Book of the Week: Chrysanthemumn

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

Our book of the week is a book that is excellent for the first few weeks of school. It touches on themes of friendship, self-confidence and bullying. It works well with incorporating citizenship or caring into your everyday class environment and helps young learners to evaluate the situations that Chrysanthemum encounters as most students are able to relate to being new, being embarrassed, being teased and wanting to fit in. 

Chrysanthemum loves her name. Her parents tell her its "absolutely perfect," just like her. Her love of her name turns to dislike when she goes to school. Her classmates tease her endlessly about her name (especially Victoria). Even with assurances from her parents, she still hates going to school. Luckily Chrysanthemum meets the wonderful music teacher, Delphinium Twinkle who teaches all the students that flower names are beautiful. Ms. Twinkle even goes on to name her own daughter after Chrysanthemum. 

Vocabulary

Wilted- To get weak or faint. 

Envious-Another word for Jealous

Dreadful- Unpleasant or unfun

Winsome- Having Charm or a great quality 

Perfect- The very best 

Nightmare- A bad dream  

Questions 
How does Chrysanthemum feel about her name in the middle of the book?  How do you know?  

How does Chrysanthemum feel about her name in the beginning?  How do you know? 

How does Chrysanthemum feel about her name in the ending?  How do you know? 

Chrysanthemum walks slowly to school everyday. Why?

What is a bully and what ways do they bully Chrysanthemum? 

How do her parents help her? Does it help the problem? 

Who else could help Chrysanthemum?

What is a nightmare? What makes Chrysanthemum's dream a nightmare?

What is special about your name? 

Is your name shorter than Chrysanthemum's? How do you know?

What is a wonder? Why do the kids think Ms. Twinkle is a wonder?



Please also check out our Chrysanthemum Freebie activity from our TPT store Click here.