The Upside Down Boy / El niño de cabeza

Last updated Wednesday, April 30, 2003

Author: Juan Felipe Herrera
Illustrator: Elizabeth Gómez
Date of Publication: 2000
ISBN: 0892391626
Grade Level: 2nd
Date(s) Used: June 2003

Synopsis: Jaunito is bewildered by the new school and misses the warmth of country life. Everything he does feels upside down: He eats lunch when it's recess, he goes out to play when it's time for lunch, and his tongue feels like a rock when he speaks English.

Craft ideas:

• Write a poem about someone in your family, like Juanito’s, and illustrate.
• Make chiles in paper, and write your name on a hat, button, or bookmark.

*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!