Book Uncle and Me

Book Uncle and Me

Written by Uma Krishnaswami

Illustrated by Julliana Sweeney

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Yasmin-ma, a curious, determined and courageous nine year old girl is on a mission to bring back Book Uncle, a kind

retired teacher, and his free lending library! Throughout the book, you can clearly see that she is a true leader as she

politically organizes and realizes her own agency and the power of grassroots activism. As I reflect and continue to

find meaning in this book, I appreciate how this book recognizes and gives power to youth in which they rightfully

deserve. This book digs into the reality of the main characters' community. At the end of the book, she helps enact

political change by bringing back Book Uncle. This book would be a perfect read for fourth graders because they can

recognize different issues within their community and plan for action.

This book portrays Element 4: Social Movements and Social Change. Book Uncle and Me aligns with Element 4

because the author tells our students about ways that ordinary people can and will enact change in their communities.

Even young people can get involved in democracy. Additionally, Yasmin-ma exemplifies a leader in which she was

able to even change the outcome of the election at 9 years old. Being a part of the Global majority, she was able to

overcome obstacles that the candidates running had in place. Books can change your life, and this book is a must

read !!

Book Uncle and Me Classroom Activity:

There are a variety of discussion questions and classroom activities that are provided at the end of Book Uncle and Me.

These are activities that I liked from the book being that they address the community movement that was created by

Yasmin-ma as well as taking a look at the similarities and differences of the student’s lives and the life of Yasmin-ma. 

1. The teacher can prepare a Venn Diagram on post-it paper. The teacher can make a note of ten things that are most

important between the student's life and Yasmin-ma's, and ten things that are the same. We can ask students to look

at the first list. First, we can ask "Why do you think these things are so different from your life?" Then, we look at

the second list and ask "Why do you think these things are so similar?"

2. The main characters in the book try to affect change by communicating with the city's mayor.This is a good example

of community movement, and is a way to make sure your voice is heard by the people in power. As a class, discuss

any issues that you feel needs to be addressed. Some suggestions are creating a community garden, local park or

waterway that needs to be cleaned up, or creating a local park. Write to your local government about this, representing

your community's views.