First, we’re having a GREAT time with the One School-One Book program…. Getting “thank you” notes from parents already about how it’s “forcing” some family reading time that they seemed to have lost over the years.
— Paul Marinko - Principal at St. Paul's Lutheran School - Fort Wayne, IN
Since last spring, our entire school has excitedly embraced the One School, One Book Program. We will soon begin our spring selection: A Cricket in Times Square -- the third book we've adopted since the spring of 2010!

We are so thrilled with the positive impact this program has had on our students, families, and staff
— Laurie LaRue - First Grade Teacher at Edgewood School - Bristol, CT
I think the OSOB program is brilliant. My seven year-old attends Orleans Elementary in Massachusetts and they (we) are reading Masterpiece. Since the grades levels range from one to five at this school, finding a book to suit all is difficult. My daughter can follow the big picture somewhat but we have to reinforce what we’ve read because it’s a lot to take in for her.
— Glenn Krzeminski - Parent of student at Orleans Elementary - Orleans, MA
The One District, One Book program promoted by Read To Them...is a powerful way to systemically address and promote a culture of literacy throughout the entire school system.

My school actually adopted a hamster and even used it as “pet therapy” for many of the behaviorally challenged children in our school.
— Kenny Moles of West Virginia

Trivia Bank

January – Chinese New Year

What is 6th cousin’s nickname?
A: Bandit

Discussion: p. 2
Confucianism: Children must wait until invited to speak.

Bandit doesn’t play ‘pick-up-sticks’ – she plays ‘pick-up-what?’
A: ‘pick-up-beans’

What is the name of the servant in Bandit’s family?
A: Awaiting Marriage

What did Bandit do that might bring bad luck for 365 days?
A: She broke a piece of crockery during New Year’s.

What is the nickname of Ninth Cousin (the baby of the clan)?
A: Precious Coins

Discussion: p. 13
Chinese perception of America: foreign.

The Year of the Boar would bring travel, adventure, and double happiness.

Before her journey to America, Bandit received a new name – an American name. Not “Uncle Sam” but “Shirley Temple” Wong. Who was Shirley Temple?
A: (show kids pics/video…)

February – A Journey of Ten Thousand Miles

How many letters did Bandit/Shirley’s mother send to her husband to make sure he was able to meet them in the U.S.?
A: Three

What kind of job does Shirley’s father have in the States?
A: he’s an engineer (what’s that? explain…)

After travelling to the U.S. by ship – what mode of transportation do Shirley and her mother use next to reach her father?
A: they travel by train (all the way across the U.S.)

[might show ‘em a map - from Chungking to S.F. to Brooklyn]

Shirley knows Brooklyn/New York/the USA as Mei Guo, which means…?
A: Beautiful Country

Discussion: p. 28
What Shirley missed in Brooklyn. Cf. Chungking/Brooklyn.
bicycles, rickshaws, mules, carts, peddlers, farmer’s stalls
Brooklyn Bridge
Cf. kitchen – p. 30
hanging pots, hams, woodpile, soot, Kitchen God
“In America, the wife cooks.”
the fridge!
a stove! a washing machine!
a bicycle w/ 3 wheels
noodles out of a can

When Shirley gets to her apartment in Brooklyn, she discovers many, many things are different than in China. What is it that will mean that her mother will only have to market once a week?
A: a fridge – which they call an “ice box”

When Shirley’s father first shows them the washing machine and how it works – Shirley thinks it’s for washing…what?
A: people!

To prove to her father that she can survive alone in Brooklyn, Shirley ventures out to buy her father…what?
A: cigarettes (Lucky Strike)

November – Moon Cakes Without Grandfather

What reminded the Wong Family to celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival?
A: Grandfather sent moon cakes.

Expliquez Grandfather’s tale of the Filial Daughter? a toughie

December – A Star-Spangled Christmas

What part did Shirley play in the school play?
A: a turkey

Mrs. Garibaldi helped Shirley w/ the feet for her turkey costume. What did she use for turkey feet?
A: rubber flippers

Who was elected to represent the 6th grade at the Christmas Assembly?
A: Emily Levy

Who did Shirley get to meet at the Christmas Assembly?
A: Jackie Robinson!

Shirley can not grow up to become President of the United States – but her younger brother can. Why/why not?
A: Shirley was born in China, but her brother was born in the USA

For Shirley Temple Wong, what year was “the year of double happiness”
A: the Year of the Boar – 1947