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Juana and Lucas
Last updated Sunday, April 6, 2025
Author: Juana Medina
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 0763672084
Grade Level: 4th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2025
Synopsis:
Juana loves many things - drawing, eating Brussels sprouts, living in Bogotá, Colombia, and especially her dog, Lucas, the best amigo ever. She does not love wearing her itchy school uniform, solving math problems, or going to dance class. And she especially does not love learning the English. Why is it so important to learn a language that makes so little sense?
But when Juana's abuelos tell her about a special trip they are planning - one that Juana will need to speak English to go on - Juana begins to wonder whether learning the English might be a good use of her time after all.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What type of book do you think Juana and Lucas are reading?
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The author of the book's name is Juana. What would you write about your life?
Vocabulary
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Constellation - a group of stars that is thought to look like or is named after an animal, object, or person.
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Eternally - having no beginning or end, lasting always and forever.
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Illuminate - to light up, to make bright with light.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Would you like to visit Bogota? What would you do there?
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Juana likes to read books. What are your favorite activities to do?
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What do you imagine Juana and Lucas do for fun?
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| Craft ideas: |
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The children can draw what the city of Bogota looks like.
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The children can make a puppet of Lucas using a brown paper bag.
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Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22. Make an Earth Day poster or flyer.
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Easter Sunday is April 20. Make an Easter card for someone.
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| Special activities: |
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Juana discusses why she loves having Lucas as a pet. The children can discuss the pros and cons of having a pet.
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Do the word search
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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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