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Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring
Last updated Monday, August 7, 2023
Author: Angela Cervantes
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 1338159313
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2023
Synopsis:
A room locked for fifty years. A valuable peacock ring. A mysterious brother-sister duo. Paloma Marquez is traveling to Mexico City, birthplace of her deceased father, for the very first time. She's hoping that spending time in Mexico will help her unlock memories of the too-brief time they spent together.
While in Mexico, Paloma meets Lizzie and Gael, who present her with an irresistible challenge: The siblings want her to help them find a valuable ring that once belonged to beloved Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Finding the ring means a big reward - and the thanks of all Mexico. What better way to honor her father than returning a priceless piece of jewelry that once belonged to his favorite artist! But the brother and sister have a secret. Do they really want to return the ring, or are they after something else entirely?
| Note to readers: |
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There is a picture of the Peacock Ring on page 46.
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The male peacocks have the big tails. The females are "pea hens" or "peahens."
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Look at the craft bins at your school. See if they have any feathers that the kids could use to make a peacock ring.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Have you heard of Frida Kahlo?
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Have you ever visited a museum?
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Have you ever seen a peacock? Do they fly? (yes, but their tails drag behind them.)
Vocabulary:
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lullaby - a quiet, gentle song sung to send a child (or even an adult!) to sleep
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medallion - a piece of jewelry in the shape of a medal
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reward - a thing given in regocnition of one's service, effort, or achievement
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mystery - something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Do you have a favorite artist?
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Are fortune tellers real?
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Have you ever been to Mexico? Mexico City?
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| Special activities: |
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Play a game of "telephone" with the group. See how distorted the message can be once it goes around the circle.
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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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