Apple Pie 4th of July

Summary:

A little Chinese girl resents the fact that her family's store is open on the Fourth of July. All she wants to do is partake in the holiday festivities, such as eating apple pie. She thinks that all Americans eat apple pie and that's it on Fourth of July. She's tired of eating chow mein and sweet and sour pork on the holiday. Soon people smell her parents' cooking and come into their store. More people by the hour buy their Chinese food and the little girl begins to wonder if their food is American too. Finally after the store closes, she gets to watch the fireworks, eat her apple pie and enjoy her Fourth of July.

About the Author: Janet S. Wong

Born in Los Angeles, California, Wong pursued a degree at UCLA. Before Wong became an author she worked as a lawyer before hand. After changing careers Wong has written several children's books and poetry books such as Hide and Seek and Buzz. The award winning author lives in New Jersey with her family.

Theme/Skill: Holidays, Asian American, Multi-cultural, Fiction

Grade Level: K-3

Pre-Reading Activity:

Discuss with students what their Fourth of July habits are. What do they do? What really means "being American?"

Post-Reading Activity:

Ask the question again about "being American." Is there a perfect definition? Have students draw a picture of what being American is, and all of their pictures should come out different. 

Reflection:

This is a good story to read to students who have different cultural backgrounds besides the "apple pie Americans." It will help them realize that being American means that you're diverse and special. Not two people need to be alike and there is not perfect definition of American culture.