Definition:

Courage is the willingness to go beyond fear to face a healthy (not foolish) challenge, even though it  could be painful, risky, or end in failure.  

In short:

Do good, try hard even when it’s scary.

Summary:
Amada Irma Perez tells her story in journal entries, describing in detail her family’s exodus from Mexico to Los Angeles. She says her diary is like a best friend with whom she shares her deepest thoughts and feelings. She writes about her fears of an unknown future, how she’ll miss the friends and country she leaves behind. Amanda describes her concern for her papa who goes ahead of the rest of the family to work in the U.S.A. while everyone waits in Mexico for their green cards. Through these journal entries, we learn how immigrants like Amanda muster the courage to face the challenges of starting a new life in a foreign country.  

Lesson Objectives: 

1. This story can be linked to lessons on immigration, exploring themes such as why people leave their country of origin, and what challenges they face as immigrants.  
2. Students discuss the definition of courage, and why it helps to have courage when faced with the kind of situations Amada Irma Perez encountered. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. This book is a diary of a young girl who immigrated from Mexico to the U.S.A. What do you think are the benefits of keeping a journal of one's experiences? 
2. What did Amanda say about why she kept a journal? If you keep a journal, share about it. 
3. Why did her family leave Mexico?
4. What were Amanda’s concerns about leaving her home and traveling to a new country? 
5. A very worried Amanda asks her dad - “What will happen to us?” - how does he answer her question?
6. What did the heart shaped stone Amanda took with her symbolize? Do you have something like Amanda’s stone that gives you a special memory?
7. Do you have a special rock (like Amanda) or something that gives you peace and comfort?    
8. Do you write in a diary? If not, try keeping a diary for 2 weeks; write about your thoughts, activities and feelings each day. 
9. “Through our words we keep our memories and culture alive in our diaries and in our hearts.” What do you think this means?  
10. What are some of the ways that help you feel supported when times are difficult?