Title: Leah’s Pony
Author: Elizabeth Friedrich
Copyright Date: 1996
Publisher: Boyds Mills Press
Possible Theme: Resilience, Dust Bowl, 1930s, Family
Personal Response: This historical fiction story takes place in the
1930s during the Dust Bowl era. It’s about a farming girl and her family
overcoming hard times. The main character Leah loves her pony but has to make a
hard choice about giving the pony up in order to help her family save their
farm. This story teaches young children about the Great Depression in a child
friendly way. It also has some thought-provoking vocabulary that many children
have not heard before like auction, drought, and loan. The happy ending makes
me tear up every time. The neighbors really help this family and it shows the
determination of the human sprit through difficult situations.
Student Journal Entry: Imagine you lived during the Dust Bowl. The
families made sure to save money. In the story Leah’s mama had to use dishwater
to water her flowers. Brainstorm some idea about how you could reuse items
around your house. Write down your best ideas.
Activity: Have a pretend auction in your classroom.
Website: Click HERE. Attached are photos
of The Great Depression.
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