Today we are spotlighting a book that I am so excited to share with everyone, Ruby’s Wish. I love this book because it teaches a message about the importance of education, especially how important it is for girls to get an education. It is such a powerful story and I think it is important for students to learn about the differences between girls and boys when it comes to education around the world. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
The story Ruby’s Wish takes place in China a long time ago. Ruby lived in a big house with her wealthy grandfather, who had many wives and therefore had many grandchildren. Unlike other girls in China, Ruby was able to take classes because her grandfather had hired a teacher to come to the house. Ruby was always an impressive student, and even continued with her classes when the other girls stopped going. It was not easy for her to keep up with the boys because she had household duties after school while the boys were able to play.
One day Ruby wrote a poem about how the boys in the house are treated differently. Ruby’s grandfather was concerned and asked her to explain the poem to him. He learned that Ruby wanted to go to university just like the boys. Later, on Chinese New Year, Ruby’s grandfather handed her a large envelope. Inside was an invitation from a university inviting Ruby to be their first female student. Ruby’s dream to attend university finally came true!
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
While this book is a great way to teach about history and other social issues, it is a great mentor text. We think it is a great book to teach academic concepts such as writing, reading comprehension and grammar. Here are some ideas to get your started:
- Compare and contrast how boys and girls were treated differently throughout the story.
- Analyze the setting of this book and discuss why it was important to the story.
- Ask students to get creative and write an alternate ending to the book.
- In the book, the main character, Ruby, writes a poem. Use this as an opportunity to have students write their own poems.
- Teach students about a new prefix.
- Explore examples of compound words and prepositions in the book.
- Teach students what it means to show perseverance.
- Introduce goal setting and help students create their own future goals.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
We spent the time combing through this book and selected the best activities and lessons to teach so you don't have to!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- The Empty Pot by Demi
- Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld
- Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle
- Salt In His Shoes by Deloris Jordan
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
