April 09th, 2023

 Summary: This story takes you through the joyous time a little girl experiences when she is with her cousins. There is nothing more that warms her heart as she looks forward to spending time with them every year for a great portion of summer vacation. There is just one problem, everyone has a nickname except for her. They are not just meaningless nicknames but names that identify who they are, and what they do well. This summer she is hoping that she makes her mark and receives a name that represents her strengths. Will this happen for her? Will her pinky finger bring her good luck?
Strengths: This story is a representation of the bond that cousins have in families all over the world. The relationships in this story paint a picture of how families connect and demonstrate their love for one another. It shows how each relationship has a profound impact on the family dynamics.
Weaknesses: There are no weaknesses. Although, the story focuses on a family gathering in the summer, it can easily be applied to anytime a family partakes in a celebration.
Thoughts: If you are a part of a family with strong emotional bonds and relationships you are bound to giggle. When introducing new stories to students it is always the hope that a connection will be made. This is one of the stories where the illustrations really make you reflect on how the community is utilized to help cultivate memorable moments that impact relationships. ​

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