Summary of Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon
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Molly Lou Melon is petite, clumsy, and buck-toothed. Also, her voice sounds like a bull frog being squeezed by boa constrictor. None of these physical "imperfections" bother her though. She is full of confidence and enthusiasm, all because of a wise and encouraging grandmother. Her grandmother advises Molly Lou about her petite stature to, “Walk as proudly as you can and the world will look up to you.” Molly Lou Melon’s buck teeth stick out so far she can stack pennies on them! Her wise grandmother tells her, “Smile big and the world will smile right alongside you.” The little girl doesn’t even mind that she is fumble fingered because her grandmother encourages, “Believe in yourself and the world will believe in you too.”
All of this wise advice is soon put to the test when Molly Lou moves away to a new town. On the first day of school, Ronald Durkin calls her a “shrimp.” Molly does not mind though. During gym class she uses her stature to run under his legs and score a touchdown. The next day when Ronald Durkin makes fun of her teeth, Molly Lou uses it as an opportunity to entertain her classmates with her penny stacking trick. Each day Ronald finds something to bully her about, but each day Molly Lou overcomes it in a positive manner. Confidently and good-naturedly, she wins over her whole class…including Ronald Durkin.
Evaluation:
All of this wise advice is soon put to the test when Molly Lou moves away to a new town. On the first day of school, Ronald Durkin calls her a “shrimp.” Molly does not mind though. During gym class she uses her stature to run under his legs and score a touchdown. The next day when Ronald Durkin makes fun of her teeth, Molly Lou uses it as an opportunity to entertain her classmates with her penny stacking trick. Each day Ronald finds something to bully her about, but each day Molly Lou overcomes it in a positive manner. Confidently and good-naturedly, she wins over her whole class…including Ronald Durkin.
Evaluation:
I immediately fell in love with Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon! The narrative is a testament of the power of encouragement. Her grandmother is a role model of how adults should uplift a child with “imperfections” as defined by the culture. Also, Molly Lou is a strong character. She uses her uniqueness to bring joy to others as well as stands up to the class bully by spreading her joy and passion. There are many wonderful lesson plans to use at home or school. Each one focuses on one of the motifs—bullying, self-esteem, individuality, and so forth.
Lesson Plans and Activities for Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon:
I am a mother of two children ages 13 and 7. One day while at our local library, we stopped in the store and purchased this sweet little book for $1. I am also a substitute teacher at my daughther's school (the 7 year old). Little did I know that this book would become a favorite for me and my kids, but every grade that I have subbed in, whether it be Kindergartern or First or even Fourth or Fifth Graders. The kids want me to read it again and again. I am every learning with them. What a wonderful book. I will read it tomorrow in the 3rd grade class where I will be subbing. Thanks, Molly Lou Mellon!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your testimony about this amazing book, Monique. I hope lots of other parents and educators will share it as well. It is one of the best books I've come across in a while.
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