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Doodles from the Boogie Down
Last updated Monday, September 8, 2025
Author: Stephanie Rodriguez
Date of Publication: 2023
ISBN: 0451480651
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2025
Synopsis:
Eighth grade in New York City means one thing: It's time to start applying to high schools! While her friends are looking at school catalogs and studying for entrance exams, Steph is doodling in her notebook and waiting for art class to begin. When her art teacher tells her about LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, Steph desperately wants to apply. But she's in the Bronx, and LaGuardia is a public school in Manhattan - which her mom would not approve of. Steph comes up with a plan that includes lying to her mom, friends, and teachers. Keeping secrets isn't easy, and Steph must decide how far she'll go to get what she wants.
| Note to readers: |
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READERS: If there is a map or globe in the room, please try to show the kids where New York is in comparison to Los Angeles.
Also, Stephanie and some of her friends are originally from the Dominican Republic. It is an island nation that shares the larger island of Hispaniola with Haiti. It is located between Cuba and Puerto Rico. Again, if possible, please show it on the map or globe, or perhaps on your phone.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you know what the Bronx is? Stephanie is an 8th grade student at a Catholic school in Bronx, New York. The Bronx is one of five sections of the city of New York. They are Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx.
Vocabulary
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doodle: an aimless or casual design or sketch.
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bodega: a small grocery store in an urban area.
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Science Fair: competitive exhibition of science projects by school children.
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Dominican Republic: an island in the Caribbean between Cuba and Puerto Rico.
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Entrance exam: a test that allows admission to a school.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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The 8th graders at Stephanie’s school must decide what high school they wish to attend. They have the option of picking a school that offers specific preparation or training for their future. In Los Angeles, we have “Magnet schools” that allow students to do the same thing. You can attend a school that focuses on math and science, the arts or even on how Hollywood does its business. You will be given the same opportunity as Stephanie and her friends in a few years. What kind of Magnet school do you think you would like to attend? Why? Do you have an older sibling or family member that attends one of these schools? How to they like it?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw squares on a sheet of paper that look like a graphic novel page or comic strip.
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Draw something you did this summer.
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Make a short story about anything.
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| Special activities: |
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Do the provided 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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