Looking Closer

The illustrations in Bright Sky, Starry City are integral to telling its story. Sometimes they reinforce the text, and sometimes they provide additional information. Break the class into small groups and assign each group an illustration. Have the students analyze the...

Figurative Language

The text of Bright Sky, Starry City often verges on poetry. The words have a distinct rhythm when read aloud and the author uses figurative language to tell the story and how Phoebe is feeling. As a class, come together and read the book aloud. Have students raise...

Hope and Disappointment

The caravan in this book ventured so far north only to be faced with resistance and tear gas at their destination. At the end of the book, their future is yet uncertain. Why do you think Misael and his fellow travelers were willing to take such a big risk even when...

Misael

Spend some time discussing or reflecting on Misael. How would you describe him? What is one thing you have in common with him? What do we know about him? What do we not know about him? What motivates him to leave his home? What does he miss about El Salvador once he...

Re-examining Predictions

After reading Caravan to the North, revisit the notes made in response to the pre-reading questions. Which predictions most aligned with the story as it unfolded? Which ones strayed most from the actual story? What surprised you about the story and why? What did not...