Pistes d'exploration

Discuss how the girl in the story was feeling. What could others have done to help her?

Write a class definition for the word empathy. Find illustrations and phrases from the book that exemplify the concept.

In the book, the children use sign language to communicate. Working with a partner, try to communicate using actions, hand gestures and very few words. Discuss universal gestures such as yes, no, come, goodbye, please, etc.

In small groups, create a list of words that would be important to know when coming to live in Canada. Share the suggestions with the class. List the recurring words.

Discuss how the girl in the story was feeling. What could others have done to help her?

What do you think the word empathy means? Use examples from the book to come up with a class definition.

In the book, children use sign language to communicate. Working with a partner, try to communicate a message using only actions and hand gestures. Discuss universal gestures such as yes, no, come, goodbye, please, etc.

Create a list of words that would be important to learn first when coming to live in Canada. Discuss the different suggestions and defend your choices.

Mots-clés

Picture book , acceptance , apples , diversity , immigration , new students , self-confidence

Commentaire descriptif

Told from the perspective of Farah, a young Muslim immigrant, this poignant and timely story takes place during a school field trip to an apple orchard. Farah doesn't speak English and feels lonely and alienated from her peers who dress differently and speak a different language. Working alongside the other students to make apple cider, Farah slowly gains a sense of belonging and discovers there are, in fact, many similarities between her adopted country and home. Realistic watercolour paintings give each page a sunny feel and authentically render the emotions and expressions of the characters. The arrival of a new student in a class is a common experience, as well as fears about not having the necessary words to communicate with others. This gentle and sensitive story encourages empathy and walking in another's shoes, as well as acceptance of other cultures and diversity. Farah claims her difference, and finds common ground as well, when she chooses a green apple over the red ones her classmates pick - the only different one in the batch.