Mosquito Part 1 Of 2
Bouncing bugs Series
on Goodreads (121)
What’s inside...
The book 'Mosquito' by Sojourner Nadine Jane Johnson, follows an African-American truck driver named Mosquito in a south Texas border town, who becomes involved in a sanctuary movement for Mexican immigrants called 'the new underground railroad'. The story explores her experiences and the characters she meets along the way, including Maria, a stowaway who gives birth in Mosquito's truck, Delgadina, a Chicana bartender with aspirations of becoming a detective, and Monkey Bread, a childhood friend working in Hollywood. Mosquito's journey is intertwined with themes of identity, resilience, and community as she deepens her understanding of the immigrants' struggles.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
17-18
Length
616 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about the characters and their challenges?
How do you think the characters in the story could have handled their problems differently?
What are some ways the characters showed strength or bravery?
Can you think of a time when you faced something similar to what the characters did? What did you do?
What do you think will happen next in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, altering your voice for different characters to make the reading session more interactive and engaging.
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to allow your child to predict what might happen next, fostering their analytical thinking skills.
Relate the challenges faced by the characters to real-life situations your child might encounter, guiding them to draw parallels and learn problem-solving strategies.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story or characters, validating their feelings and helping them understand their own emotions.
After finishing the reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or write a short letter to one of the characters, deepening their connection to the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Mosquito Part 1 Of 2', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but consistently overcomes them with patience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, teaching them to tackle obstacles in school and personal life resiliently.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The story portrays different characters with varied backgrounds, encouraging readers to understand and empathize with people who are different from them.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diversity and foster respectful interactions with peers from different cultures and backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist navigates complex situations by thinking critically and making smart decisions.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to apply thoughtful analysis and problem-solving skills in their daily interactions and academic challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often succeed by working together, highlighting the benefits of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others and recognize the strength in teamwork whether in projects at school or during play.