Andrea’s Comments (group member since Jan 22, 2018)

Andrea’s comments from the Munoz Ryan author study group.

I had mixed feelings about the missing money. I thought Miguel took it, but then I thought it could have been a random robbery. I was devastated to know that she didn't have the money to go get her Abuelita and had to start all over. However, I was so joyful when I read when she got off the bus and was happy for Esperanza. I think it really opened my eyes to that time period and how hard it was for the Mexican immigrants working in the US. I loved how Ryan showed how Esperanza grew as a character and how the story left with some hope! I think the Esperanza will get back to a place where her life is good and comfortable.

I think this is a changing point for Esperanza because she has to be a hard worker and help her family. I think that she will get her Abuelita to the US and her mom will feel better. I think as a person she will feel the heartbeat of the earth again but it's going to be different because she will have more of an adult point of view compared to her child like point of view. I think that she will really start believing in her self and see that she can handle this and this will be a better life for her than before.

I liked how this book started with showing how wonderful Esperanza's life is. It makes me think that it's going to take a turn for the worst at some point, which it did when her father died. What a devastating thing for Esperanza because she loved her father. I didn't like how her uncle tried to take advantage of the unfortunate situation and force her family to leave. I think this is going to make Esperanza grow up more realize how different life can be for others. I'm curious on how her view of the US will be and see how Ryan contrasts it to Mexico.

I read "The Crayon Counting Book." This would be great to implement in my room since we practice skip counting in math. My second graders would love the story and it would be a great conversation to have about patterns counting by two. "Our California" would be a great one a great one to talk about communities for Social Studies. It also would be a great for Genius Hour to get students thinking about places. "The Flag We Love" would be a great book to teach students about communities and our country.

This was such a well thought out story! I loved the twists and turns from starting with the sisters to how their spirits were passed on. I liked how the characters came together and was able to play their music. What a great read!

I felt so bad for Ivy! Starting a new school and being separated from her friend. It’s tough for her especially being of mixed nationality. I definitely feel for the two girls and I feel more connected to this section then the others. I like that Ryan is showing how a language barrier can effect a student. It’s disheartening and frustrating for anyone. I’m curious to see what’s in the house or if nothing. It’s sad to think that people are still judged by their skin colors.

Why did Ryan make the house graffitied? My spirit was a little crushed after I read that. I'm glad that Mr. Lopez painted over so that Kenny wouldn't think the worst in him. When I read about the secret door, I was really concerned. I was hoping for the best and was pleasantly relieved to see instruments. I know that music is a strong component for this book and it made me think of Friedrich's story.

However, I'm curious on how both of these stories will tie into each other and how these characters will be brought together.

I think that Ryan wouldn't have made us meet the family that adopted the boys right away. We, as readers, needed to see the boys in a different light to get some perspectives. The first family saw aggression where I saw passion and love. I don't believe that Mr. Bishop has the best intentions, but isn't a bad person. I love that the brothers are wanting to stay together. I hope that Mike isn't hurt from the fall or the harmonica magically saved him. The one thing I see from both parts is how music influences a person and how great musicians they are.

Wow! I am a little whiplashed from not ending Friedrich's part. However, I'm still wondering where the harmonica will end up and how it's going to play apart in this story.
After I read it, this part started to pull at my heart strings. I'm so excited to see Mike and Frankie's story with the M harmonica and how music will play such a crucial part in their story. I'm hoping the brothers will stay together.
The similarities are a young boy who is going through a difficult time with their family. Differences are the location and the struggle they face.

I agree that Friedrich's father was unaware of who his father invited. He was looking to give his son a wonderful opportunity and having friends over. I am very nervous and anxious for Friedrich and his life. I'm hoping for the best with Friedrich and will make it out alive.
It's interesting to see how people are acting/reacting in this time and how people change their views on others. I like that Friedrich and his father still see people for who they are and not what they are.
I'm curious on what will happen to the harmonica and where it will go.

Friedrick's father did the right thing by taking him out of school. I feel like the father knew he was in danger and was able to provide some protection and try to help better his son's life. I think that his passion for music lead him to the harmonica. I think it was a way for him to escape and feel free. I knew that Hitler tried to rid of gypsies, people with special needs, but didn't know that if you had a deformity like a birthmark, you would be in the same classification. Elisabeth definitely feels pressured to support and follow Hitler. He was a very persuasive speaker and I think at that time it was do what he wanted or fear that you would be exiled. I think that she wants to help her family and not put a "bad" mark on the family name. I am curious to see how the harmonica, the sister's story, and the Friedrick will continue on in the story.

The prologue was really interesting and intriguing because of how two stories were intertwined. I liked how Otto's story was white, like a positive story while the sister's story was in black like a negative story. I think each part in the book will be about a sister. I like the repetition from the midwife and I think that is going to be a big part of the story moving forward.

Hello! I teach second grade in Bismarck and this is my sixth year teaching.