In the 1950s, there was not enough food for the Chinese people. The people of China needed their wheat crop to survive. Were the sparrows eating their crops?

In 1958, the evil dictator, Chairman Mao Tse-tung, ordered the Chinese people kill the sparrows. What would they use?
Fireworks.
Clanging of gongs.
Beating of drums.
Frightened birds took wing, grew tired, and began falling from the sky.
What would young Ming-Li's do to save her beloved birds?
Would she defy the heartless leader?
What would happen when the locusts come?
Who then would save the crop?
Who would save the people?

This beautifully told contemporary fable about the destructive power of a dictator will tug at the heartstrings as it sings of compassion and the power of one with courage.The story provides a poignant connection to studies of the food chain and the importance of protecting the delicate balance of nature.

Research Links for Sparrow Girl

The Dark Era of Sparrows
Wikipedia: The Great Sparrow Campaign
Sparrows and Allies
House Sparrows
Birds
Learn Chinese
The Food Cycle Song

Literature Links

Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker

A 22-page unit, perfect for lesson planning and handouts for projection on your SmartBoard for Sparrow Girl is now available!

You can purchase the complete Kids' Wings 22-page Study Guide with activities for Sparrow Girl by Sara Pennypacker NOW for immediate download for only $10.95! Click here to download.

The Kids' Wings Study Guide Contains:
Discussion Cards
Anticipation Guide
Map Study
Multiple Choice Comprehension Activities
2-Page Bird Math
There's More to the Story
Crossword Puzzle
Showing Compassion
Research China
Sparrow Activities
Bird Watching Contest, High Level Logic
Analogies from the Story
Classifying Plants and Animals
Cause and Effect
Ming-Li’s Timeline
Answer Keys