Very soon, I’m going to get to teach Sandra Cisneros’ novel The House on Mango Street, and I would really love to research background information on the author or her basic context/setting (mid-1900s, Latino section of Chicago) for the novel or something relating to the story, etc. for my multigenre project. Any suggestions on how to narrow my topic idea and relate it to background research on this author and/or novel? Thanks!
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I love love love this book. I’ve taught it for several years. One suggestion is to research the Chicano population and their portrayal in the US. Maybe even how being Chicano has influenced Cisneros’ writing, because the influence is definitely there…her whole book (and other books of hers…Caramelo, Woman Hollering Creek, etc) is interspersed with Spanish. Just some thoughts…
I think even doing just the city of Chicago would be awesome!
if you could tell me what this book is about i would be able to give you feedback… haha! instead of doing something like just background research about the author maybe you can present it in a way that relates to the book…
Does it use any spanish words or phrases in the book? You could create a “dictionary” or words or phrases from the book. You could do an author autobiography. How about an introduction to the book by a “former student”, including their personal perspective of the book (what they did and didn’t like, how they personally connected, etc.), would they read it again, what they wished they knew about it before reading (ie research, not a spoiler). You could do a comic of your favorite scene, quotes with reactions, or a letter from the editor about the writing style or something else important about the book.
Just some thought…
Thanks, you guys! What great ideas!
I loved your house that you made for your project. I also really liked the idea of keeping some of your student made artifacts from each year and creating a collection over time. I know that the students will be so excited if their piece is selected to stay in the house. I think the glossary is a really great idea and would really help the students.
i love love loved the house! it reminded me of the book i focused my author study on “a house of tailors”. you were so creative and i love your glossary! it is so neat that it can be used as a reference for the project as well. you should publish it!
great job katie!