Sun Tracks Series
For a Girl Becoming (Volume 66) (Sun Tracks)
What’s inside...
Transformative moments in the cycle of life are a time for acknowledgment, a chance to guide a child's path in a positive and loving direction. Swirling images laden with both myth and personal meaning illustrate this unique, poetic tale of the joys and lessons of a girl's journey through birth, youth, and finally adulthood. Within these colorful pages, family and community come together in celebration of her arrival, offering praise, love, and advice to help carry her forward through the many milestones to come, and reminding her always of how deeply she is cherished. It is a reminder, too, of our abiding connections to the natural world, and the cyclical nature of life as a whole. With its rich, symbolic artwork and captivating language, For a Girl Becoming is the perfect gift to recognize a birth, graduation, or any other significant moment in a young woman's life. Not only for children, this lively and touching story speaks to that part in each of us who still stands at the door of becoming.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the journey to becoming a woman involves after reading this book?
How do the illustrations and poems in the book make you feel about growing up?
Can you relate to any of the experiences shared in the book? Which one and why?
What kind of person do you hope to become and how does this book inspire that vision?
Which part of the book did you find most inspiring or intriguing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they know about growing up and becoming an adult. This can help set the stage for the themes discussed in the book.
Pause after significant poems or illustrations to discuss your child’s thoughts and feelings about the progression. This helps in relating personal experiences to those depicted in the book.
Encourage your child to express which parts of the book they connected with the most and explore why that might be, fostering deeper understanding and personal connection.
After finishing the book, have a discussion about the different emotions and milestones associated with growing up, using examples from both the book and personal experiences.
Use the book as an opportunity to share your own experiences of growing up, which can help your child understand that growth and change are lifelong processes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing change and growth
Explanation: The book follows the journey of a young girl transitioning through various phases of life, demonstrating the natural progression of growth and change.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and embrace various stages of their lives, understanding that change is a natural part of development.
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: The protagonist encounters challenges but learns to overcome them with strength and resilience, teaching children the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to face their own challenges in school or social settings with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: Value of cultural heritage
Explanation: The story integrates elements of Native American culture, emphasizing the importance of one’s cultural roots and heritage.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and take pride in their own cultural identities and histories, fostering a sense of belonging and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: Understanding life cycles
Explanation: Through poetic language and imagery, the book illustrates life as a series of cycles and seasons, each with its own purpose and beauty.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp the concept of life cycles in nature, human life, and the importance of each phase in the big picture.