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Julián Is a Mermaid
Last updated Monday, April 19, 2021
Author: Jessica Love
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 978-0763690458
Grade Level: 1st (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2021
Synopsis:
While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela one day, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julián gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume: a butter-yellow curtain for his tail, the fronds of a potted fern for his headdress. But what will Abuela think about the mess he makes — and even more importantly, what will she think about how Julián sees himself? Mesmerizing and full of heart, Julián Is a Mermaid is a jubilant picture of self-love and a radiant celebration of individuality.
| Note to readers: |
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This book may prompt the kids to notice Julian (who is addressed as male by his grandmother) chooses to dress up and wear lipstick in what may be considered a feminine manner.
To be ready if any of the kids share a reaction about that, here is advice one of the teachers offers as you read this book aloud:
"I suggest volunteers be prepared to simply explain that mermaids are not real as unicorns are not real, that they are mythological creatures in stories, and in mythology there are boy mermaids. You can even bring up the movie Aquaman, which a few of the kids may have seen or are aware of. Wearing makeup is also like what people wear on Halloween as part of a costume. I recommend focusing on the close relationship between Julián and his grandmother and how she tries to make him happy."
You are also welcome to ask the teacher host of your Zoom session if he or she recommends any acknowledgment or approach about that with the kids.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What what you like to be if you could be anything
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Do you like to pretend you’re some body else or even an animal or a cloud?
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Have you ever played dress up?
Vocabulary
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Abuela- Grandma in Spanish
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Hijo- Child in Spanish (masculine gender)
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Julian’s abuela is SUPPORTIVE of his choice to dress like a mermaid. Do know what
SUPPORTIVE MEANS? Do you have someone who is supportive for you?
Someone is encouraging you do try new things?
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Does anyone like mermaids?
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What would you want to be if you could pretend to be anything?
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| Special activities: |
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The Lucky Band created a special video for Reading to Kids to share at our March 13, 2021 reading clubs! Volunteers for those clubs will receive the link to that YouTube video in their email reminder on Friday, March 12, 2021, along with directions on how to share a YouTube video on Zoom.
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Jimmy Fallon, Sesame Street & The Roots Sing "Sesame Street" Theme (w/ Classroom Instruments): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHogg7pJI_M
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Ringo Starr, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots Sing "Yellow Submarine" (Classroom Instruments): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIg3kxeOZMA
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*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!
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