The Legend of the Bluebonnet

Name: The Legend of the Bluebonnet
Author: Tomie dePaola

A story that explores responsibility and opens a conversation with your child.

★★★★★ Loved by families

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♥ This book teaches: Responsibility. owning your choices and their consequences.

Before, During & After Reading

Guiding Questions for Parents.

Definition: doing what needs to be done with sincerity and without resistance or complaining. In short: Do what needs to be done. Summary: Native Americans created legends to explain natural events, such as the beautiful patches of bluebonnet flowers in Texas where this tribe lived. The story begins with an account of the troubles endured by this tribe because of a drought. The famine causes great hardships, including starvation and loss of tribe members.The Great Spirits convey a message to the shamans who bring it to the remaining tribe members. A sacrifice is needed to redeem the failure of humans to take care of the earth. A young girl, She-Who-Is-Alone, decides to offer the sacrifice demanded by the Great Spirits. The most valued possession is required and her only remaining possession, a doll, is what she decides to offer.This difficult sacrifice given so sincerely by this girl, is accepted, and a stunning transformation occurs. Because of her generosity and love for her people, the girl receives a new name - One-Who-Dearly-Loved-Her People. Lesson Objectives:

Moved by the courage this girl showed when a sacrifice was needed, students will be more willing to give up something for a greater purpose.
This story can be linked to studies about Native Americans, especially regarding their diverse cultures and colorful folklore contributions.

Guiding Questions:

Native American names have a lot of meaning. Why do you think the girl in the story is named She-Who-Is-Alone and why was her name changed in the end?
What is a drought and why does it cause so many problems for those who depend on farming for the food they eat?
In many native American tribes there are wise people called shamans. What did you learn about the job of a shaman in this story?
After the shaman returned, what was the message he shared with the tribe?
Why did She-Who-Is-Alone believe that her doll would be accepted as the sacrifice?
Have you ever had to give something up that was really important to you? What happened and how did you feel about it?
If you had to give up one of your possessions in order to help a serious situation, what would be the most difficult thing for you to offer?
Has anyone had to give something up for you? If so, what happened?
What was the result of the girl’s sacrifice?
If you could choose a name for yourself, and it was made of a few words that describe who you are, what would it be?

🌿 Virtue Connection: Responsibility means owning what is yours, including your choices.

About the Story.

This guide is part of the Values & Virtues library, a free collection of 400+ book guides and activities organized around 12 core virtues for children from pre-K to 6th grade. Each guide includes Guiding Questions designed to open a real conversation with your child in 10 minutes or less.

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Responsibility · Family Discussion Guide

The Legend of the Bluebonnet

by Tomie dePaola

Guiding Questions

Moved by the courage this girl showed when a sacrifice was needed, students will be more willing to give up something for a greater purpose.
This story can be linked to studies about Native Americans, especially regarding their diverse cultures and colorful folklore contributions.

Guiding Questions:

Native American names have a lot of meaning. Why do you think the girl in the story is named She-Who-Is-Alone and why was her name changed in the end?
What is a drought and why does it cause so many problems for those who depend on farming for the food they eat?
In many native American tribes there are wise people called shamans. What did you learn about the job of a shaman in this story?
After the shaman returned, what was the message he shared with the tribe?
Why did She-Who-Is-Alone believe that her doll would be accepted as the sacrifice?
Have you ever had to give something up that was really important to you? What happened and how did you feel about it?
If you had to give up one of your possessions in order to help a serious situation, what would be the most difficult thing for you to offer?
Has anyone had to give something up for you? If so, what happened?
What was the result of the girl’s sacrifice?
If you could choose a name for yourself, and it was made of a few words that describe who you are, what would it be?

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The Legend of the Bluebonnet

Guiding Questions for Parents.

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The Legend of the Bluebonnet

Guiding Questions