"Just because you don't remember a place doesn't mean it's not in you."

Content Area Connections:

Language Arts: Ask and answer questions about key details, retell events in sequence, describe how illustrations add meaning and emotion, identify the central message about identity and belonging, compare past and present experiences, and write or draw narratives about personal or family stories.
Social Studies:Immigration stories, community, family heritage, maps and places, learning about different countries and cultures.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Identity and pride, empathy, belonging, listening to others’ stories, appreciation of differences.
Art: Explore bright color, pattern, and collage to represent culture and memory; create artwork showing a place that is important to them or their family.

Primary Source Connection: 

• Interview with the illustrator Leo Espinoza (transcript provided) 
• News interview with author Junot Diaz speaking about Island Born 
• Students can create their own primary sources that represent their own family, school or community 
• Article: Dominicans celebrate their heritage 
• Search for the Dominican Republic on Nat Geos MapMaker

Other Books: 

• Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl's Courage Changed Music
• Where are You From
• Alma and How She Got Her Name
• Dreamers