The Araboolies of Liberty Street
What’s inside...
The children of Liberty Street band together to help the Araboolies when General Pinch orders them to leave because they look different. The General and Mrs. Pinch rule Liberty Street, prohibiting all laughter and games, making life joyless for the kids. However, the arrival of the Araboolies, who speak no English and change skin color daily, brings chaos, excitement, and fun, along with an important message of tolerance. The engaging plot and vibrant illustrations highlight themes of energy, enthusiasm, and acceptance, making it an excellent story to share and discuss with readers of all ages.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Araboolies
Colonel
Discussion points
What do you think makes the Araboolies different from the other people on Liberty Street?
How did the children in the story help the Araboolies when General Pinch and his wife wanted them to leave?
Why is it important to stand up for others who are being treated unfairly?
What would you do if you saw someone new in your neighborhood being treated unkindly?
How do you think the neighborhood changed after the Araboolies moved in?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about diversity and acceptance by discussing the colorful and vibrant nature of the Araboolies compared to the monochrome world of Liberty Street.
Highlight the role of the children in the story, asking your child how they might use their own voice or actions to help someone else.
Discuss the importance of community and how every individual, no matter how different, can contribute positively to it.
Use real-life examples of standing up for others or welcoming new people to deepen the connection with the story’s moral.
Ask your child to imagine their own colorful character like an Araboolie and describe how it would interact in their world, fostering creativity and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The Araboolies of Liberty Street teaches children to embrace diversity through the arrival of the colorful, unorthodox Araboolies family in a uniform town. Their stark differences and vibrant presence help the local children see the beauty in diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences in people around them, such as in school or at the park, and understand that everyone's uniqueness contributes positively to our world.
Example Lesson: Standing Up Against Bullying
Explanation: In the story, the children on Liberty Street band together to protect the Araboolies from the tyrannical General Pinch. Their collective action highlights the importance of standing up against bullies.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to support peers who are being bullied and understand the importance of unity and collective effort in confronting wrongdoings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community Support
Explanation: When the neighborhood unites to help the Araboolies, it paints a picture of how community support can foster a welcoming and supportive environment.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to participate in community activities and understand how their contributions can help create a supportive and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Individuality
Explanation: The Araboolies' unique way of living and their bright, eccentric house encourage self-expression and creativity among the neighborhood's children.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to express themselves through art, creative writing, or simply by being unafraid to be themselves in any situation.
Example Lesson: Courage to Challenge Norms
Explanation: The story exemplifies how challenging unfair or outdated norms, represented by General Pinch’s strict rules, can lead to positive changes in a community.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of questioning norms that don’t serve the common good and feel empowered to voice their opinions in matters at home or school.