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“If ever there was a book primed to show American children why families from other countries are often desperate to reach our shores, this is it.” --Booklist (starred review)
“A timely reminder about conditions in our current world.” --The Horn Book “A worthy introduction to an important slice of history.” --Kirkus Reviews Through the eyes of twelve-year-old Lorraine this “moving personal story” (Booklist, starred review) from the award-winning author of Hidden and Hush gives insight and understanding into a little known part of history—the Irish potato famine. It is the autumn of 1846 in Ireland. Lorraine and her brother are waiting for the time to pick the potato crop on their family farm leased from an English landowner. But this year is different—the spuds are mushy and ruined. What will Lorraine and her family do? Then Lorraine meets Miss Susannah, the daughter of the wealthy English landowner who owns Lorraine’s family’s farm, and the girls form an unlikely friendship that they must keep a secret from everyone. Two different cultures come together in a deserted Irish meadow. And Lorraine has one question: how can she help her family survive? A little known part of history, the Irish potato famine altered history forever and caused a great immigration in the later part of the 1800s. Lorraine’s story is a heartbreaking and ultimately redemptive story of one girl’s strength and resolve to save herself and her family against all odds. |
Activity 1:
Donna Jo Napoli has written several books about children in tremendous situations. Please go to this website to read about
what she learned from writing the book Hunger. Summarize what you think she learned and share it with me in a short essay.
Activity 2:
Ireland was in such a predicament because the potato crop failed! They depended on their potatoes for many dishes. What is your favorite potato dish. Here is one for Jacket Potatoes (baked potatoes at my house!) They make their potatoes very differently than I do, but I might give it a try!! If you have another recipe that is your favorite, please make that. Take a picture of your creation and send it to me - BONUS: you can share your creation with your class if you want.
Activity 3:
The area that was effected by the potato famine is a very beautiful location. Please use this map of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Color the different countries according to the directions. Find, mark and label each capital of each country. On the back of the sheet, tell me one interesting thing you might know, or something that you find out about the area.
Donna Jo Napoli has written several books about children in tremendous situations. Please go to this website to read about
what she learned from writing the book Hunger. Summarize what you think she learned and share it with me in a short essay.
Activity 2:
Ireland was in such a predicament because the potato crop failed! They depended on their potatoes for many dishes. What is your favorite potato dish. Here is one for Jacket Potatoes (baked potatoes at my house!) They make their potatoes very differently than I do, but I might give it a try!! If you have another recipe that is your favorite, please make that. Take a picture of your creation and send it to me - BONUS: you can share your creation with your class if you want.
Activity 3:
The area that was effected by the potato famine is a very beautiful location. Please use this map of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Color the different countries according to the directions. Find, mark and label each capital of each country. On the back of the sheet, tell me one interesting thing you might know, or something that you find out about the area.