Sylvia and Aki
By: Winifred Conkling
Published By Tricycle Press
Copyright 2011
Sylvia and Aki are two girls that are facing discrimination because of events occurring in the United States. Aki is sent away to an interment camp after Pearl Harbor and Sylvia and her family lease Aki's families house while they are gone. Because of these events Sylvia and Aki soon learn about each other and become friends.
Historical, Fate, Motivational, Inspiring, Touching
Reading Level/Lexile
4th Grade, 6th month/760L
Suggested Delivery
Independent/Partner
Electronic Resources
This is the authors website that provides information about herself, the books she has written and contact information. This story is also based on a true story so there are pictures of the characters and of the interment camps. This allows the students to get a realistic look at what really happened.
This is the website for the award that Sylvia & Aki won, the Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award. This allows the students to explore other books that won the same award and they are able to learn more about this award as well.
Teaching Suggestions
1. Teach about equal rights and discrimination.
2. Use this book as a lesson about Pearl Harbor.
3. The teacher can use this book to talk about friendships and pen pals.
3. The teacher can use this book to talk about friendships and pen pals.
Vocabulary
1. Interment Camp
2. Prejudice
3. Discrimination
4. Equal Rights
5. Segregation
6. Equality
6. Equality
Before Reading
Before reading the story the teacher can introduce Pearl Harbor and what happened on that day. This will allow the students to understand more of Aki's story and what happened with her being a Japanese American.
During Reading
During reading the students can write down their questions as they read, questions about Pearl Harbor or the segregation of the schools. This will allow them to think outside the box and clear up any confusion they may have.
After Reading
After the students read they will have a book discussion where they will ask and answer any questions they had in the book. The teacher will work as a monitor and help clarify any confusion the students may have. This will allow the students to open their mind more to the book and see how their fellow classmates interpreted the book.
Writing Activity
After discussing the book as a class the students will then write a reflection on the book. They will write their own summary, a reflection on how they felt while reading the book and they will write about how they still see these problems today and how it makes them feel.
Conkling, W. (2011). Sylvia and Aki. Berkeley: Tricycle Press.
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