Story Title:  “Mirandy and Brother Wind”

                             By Patricia C. McKissack

 

Summary: “Mirandy and Brother Wind” introduces the unit’s Wish a Wish theme with its message that strong beliefs can make dreams come true. In this story, Mirandy is determined to catch Brother Wind in order to win the Junior Cakewalk dance competition.  Citing a bit of local lore, Mirandy’s mother suggests that the wind will do the bidding of anyone who can capture him. Mirandy’s strong belief in the folklore motivates her to try just about everything to catch Brother Wind.

 

VOCABULARY:

 

bidding – an order or command

 

capture – catch and hold someone or something

 

belief – a feeling that something is real or true

 

determined – firm in sticking to a purpose

 

loyal – showing strong and lasting affection and support for

            someone

 

shackles – chains

 

conjurer – a person who has the power to cast spells

 

COMPREHENSION STRATEGIES EMPHASIZED:

·       Analyzing character and plot

·       Distinguishing between reality and fantasy

·       Drawing conclusions

·       Using context clues to determine the meaning of dialect