician in their family?
•  What kind of music do you like?
•  What is your favorite type of instrument?

Vocabulary

•  betrayal - To be false or disloyal to.
•  disheartened - disappointed about something and having less confidence or less hope about it than before
•  skeptical - Marked by or given to doubt; questioning.
•  blister - A local swelling of the skin that contains watery fluid and is caused by burning or irritation.
•  jangling - To cause to make a harsh unpleasant sound.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why do we need new inventions? Can you think of any new inventions?
•  Have you ever seen a skeleton?
•  Are you afraid of graves and cemeteries?
•  Do you think Mama Coco likes music, too?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a family tree like in the beginning of the book. Or draw a tree or trace your hand a few times for branches. Add names and draw faces of your family members.
•  Draw a musical note, instrument, or shoe.
•  Draw a picture of Dante the dog or make a paper plate dog mask.
•  Create a mask.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2018-music/

Special activities:
•  Sing a song that everyone knows or a new one.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!