A House of Tailors
House of Taylors Patricia Reilly Giff
Grade Level: 5-8
Wendy Lamb Books, ISBN 0-385-73066-7 $10.85
AUTHOR INFORMATION
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/patriciareillygiff/
http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/authors/results.pperl?authorid=10018
SYNOPSIS:
When Dina left her home in Breisach, Germany to go to America she believed she was also leaving behind the dreaded sewing, her family's tailor business. In America life would be easier and more fun. Instead, Dina found poverty, deadly diseases and fires, and more sewing…but she also found family, opportunity, and love.
General Review:
Patricia Reilly Giff has written a novel that demonstrates the effects of war and the challenges facing immigrants coming to America in the 20th century through the eyes of a young girl. Students will be engaged in and inspired by Dina’s adventure to America and all the trials she faces in the new country.
Themes: War, immigration, family, and social conditions.
Discussion Questions: Standard 3 Benchmark 3
- What major event was going on in Dina's home country that indirectly allowed her to go to America rather than her sister?
- Dina's mother was fond of saying, "If only…" What do you think would have happened if Dina had not snuck out to meet her little French friend from across the river? Do you believe things happen for a reason? Can you name a time that something good would not have happened if you had done something first?
- There is a saying that, “The grass is always greener on the other side.” Dina thought that “the grass was greener” in America but she soon found out that her situation worsened in America. Can you think of time when you thought something would be better then it actually turned out to be?
- One of the challenges for Dina in America was learning the language. What are some other challenges that immigrants have?
ACTIVITY SUGGESTIONS
- The author, Patricia Reilly Giff, wrote A House of Tailors, about her great grandmother Dina. Interview members of your family to learn more about one of your ancestors. Write a short story from what you learned about your ancestor. (Standard 3, Benchmark 2 and Standard 5, Benchmark 1)
- Create a family tree and see how far back you can go. Include, when possible where they came from. (Standard 5, Benchmark 1)
- Learn about an immigrant group in the United States. What are the challenges that they face? Do they have a similar culture or language that makes it easier for them to assimilate (become a part of) to their new home? (Standard 1, Benchmark 5 and Standard 3, Benchmark 3)
