Some books are so amazing that every classroom should have them in their library. Just Ask! Is one of those books. It is all about the celebration of diversity which is so important in our classrooms as they are more diverse than ever. It is so powerful for students of all abilities to see representation of themselves in literature and we are so excited this book does that. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
Just Ask! Is written by Sonia Sotomayor, an associate justice of the Supreme Court. The book starts off with Sonia narrating and explaining that she and her friends are building a garden. Just like things in a the garden are different, her friends are too. Sonia encourages readers to ask questions when they are curious about someone.
Throughout the book, readers are introduced so the children that are working in the garden. Each one is diverse and explains what makes them unique. There are blind and deaf children, some have medical conditions like allergies or diabetes, and some have conditions like Autism, Down syndrome, or Tourette’s.
Sonia celebrates the differences of all the children and sends a message that it is okay to ask questions when you don’t understand something.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Just Ask! Is great for all grade levels not just for it’s message, but because it lends itself to such a range of skill. Read through our list of teaching ideas for this wonderful read aloud.
- Point of view is an important part of this book. Have students discuss the books point of view and how it affects the story.
- Teach students about author’s purpose and analyze why the author may have written the book.
- Have students write a list of things that make them unique.
- Ask students to write letters to the characters in this story.
- Practice working with antonyms.
- Introduce students to helping verbs
- Discuss the importance of diversity and advocation.
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 know that once you read this book it will become one of your favorite picture books. These lessons and activities have something that every teacher can use no matter what they are working on in their curriculum!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
- All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
- Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
- Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp
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!
