COLLABORATION BOOKS
Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest
Dr. Coo and the Pigeon Protest
By Sarah Hampson
Summary
The pigeons’ view on their urban life got them bothered enough to organize a protest and propose collaboration with humans.
Questions
1) Are there pigeons where you live? If not, what are the most common birds you see? Are they considered annoying by the residents in your city?
2) Do you think such a collaboration between humans and pigeons is possible?
Ella, Queen of Jazz
Ella, Queen of Jazz
By Helen Hancocks
Summary
The inspiring true story of how a remarkable friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe was born - and how they worked together to overcome prejudice and adversity.
Questions
1) Even though Ella sang so well, why did some folks did not want her to sing in their clubs (page 7)? How do you think that made Ella feel (page 9)?
2) How did a friend of hers, who was very famous, help Ella be invited to sing at the biggest club in town (page 14)?
3) What character strength did Marilyn show by finding a way to help her friend? A: compassion.
4) How did Ella thank Marilyn during her shows (page 20)? What character strength did Ella show by doing this? A: gratitude.
5) Why do you think Marilyn was so moved to go to every one of Ella’s shows at that club, and later to get her to sing in her own films? Do you think Ella deserved all the incentive and opportunities her friend was arranging for her?
6) What character strength did those two friends show when Marilyn came to everyone of Ella’s shows, and Ella agreed to sing in Marilyn’s movies? A: collaboration; working together.
Our Community Garden
Our Community Garden
By Barbara Pollak
Summary
A diverse community of people in San Francisco share the work and fun of a community garden, and collaborate to further the fruits of their harvest.
Questions
1) Search for the meaning of the word diversity, if you don’t know it already.
2) Is there a diversity of cultures on the last page, when they are having a feast? How can you tell?
3)Who do you think the community garden benefits the most? Would you like to have a community garden in your area? Discuss with your parents the possibility of creating one!
Grandpa’s Music - A Story About Alzheimer’s
Grandpa’s Music - A Story About Alzheimer’s
By Alison Acheson
Summary
Although Alzheimer’s disease makes it difficult for Callie’s grandfather to remember things, his family keeps him occupied, and Callie’s special task is to help him play the piano and singing their favorite songs.
Questions
1) Why do you think Callie’s grandfather had to move in with her family?
2) What character strength was needed from all the family members to make this transition work for Grandpa? A: collaboration, working together as a team.
3) Did Grandpa also help the family? What were things he was able to do? What were things he could not do anymore?
4) Can you describe 1-2 times when Callie helped her Grandpa?
5) Did you notice that at Grandpa’s new home, an assisted living community, there is collaboration going on? Can you describe a few examples of it? A: residents working together on a puzzle, people playing cards, nurses checking on residents throughout the day.
6) What was Grandpa’s favorite way to collaborate with his granddaughter? Was Callie kind to him? Even when he forgot the words for their favorite songs?
Hattie & Hudson
Hattie & Hudson
By Chris Van Dusen
Summary
A new friendship is created when a big creature decides to come to the surface to see this girl singing while canoeing. Together, they show collaboration can help things work for all parts involved, when all the scared townspeople wanted was to take him away.
Questions
1)Would you be afraid if you were canoeing by yourself on a lake and saw that humongous creature? Why do you think Hattie went back to check out that creature? A: Curiosity!
2) Why do you think Hattie wanted to protect Hudson from the townspeople?
3) Did Hudson know he was in danger? Did he come up with a solution for the problem?
4) How did Hattie and Hudson help people change their minds about taking Hudson away? What character strength did they use for that? A: Collaboration!
5) How was it good for the townspeople to have Hudson still living in that lake? How was it good for Hattie? How was it good for Hudson?