MaiStoryBook Library

MaiStoryBook Library: The Journey + *Mai Suitcase* Activity

Introducing a story about refugees, migration, family, and war ~ featured in MaiStoryBook Library Collection:

“The Journey” by Francesca Sanna

*~Click here to purchase your own copy of *The Journey* to start on your own reading adventure! (This is an affiliate link~ 5% of your purchase will go to MaiStoryBook to help create Reading Resources for your littles)~*

Book Synopsis and Review

When *home* is no longer safe~ when danger and violence disrupt and change a family forever~ the only option – the *responsible* option, is to keep the children safe and flee. When your own country can no longer be *home,* it’s up to families to find a new country, a safe place to call home. This story explores one family’s escape from the dangers of their own homeland, and the journey and perils they endure together as search for safety. From hiding in the backs of fruit trucks and carts, escaping from guards, smuggling across the border, and crossing waters on tipping ferries, this family leaves more and more behind the farther they travel. However, they still have each other, and as they search for their new home, *each other* is what gives them the hope and courage to journey on.

I am a firm believer that books are the best way to start challenging conversations with children, and to help them process events and experiences that may be difficult for them to understand. Currently, there is a humanitarian crisis at our own borders as frightened families are fleeing from violence and corruption in their own home countries, only to have their children forced from their arms when they arrive in America, seeking safety. If you are looking for a way to discuss what is happening with your own little ones, this book is the perfect read to help you and your child begin to process. *The Journey* is a visually stunning yet haunting read, a powerful book that highlights the courage and love of this family, yet also the vulnerability and harsh realities they face fleeing for safety. This is a read aloud that can help start discussions about humanity safety, and refugee experiences with your little ones or your own classrooms of students.

Vocabulary

  • Chaos (p. 4) confusion, when you never know what is going to happen next
  • Escape (p. 10) to break free from being trapped
  • Avoid (p. 15) to stay away from something
  • Ferry (p. 32) a boat
  • Capsize (p. 32) when a boat sinks or turns over in the water

Themes/Main Ideas

  • Refugees: begin a conversation about refugees, who are they and what are their experiences – a refugee is someone who flees from violence or corruption in their own homeland to seek safety in a different country
  • Borders: borders are meant to keep people out. What are your thoughts on borders separating people and different countries?

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “The Journey” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

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*Mai Suitcase* Craft

*~And the farther we went…the more we left behind~* In “The Journey,” the family made many sacrifices to find safety in a new land. Not only did they leave behind their personal belongings, but they left behind friends, family, familiarity, and *home.* For families fleeing for safety, leaving home and their country is not a choice, it’s a necessity~ it’s survival. Being able to bring along whatever small items recall memories of home and bring that momentary flash of safety is a tiny luxury. In this week’s activity, you will go through an exercise to think about what 3 *small* things would be most important for you to carry with you. If you had to leave your home forever, what items *that could fit in your small travel bag/suitcase* would remind you of home and bring you that sense of safety and love that only home can give you. Imagine having to leave everything else *and everyone else* behind, except these small things . Prepare for an afternoon of conversation, reflection, and purposeful contemplation.

Materials

  • Brown paper bag
  • Scissors
  • Markers
  • Tape
  • *3 items of your choice*

Directions

  • Take the paper bag and cut it in half.
  • Cut out handles from the top part of the bag.
  • Tape the handles to the top-opening of the bottom half of the bag you had cut.

  • Use markers to decorate the front side of your suitcase  (choose a front side)
  • Label it ” (Your name)’s Suitcase”
  • Activity: If you had to leave your home and could only choose 3 items to take with you~ they have to fit in your small suitcase you just made!~ what would they be
  • Find them and see if they fit in your suitcase

Explore your *Mai Suitcase* Craft and Activity

  • Share what you put in your suitcase with your own family members and friends. Explain the point of the exercise–> how families who leave their home leave so many things behind
  • Use your suitcase as a reading buddy and re-read the story, reflecting on what the family has to leave behind, other than physical things
  • Ask friends and family members what important things they would bring with them

*~Overall, have fun creating and sharing  your  *Mai Suitcase* Activity,  and I hope you and your little ones begin your own discussions about current events!  – tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary  – or post on FaceBook to share your photos of your own *Mai Suitcase* Activity, and your own reading adventures! I’d love to hear from you!~*

*Check Back on Next Friday for our New Reading Adventure*

*~Until next time, Happy Reading~*