Something Like Home



Last updated Monday, December 9, 2024

Author: Andrea Beatriz Arango
Date of Publication: 2023
ISBN: 978-0593566183
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2024

Synopsis: Laura Rodríguez Colón has a plan: no matter what the grown-ups say, she will live with her parents again. Can you blame her? It’s tough to make friends as the new kid at school. And while staying at her aunt's house is okay, it just isn't the same as being in her own space.

So when Laura finds a puppy, it seems like fate. If she can train the puppy to become a therapy dog, then maybe she'll be allowed to visit her parents. Maybe the dog will help them get better and things will finally go back to the way they should be.

After all, how do you explain to others that you're technically a foster kid, even though you live with your aunt? And most importantly. . . how do you explain that you're not where you belong, and you just want to go home?

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  This book is about family and what makes a family. What is your family like? It is just you and your parents and/or siblings or does it include your grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins too? Are there others who may be like a brother or sister to a parent that is also considered part of your family?

Vocabulary
•  Temporary: not permanent; lasting a limited time.
•  Spanglish: a mixture of Spanish and English.
•  Caseworker: a social worker who works on problems, needs and adjustments for an individual person or family.
•  Rehab: short for rehabilitation especially regarding drug and alcohol abuse.
•  Humongous: extremely large.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Laura finds herself in Child Protective Services and has been placed with an aunt she has never met. Her only goal is to get back with her parents. How would you feel if this happened to you? Do you know anyone in this situation?

READERS: Encourage the kids to finish the book when they have a chance. Laura works very hard to get back “home” and learns that can mean different things.

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of your family. Include parents, siblings, grandparents and others you are close to. Draw a picture of a Christmas tree and decorate it.
•  If you have a pet, or would like one, draw a picture. You can dress it for the holidays.
•  Make a Christmas or Holiday card of someone.
•  Using a paper coffee filter (the round 8-12-cup size), preferable white, make snowflakes. Examples at https://pin.it/2RXr2VLzZ

Special activities:
•  Do the word search.

*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!